“And I am supposed to believe that I will be able to walk within the halls of your starbase without any more incidents?” she asked pointedly. “You are entrusting my safety to a security guard who already doesn’t trust me and probably would rather have me killed than protect me.”
Erlyn shot a glance at the prince, whose teal eyes hardened.
“You have my word that nothing will happen to you unless provoked within these walls,” Idris assured. “Believe me when I tell you that the Daextru are just as interested in this peace treaty as the Cosmic Trinity Alliance, and I will not tolerate any behavior that jeopardizes this opportunity.”
“I want to believe you, but actions have proven otherwise.”
The purple male stepped closer, as if he was shielding the prince fromher.
“How about I show you your quarters?” Erlyn asked gently. “You have traveled a long distance and have already had a stressful day.”
“I could use some time alone to relax after my trip.”
An awkward silence fell upon the trio as they left the hangar bay. The hallways beyond were mainly empty. Any Daextru they came across nodded their heads as they passed by. Eventually, Prince Idris excused himself to handle matters on his starbase.
Even though only a few workers lingered in the hallways, Jaiya was surprised by the wide variety of colors she saw. The hue of their scales ranged from metallic to lustrous precious gems. Each sported a main scale color across their chest, accompanied by an artistic display of larger scales in one to three colors that traveled from hips up along the back and around the neck. Their tail matched that coloring as well. Every set of horns was unique, whether they were tall and thick, tiny and curvy, beginning from the temple or behind the ears.
All had long, flowing hair, and a few residents they passed by had some sort of bead ornament threaded in the locks or dangling from one horn. It worried her that many eyes flicked to her hair first before they nodded and dropped their gaze. Perhaps she would’ve probably fit in better with her long hair, if she hadn’t cut it to hide her identity.
They took a lift to the residential guest floor, where all the special visitors and clients resided. A pair of security guards nodded as they exited the lift.
“You are the only guest staying on this floor at the moment. We prepared for more . . .”
“But I was the only one who came.”
“Correct.” He sighed, stopping in front of a cabin door.
Jaiya didn’t miss her beamblade strapped to his black pants, nor the tablet that hung next to it. It would probably be easy to overtake him and take back what was hers, but what would that accomplish? She would only heighten tensions between the species. She was surprised he seemed somewhat comfortable walking alongside her, alone in the hallway.
Or perhaps she should be the one worrying about being alone with him?
His pale green eyes widened as he caught her gaze on her weapon. He instantly tilted that side of his body away, watching her reaction. When none came, he exhaled.
“I hope you will forgive what happened in the hangar bay. If it was up to me, I would allow you your weapon—not for a measure of defense, but as a symbol of trust. If there is anything else that I could do to put you at ease, please let me know, and I will see to it.”
“What is the one thing you wish to come of my presence?”
“Honestly?” he murmured, confused. “Peace.”
“That is why I am here.”
