No matter what Jaiya did, she couldn’t forget the way Idris had looked as he challenged her to that duel. Something about him had shifted, bringing to light a male she didn’t know.
It seemed like everyone within the hangar knew something had happened between them; it was evident in how distant the prince acted compared to the previous days. He barely spoke to her.
He couldn’t even meet her gaze.
Something was wrong, and she didn’t know how to fix it, or if she even should.
Jaiya watched the tractor beams pull in the transport ship, their green magnetic rays guiding it onto the landing pad beside her fighter.
Idris directed the welcome party to spread out as they waited for the vessel to unseal its door, which lowered to the floor as a ramp.
It felt strange, being a part of the welcome party, for once not on the opposite side.
The ramp slammed to the ground, silencing the hangar bay’s occupants. Five robed figures descended the plank.
“I welcome you to the Azophi Starbase,” Idris greeted in perfect CTA Common. “I am Prince Idris, standing leader of this starbase and diplomatic representative for the royal family.”
The five cloaked members introduced themselves. Jaiya couldn’t care less who they were, as long as they signed this treaty.
She never paid attention to the names of politicians and diplomats, unless they did something interesting enough to merit remembering, which was usually not a good kind of interesting. The fact that she didn’t recognize their names meant they weren’t involved in any recent scandals.
“It’s been an honor to be able to work beside Diplomat Lian,” Idris continued. “With his help, we were able to draft an agreeable peace treaty. All it needs is our signatures to move forward.” He stepped forward, beginning to lead them to the war room, where the treaty was already set up and ready to be signed. “We have prepared a mid-day meal for you—”
“That would not be necessary, Prince Idris,” a snooty female about her age interrupted. “We are to sign the treaty and takeAydinback home with us.”
Alarm bells rang in Jaiya’s head. This female was aware of her true identity and was making a point of letting her know.
“Senior Representative Kaela Dias, we’ve prepared everything based on the itinerary planned and presented between our species’ leaders. Changing the day’s activities after my people have spent time preparing for them is—”
“Fine, we will have it your way, Representative Idris, and follow the itinerary.” She shrugged. “It’s not like lunch will change the day’s outcome.”
Dias.
Kaela Dias was Rear Admiral Dias’s youngest daughter.
Jaiya remembered Aydin complaining about her. She was always on a power trip, taking advantage of her father’s influence. His daughter dearest believed she was untouchable and made sure everyone knew it.
Her presence here meant her father already knew what Jaiya had done and must have sent her in his place.
Jaiya followed behind Idris and Dias as they made their way to the war room. She tried to act oblivious to their conversation in CTA Common but failed.
Erlyn kept finicking on his tablet on one side of her, while Raizxl walked stoic as ever on the other. Both appeared to be focused on the prince, whether or not they could completely understand his words.
“You have such lovely hair, Prince Idris,” Kaela beamed as she reached over and stroked it. “I heard all about your species hair, and I finally get to see in it in person. I can’t believe that yours is so long and beautiful compared to the others.” She shot a glare at Jaiya. “Don’t you think so too,Aydin?”
Jaiya placed her hands placatingly on the shoulders of the two males beside her, both of whom were shifting hands towards their weapons in response to her tone. They needed her signature on the peace treaty—otherwise, she would have loved to watch the two unsettled males beside her defend their prince’s honor.
“She isn’t worth it,” she hissed in Dzexet. “The female has some vendetta against me and wants to get a rise out of us.”
Jaiya released her grip on their shoulders and smiled sweetly at the female and spoke in CTA Common. “I wouldn’t know.” She shrugged, smiling sweetly. “But perhaps you can ask Prince Idris about his hair care products. Rumor has it you are losing yours and will probably be balding soon, like your father.”
Kaela hissed, but before she could do or say anything, Idris cut her off.
“Diplomat Aydin was an ideal model of how respectful and hardworking humans can be.” He gripped her wrist, causing her to flinch, releasing his hair. “But you have shown nothing but rudeness since you’ve arrived. I hope this isn’t a sign of what is to come in our species’ combined future.” He dropped her wrist and approached the war room’s door, opening it. “We have arrived at our destination. I am excited to have lunch with you all, so we may get to know each other a little better.”
As soon as Idris disappeared from view, Raizxl stepped into Kaela’s personal space. Her eyes turned wary as he loomed over her and growled. “You are lucky that my prince wishes for peace enough to look past your disrespectful behavior. If you do it again, there may be consequences, if not by him, then by me. This is your only warning.” He backed away, his eyes locked on hers, daring her—or the other representatives—to say anything.
None came.
