“We made it, didn’t we?” he teased. “You know how much I hate gatherings.”
“Yes, but this one is different than most you try to dodge,” she replied before turning her attention to his starmate. “I love the color of your dress. It matches the golden scales peeking out from below your neckline.”
Idris watched Jaiya’s cheeks redden. She tilted her head toward his sister. “Thank you. Zaera was able to pack some of my things while she searched for me. I was saving this dress for a special occasion, and this ceremony fits.”
“Yes, it does,” Idris purred.
The fuchsia dress emphasized her feminine features, unlike her everyday uniform. Its collar clasped around her neck with shimmering detail, giving the illusion of protective scales like a Daextru’s along her throat. Two straps connected the collar to the bodice. In the center of her dress, just above her belly button and mirrored along her sides, were large diamond-shaped cut-outs tastefully revealing the golden scales between her breasts and torso. Her tail-less back was displayed for all to see, as the fabric dipped down to just above her tailbone. A slit ran along the side of the skirt, allowing her leg to peek through and practically begging for his tail to wrap around that thigh and tease her center.
The only thing that prevented him from ravishing her in that fuchsia dress was the fact that she only had a few garments brought with her during the escape. He didn’t want to take these special clothes away from her, knowing that it would be a while before he could find her a replacement.
Jaiya tugged on his shoulder wrap, pulling him from his lustful thoughts. “I need to take care of something quick. I’ll be right back.”
He nodded, leaning down to lightly kiss her lips. “I will be here if you need me.”
She smiled brightly. “I know.” Glancing at the other couple, she bobbed her head. “It was great seeing you both. I hope to see you again when I return.”
“We’ll probably be around,” Hwonk replied.
“Perfect. See you all soon.”
He watched her leave as she weaved through the sea of Daextru. Her fuchsia dress made it harder for her to disappear in the crowd, compared to the other humans that were socializing with the crew.
“What do you think she’s doing?” Hwonk asked, his voice confused.
“I don’t know.” He shrugged, facing the couple. “But, I trust her.”
“As you should, after everything she’s done.” Below the teasing tone, her message was clear—don’t mess this up. “When should I start the ceremony?”
“I can ask Erlyn.” He looked around and frowned. “Where is he?”
“We haven’t seen him since before you two arrived.”
“I’m sure he’s here, working on some last-minute project.”
* * *
Idris stood next to Ushyaz onstage, their assistants at attention behind them. He surveyed the crowd, unable to spot his fuchsia starmate.
Where is she?
“Welcome, Azophi Starbase, to this joyous occasion.” Ushyaz paused to allow the room to cheer in reply, continuing once the noise died down. “First, I would like us to remember those we’ve lost in this war. Everyone was touched by grief in some form, whether it was the loss of a friend, a family member, or a lover. We have been resilient. Over time, I believe we can win. Our peace treaty with the humans fell through because of the Vresqoxk's influence. It is time we abandon the idea of an alliance and move on to a new strategy. We will not waste resources invading their systems; our soldiers and ships are needed on the Vresqoxk front. The CTA star systems are too distant to be worth the risk.
“But that is not why we’ve gathered here. We are here to celebrate, for tomorrow will mark the start of our preparation for the next battle. I would like to welcome Captain Jaiya Lian and her wing to the stage.”
The crowd cheered. Their collective chatter filled the assembly as they parted for the twelve humans in the wing.
His universe narrowed as Idris’ gaze landed on his fuchsia starmate. Her head was held high as she walked through the crowd and onto the stage.
Jaiya shot a worried glance his way before lining up with her wing, next to Zaera.
He cursed himself for listening to his sister and not mentioning this part of the evening to her. She had said that Jaiya would react better if she wasn’t told the details, but now he had his doubts.
“Wing Captain Jaiya Lian and her Lime-Green Wing are standing before us to swear themselves to Prince Idris and the Daextru Empire. Captain Lian came to us to draft a treaty between our people. When the CTA tried to assassinate Prince Idris, she risked her life to defend him. After the CTA betrayed her, her wing rescued her and the rest of the tributes. Instead of hiding, she led her wing here to warn us about the Vresqoxk-CTA alliance and the imminent danger that faced us.
“Because of their loyalty and bravery, I am greatly honored to have this wing officially join our ranks. They have proven themselves trustworthy.” Cheers rolled through the assembly as Hwonk opened a slim black case holding twelve silver pins with green and gold swirled edges. A lime-green triangle traced in black sat in the middle of each.
Ushyaz reached for the first pin and turned toward Jaiya, who stood stiffly at attention along with the rest of her wing. “Repeat after me: I, Jaiya Lian, renounce my allegiance with the CTA and solemnly swear myself to the Daextru Empire. I will support and defend my empire, against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. I shall remain faithful and obedient to my leaders.”
