“She lives,” Kaede snorted, rolling his eyes at their concern. “She’s well taken care of in the comforts of my room. It’s insulting that you are insinuating I harmed the very female I have traveled across galaxies to rescue from the likes of your brother. She is free to do as she pleases, and currently, she desires to sleep.”
“Would you allow me to check on her?” Tori asked, her voice meek compared to her usual loud, cheery tone. “I’ve been worried about her, and I miss the chats that we had up until—”
“Absolutely not,” Kaede snapped. “I will not tolerate any visitors within my private access hall. If she feels social, she can come to the galley. I haven’t bound her to the bed or denied her anything.”
“How do we know this?” Luwyn spat. “This is your vessel. You are capable of anything against anyone’s will.”
When he waved his hand, the display on the gathering table came alive, projecting a live feed of Selena in the condition he had left her a few moments ago.
“Do you see anything amiss?” Kaede challenged the room. “Does she appear abused? Trapped?”
Silence met him.
“REI, can you request that Euouae appear before us and confirm the truth in my words?” Kaede asked aloud for all to hear. “Tell him it will only require a few moments of his time.”
A golden, ethereal, robed male shimmered into view beside him. Smiling, he bowed his head.
“Your Oetsae stated you requested my assistance regarding my host,” he said, surveying the room. “How may I aid you?”
“Can you please let the room know that Selena is well and not trapped within my room?” Crossing his arms, Kaede jerked his head toward Zyxel. “It seems the doctor made them believe that I’ve been ravishing Selena all this time and that I’m only here to find my next target. The true reason I am here is to get a quick meal before I head for the bridge.”
“My host is not trapped,” Euouae confirmed, eyeing the others. “While my host has copulated many times over the past few days, her body is receiving the treatment it needs. I’ve been regulating her vitals and reporting any nutritional needs she may not be meeting. It has been quite an experience—”
“That’s enough.” Kaede waved off the golden Oetsae. “They don’t need to know the fine details. Only that you’re taking care of your host, and she is free to do whatever she wants.”
“Correct.” Euouae nodded at the group. “Currently, my host is resting.”
“Thank you, Euouae. You may leave.”
“I’m glad to be of service.” Smiling, he bowed his head once more before disappearing.
“Thank you, REI.”
He felt a gentle caress from his Oetsae, letting him know that she had heard him. Their bond was strengthening as time passed, and Kaede was glad that they were now able to communicate wordlessly. Accessing his AI system had become a fluid process. The knowledge he sought was often presented to him without a verbal request.
“As you can see”—he gestured to the vidfeed that was still playing and waved his hand to turn off the display—”and have heard from Euouae, Selena is completely fine.”
Walking over to the drink dispenser, he grabbed his daily meal beverage and turned to leave. Kaede paused as the galley doors opened and glanced over his shoulder.
“If Selena hadn’t requested that I allow the six of you to travel with us to her moon, I would’ve spaced you for insulting my character. My genetics don’t define me or my life’s journey. You’re lucky that I’m trying to behave for Selena’s sake and that I’m not in the right mind to make threats in this condition. Neither of you is worth the despair I would cause her by making an example out of you.
“However, if you try to harm her or her clan, you will answer to me. Remember that.”
