I was in awe of my new wristband. I could zoom in on floor layouts—right down to the detail of individual cabins and owner’s names—as well as look at the overview that demonstrated just how efficiently organized theDestinywas.
Zooming out, I searched for a way to get to the café we’d eaten at this morning. I was starving, and I’d loved the atmosphere—plus, it was familiar.
I figured out the route and set off.
Journeying through the halls, I glanced uncomfortably at the crew that passed. It was clear they were staring at me, but whenever I made eye contact, they looked away. No one engaged me in conversation.
I was beginning to feel like I was on the Yaarkin ship again.
Stepping out of the lift on the entertainment floor, the sound from the crowd hit me. It was as raucous as I remembered. I scanned the signs above the nearby doors, searching for the café. I found it only four doors down the hall and stepped into the flow of the crowd. Without the princes to clear the way, I found the going difficult. Everyone was busy with their own thoughts or chatting with friends, paying little attention to their surroundings. Being the shortest person by at least a head made it far too easy to be overlooked.
As I pushed between bodies, arm- and leg-blades brushed against me. Though they were beautiful, they weren’t as delicate as they looked. It hurt. Gasps and few shocked shouts sounded from those who noticed me, but I ignored them. My stomach was growling.
I dove through the automatic doors of the café with relief. It was dim and quiet, no sound but the murmur of the handful of patrons. I glanced toward the empty stage, disappointed there’d be no music.
My stomach growled again, and I clapped my hands over it.
Looking around, I searched for a quiet spot. My gaze landed on a familiar violet Ulax sitting alone in the far corner of the bar—Odelm. He leaned over the counter, arm-blades pointed out to discourage company. His tentacles wrapped loosely around his torso in what I was coming to believe was the default resting position for both Circuli species.
I was still curious about his strange reaction—I couldn’t figure out why he’d stormed out after I’d complimented him. This seemed as good a time as any to find out. Resolved, I headed over and plopped down on the stool next to him.
“Hi.” I turned to face him. “So, what was this morning all about?”
Odelm glanced at me in surprise, then glowered as he continued to fork a chunk of fish into his mouth. He shifted the arm closest to me as if he was trying to get as far away as possible. Staring pointedly forward, he grabbed his drink and took a sip before placing it back on the counter.
“Females are all alike, no matter the species.” Odelm’s light tenor voice was strained. He clearly did not wish to be talking to me.
“What does that mean?”
“You lure males in and use them, only to dismiss them when something better comes along.” He took another sip of his drink, dismissing me.
I sat for a moment in stunned silence, completely perplexed. What did that have to do with me? I didn’t understand his animosity.
“I was complimenting you. I thought your music was beautiful and wanted to let you know I appreciated your art. I don’t understand how you could judge me so harshly. You know nothing about me, but I won’t bother you again if you find me so distasteful.”
An awkward silence fell between us.
I leaned on the bar and opened my wristband. Browsing the menu, I ordered soup and a drink before calling up the map, searching for the entrance to the ship’s terrarium.
“Why do you want to go to the terrarium?”
I looked up into his pale green eyes, confused by the change in attitude.
I shrugged. “I want to explore it. I’ve never been planet-side and wanted to see what it was like to walk through the field and feel the water.”
He stared down at my stomach, and his eyes softened. He turned back to his meal and speared another chunk of fish.
“I can take you to the terrarium when you are done eating. You should not be roaming around the ship alone inyour condition,” Odelm muttered before reaching for a sip of his drink.
His offer shocked me.
Dumbfounded, I sat lost in my thoughts as I waited on my order. Was he worried about me? Why? Especially after the hostile accusations and unfriendly behavior. And how did he know about the pregnancy? Did the whole ship know?
When my food arrived, I thanked the staff and absentmindedly ate, still mulling over Odelm’s puzzling reactions, trying to figure out how to respond. Glancing up, I was surprised to see him watching me. Had he been watching me eat this whole time? Was he waiting for a reply?
“Xylo said I’d be fine roaming the ship as long as I didn’t trespass on any restricted areas. But why do you care?” I took a sip of my drink.
“You have a courting bond with him, do you not?” Odelm looked confused.
