“I try hard to be.”
Ignoring him and pushing thoughts of my uncomfortable differences aside, I hurried across the field to the beach. I needed a swim. I didn’t care if Odelm wasn’t here to supervise. Shucking my new shoes, I dug my toes into the black sand, feeling its cold wetness.
“Selena...”
Staring at the water, I refused to look at him. “What?”
“You know you shouldn't feel ashamed of your spots, right? Especially here. Other than Xylo and the few crew members who’ve read about humans, they wouldn’t know they’re abnormal. All Circuli—along with many other species in CEG—have spots and patterns on their skin. Your silver hair may arouse interest but not in a negative way. Silver is a precious metal everywhere in the galaxy. Not to mention, many now alter their looks with tattoos or other modifications. I wouldn’t waste any more time feeling self-conscious.”
I looked down and kicked at the sand as I struggled to hold back tears. Swiping at my eyes, I turned to him.
“Thank you, Kaede. You’re right. I’ve been self-conscious about them. I’ve been trying not to let it to rule my actions here—trying to start over—but it is hard to let go of so many years of prejudice all at once.”
“I figured I should say something to you. Both Wudox and Ulax males admire inner strength and beauty over what’s on the outside. It’s the females who are the more superficial ones, who often choose their mates based on looks. Occasionally, money or military rank is a factor, but primarily, the females prioritize traditional male beauty.”
So, that’s why Xylo has always mentioned something about my personality or mind, and nothing about how I looked. And why both he and Odelm were so sensitive about their unusual looks.
“Thanks, Kaede.”
He nodded.
“I’ll let you have some time alone since that’s what you wanted. I need to make rounds anyway and report to my client. Page me if you need me, but I’ll more than likely be around before you do.”
At my nod, Kaede strode off, cape swaying behind him. As soon as he was out of sight, I shed my trousers and tank and slipped into the water. I knew I was supposed to wait for Odelm, but I promised myself I would stay near shore where I could easily stand if I tired.
As I swam on my back, arms stroking lazily to keep me in place, I stared up at the dome. Odelm was right about the view of space being different every time you looked. I floated, letting my jumbled thoughts drift through my mind. My pregnancy, my new mates, the ship, the upcoming arrival at CEG...
Lost in my thoughts, I was startled by sudden movementin the water around me. I gasped and allowed my feet to drop, pulling myself vertical. Water streamed down my hair and dripped on my face as I looked around. I had drifted far enough from shore, I could no longer touch the bottom.
Shit.
The source of the splashes was readily apparent. Three Ulax males in a variety of blues swam beside me.
“May I help you?” I asked, confused.
Outside of the few people who’d spoken to me, the rest of the crew acted as though I were invisible.
The center male answered my question with one of his own. “You are Master Scholar Xylo’s nestqueen, are you not?”
Eyeing him, unsure what he was getting at, I replied, “Yes. Though why is that any of your concern?”
The one on the left swam closer, and I backed away, warily.
“You chose him over one of the many available Warrior Class males on this ship? Even the princes?”
Pissed they seemed to be denigrating Xylo, I snapped, “I don’t wonder that you’re unbonded—if you think it’s a good plan to come here and pressure a pregnant female while she’s alone and relaxing.”
The remaining male interjected with a look of apology, “What they are trying, and failing, to ask is—why him? Usually, females desire males with military rank or attractive looks, neither of which Master Scholar Xylo possesses.”
Angry and unsure how to respond to these arrogant males, I could feel myself tiring as I struggled to tread water. As I tried to decide what to do and started backing away from the group, an arm slid around my chest, just below my breasts.
I gasped, filling my mouth with water.
“I believe it is time for Selena to come back to shore,” Odelm interrupted, fury filling his voice.
I slumped against him in relief.
“We were only talking to her. You have to admit you are also curious about it,” the center male said.
