“We can handle things from here, thank you,” V’dim said.
The male nodded and left, the door closing behind him.
V’dim brought over two silver beverages and set them on the central table as Z’fir unloaded four dishes. Z’fir explained each dish to me as he slid a portion onto a plate and handed it to me.
“You know this is cheating, right?” I chuckled.
“Not if I tell you which one I ordered for you. The others are just samples of our favorites for you to try. The nut-encrusted fish dish is the one I picked for you. Tell me what you think.”
Picking up a utensil, I took a bite of the fish. The nuts gave the fish a crunchy outer layer while the inside remained moist and flaky. I closed my eyes and moaned at the exquisite taste.
I held up my hand. “Delicious! You passed.”
I took another bite and focused my attention on the princes. They sat beside one another, a few of their vines and tentacles entwined and dug into their own meals.
A few moments later, V’dim looked up and asked, “So, has anyone failed your game?”
Tilting my head to the side, I thought about it. “Kaede.”
They started, and Z’fir questioned, “What did he do?”
I smiled and chuckled again. “He didn’t choose, he copied Xylo’s choice. He cheated because he knew I already liked it”—a laugh escaped—“though he didn’t know what it reminded me of.”
They looked confused.
“How did it reminding you of something mean Kaede failed? What did it remind you of?” Z’fir asked.
Eyeing them, I hesitated, wondering what they’d think of my answer.
“Why the hesitation?” V’dim asked, bewildered. “It is just a drink.”
Smirking, I took a sip of the Mystic Nightfall. “It tasted like Xylo.”
Their mouths fell open in shock, and they stared at me.
Yep. About the reaction I’d expected. I set my drink on the table, and we ate in silence, the princes at a loss for words. I couldn’t believe I’d confessed to that. Now, they didn’t seem to know how to respond. Perhaps it was a cultural thing, and I’d just said something offensive.
I chewed at my lip a moment.
“I’m sorry if I said something offensive. I didn’t mean to ruin the mood. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“It is fine, Selena. We did ask. We were just taken by surprise. I have never heard a nestqueen talk about their nestmate like that,” Z’fir said as he set his and V’dim’s empty plates back on the table.
“Neither have I. Do you need that drink that reminds you of him? Should I get you one?” V’dim paused. “But how do you know how he tastes? When you bit him?”
I choked. “Sure... let’s leave it at that.”
I hid behind my drink in mortification as I watched them trying to process my answer.
Z’fir changed the subject, perhaps sensing my discomfort. “Have you thought about our request?”
I had been thinking about it during our meal. There were pros and cons, but it seemed to me the potential benefits faroutweighed any loss of privacy. I decided to give them a chance.
“I will trust you. Just tell me what I need to do.”
“We have obviously never tried this with a human before, so we do not know how you will react. I do not want you to fall if you get dizzy or faint, so maybe you should lie down on the couch. Close your eyes. As you lower your mental shields, we will touch you to facilitate the connection. We will let go when we finish,” Z’fir explained.
I placed my drink on the table and laid back on the loveseat. Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath, trying to relax. I heard movement beside me, and one hand slid to cup my cheek. Another took my hand.
