And now he was raking in the benefits. Selena was with him now, even with their relationship still on the mend, and his military was now the strongest and equipped with the highest tech.
The entry doors opened, revealing Royak, flanked by Vikvez and Pavryn. Prince V’dim and Prince Z’fir followed them with the healers trailing behind. Every gaze in the room roamed around the Royal Common room, taking everything in.
A team of servants pushed carts full of breakfast. Zirene noticed them trying not to be obvious, sneaking glances at Selena and their cubs. He ignored them, seeing no harm in their curiosity. The news had already spread throughout the space station, and it was only natural for them to want to see if it was true.
“It seems I found your lost party, brother. Good thing we arrived at the same time, so I could make sure the guards enforced your order.” Royak chuckled and shot him a bright smile.
“You are lucky I am in a good mood this morning, and I am—”
“Letting you use my new gadgets and—” Royak mimicked mockingly.
“Will make sure you don’t have fun with them.” Zireneteased.
Each of the three princes of the Aldawi Empire was in charge of their own star system. Since Zirene discovered Agent Kaede and his “Fab Five” half-sisters, the scientists on his star system’s base had come up with better technological advancements than the other two princes’ scientists. Zirene got along with all of his siblings, but Prince Royak and he had a closer relationship. Many thought they would always be at each other’s throat since they were alike and so close in dominance. Instead, Zirene was Royak’s largest supporter and never even considered ruling the Empire, which baffled many.
“You two are always bantering,” Pavryn scoffed, shaking his head.
“It is because he is jealous of the breakthroughs I have achieved,” Zirene taunted.
“If by achievements you mean getting mated and having cubs without the Empire knowing it, then no, thank you.” Royak glanced over at Selena, who was sitting between her nestmates. She had a shocked look on her face at their exchange. “No offense to you, Selena. You are a treasure, I am sure. I am just not in the mood to get tied down by a female and have her provide me cubs. Father says I need to find a well-bred female and sire some heirs soon, but I am not even Sovereign yet. I keep telling him I still have time.” Zirene watched as Royak gave Selena a sly smile.
“Now that Zirene has you and you provided him cubs, I am sure father will stop pestering me for some time.” Royak’s head turned toward the sleeping cubs. “Especially after he meets them. They definitely resemble members of the Aldawi Royal line.”
The sounds of the doors opening, along with the shuffle of feet, silenced the conversation in the room. It wasn’t until they all heard the doors closing before Zirene spoke up.
“One rule in the Royal Aldawi Commons is we don’t usetitles. This room is one of the few places where we can relax from outside pressures, and since most of us hold titles, it seems pointless to use them among each other, especially since most of us are either together or related. Can everyone agree to that?”
The room was filled with agreements and nods from everyone. A smile appeared on Selena’s face as he met her gaze.
“Now that is settled, let’s eat, then have our meeting.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Selena
As I sat between Odelm and Xylo, I watched everyone mingle. Xylo was engaged in a heated discussion with his fellow Circuli.
As I studied the Aldawi, it was interesting to see the paw gestures and body expressions they used together. Anyone looking at the group could see they were close and got along well. I didn’t know if they were trying to be considerate and not wake up the cubs, or if they were trying to make sure we didn’t hear what they were saying.
The atmosphere in the room was calm but held a contained excitement. It was as if they were waiting for something groundbreaking to happen, enjoying being together and getting prepared for a historic meeting. I knew my capabilities were one of a kind, including being able to produce interspecies offspring—remarkably not a weird hybrid, which was unheard of.
Sometimes, I thought it waswhatI was that made people want to know me and get in my good graces, notwhoI was as a person.
A vine wrapped around my wrist, pulling my attention away from the Aldawi to its owner. “Selena. You know that isn’t true.”
Xylo’s gaze held mine, refusing to let me break away.
“What isn’t true?” Odelm asked.
“Our nestqueen was having dark thoughts. She was wondering if others were only interested in what she is instead who she is.”
“That would explain why her spots are turning orange and brown.” Odelm wrapped an arm around me, pulling me closer until I rested against his chest. “There is no need for those thoughts. Xylo and I love you for who you are and what you are to us.”
“You truly were having those thoughts?” Zirene asked behind me, his voice strained.
I turned my body around in Odelm’s hold and faced Zirene. His facial expression, along with the others around him, was full of bafflement.
“What did you expect? I leave the Yaarkins and get discovered by the crew on theDestiny.” I point to the Circuli behind me. “Then, I am told how barbaric and savage I am.” I tilted my head toward Chyox. “Or how amazing my capabilities are.” I wrapped my arms around myself. “Everyone keeps saying how I am history in the making and how I will change everything around me with what I can accomplish.” I could feel tears forming at the edges of my eyes. “Same with my cubs. Then you tell me some politicians may force us to be part of some experiment?” I locked my eyes with Zirene’s, challenging him.
