“To make sure my plans are successful and everyone gets everything they want, we need to focus on making the politicians content to leave you and our cubs alone. Once I get our clan settled, you can get to know each other better.” He tilted his head toward his brothers behind him. “I am sure my brothers and all the folks I have waiting for you want to get to know the amazing female I have been talking about for the last nine years.” He leaned forward and kissed the top of my head before he brushed my hair back, glancing down at Meti feeding.
“I searched for you for the last nine years, with only our time in the dreamscape world to keep me sane. I traveled across the stars to find you. Things didn’t work out asplanned, and instead of rescuing you myself, others brought you to me. But now I have you with me, I am not planning to let you go. You can have your freedoms and you will be safe in the Aldawi territory, but now you are my Mate, nothing will keep you away from me. I swear it.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Selena
Things settled down after my outburst, and I returned to my spot between my nestmates on the lounge chair. Xylo cleaned Meti up while Odelm and I fed the twins. When she fell asleep, Royak asked to hold her as she slept. He and Vikvez doted over her as if she was theirs. It was cute, and I felt no bitterness at the scene. I kept an eye on Zirene to see if he showed any signs of jealousy and was relieved when none came.
After the twins had their fill, my nestmates cleaned them up. Ayces and Pavryn each took one. I mentioned they enjoyed being near each other, and that caused a flurry of questions that overwhelmed me. Xylo and Odelm took over and answered them, for which I was thankful. Even though I was still upset about my breastmilk drying up, I realized the benefits of having an alternate feeding option. Having the ability to allow others to feed them when I wasn’t around gave me a sense of ease. Zirene said once the cubs were old enough to hunt with a mentor, things would be easier.
Over our delivered lunch, Zirene spoke of his plans to please the CEG Assembly during our appointment tomorrow.He felt if he gathered a collection of doctors and scientists whom he trusted to respect my wishes, it would force the Assembly to let everything be. I was an Aldawi Prince’s Mate, and the cubs were his. They might become future leaders in the Aldawi Empire, something that hadn’t crossed my mind until now.
“If you have Vikvex as our Primary Aldawi Doctor and Xylo as a Senior Scholar, why not hire Senior Healer Chyox and his Assistant Healer Usthu too? You enlisted Pavryn to be our cubs' mentor, but what about hiring Hatchery Manager Ayces also? Xylo has worked with his co-workers for over five years, and they all have worked well together since they found me. We both trust them. You trust Vikvex and your half-brother, Pavyrn.” I spun my body toward Xylo. “Aren’t your fathers well-known healers on your home planet? Couldn’t we enlist them to work for the Aldawi?”
His pupilless teal eyes widened as he looked between Zirene and me.
“Yes. They are famous for their work. They both stated they would settle wherever we colonized once I gave the word. That is, if they are welcomed.” His gaze landed on Zirene.
“That leads me to my next subject.” Zirene peered at the Circuli princes. “Selena told me you had something to ask me.”
Both Princes glanced at me with shocked expressions as they figured out what I told Zirene. I shrugged and snuggled closer to Xylo’s side as Odelm’s tentacles tightened around my legs.
Z’fir pulled his gaze from me and spoke up. “You stated there would be a reward if we brought Selena to you right away and kept her safe and healthy.”
“We request assistance to find a planet for us to settle on,” V’dim finished, his eyes still focused on me.
“Don’t shame Selena for telling me,” Zirene snapped, his voice laced with authority. It caused the room’s focus to shift to him. “She asked me for a wish earlier before everyone came together.” He paused, trying to soften the hardness in his voice. “She asked me to help you find a planet, so theDestinywouldn’t continue to roam aimlessly once we finished our business here.” He glanced toward me. “What she doesn’t know is the place I built for her over these past years would also be perfect for your needs.”
“It can’t be…”
“Yes, Selena. Our dreamscape world is based on a real place. All those times I took you traveling along the island and asked you about your opinion on everything? That was my way to find out what you liked and what you thought I should build where. As my Seedbearer, I needed to give you something of huge value and elaborate in detail. I am giving you the water-based moon that circles Lunkai, the capital planet of my star system. She is yours to do with whatever you please. Currently, it houses a gem mining team, a specialized military academy, along with my office when I am visiting between missions, housing for civilians as you wanted it, and your royal property. There are three habitable islands that could house a population of about one and a half million before it becomes strained.”
Standing, I leaped over the back of the lounge chair, and stopped before him, unable to believe the news as he watched me in shock.
“It is too much.” I murmured, trying to search for the first sign he was joking.
His eyes softened as he wrapped his arms around me, tucking me into his bare chest. A rumble escaped him as he tightened his hold on me.
“I am the Second Prince of the Aldawi Empire. If I didn’t give you something of such value, others would think I wastrying to insult you. The moon is yours. The gem mine itself can provide enough funds to build whatever you want and fund the community’s needs. All you have to do is name it when I sign it over to you.”
“I don’t know anything about managing something—especially not a moon!” I exclaimed as my hands gripped onto the fur on his chest.
“I already thought about that. My other half-brother, Vagren Ayvar, would help as your elected enforcer. He has been in charge of organizing the moon and supervising everything. He is being paid to manage the moon how you see fit. Your orders are final, and only the Sovereign, Royak, or I can override it.”
I pulled my face from his chest. “You truly have been planning everything.”
He brushed back my hair with his paw as he smiled down at me. “Only the unknown makes me uneasy. Now, what are you going to name your moon?”
“Destima. I once read it somewhere. It meant to love across the stars in some butchered sense. I thought it was pretty.”
“Then, it shall be namedDestima.” He pulled his gaze from mine and studied the Circuli in the room. “What are you planning on doing with them?”
Turning around in Zirene’s arms, I looked at the other princes.
“Remember when I said you guys were thinking about the future wrong? That you could promote someone else to be the leader or change how to govern your species? If you settled onDestima, would you give up your leadership to Zirene’s half-brother Vagren and me? The moon would be under my ownership, but it could become the sanctuary you wanted. The small number of nestqueens you have could settle and start families. I am sure after some trial and errorover the next few years, we can settle on what to do with any improvements you may need. But for now, would that suffice?”
Suddenly, all of the Circuli within the room scrambled to the floor, kneeling their foreheads to the ground.
