“For your information, that necklace was a gift from Prince Zirene Darcaw. He gave it to her, for she is Selena Darcaw ofDestima, Seedbearer of Second Prince Zirene Darcaw. You are out of line, and if Selena wanted to, she could call offense since as a Seedbearer to Prince Zirene and the nestqueen of Prince V’dim and Prince Z’fir, she holds the status equivalent to a princess,” Odelm seethed. “Do you want to be known for being the shopkeeper who mocked and offended royalty when they did nothing but grant your wish after showing interest in your product?”
The poor woman dropped to her knees so quickly, it was as if she was struck at the back of her knees. She awkwardly bowed her head to the ground, her old body refusing to cooperate smoothly as her wings knocked over a few products on display. “I did not know…”
“No. You did not know, but you assumed the worst,” Odelm mocked. “We wanted to spoil our nestqueen and show her a good time around the space station—maybe buy a few trinkets and outfits before taking her out for a meal. She wanted to have a relaxing stroll in public without others mocking and watching her, and the first time she showed an interest in something, you ruined the moment with your jealousy. What do you want to say for yourself?”
I wrapped my arms around Odelm’s torso, my hands gripping his chest, and he pulled me closer. Closing my eyes, I leaned forward and kissed him, sighing against his back.
“That is enough, Odelm,” I whispered, trying to calm him down. “I believe you have proven your point.”
“She is right, nestbrother.” Xylo squeezed his shoulder. “Settle down. Selena is okay.”
“You don’t understand—”
“Idounderstand, Odelm,” Xylo corrected. “I am just like you, as is Selena. Stand down.”
“I am tired of people judging before they know the whole story. Selena doesn’t need any more of it. She has already been through enough, more than any of us combined.”
“Odelm, I am fine,” I breathed. “I just want you to drop it, make our purchases, and leave.”
“I don’t want you to taint yourself with products from this stall. We will find something better elsewhere,” Odelm snarled.
“Please,” the old shopkeeper begged. “I am sorry. I was out of line. Please forgive me. I can’t afford to be reported and fined.”
“Odelm. Please drop it. Take your anger out bartering with her. Prove to me you are the son of two merchants and get me the two things I want. Continue acting this way, and you are the one ruining this day more than she is, no matter how right you believe you are.”
His shoulders sagged as his tentacles slowly unwrapped themselves from me. Xylo glanced at me and nodded his head as I stepped away from them toward the princes who were standing next to the exit. I took my spot between them and watched Xylo stand guard next to Odelm as he took in a few deep breaths.
“You are lucky today, for my nestqueen has not taken offense to your rudeness. If it were me, I wouldn’t have taken it as lightly. You owe her a great boon.”
She looked up at me from her position on the floor, her eyes full of tears. “I did not know…”
I nodded. “I believe you. No hard feelings.”
Slowly, she rose to her feet, grabbing on to the table to help her stand and balance herself. After a few moments of her settling upright, she glanced between Odelm and me and asked, “What pieces were you interested in… If you still are?”
“The purple one-piece nightgown with the white details… and that silver chain armband with white stones,” I replied, pointing to each piece. “Odelm will be the one paying.”
She jerked her head toward him and nodded tensely, her face panicked.
“Xylo, please make sure he doesn’t rob her of all of her profits. He is furious, and I don’t want him to take it out on her just because he isn’t fully acting like himself today.”
“I will watch over my nestbrother. If he punishes her too much, I will pay the difference to what I believe is a fair deal.”
“Thank you.”
He glanced over his shoulder at me and nodded.
“Nestbrothers, can you please take Selena outside the stall and see if there is anything else that might catch her eye? This may take some time.”
“We would love to,” V’dim said, placing a tentacle around my waist, guiding me away.
“Wait,” the shopkeeper shouted.
I looked over my shoulder toward her, just as we were about to walk out of the stall.
She maneuvered around her displays and tables, away from Xylo and Odelm watching her, confused.
She stopped in front of us and panted, “It is important not to lose that necklace. It is said to be invaluable and to bring its wearer great fortune.” She locked her silver eyes with mine. “If it were me, I would never take it off.”
