“Commander Monqilcolnen allowed me the use of his quarters,” I replied quietly.
Kalvoxrencol’s eyebrows went up, clearly surprised, but Seth looked at Edith and the two of them had near identical smirks. My tail flicked at the twin expressions; they had been discussing Monqilcolnen and I in private, it seemed, and clearly shared opinions—hopefully not the same opinion as his father.
However, all Seth said was, “I’m glad Monty was willing to let Bob sleep in his room. I’ll have to thank him.”
“I’m sure he didn’t mind,” Kalvoxrencol said.
“He did not,” I agreed.
“And thank you, Wyn,” Seth said, coming to my side and hooking his arm around my waist to draw me into a short hug. “We haven’t slept like that in a while. I was afraid Bob would never sleep again.”
I brushed the kit’s brown hair, and he snagged my hand, chewing on my finger with his gummy mouth. I smiled. “He simply required plants, or at least I think so because he calmed down once we reached the atrium.”
“I’ve been neglecting that,” Kalvoxrencol admitted, taking his son from Seth. Bobbinvoxlyn squealed in anger for one second before grabbing his father’s long hair in his chubby fists, laughing. Kalvoxrencol winced.
Seth started to disentangle Bobbinvoxlyn from Kalvoxrencol’s hair. “It’s not just your fault.”
I wisely didn’t remark. “I would be honored to watch the young prince whenever you need.”
“Thanks,” Seth said, but his tight expression informed me he wouldn’t be taking advantage of my generosity anytime soon.
“If you will excuse me,” I said, offering Kalvoxrencol my throat.
His tail twitched in annoyance, as he’d asked me to stop deferring to him in casual settings, but it was difficult to overcome my instinct and the social station in which I’d been raised.
“I’ll see you later,” Seth said. “Lunch tomorrow?”
“That would be lovely.”
“I’ll ask Urgg.”
I gave them both a quick goodbye before heading down the corridor of the ship. My feet automatically led me to Monqilcolnen’s office. I stared at it. I wasn’t on duty today, so there was no reason for me to be here, and yet I was. Why? What was it about him? He made me want to run away from myself and him while simultaneously crowd closer to him. It was a unique feeling I’d never experienced before. Also, his father’s words were ringing in my brain. He thought Monqilcolnen wanted me. He didn’t, did he?
With a stern shake of my head, I backed away. It wouldn’t do to bother the commander when he was no doubt busy. Besides, it wasn’t as if I didn’t have things to do or other people I could associate with. Camden wouldn’t mind spending time together. Or I could attempt to become friends with Noxlyn. He seemed interesting, and we were both seeker souls. There was a great chance we’d be amazing friends. Or there was always working on furthering my own research with Edith, or the AI kill code, or one of the other projects I was working on. Or Cencay. They always wanted company, the lonely kid.
As I headed down on the lift, my decision was made for me. On deck three, the door opened, revealing Cencay. They looked frazzled, their pale pink hair free of its braids and in frizzy curls around their face.
“Cadet Cencay,” I greeted.
They offered me their throat, and I acknowledged it with a flick of my tail and a wave of my hand. They whispered, their voice clouded, "Lieutenant Wyn.”
My eyebrows drew together. “Are you well?”
Their chin wobbled.
Oh no. Please no.
“No,” they burst out as tears slid down their cheeks.
I stood there, unsure of what I was supposed to do. We hadn’t discussed permissions, because it hadn’t seemed important to our relationship as comrades and mentor/mentee, besides the general in life-threatening scenarios I could assist. That was clearly a misjudgment on my part, and yet now was definitely not the time.
So I watched awkwardly as Cencay cried. When the sobs quieted, I said, “If you want to talk, I’m sure I can help you.”
“It’s Camden.”
Stars above, I was starting to sympathize with Seth. Why did I have to deal with this? But no. I was their mentor, and more than that, I did wish to be a kind soul, although it was trying at times.
“What about Camden?” I asked.
