Draagmax leaned in closer to the screen as he cocked his head. "And?"
"A bit more chatter on their end. The written reports haven't come in, but they are showing interest in our alliance with the humans." Khaazai informed him. Anticipation built in his muscles. He didn’t want to say he enjoyed fighting, but as a warrior species, he found himself keen on showing the Sri’thaens the deadly side of his plasma spear.
"Actions taken so far?"
"I've stationed more warships around the system. Our men will continue to watch and listen into the Sri’thaen movements."
"Good. Keep me updated. If they make any moves towards us, I want to know immediately."
"Of course." Khaazai informed him.
"And good luck with your wife, cousin. I hear things may not be going in your favor." His cousin sounded amused at his expense.
"With my sister now on my side, I feel confident I can win her over." Khaazai growled. "When this year is up, she will be mine. Make sure you haven’t bet too much money against me."
"I enjoy your confidence, but don't get cocky, cousin.” The emperor warned him. “I think the money I betted will be just fine." The emperor chuckled before ending the call.
Khaazai leaned back in his chair. His cousin's warning still rung in his ears. Don't get too cocky. He would do his best, but he also knew the magic this home possessed. His father had built it for his wife. A gift to win her over during their courtship. He hoped the home would sway Zahra as it had his mother.
"Brother?" Vera popped her head inside the office.
"Yes?"
"Your wife and her friend have been settled. They stated they were hungry. I suggested a lunch out in our gazebo. Will you join us or do you have work?"
"I will join you.'' Khaazai rose from his seat. "I informed my men to keep the interruptions minimal, but I may have to leave if they message me." Hopefully the Sri’thaens would give him time to finish courting his wife. He didn’t need to be drawn away right now. The countdown was on with only three months left before she would return to her people.
“So, brother." Vera began as they walked into the hallway side by side. "What was it that drew you to this human?"
"I can't explain it,” Khaazai confessed, "I've laughed at others who believe in the concept of true love... yet father and mother always claimed it was love at first sight. That they were destined for each other."
Vera let out a pleased growl. "They'd be the first to declare you've fallen in love."
"She is strong as well,” Khaazai continued as he imagined Zahra in his mind, “and dedicated to her work. Together, with her by my side, I have no doubts we could raise another fine generation for our family name."
"Then I hope you the best, brother. If I can ever do anything, let me know.” She placed a clawed hand on his arm. "You deserve to be happy.”
His sister didn't need to voice it for him to hear the warning in her words. He needed to be careful with his heart and feelings. His wife could very well leave at the end of her year with him… and she could take his heart with her.
They exited their home through a back door and walked over a paved path through the gardens. The gazebo had been placed in the center of the garden to give a person three hundred and sixty degree views. With the gardens his mother had planted, they were quite the view.
As they neared the gazebo, he spotted Zahra and Holly already sitting on the cushions.
"Khaazai." Zahra greeted as he and his sister entered the gazebo, leaving the light drizzle behind them. When Zahra made to rise, he held up his hand, stilling her.
Then Khaazai took a seat beside her, making sure their arms brushed in a gentle caress. He’d get as much time with her as he could. The countdown to win her heart had begun, and Khaazai wouldn’t yield. Their eyes met, and he swore he noticed her eyes widen ever so slightly as a jolt of pleasure rolled through him.
"I've thought of a most wonderful idea." Vera interrupted the moment.
Stifling a growl of annoyance, he glanced over at his sister.
"A game!" Vera announced with excitement.
"A game?" Holly echoed. “What kind of game?”
"Yes, I brought a pad out earlier with some questions on it, and I thought it might be a great way for us all to learn a little more about each other. Who would like to start?" Vera asked as she glanced between everyone.
Khaazai couldn’t help the nagging suspicion that his sister was up to something. A pad she had brought out earlier? Sounded like a set up to him, but he’d trust her for now and see where it went.
