Chapter 12:
***Alexis***
Alexis gazed at herself in the mirror and thought she had never looked so stunning. On Earth, she had rarely worn beautiful things or worried about her looks. She didn’t get too much crap about it either. She had always been told she had one of those naturally beautiful faces; blemish free and soft. She didn’t need makeup. Not that it mattered much to her. She was in a career field with ninety-nine percent men. She didn’t need to be pretty; she had needed to be taken seriously.
Now that she was the king’s mate, practically a queen, the perks were that she got to wear lavish things and be taken to meetings and parties with leaders of other planets. Some were on Milisaria, some were in the ship, and others were on planets friendly with the Milisarians, though those were few and far between. It had not been that long since he had first taken her off the ship to show her one of the most spectacular planets she had ever seen, but it had all become a blur of a long string of time with everything they were doing.
Alexis had no idea what they would be doing next other than sitting down to a conference with a few leaders about trade deals and that she was to wear the beautiful blue number she had been given. She was almost positive it was made from silk or something similar, and she wondered where it had come from. The Milisarians didn’t make any of their own stuff, after all.
“Are you ready?” The voice almost startled her and made her jump. She wasn’t used to the king popping in and out at will: only Nabvan, who did it with silence nowadays.
Alexis nodded in confirmation and walked past Nabvan, who was standing guard and pretending like nothing was happening. She offered her arm to King Shene, who took it formally and wrapped it up with his own, taking her out of the room. She dared to spare a sad glance in Nabvan’s direction. It was something she just could not help.
“I have some joyful news to share,” the king said, pulling her back in with conversations. They walked towards the conference center where the meeting would be held. She hoped she would not be the only partner at this one, as she often was. It got rather lonely.
“What news could that be?” she asked, feigning interest.
“There will be a wedding to celebrate very soon between one of the women from your ship and one of my men. I am happy to report that for a few of the men, the matches are working out very well. Three women will be giving birth to a child soon, and this one very soon.” Alexis perked up at that, wondering if he could be talking about Destiney. That would be wonderful to get to see her and celebrate with her. Alexis was thrilled that her friend had gotten the right draw of cards finally.
“That is good news,” Alexis expressed as he stopped to raise his eyebrows at her.
“I am glad that makes you happy. I was afraid it might not.”
“I do not wish unhappiness on any of those women, even if I disagree with the methods by which they were brought to this planet,” she told him honestly as the wind picked up and blew her hair into her face. King Shene swooped it back behind her ear like he had the first time she had seen him, but the gesture was much sweeter this time than it had been before. His effort was clear. It made her think about her future there and what she might be able to accomplish by his side if he would allow it. Maybe it was time to let go just a little bit.
“Can I talk to you about something for just a moment before we go into that meeting?” Alexis asked, trying to hold him in place for a little while longer.
“Of course, I have some time to talk with my mate. What is on your mind?” he asked in a serious manner.
“I want to know if there is any chance you would consider letting me do some scientific research. I know you don’t do it now, but it is what I love. I think I can help Milisaria become less dependent on other planets.” King Shene looked contemplative at that, and she wondered if she had said the wrong thing.
“I do not know much about science or technology myself. Most of us do not. I cannot say that everyone would be immediately accepting, but that was one of the reasons we wanted to breed with humans: to have more knowledge and possibilities. It is something we can discuss later down the road.” Alexis nodded her head, knowing it was the best answer she could ever hope for. It was not a no, and that was the hope she held within her as he took her into the meeting.
