I rub my chin, because that is only two queens and he said we now have three. “That makes two queens. Since I only have two scion at my side, would you mind explaining where this third queen came from? After your foolish clade leader was demoted and scourged, I can’t imagine many females are clamoring to join our ranks.”
He takes a step closer and squats until he is face-to-face with me. “Apparently my clade leader is well liked by the human queens. Queen Pelop wishes to join our clade. I have told her she is welcome to shelter under our wing as long as she likes. Queen Molly has taken a genuine liking to her and they chatter happily together.”
I sit back, stunned. “What a fantastical bounty.” My mind immediately begins to plot how best to keep this third queen permanently for our clade. “We will hold the new queen close, protect her well and lavish her with every luxury possible. Perhaps she will grow a liking for one of your hatch mates when we arrive on Onello.” I have five scions, but only two came with me on this mission. Since the other three are queenless, this plan has merit.
Korak grins, exposing every sharp tooth in his head. “That was my thought as well.” Motioning to the uniform I have only managed to shove one leg into, he rushes me along. “Come and see our queens. They wish to change your bandages, feed you human food and dote upon you this day. Celebrate our good fortune and think not upon what happened last night. You have borne your punishment proudly. Put this situation behind you and let us move on.”
“I can’t believe the human queens wish to care for me today. Are they not shamed by my crimes? Queen Pelop must be at least a little angry that I did not support her when she commanded to be brought to safety.”
“For some reason, she saves all her anger for the general. Human queens are strange. Their reasoning is difficult to comprehend. You know that I am not one to refuse a blessing when it comes our way, so when she spoke of it I said nothing. Now come, my sire. Let me go out today knowing you will be taken care of properly.”
I slowly force my legs into the uniform and seal it around my waist. Pulling it up around my torso will not do because of my injuries. As soon as I move, the welts begin burning with the heat of a thousand suns. I care not. Warriors are accustomed to pain. We were designed to bear all the harshness in the universe so our queens are not touched by it.
I make my way to the common room and find that Korak has spoken true. The three lovely queens are waiting for me. Molly and Pelop are wearing the finery we brought to lure queens. Their gemstones sparkle brightly and their faces are lit with joy.
Though Queen Chantel still wears her military uniform, she has removed the Earth Gov insignia. I think this means she no longer wishes to align with the military. I motion for Korak to bring her an armored form suit by making the gesture for suit up. Warriors have many hand gestures which we used to avoid speaking in the before times, for we had no wish to draw the attention of our vicious Draconian queens. Humans are gentle by comparison.
As I watch my scions go to their respective mates and draw them into a warm embrace, my hand goes to my chest. I begin to rub the bittersweet ache there before I realize it will intensify the pain. Though I know they are well worthy of being chosen, to see them find love and respect at the hands of a tender queen is my wildest dream come true for them.
I settle into my favorite chair as Korak and Eltran linger over their newfound love mates, saying their goodbyes. They are appropriately grateful to have been selected by their queens and spare no thought about others seeing them caress and whisper sweet words to their mates. It is enough to make me forget all my recent hardship.
The moment the males are on the other side of the shut door, Queen Chantel comes to me. I reach for her and bend to place a human kiss upon the top of her head, for I wish her to