young woman with curves to die for, perfect, glowing skin and gorgeous shiny dark hair. She was also dressed in a tinier version of the same type of uniform/gear the males had all worn when they left for work. She was also heavily pregnant.
The young woman placed a hand over her mouth and her eyes teared up. “Oh my gosh. Sorry, I can’t help it, it’s just that I haven’t seen another human woman in ages.” Then she glanced over her shoulder. “Sorry, we probably don’t have much time. My husband doesn’t know I’m here. He won’t like this.”
“Oh, come on in, come in. I’m glad to see you too.” Lila waved her inside and shut the door behind her. “Sit down, you must be tired. It’s a long walk here from the public transport. I’m sorry I didn’t open right away. I told Zayzon you were outside and asked him if it was okay if I opened the door to you. Sorry, I had to be cautious like that. They told me not to let anyone in.”
“Aaah,” Leah answered as she lowered herself into a chair next to the fireplace. “Well now that the others know I’m here, Saxon’s going to know, and that means we really, really don’t have much time. I’m happy I came over though. It’s nice seeing another human. Do you realize we’re the only two humans on this entire planet right now?”
Lila sat down in the chair opposite her and leaned forward. “Really? I suspected there weren’t that many humans when I saw nothing but other Xylan on the streets, but I didn’t know it was that bad.”
“Yeah, they do have other species working here too, but it’s mainly a Xylan outpost. There was another human here for the last four moon cycles, but he left to take a job on a different planet. Now it’s just me. And he was a guy, it’s nice to see another woman.”
“Do they treat you well here, even though you aren’t Xylan?”
“Oh yes, of course. The Margol Xylan that work the mine are well-known for their easy acceptance of other beings. They don’t believe in the formal deference required of royal pigment Xylan. I love living here on Timbur. I’m really happy. This is my home now. Why are you here? Word on the street is that you snuck onto the planet, but Claws scented you and claims you’re his future Bride, so the peacekeepers and the Admin had to allow you a one moon cycle visa?”
Lila grimaced. “Yeah, that’s all true.”
“And Claws placed your honor before his and then asked for your hand for testing and you denied him?” she said, her eyes twinkling and her lips lifting up at the edges, like she was stifling a laugh. “Is that true too?”
“Yes, I said no. I…uh, denied him.”
“You’re my hero. I have to admit to you that I watched the vid. It was great.”
Lila snorted out a laugh. “Your hero? Actually I feel terrible for doing that to him, publicly. I think everyone on the colony has seen what happened. It’s just that I can’t marry anyone right now.”
“Hmm. Why are you here? I just ask because to be truthful I don’t understand why a human would come to Timbur other than for work. Everyone here either works on the mine or provides services to the mine employees and their families. Minecorp doesn’t allow anyone here for visiting.”
“Um, I can’t tell you why I’m here.”
Leah blinked with surprise. “You can’t? But I’m human too and technically you’re my new sister-in-law. Your secret is safe with me.”
Lila glanced down at the female’s swollen belly. “I’m worried if I tell you why I’m here, I’ll just get you sucked into my troubles and you’ll be hurt.”
Leah placed a hand on her stomach. “Oh, okay.” She narrowed her eyes. “I know your first name is Lila. But that’s all I know, and Lila is a common name.”
Lila smiled in return. “Good. Let’s keep it that way.”
“So you’re living here with them for the next moon cycle? Claws asked for your hand, you said no, but you’re still living with them?”
“Yes. They hired me to be their housekeeper while I’m here. I’m going to try and get this place cleaned and organized.”
“You are? That’s wonderful. This place is such a mess. I almost never come over here…” Leah glanced around… “Hey. It already looks better. Right after we mated, Saxon moved out and insisted we stay in my employee quarters.