His to Claim: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance - Taylor Vaughn Page 0,48
the death even if we are outnumbered four-to-one.
Yet Zalias remains in his seat, the lazy smile lounging like a house pet underneath his black battle gaze. And though his warriors observe us ready to battle, they do not move from their spots against the wall behind him.
“You have nothing to fear from me, Kel D’Rek of Xalthuria…now.” With those words and another blink, the emperor’s eyes return to silvery blue. “But I will give you fair warning, the future of my people comes before all treasure. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that we thrive.”
Since none of us were allowed to bring weapons to the meeting, I consider lunging across the table and killing the savage emperor with my bare hands.
As if sensing my intention, T’Kan moves forward to stand beside me. Willing to die for his Kel.
But then reason finally catches up to my raging thoughts. As arrogant as the emperor might appear, at the moment we both know that neither of our sides can afford to partake in another devastating war.
The extinction virus has made an uncertain mess of both or species’ futures. And the mere fact that the Kaidorians requested these peace negotiations tells me they, too, are much more concerned with the continuation of their species, than personal feelings and the three generation claim war we have waged over this belt.
Xalthuria first, I remind myself as I return to my seat and motion for T’Kan to return to his post.
With an awkward click, N’Ure thanks the emperor for allowing us more time to consider his offer and assures him we will have an answer for him soon.
“See that you do,” the emperor answers N’Ure. While looking at me.
Our negotiations end a day early, but as we leave the station, nothing feels resolved, in neither my mind nor my chest.
The return journey to our ship is both silent and tense. I expect for N’Ure to argue on behalf of the Kaidorians as soon as we board. But most likely reading my mood, he wisely chooses to remain quiet as T’Kan issues orders to prepare for take-off, a full day before previously scheduled.
It is not until hours into our flight that N’Ure finds me on the observation deck staring sightlessly at the colorful streaks left behind by our faster than light travel.
“My Kel, I am aware of your great anger over the Kaidorian Emperor’s threat to the hu’man you have chosen to breed. I would not blame you if you refused to have any further dealings with him or his uncivilized race. His words were not respectful, as is common with those savages.”
I agree, but remain quiet, sensing a “however” at the end of my prime minister’s statement.
“However,” N’Ure continues soon after, just as expected, “before you make your final decision, I would humbly request that you look over the findings in the report you asked me to curate on the New Terrhan colony.”
I furrow my ridges. “The report is not due until three weeks from now.”
“Indeed it was, my Kel,” N’Ure answers with a deferential bow. “However, seeing how vexed you had become over our lack of information on the New Terrhan colony, I moved it up to the top of my priority list, in the hopes of assuaging any worries you might have about our supply process.”
He swipes a hand across the air between us, producing a holo screen glowing with the words, NEW TERRHAN SURVEY. My brow once again furrows when I see the star date written underneath the title.
“You compiled this report nearly half a moon cycle ago. You will tell me why you have waited until now to present it.”
N’Ure lowers his eyes even further. “Knowing how important the Kaidorian negotiations were, I did not wish to distract you, especially since the report, as you said yourself, was not yet due. Please forgive me if you feel I made the wrong decision.”
As preoccupied as I had become with learning more about the civilization from which my hu’man originally hailed, even I could not find fault with N’Ure’s reasoning. Of course, the peace talks with the Kaidorians had required my full attention.
“Would you like to review the survey alone, my Kel, or have me stay to answer any inquiries you might have as you go over it?”
“You are dismissed,” I answer, suspecting I will want to be alone when I read the report—especially if N’Ure believes it will affect my final decision about the Kaidorians.