Page 75 of Naga General's Mate

“Still studying?” Priscilla’s voice came from behind her. Her sister looked healthier than ever, her eyes bright with the freedom they now enjoyed.

“Just reviewing my speech for tomorrow’s council meeting,” Mila replied. “I can’t believe they’re going to listen to my proposal for interplanetary slave liberation laws.”

Priscilla settled beside her on the window seat. “Because you’re making them listen. You’ve got that fire in you.”

The front door opened, and Brivul’s massive form filled the doorway. His violet eyes found hers immediately, and warmth spread through her chest.

“How are my favorite humans today?” He crossed the room in one fluid motion, his blue scales catching the light.

“Your mate is working too hard again,” Priscilla teased, standing up. “I’m heading to my art class. Don’t let her skip lunch.”

After Priscilla left, Brivul coiled around Mila protectively. “She’s right. You’ve been at those notes all morning.”

“I need this to be perfect.” Mila leaned back against him, drawing strength from his presence. “The council needs to understand that what happened on Jorvla isn’t isolated. Countless others are still suffering.”

“And they will listen,” Brivul assured her, his jaw brushing her temple. “You’ve already helped pass three human rights bills in the past year. You’re making real change.”

Mila set aside her datapad, turning to face him. “Sometimes I still can’t believe this is real. Having a voice, being heard, being free to learn and fight for others.” She traced the scar on his jaw. “Being with you.”

“Believe it.” He caught her hand and kissed it. “Now, how about some lunch before you return to changing the galaxy?”

“Fine.” She laughed, letting him pull her to her feet.

She followed Brivul through their garden, the twin suns of Nirum casting dancing shadows through the crystalline arbor above. He guided her to their favorite spot beneath a shade tree, where a small table waited.

“Close your eyes,” Brivul said, his tail swishing with barely contained excitement.

Mila obliged, listening to the rustle of something being retrieved. The sound of a basket being set on the table made her smile.

“Okay, open them.”

Her breath caught at the sight of the vibrant oranges nestled in the woven basket. “You remembered.”

“Of course I did.” Brivul picked one up, his scales catching the sunlight. “That day when we were walking through those maintenance tunnels, when you told me you’d never tried them… I promised myself I’d change that someday.”

Warmth bloomed in her chest as she selected one of the oranges, its weight perfect in her palm. She slowly peeled it and took a bite. The sweet citrus taste exploded in her mouth. “Wow, that really is delicious,” Mila said, smiling widely.

She then touched Brivul’s arm. “Wait here.”

She hurried into their kitchen, retrieving the carefully wrapped package she’d hidden away. It had taken three attempts to get the recipe right, but the spicy-sweet aroma told her this batch was perfect.

When she returned, Brivul’s eyes widened at the familiar scent. “Is that…”

“Your mother’s spice bread recipe.” Mila set it before him, watching his expression soften. “You mentioned it that same day in those tunnels, how you missed it.”

Brivul’s usual commanding presence gentled as he unwrapped the loaf, and Mila caught the shimmer of moisture in his eyes before he blinked it away.

“It smells exactly like hers.” His voice was rough with emotion. He broke off a piece, savoring it. “Tastes like it, too. How did you…”

“I may have contacted your father for the recipe.” Mila grinned. “He was more than happy to share it with his son’s mate.”

Brivul pulled her close, pressing his forehead to hers. “You’re extraordinary. You know that?”

After their lunch in the garden, Mila grabbed her datapad and rushed through the crystalline halls of their home. “I’m late for Advanced Political Theory!”

“Have a good class,” Brivul called after her, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

The university grounds buzzed with activity as students of all species hurried between classes. Mila still marveled at how natural it felt now, being among them as an equal. Her mind wandered during lectures, distracted by messages from Brivul about meeting him for dinner at the Crystal Spire—one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.

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