Page 42 of Queen Isabella

“We did.”

“That’s amazing. Wine making is an art form where I’m from. I know the process is very complicated. Impressive.” She squeezed his arm.

“My queen, you keep flattering me and I’ll bend you over this seat before you have a chance to eat.” Artifex’s deep husky voice echoed in her mind while also making a lusty growl.

Her mouth dropped open, her cheeks heating.

“If that’s the case, I’ll gladly feed our queen,” Bellator suggestively chimed in with an impish laugh.

Her gaze darted toward him. Bellator gave his hips a little wiggle, jostling his semi-erect cock. Her jaw dropped farther. Bellator grinned. He was supposed to be her teddy bear, but he was just as much of a randy beast as Artifex ganging up on her.

“You might want to close this. You’re just encouraging them,” Phara chuckled as he placed a finger under her chin and physically closed her mouth.

Artifex was laughing and was about to set her cup on the tray beside him, when she grabbed it. Today had been the definition of a roller coaster, and from the alphas’ rambunctious mood it looked like the wild ride wasn’t over; she was going to need a few drinks.

“Oh, no, sir! Halt right there. I know you like to serve me, but tonight I’m in charge of my cup, and keep it flowing.” She lightly swatted Artifex’s hand.

“Very well,” Artifex relented with a chuckle.

Isa grinned as she took the cup, surprised that actually worked.

“Cheers.” She raised her beverage.

“What is cheers?” Phara asked from behind her.

“We say it before drinking special beverages on special occasions. It means that you are wishing each other good fortune, good health, just good things in general.”

“Ah, yes, cheers.” Phara raised his cup.

She grinned as she tapped her cup to his.

“Cheers!” the other alphas and betas echoed, and they all took a sip.

The Vorto surrounding the stage followed suit, declaring cheers and clinking their cups. It made her smile but reminded her she was the center of attention.

Plates piled with food were brought to them and the men took turns feeding her. The members of the hive happily conversed in groups as they too ate and lounged. It took some of the pressure off her, but they were clearly still watching and following her conversation with the men on stage. She took a drink anytime it threatened to make her feel awkward. Thankfully, after her first cup of alien wine she was feeling more at ease.

Halfway through the meal, Bellator turned to her. “Do you mind if we start introductions?”

“Um, sure, but I may have trouble remembering everyone’s names.” Isa cringed. She’d always had trouble with that.

“It’s all right. Everyone understands it will take time.” Phara gave her a reassuring squeeze.

She nodded in appreciation.

“Maybe we just introduce the castes and ranks,” Artifex suggested.

Bellator stood and the room quieted. “This dawn, when the meteor shower began, I never could’ve imagined we’d be ending the rotation with a Bonding Feast,” Bellator began, pantomiming the debris shooting through the sky and the room rumbled in agreement. From the looks on their faces, all the ship debris raining down must have been quite a sight. “By the blessings ofInanawe found Queen Isabella.”

“What isInana?” she whispered to Artifex.

“It’s the thread that connects all things,” he replied.

“Oh.” She nodded. It sounded similar to the concept of God, though not quite. Back home they would call the Vorto pagans, but she’d never held much stock in organized religion, not after watching the way its followers often treated their fellow man.

“Legionnaire omegas and deltas, please stand,” Bellator continued, and a group of robust men sitting on the upper ring toward the back stood. “These are the males that guard and patrol our territory. Proel located you and your cracked egg.” One of the men stepped forward.

They looked like soldiers from their broad muscular physique to the way they stood at attention. Even the way they positioned themselves close to the entrance, it was clear they were guarding the rest of the hive. These were the men who found her and got her help, like her very own special forces. She nodded in appreciation to each of the men, truly grateful for what they’d done, though a simple nod hardly felt like enough.

---