Page 21 of Royal Alien Mate

“Why terraform Mars in the first place? Why not just take Earth for yourselves and kill every last human—well, except for the females you need?” She uttered the words in a sharp tone, bitterness taking hold.

“First of all, we wished to create the planet of our exact specifications, and despite what you may think, Esmay, we value all life, including human life. We would never destroy an entire race of aliens simply because we want their planet. We strove for peace with your people first, yet you repaid us in blood.”

She scoffed. “And now you intend to keep us subjugated forever? Even twenty years after that war? Haven’t you taken enough from us? Haven’t we suffered enough for our sins?”

His nostrils flared and he grabbed her suddenly, holding her by her upper arms as a deep growl reverberated from him. “My mother was among those killed in the first colony. I also lost other relatives and many friends. Most Marttiaxoxalians alive today, aside from those born in the last twenty years, lost someone that day. What would you say is fair, Esmay? Exactly five thousand Marttiaxoxalian lives for five thousand human lives?” He gave her a slight shake and his eyes darkened, a look of absolute rage falling over him. His reaction chilled Esmay to the bone.

“I-I am truly sorry about your mother and everyone else you and your people lost during the attack on the colony,” she said, hoping to diffuse his fury. But she also meant every word. Despite their many differences, it grieved her to know he’d lost his mother during the unprovoked attack. “But years have passed. It is the children of those who attacked your people who are suffering the most. Is it fair that we are paying for the sins of our elders?”

“War is never fair, Esmay,” he replied as he thankfully loosened his hold on her arms. “There are always injustices on both sides.” He nodded toward the closet. “Now go get dressed. The sun is rising, and we are expected in the banquet hall soon for breakfast. We will finish this discussion later.”

To her relief, he let go of her entirely and got off the bed. She watched as he strode into the bathroom, his footsteps heavier than usual. She cursed under her breath. How had their conversation, which had started with her asking about whether or not Martians could use their terraforming technology to help Earth, have dissolved so quickly into an angry exchange?

Vaath left the bathroom and entered the closet next to hers, presumably to get dressed. He gave her only a brief glance as he walked by, and she sensed the fierceness of his violent mood. She rubbed her upper arms, where he’d grabbed her, as fear waved through her. Though she didn’t wish to leave the relative safety of his quarters—the prospect of having breakfast in the banquet hall surrounded by so many Martians left her uneasy—she forced herself off the bed and headed for her closet.

She grabbed a flowing blue dress and a pair of matching slippers and hastily got dressed. She visited the bathroom quickly and found Vaath waiting for her in the center of the room after she finished, an expectant look upon his face. Pausing in the doorway, she gave him a hesitant glance, unsure of what to do or say. She sensed waves of frustration rolling off him and as her gaze swept around the room, she caught sight of the video comm she’d used last night. Her heart sank, because she had hoped to try contacting her family this morning, but she didn’t want to anger Vaath any further.

“Esmay,” he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. “Come here.”

When she finally looked up and her gaze collided with his, all the tension from earlier suddenly dissipated. His expression was apologetic and when he reached out a hand to her, she found herself walking toward him, as if pulled by an unseen force.

Chapter 16

Relief spread through Esmay as Vaath drew her in for a hug. His embrace was warm and wonderfully tight. She welcomed the peace that was settling between them, the mutual forgiveness she sensed, even though he remained quiet. After a long moment, she wrapped her arms around his center, returning his hug. For several minutes, neither of them said a word, they simply held onto one another as if for dear life.

“I would like to apologize,” he said slowly, contemplatively, “for becoming angry with you, Esmay, when you only sought to tell me of your experiences, the experiences of your people. I am sorry I grabbed you so hard, as well.” He withdrew from the embrace and held her, very gently, by her shoulders, as he looked her up and down. “Did I hurt you?”

His apology stunned her. “Thank you.” She paused, considering her next words. He’d asked if he’d hurt her, and she decided to be honest. She was a terrible liar, anyway, even when it came to little fibs meant to keep the peace. “Yes, you were too rough with me,” she said, meeting his worried gaze. “And you scared me. I-I realize you could hurt me badly if you wished to. I wouldn’t have much luck fighting back. You’re a lot bigger than me.”

He rubbed her upper arms, where he’d grabbed her, a look of anguish taking over his features. She’d never seen a man appear so apologetic before, and she sensed his genuine regret. He wasn’t faking. Was she a pushover if she forgave him so soon? She sighed inwardly. Try as she might, she could no longer summon even a spark of anger.

“From the depths of my soul, little sunshine, I am truly sorry.” A reverent gleam, startling in its intensity, filled his eyes as he reached up to pet her hair. “I vow that I will never shout at you, or grab you as I just did, ever again for as long as I live. If I break this vow, may the Gods turn me to stone. You are my mate, and it’s my duty to protect you always. I don’t want you to fear me.”

His apology, and his promises, calmed her somewhat. She no longer feared him in this moment, but despite his regretful demeanor she couldn’t help but worry about tomorrow and all the days that would follow.

Could she really trust him? Would he indeed keep his promises?

How would he react if she angered him again, or if they had another disagreement?

“I appreciate you saying all that,” she replied. “I hope you mean it.”

As he stroked his hands through her hair, his fingers occasionally grazed her head, causing her scalp to prickle and goosebumps to rise on her arms. “I mean it,” he said. “Now, would you like to try calling your family again?”

She eyed the video comm hopefully. “Do we have time? You said we were expected in the banquet hall.”

“We can be late.” He smiled, revealing the dimples she couldn’t help but find charming. “You can take as long as you need, sunshine. Would you like privacy while you speak with your family? Or would you like me to stay?”

“Stay,” she said without hesitation. “I think it would be better for my parents to meet you soon. It’ll help ease their worries. At least I think it will.”

He nodded and guided her to the video comm. “Very well.” He pulled out the chair for her to sit, then crouched beside her.

Esmay typed in her parents’ comm number and waited for their answer. Her heart pounded frantically as she stared at the blue screen, nerves filling her to the brim. She smoothed her hair down and then clasped her hands together in her lap.

Her mother’s face soon appeared on the screen. “Esmay?”

“Hey, Mom,” she said, speaking in English.

“Oh, dear Lord, Esmay.” Her mother placed a hand over her heart. “I can’t believe what you’ve done.” Tears welled in her eyes and she blinked fast.

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