Page 18 of Resisting the Alien Commander

“This smells as good as that drink tastes.” Olivia leans closer to her food and inhales deeply.

I don’t have to be as close as she is to get a whiff of savory spices and meat. There’s also some type of root vegetable covered in a sauce alongside it. A basket of different breads is placed in front of us. My stomach rumbles in delight. I pick up the utensil and stab a piece of the meat. It nearly melts in my mouth. I glance over at Olivia, who meets my gaze with one of pure ecstasy.

“Holy shit, that’s good,” she mumbles around a mouthful.

Not that I have a lot to compare it to, but so far it’s the best thing I’ve eaten to date. “It’s amazing.”

Muted conversation continues throughout the room, but I don’t pay it any attention. I’m enjoying my meal far too much to care about what the Bohna males are talking about. Even if it’s us.

I savor every bite on my plate until it’s completely gone and wash the last taste away with a long sip of the fruity beverage. Except now that nearly all of us have finished eating, my nerves act up again and make my belly flip and twist.

“Don’t forget what Johnna said.” Olivia leans in close. “They need us more than we need them, so relax. It’s up to the males to impress us women, not the other way around.”

Her words rattle around inside my brain a few times before it hits me that she’s right. They both are. The Bohnari are probably as equally, if not more, nervous than we are. Their entire race depends on finding suitable brides. If we don’t choose a husband, we’re still allowed to remain on Bohna, to ensure no one was forced into a marriage she didn’t truly desire.

I’m soothed by the realization and the queasiness in my stomach settles.

I squeeze Olivia’s hand under the table. “Thank you for always knowing the right thing to say.”

“It’s what best friends are for.” She grins.

“Excuse my interruption, but would you like to dance?” Standing on the other side of the table from me is Bannik.

I glance around to find the entire room staring and cringe against the scrutiny. Except another part of me is flattered by the attention, especially considering it had to have taken a lot of confidence to approach our table before anyone else and ask.

“I’m not sure I’ll be any good, but I’d like that.” I swipe my sweaty palms down my thighs and stand up.

Bannik holds out his hand and I take it. He leads me to an open area near where the musicians play and the music quickly changes into something lively and upbeat. The Bohnari smiles revealing the tiniest flash of fangs.

“Just follow the beat and you’ll be fine,” he says.

As though a floodgate opened, more males rise and head for the table where the rest of the women sit. In seconds, we’re joined by nineteen other couples. It takes me far longer than I wish to catch the rhythm, but soon, Bannik and I are twirling and spinning around. Laughter that’s been absent from a lot of my life spills out of me. I’m clumsy and step on his toes more than once, but he doesn’t appear to mind.

In fact, Bannik is clearly enjoying himself and laughs along with me. This is the most fun I’ve had in ages. Song after song plays, and with each one comes a new partner until my feet and sides are aching. I excuse myself and make my way over to the table for a sip of my drink.

“You look like you are having a wonderful time.”

I sputter at the sight of the queen standing so close and wipe my mouth with my sleeve like an ill-mannered child. My attempt at a curtsy is clumsy at best. “Your Highness.”

She waves me off with a smile. “Please, none of that. No need for such formalities. Queen Veroneek is fine.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And what is your name, dear?”

“Quinn. Quinn Brooks.”

“How are you enjoying your time on Bohna so far?”

We’ve only been here for two days, so I’m not sure I can give it an honest assessment, but I don’t want to offend her. “What I have seen of your planet so far is extremely beautiful.”

“Thank you. While I have not traveled off-planet more than a handful of times, I haven’t seen any place more stunning than here.” The queen glances around the dance floor and her gaze appears to pause on someone. “Bannik has taken an interest in you, it would seem.”

I cock my head slightly, trying to gauge her tone, but I can’t puzzle anything specific out. Nothing was mentioned about having to get approval from the queen—or anyone else, for that matter—on any potential suitors we might have, but maybe I’m wrong.

“He’s been kind and friendly during our brief interactions.” Is that neutral enough?

“I am glad. He has been a member of the guards for several years now and has done well for himself and his family,” Queen Veroneek says. “I believe he would make a fine mate for a female.”

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