Page 19 of Resisting the Alien Commander

I wonder if all the Bohnari males will get a glowing recommendation or if she’s being sincere in her assessment of Bannik?

“That’s good to hear.”

Her gaze bores deeper into me and I fight the urge to fidget under its intensity. “I’m not sure if he would be right for you, though. I have something of a talent for judging people’s character and mine is telling me you need a mate who is a bit more…seasoned. A male who takes himself far too seriously and needs a bride who can remind him how to laugh and enjoy all life has to offer. A male like Commander Horek, perhaps.”

Chapter10

Horek

I scan the room and, while remaining alert for any signs of trouble, I can’t help but suffer from a sense of…some unnamed emotion. It’s nothing I’ve ever felt before so I’m not sure exactly what it is. I don’t care for it either. It leaves me unsettled.

Queen Veroneek’s reprimand still rings in my ears, even though it was directed mostly at Alik. However, there was no mistaking she included me in her chastisement of not greeting the females properly or putting them at ease when they arrived for the meal.

My aunt prides herself on being a generous hostess who wants nothing more than for her guests to enjoy themselves and feel at home. Even in a palace. Like Alik, she doesn’t stand on formality unless the occasion calls for it. And a party certainly doesn’t. Not when she’s trying to find a bride for her son, even if he doesn’t think he wants one.

“The females appear to be enjoying themselves, and the males are all on their best behavior.” Alik leans in slightly although there’s no chance of anyone hearing him over the music and laughter.

“That’s what you hoped for, isn’t it?” I raise my brow. “The females to become enamored by the males so courting can begin quickly and matches found even quicker?”

“Of course.”

“Then what has that look on your face?” I know my cousin well enough to notice a change in his emotions, even if I don’t always recognize each one specifically.

“There is no other look besides relief.” Alik’s eyes narrow slightly.

I study him a moment longer. “If that is what you say.”

Silence lingers a few minutes more before he breaks it. “Aren’t they just enjoying themselves a little too much?”

My forehead crinkles. “The males or the females?”

“Both. Neither.” Alik shakes his head. “Forget it. I’m not sure what’s wrong with me tonight.”

“You’re on edge from the mating fever. Did you have another attack after I left your suite?”

He glares. “No.”

“You need to find yourself a bride.”

A growl rumbles up from his chest. “Now you sound like my mother. I’ve already told both of you I have no interest in a female.”

“You’re getting worse. We both know it. Before long, no amount of kanet powder is going to be enough to keep the madness at bay. Don’t do that to your mother or to me.” I blow out a harsh breath. “Not just because I’m your heir, either, but because you’re my closest friend and I don’t want to lose you. Especially not when there’s something you can do to save yourself.”

Alik doesn’t respond. Instead, he walks out of the room. I face the crowd again and my gaze catches on the queen who watches the door her son just left through. Sorrow blooms in her eyes and they meet mine. Already, she is grieving. Anyone can see it.

I shift my attention to the females standing and laughing in a small group not far from my aunt. Or rather, I shift it to a particular female. The same one from the market yesterday.Quinn. Her face is flushed and there is a glow about her. I’m not sure if it’s from the lulesh drink or because of one of the males. She certainly hasn’t been without her share of potential admirers. Not that I’ve been counting. It’s merely my duty to notice details. I’m sure the other females have had an equal number of males attempting to woo them.

More laughter reaches me and I’m almost certain I can pick hers out of the many. The same way that I know the fragrances I’d scented and followed outside the market square yesterday and smell again tonight belong to her as well.

The queen comes to my side. “You should go speak with her.”

“I’m not interested in speaking with anyone.”

She laughs and pats my cheek. “You and my son are both fooling yourselves, but you’re not fooling me. I see the way you’ve been watching Quinn. It may not be obvious to the rest of the people, but I have known you since birth, Horek. Not much with either Alik or you gets by me, despite what you both might think.”

My aunt is far too uncanny for her own good. “I can admit she is an attractive female, but that still doesn’t mean I’m looking for a bride. You know my highest priority is being Commander.”

“Perhaps you should rethink your priorities.” With that statement, she returns to mingling with the females.

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