Page 69 of Cosmic Soul

“Why would you think that, Prince Kalvoxrencol?” Chief Yomqin asked. “Is your creator soul making it hard for you to see the threat that this ship obviously presents?”

I gripped Serlotminden’s arm when he tried to stand.

The Cohort never saw Kalvoxrencol; they saw his soul type—the first creator soul in the royal family since it had been established. His mistakes were marks against his honor, but those were nothing compared to his soul type. Kalvoxrencol was the only creator soul in the entire Cohort.

Hallonnixmin stood, and the same anger that burned in me and Serlotminden was reflected in him. His voice was deep as he said, “Tell us what you mean, Kalvoxrencol.”

Tail flicking wildly, Kalvoxrencol asked, “Dontilvynsan, have they shown any aggression?”

“No, though they have not responded to our pings.”

“The size of the ship suggests this could be a passenger or transport vessel. For all we know this is a simple mistake. Violence should not be our first response,” he said.

Most of the Cohort was silent before Chief Yomqin asked, “Then what do you suggest, Prince? If you foolishly think they mean us no harm, then what should we do? Hide in our houses and paint?”

Kalvoxrencol fell silent, and the chief sneered as if he expected as much. I burned to challenge Chief Yomqin for his remarks, but I would not win, and such actions would upset Kalvoxrencol—he didn’t like us protecting him. Though if he challenged the chief, Kalvoxrencol would win, but he wouldn’t, not anymore.

Seth stood and asked in a deep voice, visibly shaking, “Haven’t you heard of diplomacy, dickwad?”

I blinked at the odd translation, and I wasn’t alone. Sudden whispers filled the amphitheater. NAID had to be incorrect. As odd as humans were, they did not have piles of cocks lying around, right? That was simply… not possible. Then again, humans were very interesting beings. I would have to ask Caleb.

“These aliens might not even understand you,” Seth snapped, voice breaking, whether in nerves or anger, I didn’t know. “Attacking without provocation is idiotic. But you seem like a moron, so I shouldn’t be surprised, asshat.”

Hats on butts… Humans were indeed odd.

Technically, Seth wasn’t allowed to address the Cohort, but he probably didn’t know that. I very much doubted thatKalvoxrencol had briefed his mate on the proper protocol. Also insulting the chief wasn’t wise, even if I supported it.

Chief Yomqin tilted his head to the side, offering his throat, which made my mouth drop.

Serlotmiden told me, “Seth Harris has the purest warrior soul ever recorded. Much of the Cohort believes he was chosen by the Crystal to make up for Pest’s lack of warrior soul.”

“Idiots.” There was nothing wrong with Kalvoxrencol or his soul type.

“Indeed, but Chief Yomqin is the spearhead of that group, along with the Ranks. They are all quite fond of Seth.”

“What do you suggest, Prince Consort Seth Harris?” Chief Yomqin asked.

“Scientists. Diplomats. Try and reach out. Don’t attack before we know they mean us harm,” Seth said before muttering to Kalvoxrencol, “It’s like they’ve never watchedStar Trek. Morons.”

Kalvoxrencol smiled at him.

Father said, “Kalvoxrencol, you will lead your mate’s plan. You will go to Dontilvynsan’s ship.”

I smacked his leg with my tail, and he glanced at me. I gestured to myself and Serlotminden who was practically bouncing off his stool.

Kalvoxrencol’s tail wrapped around mine. “Yes, Father. I would like to request the additions of Serlotminden who is well-versed in diplomacy and Zoltilvoxfyn who is a scholar and well-versed in different cultures.”

I sat up straight. Very rarely had I left Tamkolvanloknol and never in a situation like this. No one, besides my brothers, had ever requested my presence, but I knew Kalvoxrencol would at least ask for me if I wanted to come. Whether I was allowed to go or not was another matter entirely.

“You may take Serlotminden,” Father said, but he didn’t continue, and I fought the sudden wave of worthlessness. Once again, I was being kept on the planet.

Kalvoxrencol opened his mouth, but Seth grabbed his hand, stopping him. Eventually, Kalvoxrencol said, “I understand, Father. Will the Cohort assemble a team of scientists and diplomats or should I?”

Father glanced at Uncle Jemtonkilsol, then Chief Yomqin before saying, “We shall. Be ready to depart within the hour.” He turned to Dontilvynsan. “Prepare for your brothers to arrive.”

Dontilvynsan offered his throat again.

Chapter 29

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