Page 58 of Her Alien Cyborgs
“Do you think this empress will be there?” Fyr’enth asked.
“I expect so.” It had been a surprise to them all to learn that the empress had taken Hezza’s invitation seriously and come in person. Her flagship was docked at the orbital platform, looking as sleek and dangerous as any ship she’d ever seen. Barrios must have lost his mind when the Vardarian battle cruiser had arrived and messed up his attempts to dictate terms to Tyran and the leadership council.
Their conversation with the prince had been brief but friendly. He’d seemed delighted to speak to Kalan and Fyr’enth, and he treated them with honesty and respect.
They hadn’t said much beforehand, but she sensed they’d been concerned that Tyran would treat them as curiosities or some kind of threat. Now she felt like they were prepared to trust him, and that was all she could ask for.
Once they’d learned about the meeting, they’d spent what little time they had during the transit to the orbital platform to shower and change. For this event, they’d need to look their best.
She wore the most formal attire she owned—a pair of black pants with a flowing, forest green top made ofkeskisilk. It was sleeveless with a crossover neckline that flattered her shape and put her new wrist cuff on full display.
Her mates had rejected her suggestion that they wear a Vardarian-style top. Instead, they both wore black pants, their usual boots, and a simple black sash that went over one shoulder, across their chest, and ended at the hip. Their only embellishment was the wrist cuff they each wore.
“You look good. I mean, really good. Maybe I should enroll you both in acting classes and try to get you contracts as holo-vid performers. We could live a life of luxury,” she joked as they made their way to the hatch.
“And give up theGambit? Never,” Fyr’enth said.
“The only eyes I want watching me are yours,zana,” Kalan said.
“Very smooth, Kal. Ten out of ten for content and delivery. Just please don’t try to charm the empress. I don’t want her thinking she can take you away from me.”
“She can’t,” they both stated at the same time.
Stars above and below, she loved them.
The prince waited near the hatchway. With him were hisanrik, Braxon, and their humanmahaya, Phaedra. For once, the cyber-jockey turned princess looked entirely serious. Even her fuchsia-colored hair was tied back in an elaborate braid.
“Thank you for meeting us. We could have found our way there on our own.” Hezza bowed her head to acknowledge the prince and his consorts.
“And miss the opportunity to meet your mates before everyone else? Not a chance.” Phaedra beamed at Kalan and Fyr’enth. “Hi. I’m Phaedra. This is Braxon, and you’ve spoken to Tyr already. This meeting will probably have too many speeches and not enough snacks, but don’t worry too much. Whatever happens, we’ve got your back.”
Kalan blinked down at her in surprise. Hezza didn’t blame him. Phaedra was a breath of fresh air in any situation, but her open demeanor and total lack of formality took some getting used to.
“Hello.” Kalan looked over at Hezza. “You didn’t tell us about her hair.”
“No, I didn’t. It’s part of the Phaedra experience.” She grinned as Phaedra laughed.
“I like that! The Phaedra experience. I’m going to steal that if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.”
After that, things were easier. They chatted about inconsequential matters as they walked through the station. The prince had mentioned his intention to take them on a bit of a tour. Not so much to show the station to her mates but to let the colonists see the new arrivals.
Fyr’enth and Kalan didn’t enjoy all the attention, but she understood the prince’s reasons. The colonists were curious, and it was better for them to see for themselves instead of gossip and conjecture filling in the gaps.
Everywhere they went, beings stopped and stared at Kalan and Fyr’enth. Some waved to Phaedra or bowed to the prince, but most of them couldn’t take their eyes off the new arrivals.
“It’s your wings,” Phaedra said. “They’re beautiful but very different from what everyone is used to seeing.”
“They’ll get used to it,” Braxon said and then frowned slightly. “Apologies. They’ll get used to it if you decide to stay on Haven.”
“You are welcome to stay,” Tyran said. “You could make a home here, but in your case, I imagine you already have another offer.” The prince smiled at Hezza. “With yourmahaya.”
Kalan turned to look at Hezza and mouthed a single word. “Smooth.”
She had to fake a cough to hide her laughter.
Over time, the males began to talk among themselves. That gave Hezza an opportunity to talk to Phaedra alone. She fell back a meter or so, not enough to be obvious, and lowered her voice while keeping the tone conversational.
