Page 12 of Indentured Companion
“Call the reporter.” I speak to the Dynast without breaking my smug stare. This is all about confidence.
“Very well.”
“No.” Princeton huffs with humiliation and defeat. “…your paperwork is all in order.”
“Is it? Really? You sure?” I ooze with sarcasm and push off from the desk. “Funny that, isn’t it?” I am high with adrenaline and victory. I grab the Dynast’s hand and lead the way, swaggering towards the door with my chin high. “Spread the word to your colleagues, won’t you Princeton? There’s a dear.”
Only once we are through the security gate and in the main entrance to the starbase, does the Dynast speak to me.
“Miss Stone, that was—”
“Risky? I know, but I’ve squared up to bigger fish than that. All you need is the right kind of leverage.” Am I in trouble?
“…the right kind of leverage…hmm…” He keeps me on the edge for a while before he chuckles and leans down to speak to me softly. “It was certainly risky. I’m trying to show the Theskian empire that my people will follow their rules and not cause conflict.”
“But surely not by letting them walk all over you?” I counter with a frown.
“I prefer to makemystand in parliament.” His lilac eyes are bright as he teeters with amusement. “Still, your actions will hopefully mean our entry to the base is less tiresome moving forward.” Oh good. I’m not in trouble. I feel his hand squeeze mine and I realise what I’m doing.
“Oh, sorry.” I try to take my hand back, but he holds me firm and shakes his head.
“No no, quite alright. In fact, in my culture, this is quite normal behaviour. For a Korvian and his feeding partner to be touching like this in public.” Okay? It seems he’s taking my hand hostage, as he tugs me forward to walk with him. “It will also do the Theskians good to see we are comfortable with one another.” Ah, yes there we go. Of course. That’s why we are here, after all. To represent how sweet and cuddly the blood sucking space vampires are. “We should make that interview in no time now.”
“Good.”
“And then a quick bite, for us both, and then we can go shopping if you like? I’ll buy you a treat to mark this victorious moment. What would you like?”
I snort. A quick bite for us both, huh? That’s one way to put it.
“Sure. Since I’ve beensucha team player, how about I’m allowed a phone or laptop so I canfinallycheck in with my sister?” He looks at me warily. “Come on? I just want to make sure Cassie is okay?” I chuckle and nod back over my shoulder. “I think I just proved I’m on ‘team Korvis’. Please? I could use your computer if you prefer?”
“I think I would, to start with.” A compromise? I’ll take that.
“Great! Thank you.” I smile, looking forward to catching up with Cassie and finding out how Captain Unthulo is treating her.
“You are welcome.” His voice is deeper and louder, as it is when we’re on the ship and he’s relaxed. “Team Korvis?” He brings his other hand around for a high five. How could I not chuckle at that? Space Dracula wants to high five me with cheerleader like pep? He’d be cute, if he didn’t look like a demon, or drink my blood three times a day.
“Team Korvis.” I return the high five and his lilac eyes shine with joy.
Chapter 13
The interview
Vrajan.
We walked hand in hand into a Cafe and were escorted to the roof. It’s their VIP area, apparently, but I see through the deception. The truth is, no business owner or merchant wants their customers to see a Korvis and go in the other direction. I am used to this sort of treatment, as they are not only afraid of me, but fear for their business. Everyone has a livelihood to make, after all, so I don’t let on that I know this ‘VIP floor’, is nonsense. For a start, the roof is vacant of any furnishings apart from a single table and three chairs. It’s not insulated, there are no staff up here, or any sign that this was anything other than a roof before today. Again, I don’t react, but I see Valerie putting 2 and 2 together. She’s very smart, my companion, but she’s a tad rambunctious when she feels unjustly treated. I’m touched this has extended to my mistreatment, but the last thing we need is her laying into the cafe owner in front of the reporter.
“Good morning.” I greeted the Sacron woman sitting at the single table. I keep my voice as soft as I can make it and bow my head to her. The light catches my crown, and my green chiffon robes and headdress flutter from the movement. I still hold Valerie’s hand, so I walk her away from the nervous cafe owner she’s glaring at, over to the table. “Greetings. I am the Dynast, and this is my dear friend and feeding companion, Miss Stone.” She doesn’t comment on the ‘dear friend’ comment, thankfully, and knows the plan. We need to represent a fulfilling andsaferelationship between a Korvis and a Theskian species.
“Good day.” The Sacron stands. She has lovely pink skin with brilliant green eyes, and a fitted black suit dress. Her four arms are all wrapped around a clipboard, no doubt with her interview questions ready to deploy. Her frills flex nervously, but she smiles politely at me. “My name is Xeya, and can I just say, thank you for accepting my request for this interview? My paper is delighted to have this exclusive interview with yourself.”
“And I am delighted to give you the interview, Miss Xeya.” I bow my head again, and turn to pull out a chair for Valerie. She thanks me and sits, and I notice her rubbing her arms. “Are you cold?” I whisper to her. Had we been inside the cafe, she would have been warm enough in her shoulderless green dress. The fashion collar that came with the dress helps to hide the evidence of my last feeding, but does nothing to warm her.
“I’ll be fine.” She puts on a brave smile…but I know it’s not real. She’s cold. I can see goosebumps on her arms beneath her semi-transparent sleeves.
“Excuse me, just a moment.” I reassure Miss Xeya that I’m not leaving, and turn to wave at the nervous cafe owner by the roof access. He doesn’t move at first, so I walk over to him slowly. “My companion is cold. We were not anticipating being on the roof. Might you send someone to purchase a shrug or coat for her? You can bill the expense to my bill, and I will consider a larger tip for your assistance?”
“Erm…sure.” He nods and uses this quest as an excuse to leave us to it. I return to the table and find the ladies were chatting over the menu. At least it’s an electronic tablet, so we don’t have to hope a server will come back up.
