Page 81 of I Married Kayog
That left me speechless. In that instant, I realized that things would never quite be the way I envisioned. My visceral wish to refuse to get involved was immediately squashed by my protective instinct rearing its head. I didn’t even know the daughter in question, but I always had issues with the idea of using one’s child as an asset or trade item, ignoring their own wishes and aspirations.
That I would get to travel with my mate and be by her side as she performed her magic was also too great an opportunity to pass up.
“Fine. I will assess the candidates, but I will not commit to any pairings. I will leave that mess to the rest of you,” I mumbled.
Linsea chuckled and rose from her chair to settle in my lap.
“You know something, you’re really sexy when you’re grumpy,” my mate said teasingly.
“I’m always sexy, period,” I said in a haughty tone.
She snorted and rubbed her beak against mine. “Sexy, and all mine.”
“All yours, now and always.”
Chapter 18
Kayog
Presenting my plan to Colin went shockingly smoothly. We were sitting in the training room, at the same worktable by the giant vidscreen as our first meeting following my awakening. He didn’t give me any of the pushback I expected, although he thoroughly questioned certain parts of it, namely the dowries. However, he didn’t question it in a challenging fashion but merely to get a proper understanding of my goals and motivations. To my surprise, he wholeheartedly approved my wish to exclude advanced species from enjoying the same types of benefits I would grant pairings involving at least one primitive alien.
“This is excellent,” Colin said approvingly. “Your record and psychological profile stated you were a perfectionist. It pleases me to see how much you stepped up and took this seriously. Although the higher ups will balk at some of your requests, they are reasonable. You’ve also provided me with sufficient arguments to shut them up.”
“Thank you,” I said, unable to hide my growing excitement about this project.
“While we get everything rolling, I strongly encourage you to socialize as much as possible. You need to cultivate an erudite rockstar persona but focused on matchmaking. People need to see you as the god of matchmaking. The same way the crowds fanned themselves when you used to perform with Echoes of Madness, and how they quietly fangirled whenever they saw you walking past, we need the general population to react in a similar fashion when it comes to finding love.”
“How exactly am I supposed to do that?” I asked hesitantly.
“Be cocky,” Colin deadpanned. “Be arrogant and assertive about your certainty that your talent is never wrong, but not in an obnoxious fashion. You have a pleasant sense of humor, let it shine through. Our marketing team will take care of the rest. We just need you out and about, being your charming self. Those who get to benefit from your services should feel like they were blessed with entry to an exclusive club.”
“I don’t want to be exclusive,” I argued with a frown.
“You won’t be,” Colin replied with an indulgent smile. “People simply must feel like it’s the case. But realize that you will be swamped with far more requests than you could possibly imagine. I know you don’t believe it. And I like that humble side of you. Never lose it but still be cocky.”
I chuckled. “That’s not contradictory at all.”
“Not in the least,” he said teasingly before taking on a serious expression again. “Your mate has a series of important events she will participate in over the upcoming weeks. We want you to accompany her and to establish as many contacts and rapport as you possibly can. Many of these people will be elitists. Do not let their holier-than-thou ways destabilize you. In comparison, half of them couldn’t even claim a third of your pedigree. Show themwhy you can be a force to be reckoned with and a great ally to have on their side.”
“And how exactly am I supposed to do that?” I asked, baffled.
“Although that’s for you to figure out, I will say that you have extensive knowledge about many of the species you will encounter. Leverage it, especially in ways that could benefit them.”
I shifted uneasily in my seat, beginning to feel a bit out of my depth. Despite not possessing any empathic abilities, Colin appeared to immediately guess what thoughts were coursing through my mind.
“Relax, Kayog. No one expects you to perform a miracle during your first outings. This truly is simply about forging relationships and getting your name out there. Do not fret. We will be here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions, ask. If you need more resources, ask. If you are uncertain what you may or may not do…”
“Let me guess… Ask,” I said teasingly.
His gray eyes sparked with mischief. “Actually, I was going to say follow your gut and good judgment. And if you’re still confused about it, then ask.”
I burst out laughing. That human was seriously growing on me.
We continued going over more practical details, including my wages, expense account, schedule, and other annoying formalities. I then headed back to our apartment, my stomach fluttering with nerves.
Linsea’s parents and grandmother arrived an hour ago—three hours earlier than expected. I intended on being there to greet them at the ship hangar but ended up stuck in the midst of a training session. As Colin was leaving on a mission in the morning, we couldn’t postpone.
Saying I was a nervous wreck would be the understatement of the millennium. I felt them long before I reached the door. As I drew closer, I battled with the urge to shut down my emotions. I had no difficulty completely blocking them out. As much as that would make me feel a lot more comfortable, it would come across as me being deceitful, distrustful, and fairly rude.
