“If there are no further questions, I’m going to go collect Selena for dinner. It’s about time to eat and she has expended a lot of energy this afternoon.”
Xylo logged off his workstation, nodding in agreement.
“I believe that is sufficient for today. Kaede is right. It is almost time for dinner. We can go over the files together tomorrow after Selena’s morning checkup. I will bring her to the infirmary before breakfast,” Xylo stated.
He exchanged glances with Chyox, Ayces, and Usthu.
Chyox huffed and started, “I do not know how I feel about you having access to everything, Kaede. I am going to report this to the princes—”
“It has already been explained to them, and they understand the situation. My goal is the safety of Selena and her offspring and to ensure your safe arrival at CEG HQ.”
“I will feel more comfortable if I speak with them myself. But I agree, Xylo, we might as well quit for the evening and go over Kaede’s files tomorrow,” Chyox grumbled.
He was clearly not happy about Kaede having complete access to Destiny.
Chapter Fifteen Xylo
Xylo stepped inside the terrarium with Kaede by his side. The male next to him hadn’t said much during their short walk, other than the occasional comment about the ship. The terrarium was humid and warm; his vines could taste the saltiness in the air.
Xylo glanced down at his wristband.
Selena had been in the terrarium for some time, and it looked like she was still at the pond. The tug on his courting bond agreed. He wondered why she was still here. There could not possibly be enough to keep her occupied for so many hours.
He picked up the pace as he strode through the fields, trying to ignore the siren call of the grass and the soil. He missed the feeling of rooting his feet in the ground to feed—to connect with nature. They had been on the Destiny and away from Circul for far too long. Though he could sustain himself by consuming food and drink, it was not nearly as soul-satisfying as feeding from nature. But that would have to wait, there was certainly no leisure to do so now. Perhaps he and Selena could come back to the terrarium to talk while he connected with the land. They had important topics to address, and he wanted to find time for them to get to know one another.
Kaede interrupted his musing. “What do you think about Odelm?”
Xylo eyed Kaede, wondering at his question.
“He is a good musician. Keeps to himself usually. Why?”
“Selena had lunch with him. He brought her here to teach her to swim.”
“To swim?”
Xylo was dumbfounded. Why would she want to do that? Though she was certainly safe learning with Odelm. Swimming was the Ulax equivalent of a Wudox connecting to the soil. There were none more proficient.
“See for yourself.”
Xylo sped up, quickly outdistancing Kaede.
Nearing the pond, Xylo’s eyes skimmed the dark blue water, searching for Selena. He found her out in the center—the deepest part of the pond. She had her back turned to him, laughing and splashing, her bronze skin shining in the terrarium lights.
Odelm hovered nearby. He noticed Xylo’s approach and said something to Selena, too distant to hear. Selena turned to face him.
“Xylo! Come in! The water’s amazing!” she yelled, her face lit with an infectious smile as her tinkling laughter echoed across the water.
Water lapped at Xylo’s feet as he watched with a bemused smile.
“Aren’t you going to go fetch her?” Kaede questioned as he strolled up beside him.
Xylo glanced nervously at the mysterious man before looking back at the pair in the water. Selena and Odelm watched him, the huge smile still spread across her face as the water dripped from her silver hair. Odelm smirked.
“Selena... Wudox do not swim well. I am sure Odelm must have mentioned this. How about you come to shore and dry off? It is almost time for dinner. If we leave now, we can beat the crowd,” Xylo coaxed as he inched into the water.
“You aren’t any fun!” Selena accused with a playful pout.
Kaede broke out laughing, and Xylo turned to him in shock. Kaede crossed the sand and dropped down next to Selena’s gown on the grassy edge. He settled back and crossed his legs, typing something into his personal armband. Xylo watched him work the projection that sprang up for a moment, trying to figure out what to say.
Kaede glanced at him and shrugged. “It seems like this is going to take some time. I’m going to wait here and work while you have fun gathering her.”
Clearly Kaede had also realized Odelm had set him up and did not care to help. Xylo thought about it. He did not want to make a fool of himself, but he also did not want to upset Selena.
“Selena—”
“Xylo, Odelm told me how the Wudox float and have issues swimming. I wanted to see. Can you show me, please?” Selena switched to mind speak as she begged, “I promise I won’t do anything to embarrass you or ask you to do this again.”
Xylo took in a deep breath and let it out to ease his nerves. He wanted to keep her smiling, to hear her radiant laughter. He would do almost anything for her.
“Just this once.”
She screeched, and her eyes lit up. He could feel her happiness through their bond.
Xylo took a few hesitant steps further, the water warm against his cool skin. When he was knee-deep, he unwrapped his vines and spread them out for balance. As the water deepened, he could feel it’s resistance increase. It was now or never. Steeling himself, he leapt into the air, attempting to dive into the water—only to float back to the surface instantly.
He now lay on his back, staring up at the terrarium’s dome. He considered a moment, then tried to paddle with his vines beneath the surface, keeping his arms and legs locked against his body. Slow. He was making
