“Wait. Prince Z’fir was serious when he said they were giving me Prince V’dim’s Royal Suite?” I gasped.
“The princes gave her one of their Royal Suites?” Odelm asked, his voice laced with confusion and shock.
I turned to Xylo and eyed him, awaiting confirmation.
He shrugged. “Yes, it is true. There are no vacant rooms available on the ship with a nestbed in them. All the vacant rooms are single housing. It was assumed since you were able to court bond with me, you may accept me fully—and perhaps others before we arrive at CEG HQ.”
Wait. They actually thought I’d be accepting more males before we arrived at CEG HQ? I still didn’t know what to do with the one I had. The connection with my children’s Aldawi father and the new court bond with Xylo were already too much to process—not to mention my pregnancy. Adding any more males was ridiculous. It would only add more stress to my life.
Letting go of Xylo’s arm, I fell back in my seat, took a steadying sip of my drink, then leaned back and closed my eyes. Xylo’s vine was still wrapped around my wrist, squeezing in comfort as I tried not to let everything I needed to do before we arrived at the space station—and I gave birth—overwhelm me.
“Okay, one day at a time. I have a lot to think about.” I glanced at Xylo. “And I think there are a lot of things we need to discuss. When can we?”
He gave me a gentle smile. “We can start tonight before bed if you want.”
Returning his smile, I whispered, “I’d like that.”
Chapter Seventeen Selena
We stepped out of the lift on the way to my new suite. It was late and my body ached. I was ready to turn in for the night... but first, I needed to have that much-needed conversation with Xylo.
Kaede broke into my reverie. “The princes assigned me a cabin down the hall from you. Use your wristband to locate me if needed.”
“Okay.”
I didn't know why I’d need his assistance with anything—or protection for that matter—but I didn't make a fuss. If he’d been sent by the Aldawi to protect the ship and me, I wasn't going to make his job harder. I had more freedom than I ever had before. If today was a sample of what was to come, I’d have no complaints—not even with Kaede looking over my shoulder.
Xylo led me to the door and placed his hand on the scanner, Kaede trailing behind us. The door slid open revealing a large room.
“Welcome to your new quarters, Selena,” Xylo said as he stepped back, gesturing for me to enter.
The first thing I noticed was a back wall exactly like the café, the large window overlooking the terrarium. Slipping past Xylo, I pressed my face against the glass and looked down. My new room faced the pond. Looking up, I could see space through the terrarium’s dome.
“What do you think?” Xylo questioned behind me.
“It’s beautiful,” I murmured, not wanting to pull my eyes away from the view of space.
“Let me give you a tour of the suite, then you can continue stargazing if you want.”
Agreeing, I turned around. Xylo stood between a wall unit and another door. Kaede leaned casually against the arm of a couch, scanning the large room we were standing in.
“This is the suite’s common room. As you can see, there are a few sets of chairs with side tables and a large couch perfect for socializing. Along this wall is the drink dispenser. There is a data screen installed in this wall that allows you to link your wristband to display newscasts or any other information you need. Down the hallway behind Kaede are a pair of bathrooms and individual rooms, typically used to store belongings. Through this door next to me is the master bedroom where the nestbed and master bathroom are located.”
“All this is mine?” I stared at him, aghast.
“We already went over this. The princes don't want to offend the Aldawi by giving you—an important person of interest—a normal single cabin.” Kaede, his focus centered on whatever he was doing on his armband, tilted his head toward the master bedroom door. “I had the crew place your belongings in your bedroom.”
“My belongings? What belongings?”
“My contact wanted to make sure your every need was provided for prior to your arrival.”
I was utterly overwhelmed.
I couldn't believe the suite was all mine. Well, mine and whoever I took as a nestmate. That was something I still had to wrap my mind around. I had whiplash from the speed at which I’d gone from being a failed prototype to being given a Royal Suite. I didn't understand why the Aldawi had given me so much nor what he had to do with it.
How much easier and more exciting it would be to stay on this ship and join the Circuli as they explored the galaxy, seeking a planet for a new colony. Being restricted once again held little appeal—not after my first taste of freedom.
I examined the Royal Suite. It had an elegant, sleek design, everything in shades of black, silver, and blue that complemented one another well. But the room was so sterile, I had to wonder if Prince V’dim had moved all his belongings to Prince Z’fir’s suite. The room lacked individuality—that personal touch—though it wasn’t like I had anything with me to remedy that sad lack. Perhaps Xylo would when he moved in?
I ran my hand along the dark blue loveseat near the glass wall.
“Kaede, do you know your contact’s plans for me?”
Kaede paused in his typing. “Of course, I do. I am your Head of Security. Whether or not I’m allowed to tell you anything is another story. It is up to my contact to disclose his identity and plans to you.”
“I’d appreciate it if someone who’s supposed to be my Head of Security would at least tell me what to expect when we arrive.
