I could see myself falling for both of them.
I sent another prayer to the Stars and the Fates—they certainly seemed to be watching out for me thus far.
My stomach growled, pulling me from my thoughts, and I chuckled with embarrassment. My nestmates looked at me with concern.
“Let us get something in you,” Xylo suggested. “When was the last time you ate?”
I laughed. “You’d think I hadn’t eaten in days, but I had lunch with Odelm before his performance. Before I passed out, and he had to carry me here.”
“I am sure this is pregnancy-related. It takes a lot of energy to meet the needs of the offspring growing inside you. Let us get you something to eat—and see if Kaede is still waiting for us in the common room.”
As we reentered the room, I spotted Kaede sitting on the couch with his legs up, working away at his personal armband. He glanced up, gaze roaming across the three of us before it settled on mine.
“Everything okay?” His melodious voice was laced with worry.
I smiled, pleased to see proof Kaede cared. He’d waited to make sure I was okay but had allowed Xylo and Odelm privacy to check on me.
“Yes. Everything’s okay now... but I’m hungry.”
I checked the time on my wristband.
“Looks like we missed the regular dinner hour. Can we still go down and get something to eat at the café?” I asked with concern.
“Of course, it is always open,” Odelm replied.
Xylo and Odelm each slid a hand in one of mine. I stole peeks up at them as we walked. They both seemed happier, proud, more confident. I smiled to myself, relieved they clearly felt they were getting as much out of this as I was.
I let my guilt and worry go, excited for our future.
Chapter Twenty-Six Selena
Throughout our meal, I observed Odelm and Xylo’s interactions. They were animated, all resentment or strain seemed to have dissolved. I wasn’t sure whether their happiness was simply having a clan, a nestqueen, or if it was me specifically—most likely a combination of the two. Ultimately, it was about finally finding a place where they belonged.
They spent the entire dinner devising a schedule to ensure I would never be alone.
Xylo warned symptoms of my pregnancy would get worse before I delivered. Odelm changed his performance schedule to the hours between lunch and dinner, so I could study quietly in the café while he performed. I was thrilled they were working so well together and knew it was because they cared. So, I kept my mouth shut at the heavy-handed protection, shaking my head at them with a laugh.
Resting my hands on my stomach, I watched Kaede.
He was silent, simply observing the three of us. Once in a while, he would type something into his armband, but there were no random comments. He didn’t try to take over the plans, claiming his right as my Head of Security. It was strange—he hadn’t ever seemed to do much for someone supposedly in charge of my safety. I hardly saw him. I wondered whether he simply felt there wasn’t much to do on the secure ship, or if he was using alternate means to track me and keep me safe. I certainly recalled his invisible drones...
At that moment, he raised his head, visor turned toward me, catching me watching him. I hastily turned toward Odelm, trying to act as if I hadn’t been studying Kaede.
“Odelm, when were you planning to move in? Isn’t that an important tradition once you form a courting bond? Unless, of course, you don’t want to. I mean, you certainly don’t have to... I don’t want you to think...”
I cut off my embarrassed babbling and grabbed my drink. I couldn’t believe I had just assumed... With all the changes, all the upheaval, my heart felt raw.
It would certainly be handy to be able to sense things from them as they could from me. I couldn’t detect a thing though I had tried. It made me feel we weren’t on even terms. It was disconcerting.
Odelm’s hand gently lifted my chin, making me face him. His eyes traced my face.
“Selena. I am sorry. I did not mean to make you feel vulnerable. Of course, I wish to move in with you. I just got wrapped up in plans to ensure your health and safety. In my excitement, I forgot to register myself to your clan and list you as my nestqueen. I have a lot of instruments and belongings stored in my cabin and will need to enlist some help to move them.”
“I think there are several empty spare rooms in the suite. Take one as yours, there should be plenty of space.” I turned to Xylo for confirmation. “Right? I hadn’t really explored much yet and wasn’t around when you moved in, but I think there’s a lot of room?”
Xylo nodded over my head at Odelm. “Yes. I put my personal belongings in one of those rooms, and there are plenty of others empty, especially since I left most of my research in my office at the infirmary.” He glanced at his wristband. “There is still plenty of time to register and move before bed.”
“Really?”
“Certainly. I can help, and I am sure we can find a few others willing.” Xylo peered over at Kaede. “Would you keep Selena company while we move Odelm's belongings? If it gets too late and she grows tired, you can take her back to the suite for bed. I do not want her to lose any sleep waiting on us.”
Kaede closed his armband screen and nodded. “No problem. Happy to help out.”
“Okay, let us get moving before it gets too late. You can fill out the registration form along the way and contact the princes about the change.” Xylo gestured to Odelm, and they slid out of the booth.
I watched my two nestmates leave the café as Kaede
