His eyes were filled with anger.
“They are not your nestmates. You are no criminal. They had no right to explore your memories, especially when you are pregnant, with no idea what the impact would be on a human.”
“Xylo. They asked. I accepted. They were trying to understand me—so they could help me,” I explained gently, trying to get him to understand.
“They should have had us there. They should have warned us. They should have used the infirmary knowing how fragile your pregnant state is and how important you are to the Aldawi. They did not take the right precautions—”
“It was a mistake, nestbrother. What is done is done. I am sure the princes realize their mistake. Now we should focus on Selena’s health, on getting her fed so she can rest in our nestbed,” Odelm calmly suggested, trying to defuse the heightened emotions in the room.
Xylo searched my face, his expression softening before looking over my shoulder at Odelm. “You are wise. Selena should be our focus at the moment.”
His face hardened as he looked back over at the princes. “I do not care you are my princes, Sires. I will continue this discussion with you once we get Selena settled and rested.”
“We understand, Master Scholar Xylo. We will speak with you whenever you are ready. Know that we are sorry and did not mean any harm to come to your clan. We were only trying to help. We did not know she would react that way, nor that it would cause such problems. Now that we do, it will not happen again,” Z’fir replied gravely.
“Make sure your nestqueen is taken care of, and we will speak with you at your discretion,” V’dim added.
Xylo swung his gaze back to me and scanned my body. I dropped my hands from his face and placed them over Odelm’s as Xylo said, “I am going to do my own tests on you, then you are going to let Odelm and me take care of you. We will have dinner in our room while you explain what happened. After that, we will have that bath you wanted and get you the rest you need. You will not argue with me—”
“Healer’s orders,” I interrupted, smiling at him.
His mouth twitched as his eyes regained their sparkle.
“Scholar’s orders.”
Chapter Thirty-Two Selena
I lounged on the couch in our suite, my body wrapped in a silver blanket. My still-disconcerted nestmates were treating me as though I was fragile and would either break or explode at any moment.
Xylo had refused to allow me to walk back to our quarters—instructing Odelm to carry me as he hovered protectively nearby. Kaede was, fortunately, keeping his distance. When we’d left the infirmary, it was K’dyth who stood guard. He’d mentioned Kaede was on the bridge and would remain until the princes were able to relieve him. I’d been relieved—what Kaede had said still hurt, and I wasn’t ready to face him.
Odelm had pulled my legs across his lap and was currently rubbing my feet. He hadn't left my side since he woke from his sedation—one of his hands or a tentacle in continuous contact. I think the earlier episode had woken all his fears I would sever our bond.
I didn't mind his attention. He was only seeking comfort, and the little touches made me feel cared for—and comforted. I thought for a moment as he stroked my calf. Far from minding the contact, his absentminded touches spread warmth throughout my body. I’d felt the same thing when I’d first met Xylo. It wasn't arousal. It was something else, something I’d been experiencing a lot lately around the two of them.
Xylo paced the floor of the common room. If he wasn’t careful, he’d wear a path in the carpet in his agitation. He hadn't said much since we’d left the infirmary. Both of my nestmates were quiet. I didn't know if they were still shaken from earlier, or if they were upset with me. I nibbled on the edge of a nail, unwilling to be the one to break the silence.
Xylo stopped his pacing and turned on me, his face furious.
“Selena. What in the Stars were you thinking? I need you to tell me why you did it.”
Odelm’s hands stilled on my feet. I kept my gaze on Odelm’s hands, afraid to meet Xylo’s gaze.
“I didn't know what they were suggesting would cause any trouble. It seemed like it would be helpful if the princes understood how I felt and could help when we reached the space station.”
“But why them? Why would you allow them to do something so intimate? Something only your nestmates should be able to experience with you?” Xylo demanded.
I could see his hands waving from the corner of my eye.
He was angry at me—so angry.
I shrank down in the sofa to make myself a smaller target. I waited for him to tell me what a failure I was as a nestqueen. How could I have allowed other males to do something so intimate? How could I have been so stupid to not realize only Favored nestmates should be allowed so close?
Was he ashamed of me? Did he regret bonding with me?
My heart raced, and my breathing quickened. Spots began to dance in front of my eyes.
I’d never seen Xylo like this before. Was this a side of him he kept hidden? Was this the real Xylo?
I shrank further into myself and closed my eyes, waiting for the blow.
“Xylo. She is terrified. This is your jealousy talking. Feel her. You are scaring her,” Odelm snapped.
I turned and buried my face in Odelm’s side, struggling to breathe. He wrapped his arm around me, holding me close. A sob escaped as I wrapped one arm around his chest, holding my stomach with the other.
The weight of the events of the day finally hit me.
It was too much.
I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath, filling my lungs with Odelm’s comforting, slightly sweet,
