Kaede lifted his head from his armband as if he felt my gaze. I looked away, not wanting to deal with him before we met the welcome party. If he wanted to clear whatever was between us, he would already have done so. I didn’t need to embarrass myself by becoming emotional over him.
“The welcome party is here. It is time,” Kaede announced.
I addressed my nestmates. “No matter what happens, know I love you both. I want to thank you for everything.”
Xylo placed both of his hands on my shoulders and locked his pupilless teal eyes with mine. “Stop thinking negatively. The Aldawi rulers are fair. You have nothing to worry about. We will go wherever you go.”
“It’s time to get in formation,” K’dyth announced.
Xylo nodded and gently turned me around.
Kaede was to lead our group through the docking tunnel to the Aldawi’s Royal Docking Lobby with both princes, and K’dyth following closely behind him. The rest of the security team would be spaced out behind us.
Requiring this much security in a place that was supposed to be safe concerned me.
Did they really think traveling with me would bring so much unwanted attention? Was there a hidden threat I should know about? Or should I be worried that my greatest nightmare of being transferred from my old masters, the Yaarkins, to new ones, the Aldawi, would become reality?
A loud hissing filled the air as the doors slid open.
Our parade followed Kaede down the windowless metallic corridor. Every step I took made a clicking noise from the black boots they told me to wear, adding to the tense atmosphere radiating from those surrounding me. Slowly, I pulled up the black hood of my cloak to block the cool air from hitting my face. Secretly, I hoped it would hide my hair from any spectators.
I knew it was pointless. Kaede was the only other person in this line dressed other than me, and he was in front. Of course, if anyone knew who was who among the procession, they would know I was the one hidden under a cloak. But I still felt braver with it on because it covered all the spots on my skin. The only ones capable of seeing them would be those close enough to peer underneath my hood.
I just wanted to get this all over with. I didn’t know how I was going to deal with the sire of my cubs. It was too hard to guess what would happen once those doors opened. I hoped the few laws I had learned could sway any arguments in my favor. The one thing I didn’t regret was the time I spent with Kaede, who gave me a lot of advice about Aldawi and CEG laws.
I hoped that would be enough.
I could see the tunnel getting brighter as we continued to its exit. Only the sound of our walking filled the silence, and that worried me.
Wasn’t there supposed to be a welcome party?
After being lectured about how important it was to stay in line, I was afraid to lean past K’dyth’s body to see. At moments like this, I hated being so short.
Suddenly, K’dyth halted in front of me. I barely stopped in time to prevent myself from crashing into his back.
By the Stars, what happened?
We had arrived in the Royal Docking Lobby. To my surprise, multiple Aldawi in black, purple, and silver bare-chested outfits were standing at attention, around the room, their faces hardened as they watched us intently.
“Prince Royak Zarcaw, Heir to the Aldawi Throne, Ruler of the Nerawm Star System, and Prince Zirene Zarcaw, Second Prince to the Aldawi Throne, Ruler of the Lunkai Star System, welcomes Prince V’dim of the Ulax, and Prince Z’fir of the Wudox to CEG Headquarters,” a growly, deep voice boomed.
The Aldawi guards spread their legs shoulder length apart and crossed their arms across their chests, with their hands tightened into fists, as they chanted, “By the Crown.” They swiftly dropped their arms back to their sides and returned to attention.
As my gaze skimmed over the Aldawi princes, a familiar pair of amethyst eyes locked onto mine.
What did I get myself into?
Chapter Two Zirene
Zirene’s body was buzzing with anticipation as he stood next to his littermate and slightly older brother, Royak.
A few days ago, he requested Royak come to CEG HQ to help him with the dire situation regarding Selena and the cubs. His brother was skeptical, but he knew better than to doubt Zirene after he first discovered what they were now calling demi-humans nine years ago. Zirene knew with Royak on his side, the rest of the CEG would be hesitant to go against his claim on Selena and their cubs. They wouldn’t want to offend both the heir and the heir apparent of the Aldawi Empire.
“Are you sure about this?” Royak whispered.
He met his brother’s pale lavender eyes. “You know who she is to me and what I would do to have her by my side.”
“I stand beside you, brother. Always. I just wanted to make sure you haven’t reconsidered.”
“After waiting for almost nine years, I am ready to have her fill her spot next to me, where she belongs.” Zirene eyed the doors where Selena and her party would soon enter.
Royak sighed. “If she is the answer to the problem all CEG scientists have been trying to solve, we may have a battle on our hands.”
“They can try,” he hissed.
Royak placed a paw on Zirene’s shoulder and squeezed it, moving into his field of vision.
“I am not your enemy.” Royak locked his eyes onto his and narrowed them. “You know you are the one I want by my side when I take over the throne. If you want her, you need to follow my lead. I would do everything in my power to protect her and your
