Symi nodded quickly. “Yes, Sire.”
Zirene turned his attention to his Nova, who watched him with an eyebrow raised. Symi was nervous around him. He checked his aura, confirming he was projecting as he was trained to do around civilians. It was safe to assume Symi wasn’t used to being around royalty, which was acceptable, for most weren’t. He would have to make sure the Villa Headmaster grew comfortable around him and any other high-status guests Selena would invite to stay with her.
“Selena, are you interested in a tour of your villa’s grounds? That is, if you are well and rested enough to do so. I understand if you want to lounge around and take everything easy for now.”
Xylo squeezed Selena’s hand and smiled. “I believe you should take his offer if you are feeling up to it. I need to make sure the healing team has settled in and started inspecting the villa’s small infirmary. If it is okay with you?”
Selena bit her lip in hesitation and shot a glance at Zirene. “If that is what you would like to do.”
Odelm leaned forward and cupped her face, brushing his thumb over her lips. “None of that, Selena.”
She growled and nipped his thumb. Selena laughed as Odelm jerked his hand away in shock.
“I am assuming you want to unpack your instruments or something?” Her eyes softened. “Maybe even play? I know it’s been a while.”
Odelm hesitated as his tentacles adjusted themselves around him. “I would love to…”
Selena lifted her hand from his and pressed it between the pair of Odelm’s hearts. “Then go,” she said with a gentle smile. “I know how important it is to you and how long it’s been since you last played.”
“Are you sure?”
Selena rolled her eyes and sighed before climbing to her feet.
“You both have sacrificed a lot to take amazing care of me. While it will take some time to adjust to our new lives here, I would like you both to feel at home.” She looked over at Zirene and locked her eyes with his. “I believe Zirene has been waiting patiently to show me what he has created after all these years.”
“You are correct.”
Selena leaned over and gave both of her nestmates gave a quick kiss on their foreheads. “Loves, I am only one thought away. Have fun. Enjoy yourselves. We are at home.”
Selena walked over to Symi, who was trying to remain invisible to their private conversation, and held out her hand.
“I am not good at this… but I am happy you introduced yourself and hope we can get to know each other.”
Zirene watched the exchange as Symi looked down at Selena’s hand and slowly grabbed it. Selena smiled and gave it a few shakes before letting go.
“Thank you for the meal. It was delicious.”
“Page me if you need anything at any time, Lady Selena.”
Zirene offered his hand and hoped Selena would grab it. He purred as she willingly accepted it without hesitation with a smile on her face. He pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her waist, leading her out of the room. He looked over his shoulder at her nestmates.
“Take your time. I will bring her to the dining hall for the evening meal.”
Xylo nodded as a smile crossed Odelm’s face.
Selena halted and gasped as they exited her bedroom into the glass-domed, climate-controlled room.
“What is this?” she asked, staring at her surroundings in awe.
“This is your sanctuary—the central gathering location of your villa. It has artificial hot springs that flow down into the pool. The plant life is native to this island. I wanted to provide an indoor paradise where you can spend time with your clan and guests while being with nature. A carpet-like grass covers the ground, so you can relax and sunbathe while listening to Odelm’s music.”
“Odelm’s music?”
“See those three large archways under the balcony?” Zirene pointed to the left. “The closest one was made into Odelm’s music room. All of his large instruments were unpacked there while the rest were transferred to his bedroom—”
“What do you mean, his own bedroom?” Selena hissed.
“Selena, calm down. I can explain,” he sighed. “Down the middle archway is a hallway leading to three wings—your mates’ wing, the staff wing, and the warehouse. I didn’t know how many mates you would accept into your clan, so I designed ten rooms equipped with a bathroom and office. I figured they would need their own private quarters where they can work, relax, or store their things. It wasn’t meant to hurt you.”
“Ten? You believe I will have ten mates?” she asked in disbelief.
“It’s better than Kaede’s suggestion of twenty. He believed you would take in any unmated Circuli with a story.”
“Twenty?” she choked. “Is that how he thinks of me?”
“No one knows with him.” Zirene pressed gently on her back, trying to change the subject while continuing their tour. “Selena. Think of it this way. What if one of your mates wanted some alone time with just you? They would have a private place of their own to entertain you. Or if you decided for some reason you wanted to sleep with one mate, the others would have their own bed for the night.”
“Yeah, but—”
“Things may be going well now, but no one knows how everything will be once you take in the princes completely and officially as a part of your clan. Or perhaps sometime in the future, you connect with a male who doesn’t share well. They would need time to adjust,” he explained as they came to the final archway along the left side. “Here is your dining hall. You have a head chef and a bartender capable of creating anything you wish. You see, Selena, I designed your villa to have an open location where your whole clan and guests can gather and enjoy themselves freely. There is an abundance of seating along the walls and dining hall to allow private conversations in the relaxing social atmosphere.”
Selena pulled away from him and
