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This was clearly not lost on Lerix because the male offered a scornful smile before picking up his cup and sipping casually from it rather than politely wait for the prince to partake first. Swallowing deeply from his cup, Lerix’s tongue swept over his lip, and he offered a fanged grin. Whatever services he offered, he clearly either did not like the prince specifically, or bore a strong dislike in general for the Calysii.
“Do tell. I was not informed of the exact details outside of the fact that the unique services my mate and I offer were asked for.”
A blush rose into Gaix’s face as his mouth tightened with displeasure, but he smoothed out his expression and likewise took up a cup that was promptly poured by a server waiting in the wings. He took a sip, prolonging it for a long moment before clearing his throat.
“Yes. Well, as I said. We desire your services. We understand that there are some islands of Kaidava that are restricted. We were told that you have been to the islands many times and in fact your family trades in some of the products that you regularly acquire. As such I was told that you would be a good fit for the sort of excursion that I am looking forward to enjoying with my mates. A once in a lifetime experience for our Valentine’s celebration.”
Lerix frowned. “You do understand that they are restricted for good reason, right? There are dangerous predators on the islands. These are not civilized parts of Kaidava. It is dangerous for Kadesh, much less humans with far less natural defenses.”
Varik’s vibinum prickled and lifted slightly with alarm but Gaix rolled a hand dismissively.
“Yes. Yes. I expect that there will be considerable compensation required when taking such dangers into consideration. You will be paid handsomely for it and I have full confidence that you will keep us safe. As far as I am concerned, it is worth the cost of the required accommodation to have a spectacular experience that other males of my station cannot boast of having done with their own mates previously. Besides, we will have my guards with us to assist and I shall not even demand a discount for providing them.”
The Kadesh’s brows rose, and Varik fought the urge to swipe a frustrated hand over his face. Lorgor were a large, tough species but the prince truly had to believe that they were capable of unrealistic feats if he thought even his team officers were prepared to handle unknown and dangerous wildlife without preparation. Even with weeks to prepare, such conditions were not ones that they would willingly bring untrained individuals into.
“My, how generous,” Lerix drawled, the corner of his mouth inching up in cool amusement. “And how many males do you have at your disposal?”
Gaix shrugged and looked over at Varik. “Remind me, how many accompanied us planet-side, captain?”
“Six, not including myself,” Varik gritted between his teeth.
His frustration and disgust with the male was mounting by the minute. The Calysii royalty were arrogant and inconsiderate of their Lorgor workers at the best of times, but it seemed that the prince saw his officers as nothing more than fodder to be exploited. That he could not even recall their count was a good indication that he probably would not even notice if the males did not make it back to the ship.
At either side of the door, Gewell and Shelk, out of the direct line of sight of the Calysii, exchanged a knowing look as Gaix shot Lerix a triumphant smile.
“You see, with six strong Lorgor males at your assistance, you will not even be inconvenienced. It cannot be that bad if you are taking your own human there.”
That was not the thing to say. Lerix expression went from cool to frosty in a matter of seconds.
“You assume much, Calysii. Cara does not accompany me to the islands, nor do my offspring. To even suggest that I would foolishly endanger my mate in such a way…” The female in question placed a hand on his chest and leaned forward to whisper something in his ear.
He closed his eyes as he drew in a ragged breath in an obvious attempt to calm himself and gave a short nod. When he opened them again, he was once more composed but the disgust in his eyes was evident to any perceptive male.
“Very well. My mate has convinced me, but this will be astonishingly expensive, and I will not be responsible should there be any accidents. In fact, I have a waiver,” he added, and his mate slid a datapad over. “It bars me from any responsibility of accidental death or dismemberment. I will do my best to transport you safely on and off the island but am not responsible for anything that occurs there beyond basic security in designated zones that I have established. Anything beyond that is… well… as the humans say, ‘it’s your funeral.’”
Athdar’s jaw tightened. “There will be consequences if you do not return with the prince.”
“I would assume so, but I cannot guarantee in how many pieces if he choses to do this,” Lerix drawled, an amused look once more creeping onto his face as he gave the male a sharp grin. “Those are my terms. And you did say that you have adequate protection,” he added, his gaze trailing over to Varik and his officers.
“That is acceptable,” Gaix agreed as he placed his bio-digital signature on the pad and affirmed the transfer of credits. His smile grew as settled back into his chair. “Now that the unpleasantness of business has been taken care of, shall we turn to more pleasurable pursuits. Jonthuri Kaidava has quite the reputation of being a culinary experience that one should not miss.”
“Indeed, it does,” Lerix agreed. “If you forgive me, I shall leave you to your dining then. My mate and I have other business that requires our attention and younglings waiting for us to return home. Enjoy your meal. It is certainly one not to be missed and not bad for what could be among one of your last ones,” he added lightly.
There was a pregnant silence as Gaix sat expressionless as he weighed whether to be insulted or not until he finally laughed and nodded. “Of course. Mates and younglings keep a male busy. Even with a full staff to care for my offspring and my gonsi here, I find it necessary from time to time to seek a respite for myself. It seems that I’ve provided an occasion for you to do likewise. You should be thanking me for this opportunity,” he added, his eyes narrowing on the Kadesh.
For the first time that night, Lerix’s smile reached his eyes but that was something off about it that made Varik wary. “Oh, I do. I am enormously grateful for this very special opportunity,” he purred as he stood. “Be prepared. Dawn in two days’ time on the resort’s harbor.” Tipping his head in farewell, the male wrapped his arm around his mate and escorted her from the room, ducking around the server who hurried in and bowed.
“Refreshments, prince?” the female breathed.
Gaix’s smile turned flirtatious, and he lightly nudged his mates closest to him to make space as his eyes roved over the female. “Oh yes. And I must say that I am suddenlyveryhungry.”
Varik snorted quietly to himself and sighed inwardly as he exchanged another look with his officers. It was going to be a long afternoon. By the time the parade of platters was over, and the prince’s other appetite was satisfied by those few who lingered to happily take his cock as he dined while his mates looked on, Varik was beyond the limits of disgust and felt a desperate desire to cleanse himself.
By the gods, he had never regretted being right more. More than ever, he needed the solstice of his female. He needed to connect with her even more now that Gaix was determined to go further with his insane plan. It was illegal, but then so was everything about what he felt for his little blossom. It no longer made any difference. She was all that mattered.
ChapterFourteen
If ever there was a sight on an alien world to write home to, the beauty of Kaidava would have been one of them. Stacey looked out over the pristine pink beach that led to a sunset orange sea beneath the violet sky. The resort owned a large stretch of coastline with several cabana scattered across it. Tropical flowers grew thickly along the bushes that skirted the edges of the beach and even some of the rocky ridges that rose up from the sand boasted rough leafy crests covered with tiny blooms. There was even some sort of giant floral lifeform growing from this side of the Moforloray Trench that could be spotted within the cresting waves, the pale petals rippling with the current. It was borderline magical. A fucking six-year-old’s unicorn planet.
