Chapter Thirty

It hadn’t been long since Rel had left to fetch drinks, yet my mind was already whirring. I had already decided I wouldn’t try to seduce Rel into cooperating. If I was going to seduce him, it would be under my own terms—not the military’s. My motivations would be objectively more fun, too.

Which left me with the issues at hand: how to convince Rel to agree to train me, determine what was going on with me, and figure out how many of my problems were related to the Syldrari. Oh, and figure out why Rel had asked if I found him attractive. And why was my answer interesting, anyway? He clearly knows he’s attractive, so what else did he expect my answer to be? Or, was the answer expected too—and it’s interesting for some other reason? That could be trouble.

There was a faint knock before Rel opened the door. His gaze went briefly hazy, but clarity instantly returned, and he fixed an amused smile in my direction. Hell, the drinks on the tray he was carrying didn’t even waver.

“You chose quite the daring fragrance, didn’t you?” Rel glided across the room and placed a glowing white-to-orange drink in front of me. He gave me a sultry smile, his fingers lingering to glide up the glass briefly. “Or did you get dragged deeper into Xilen’s machinations?”

“My choices were my own. I’ve been trying to get better about establishing my likes and dislikes.” I reached for the drink, but he caught my wrist, shaking his head faintly as his thumb pressed into the underside of my wrist.

“Let it sit. There’s one more addition. They’ll both taste better after soaking.” Rel dropped three skewers of different, but pretty, shiny-glowing things into my drink. Then, he sat across from me again, studying me intently. “Do you understand why I asked you to stay here instead of joining us on the main floor?”

I nodded. “You’re concerned that I may be a queen, and that…whatever it is that queens do, is starting to effect the residents of the Syldrari Sector. If they believe I’m a queen—or somehow confirm it—they may report me to the R’selkti queen. Which would be…problematic.”

“You’re in denial that you’re Syldrari?” Rel raised an eyebrow at me, then nudged my drink toward me.

“Denial? Not exactly. It’s more accurate to say that I don’t like the implications, and how few answers are left, if it is true.” I reached forward and grabbed the ice-cold drink. “Alcoholic?”

“You did say you are off duty,” Rel answered with an amused smile. “And, I did say we would have a drink together. Now…you were saying?”

“Let’s say I am a queen…” I grimaced at the thought. “Then I must ask why I was on this planet, if I was in hiding, if I had anyone with me, or if I’d even been discovered yet. Then, there’s the matter of the Incident itself. It caused clear issues with me and my team—but why? It seems likely to me that either Clan R’selkti targeted us specifically—or someone from the imperial government did something to manipulate the situation. Then there’s the issue of getting my answers. Anyone who could give me answers is dead, suffering amnesia like I am, or an enemy that I’m going to—”

Rel chuckled and leaned forward, “ Elara .”

“What?” I pouted and picked up my drink, taking a tentative sip.

“I am beginning to understand why Zafir wants you to play along and question as little as possible,” Rel remarked, an amused smile spreading across his lips. “If you start getting answers, you might catapult your progress irreversibly and he’s afraid to see what will happen. Or, is he concerned his carefully laid plans will be ruined…hmm…”

“He’s mentioned leaving the planet with me if I have to take up Xilen on her offer to evacuate me,” I offered, earning a sharp look from Rel. “What?”

“If you reach such a point, it would be safer for you with me or Jysel. Xilen is intelligent and manipulative, certainly, but hers is a clan of merchants . They are not equipped to defend more than one queen,” Rel spoke dangerously, his eyes narrowing. “In a clan such as hers, all resources are directed toward protecting her. With the V’shir…and whatever Jysel decides to name his clan, our resources are free for us to do as we please with them. I have the V’shir elders, including myself, well-protected. The remainder is spread throughout the sector or taking on various tasks in others.

“Then of course, there’s Jysel, who mobilized his entire forces based on the information you delivered. Of course, he’s too busy sulking over our mother’s behavior to recognize the degree of freedom he now has.”

“He seems a lot more spoiled than you,” I remarked dryly, but Rel shook his head. “Oh? Are you saying you’re the spoiled one?”

“Hardly. Neither of us were spoiled—we’re Lun’iri.” Rel downed nearly half his drink before continuing, “I adapted at a much earlier age to our situation—he craved attention and recognition for much longer. In fact, he was at one point willing to be groomed into the perfect marriage candidate our mother wanted us both to be.

“I grasped my independence, he struggled with his. By now, I’d imagine he’s made just about every mistake any attention-starved boy would. Thankfully, he began to grow up when our father took him under his wing and began training him with the fleet. Of course, you’re aware of how that ended.”

“And so, the puppy found himself ‘alone’ again,” I remarked with a grimace. “Then, I take it the reason people apparently find you more difficult to get along with is because he seeks out attention and you’re fine without it?”

“It would be simpler to leave it at that explanation, yes,” Rel answered with a mysterious smile. “However, I will add, that I typically repel attention because I dislike what I get. You, at least…are respectful and interesting. Of course, you have your infuriating moments, but I believe disciplining you would be entertaining enough to balance it.”

“And it’s normal to be this open about topics?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Of course. It’s difficult for us to hide things.” Rel motioned at his arm, which was glowing a light, almost white, pink. “I don’t know how Zafir does what he does. Even knowing that withholding information from you is best for your health, it goes against every instinct and everything I’ve learned as a Syldrari. Quite frankly, it feels like a betrayal—especially when you are so understanding of why we are holding back.”

“It’s logical to keep information from me if it will do more harm than good,” I pointed out flatly. “That doesn’t mean I like it, by any stretch. It often pisses me off, but yes, I understand it. I’ve simply decided to take the approach of wringing answers out of one of you once I can safely do so. Now then—”

Rel blurred into a streak for a moment before suddenly appearing to my right on the bench. I gave him a questioning look as he casually took another sip of his drink, and I felt one of his arms behind my shoulders.

“The least I can do is be a good confidant, even if I can’t give you all the information you desire,” Rel suggested in that cool, calming tone of his. “And, yes. I fully expect you to hold me to telling you all I know.

“Which…as matters are currently progressing, may be sooner than you think. Of course, it depends on what Jysel finds at the end of this lead he’s following, but…”

“But?” I prompted, shifting toward him, not at all bothered that I was pressed up against his side. Then, I sighed and decided to rephrase just in case. “Let me guess—it may or may not be related to me, thus the ‘but.’ You don’t want to get my hopes up.”

“Your draw doesn’t affect me as strongly as the others,” Rel informed me with an amused smile, bringing his fingers up under my chin. “But…I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

Rel leaned down…but then stopped, a positively devious smile spreading across his face. “I should go check on your food.”

And just like that, he stood up and left the room. With him gone, I suddenly realized I was holding my breath and my pulse was racing. I growled to myself in frustration before picking up my drink and taking a healthy swig of the sweet-sour alcohol. That goddamn tease. He knew exactly what he was doing. Is this what I get for my behavior? Hmph. Next time I’ll just pin him to a wall myself…no I won’t. Tempting, but no, I don’t think I have the guts for that.

I tapped my nails against the table as I considered methods for revenge—methods that all slipped my mind when Rel returned with a full pitcher of the alcohol, and a tray of snacks. However, he gave me an odd look when he spotted me.

“Your eyes…” Rel murmured as he put his cargo down. I moved to reach for a snack, but he turned me away from the table and toward him, promptly grasping my face in both hands as he studied me.

“What?” I asked, a little disgruntled by the face-smooshing that was going on.

“Hmm…” Rel gently turned my face at an angle. “We may need to ask Zafir or Jysel about what they use to hide their eyes. Your pupils are visible at certain angles—though they’re inactive.”

“Inactive?” I asked begrudgingly.

“Yes, such as… Look at mine,” Rel offered. When I complied, all his pupils aside from the central one closed down to barely perceptible specks. “I would wager that your ‘link’ to your additional pupils and retinae hasn’t mended yet. Even so, your ‘human skin’ is…slipping.”

“Are you going to let go of my face now?” I grumbled, giving him an unamused look—but he remained fascinated. “What now?”

“You’re not at all perturbed by my proximity—meaning the humans failed to reprogram you,” Rel remarked curiously, before leaning closer and smirking. “Do you still want me to kiss you?”

I felt heat rush to my cheeks, and Rel released a delighted laugh, his devious expression turning bright.

“My, what a pretty shade of blue you’ve turned,” Rel remarked as he released my face. He picked up his drink in a graceful movement and returned to his seat across the table from me. “I think, instead of indulging you, I will keep my distance so you can stabilize before returning to HQ. It wouldn’t do for you to be so visibly inhuman when you return. And, no, I will not get you a mirror. Pout all you like—it’s quite endearing.”

“Hmph. Just keep racking up that karma…” I grumbled at him and picked up one of the snacks—some kind of savory skewered stack of…something. Meat? I was pretty sure it was meat.

“Karma? Ah—that human construct. I do not believe in karma,” Rel informed me cheerfully as he reclined back with his drink in one hand and pulled the top few buttons of his shirt loose with the other.

For the love of… I groaned internally, feeling a few excited twitches run through my body at the peek of his throat and chest. Irritated, I narrowed my eyes at him. “Neither do I. That doesn’t mean I can’t make my own karma.”

Rel spread his arms to the side in a welcoming motion and gave me a confident look. “You are most welcome to try.”

I huffed and downed the rest of my drink, then reached for the pitcher and poured a new glass. “I take it Ciheri and Aldiner are in charge if cooking? They won’t burn anything down?”

“Indeed. I decided you require supervision.” Rel’s gaze drifted down my torso, then back up to my face. “What else did you acquire? I doubt Xilen or any of her clothiers would have allowed you to stop at one outfit.”

“I’m not giving you a fashion show.”

“Perhaps I simply want to know how difficult you’ve made it to undress you?” Rel countered, tilting his head faintly as he continued to study me. “Convenient as a wardrobe module may be, there’s something irreplaceable about removing a partner’s attire by hand in the heat of the moment.”

Before I could formulate a response to snap back with, there was a knock at the door and then Ciheri poked his head in. “Um, everything’s ready. Should I help Elara carry her things?”

“No, I’ll be escorting her.” Rel knocked back the rest of his drink and handed the pitcher and my glass to Ciheri. “Prepare our drinks to go and add a few thermoses of non-alcoholic beverages to her order.”

“You’re going to escort me?” I raised an eyebrow in suspicion when he offered me a hand. Against my better judgement, I took it.

“I am not letting you walk around at night and by yourself looking or smelling the way you do.” He informed me, pulling me to my feet and a little closer than necessary. He leaned down with a warning look, his voice taking on a melodic, soothing quality. “And as much as it pains me to say it— calm down . There’s nothing I can do to hide your flushed complexion.”

“Oh wonderful, you have the aural equivalent of a cold shower.” I sighed in agitation. “You spend all the time pushing my buttons just to—”

“Of course, we can’t have you being discovered,” Rel answered innocently. “And now I know just how dangerous it is to toy with you…entertaining as it is. Of course, further testing will have to wait for a safer environment. Now, hand me your bags.”

Begrudgingly, I did as he asked and followed him downstairs. The temptation to give him a sharp smack across the ass was high, but I wasn’t confident I’d miss his swishing tail.

“…how are we going to carry all this?” I raised an eyebrow at the mountain of food and drink waiting for us. Beside it, a good three dozen jars of ludrán waited, but Ceyoh was nowhere to be found.

“Quite easily.” Rel set my bags down and walked behind the bar, where he fetched a ring and slid it on. Then, cyan light emitted from the ring and scanned the foodstuffs, much how my wardrobe module functioned. “Ah, and I believe I left something upstairs. One moment.”

Right, the badge. I thought, still not exactly clear on if he was cooperating. When he returned, he made a show of sliding the box into his pocket and strolled past me with an entertained smile. I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at him and instead asked, “Are we ready then? I’ll take some of the bags—”

“No, you won’t.” Rel lifted the bags in both hands and walked off. “You may, however, get the door.”

I opened the door and hurried after him when he strode through it. “But I should at least take some—”

“No.”

“But—”

“I said no . Now, accept my help and join me or I will carry you too.”

“You stubborn…” I grumbled to myself as I fell into step with him. “You’re not a manservant.”

“No, I’m not. I’m a gentleman who wants to make certain his lady friend will be quite alright when walking in heels after indulging in hard liquor.”

“…that was hard liquor?” I raised an eyebrow.

He laughed. “Well, it was a mixed drink that I’m considering adding to the menu. What do you think—should it make the cut?”

“I think it could use a few tweaks; the sweetness is overpowering the sour currently. Unless you wanted it to be more sweet than sour?” I murmured thoughtfully. “Ah, or perhaps the idea is that people will buy more and more, chasing the sour notes?”

“Oh dear, she’s caught on to my secrets!” Rel remarked dramatically, before laughing and shaking his head. “I want it to be sweet. Perhaps I can concoct a sourer drink for you—something with syezei ?”

“Which one is that, again?”

He shot me an amused smile. “I believe you described it as citrusy. More than half your ludrán jars are syezei flavor.”

“Ohhh, yes that could be good. If you kept this drink’s level of sweetness and then pumped up the…” I trailed off and gave Rel a questioning look when he slowed to a stop. “What is it?”

“Where are we going?” Rel asked, giving me a sheepish smile.

“Oh! Right, this way, down past Therys-shyerr. And, I need to call my driver-guard-man-thing too.” I pulled out my communicator and navigated through a few menus.

“That you Elara?” Erik asked over the sound of loud dance music in the background.

“Yeah, my guest and I are on the way to the car now. We’ll wait for you there, Erik,” I answered.

“…are you drunk? You sound different.” Erik asked amusedly.

“Not yet,” I answered simply. “See you at the car.”

Rel raised an eyebrow at me. “You have a driver now? Or a guard?”

“Hmm? Oh, I don’t think he’s mine, but he’s driven me a few times,” I offered with a shrug, then glanced down at the bags. “Are you sure I can’t—”

“The more you ask, the longer I will wait to indulge any of your more entertaining desires,” Rel informed me with a cheerful smile. “Now, what else can you tell me before we get to your HQ?”

“Oh…uh, all I really know is that everyone has been briefed on who you are so there’s no mix-ups. And, they’ve been told to treat you as a member of staff. Most conversations should proceed normally, though they’re supposed to be mindful of some topics.”

“Interesting…” Rel murmured. “All this to make certain you receive training?”

Why does it sound naughty when he says it? I peered at him, noting the faint smirk he shot me. Maybe that was why. “Apparently, if they’re going to keep me on past retirement, I need to be…better. They would be keeping me on to train new blood, but my performance isn’t satisfactory. I’m holding back too much against my sparring partners and equipment, so I don’t break them permanently.”

“Break them, hmmm…” Rel murmured, smirking, and I decided I really didn’t want to know what he was thinking. “I will have to inspect the training area. Do you know how much I’ll have access to?”

“All the above ground floors aside from the top few, and the first four basement levels, I think,” I answered after a moment. “Most of the building is housing and recreational areas for everyone involved—and their families. We have some training areas up by my floor, but it’s more likely we’ll be using the ones underground. They’re sturdier.”

“Elara!” Erik waved one hand when he spotted us approaching, keeping his rifle pointed down at the ground with the other. Then, his gaze flicked to Rel and he let out a low whistle. “Damn. I understand the briefing now. Most people involved in the project are too young to quickly identify differences. Rel, I take it? Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Rel nodded, then accepted the handshake Erik offered him.

“You weren’t wearing that earlier,” Erik remarked, glancing back to me.

“It’s a long story. Let’s summarize it with, ‘Queen Xilen decided to have me lavished with new luxuries.’” I shook my head, then opened one of the vehicle doors for myself. “Shall we?”

“I’ll open the trunk,” Erik offered to Rel, casting a glance at the bags. “Thanks for not letting her take the load.”

“Oh, come on,” I groaned.

“Her stubbornness is nothing against mine.” Rel laughed as he set the bags in the trunk. “Now then, where will I…?”

“In back with Elara—you’re a guest and all,” Erik answered, making his way to the driver’s door. “Oh—what about the food? Need to make another trip?”

“No, I brought a module with me for delivering food. It was far too much to carry. You would have needed to come directly to my cafe otherwise.” Rel shook his head before getting into the back with me and closing the door, curling his tail between us. Then, he promptly got comfortable and let his tail flop over my thigh. “Given the circumstances, I added a few more meals than what was ordered. I think it will be quite enjoyable to see how Elara’s team takes to Syldrari food.”

What is he up to now? I eyed him as his tail coiled around my knee, calf, and ankle. There was something vaguely sexual about the motion, but his glow remained a steady cyan. If he was looking for a reaction, I wasn’t going to give him one. Instead, I leaned forward slightly to address Erik, “Sorry I took so long, Erik. I wasn’t expecting to get pulled into so much shopping.”

“Not a problem. I’m surprised Zafir didn’t go momma bird on us though,” Erik laughed. “Did he call you?”

“No, surprisingly. He must be buried in work again.” I shook my head, then glanced toward Rel when I felt energy climbing up my thigh from his tail. “ Yes , Rel?”

“Your drink,” he offered innocently, summoning a cup in his outstretched hand.

“…thanks.” I peered at him suspiciously as I took it.

When we arrived at HQ, most of the lights were out and the night guards were out, their uniforms and helmets glowing with imperial colors. Much to my surprise, Rel didn’t get even a second glance as we entered the building and made our way to the elevator. Erik got off a few floors below us, saying something about work to do before he could take Rel back to the Syldrari Sector.

When we got to my floor and left the elevator, Rel paused and grabbed my arm, stopping me, his glow swirling between silver and cyan. “This…is your floor?”

“Yes, why?” I gave him a puzzled look.

“It’s…different. The Resonance survivors and Zafir live here?” He frowned, looking a little unnerved.

“Yes. The wing down that way isn’t complete, but that’s where the team that isn’t showing cellular dissonance will be living,” I offered, before giving him a worried look. “What is it?”

“…you are right to be so concerned about what the answers to your questions may be,” he muttered before shaking his head. His gaze seemed to sharpen, and his glow returned to a steady cyan hue. “Lead the way.”

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