Could you speak to your country? The phrase bounced around in my mind, which had conveniently gone blank. I know that I'd mentioned I wasn't necessarily afraid of being the center of attention, but to be the face of communications between humans and Val'Dornn. That was an entirely different monster than reciting a speech I'd written in high school. "Isn't the male --Vailen-- communication lead?"

Roan nodded, "He is head of our communications team here on the Aarond Form. Your American populace is not reacting well to communications with any Val'Dornn, however. They've begun to view us as untrustworthy." Roan looked displeased by the idea.

In the short time that I'd been on the ship, all of the males were nothing but forthcoming for the most part. And honestly, I felt like as a whole their race tended to err on the side of honesty and at times bluntness, so I could see where it irked their prince that our race --ones they planned to bond with no less-- thought them, liars. "You need me," it wasn't a happy proclamation on my part.

"Yes, Addison Kane. We need you." He didn't say the words, but I was certain Roan had just said 'I'm sorry'

"When?"

"Preferably now."

I felt Esayr squeeze my hand lightly. I wondered if he felt any emotions seeping through our bond. I was nervous, but not as much as I expected I would be. I was likely still shocked over the prospect and hadn't quite come to terms with it yet.

"What am I supposed to even say?" I hadn't rehearsed anything and I'd only ever spoken in front of people after rehearsing lines or papers. I'd never add libbed anything.

"They will ask you their questions I'm sure. You should answer them honestly. I'm disinclined to tell you what to say. Simply speak your mind about what you have experienced on this ship."

"How much am I allowed to say about the lottery?"

"They know enough between your friends and the leaked communications from your governments. I would prefer they know more, so I won't stop you from speaking of it, but your government might be displeased." Roan had approached us. More males drifted into the circle and cast us curious glances, but continued on about their business.

Well, then it's helpful that they aren't my government. And I was right, legally they had no power over me. They'd rescinded that rite when they conveniently misled us and let us sign away our citizenship in the lottery.

"Addison Kane?" Roan's voice was somber.

"Yes?"

"The only thing I ask you not to speak of is the offer I gave you because of your situation. It will not be offered to others now that the extent of the Temani Bercari is explained to your public."

What about all the other women who'd signed up before they knew what they were signing up for? "What about the others? There were more like me who'd signed up not knowing what they'd signed up for." I thought of Natalie, constantly living in fear that she'd be called up to the ship.

"They have had time to understand what they have signed up for and adjust to that concept. Surely, it is a better alternative to some of the theories floating around." He seemed almost hopeful, almost like he was searching for my approval and I suppose maybe he was. I was the only human woman on the ship that could offer a glimpse into our thought processes.

"Better than the theories about being dissected, for sure, but I don't quite think women will adjust to the concept of immediately being married to someone they've never met quite that quickly." No? Are you sure about that, Addison? The more cynical side of my mind taunted me and the fact that Esayr's hand felt right in mine.

Roan nodded sadly.

"I think you should offer the women who've entered the lottery the opportunity to renew their support. Have them come back in and sign new documents stating that they understand the true extent of the Temani Bercari and agree to the conditions."

"I cannot. Their DNA is in our system constantly being analyzed. It has been logged and," His shoulders slumped slightly making him seem more approachable and not so much like an uptight prince, "I cannot condemn one of mine to the sadness of knowing he has found his mate, but that he cannot go to her."

This race of males put so much stock and hope into the idea that they will find their perfect person down on our little blue planet. It was still kind of unfathomable to me, but it was what they lived and breathed for. Esayr had mentioned multiple times the despair he'd felt from males that went down and found that the females weren't their match. I could only imagine what it would be like to be certain she was, but to live with the knowledge that you could never see her. It would hurt.

"Then make it a survey. At the very least, you'll know which women will come willingly and which ones will fight." Saying that made me feel a little sick. If your role were switched with some other woman, how would you feel if she made that same proclamation? Despite everything, I thought the Val'Dornn were good, but I knew not everyone would feel the same.

"I will think on it. Have you decided, Addison Kane, if you will speak to your people?"

"Addison. Just Addison is fine. My name is a mouthful most days, and yes. I'll try, but I'm not sure how well I'll do."

*****A/N*****

This is a super short chapter compared to the others and I'm sorry about that, but it felt like the right time to end it so I did. I'm gonna type up another one and likely post it tonight, I'm hoping before 12.

You're a blessing,

Layla