Page 114 of Stars in Halo

They were a tough crowd.

But she dared to take them on.

‘My name is Katya D’Hanna. There’s nothing remarkable about me at all. But here goes. My proudest accomplishment is my thirteen children. My worst was getting caught for nicking an artwork from a gallery in Galicia. My most prized items are my books. I like ancient history and mid-century earth stories. My biggest non-serious fear is insects. We have giant volcanic irradiated spiders on Iccythria that are nothing to laugh about. Once, I had one stuck in my hair for hours before it got cut out. My absolute terror is that you’ll reject me today and think me unworthy of your fellow Rider. My celebrity crush was once Tyrus Ball from the holo series Ball’s Mysteries. Now it’s Xion Sable. How many tattoos do I have? None, which I understand is an anathema to Edenites. However, I have a halo of piercings on my forehead and jewels in places you don’t want to know about. I was late to realise that I love cognac and narwhals, which are not mythical and exist both on Earth and Dunia.’

By now, all the Riders, bar Kainan, were trying their darnedest to hide their chuckles.

Katya continued undeterred, ignoring Xion, who was choking in mirth beside her. ‘A place I’ve been to one too many times is the pleasure planet of Zanyria. The trip I want to take but haven’t yet is to Katane to see the legendary winged hawk warriors in person because I hear they’re hot as fokk. My secret hobby is silk art threading, and my dream is to become an artist with major installations across Pegasi. And last but not least, my unusual pet. I fell for the rage a few years back and got my daughter a purple-haired miniature goat - the then-pet must-have from the slopes of New Tibet. Apart from that, nothing to see whatsoever.’

By now, even Kainan had cracked, and he shot her an amused look, one brow raised.

‘She’s alright,’ he conceded in a grumbled timbre.

‘She’s the shit,’ Xion drawled, pulling her even closer and pressing his lips into her hair. ‘And these men are the Riders, my love. Kisan and Ki’Remi are missing; the latter is a doctor and is probably at a clinic today. Kisan, my 2IC in security, is most likely walking the streets of Eden II, keeping it safe.’

‘Where the hell did you two get together, and how did we miss this meet-cute?’ Kage demanded.

‘Well, we have quite the story for you,’ Xion said. ' May we join you?’

The four men, each burlier than the next, stood up from their seats and made their way around the table. Their strong arms outstretched to embrace their brother.

The men hugged, muscles and sinew rippling in a show of brotherly affection.

Moments later, they turned to welcome Katya with formal Ccyth bows and handshakes.

Kage veered from the script and embraced her in a hug as well. His embrace was tight yet gentle, his massive hands embracing her in a warm welcome.

Kage moved on to jerk his chin at Xion, giving his approval, even as Katya blinked back tears.

These men were the antithesis of her siblings, and it dawned on her that Khosana DKRT’s words were valid: The blood of a covenant is thicker than the womb’s water.

She sat back, witnessing the truth of the words unfold as the room was filled with laughter as the Riders caught up with hugs and playful punches on the back.

Xion pulled Katya close as the couple settled on the vast table across from Xion’s brothers.

‘We’re starved,’ her mocha and jade-eyed Rider announced. ‘We’ll need some repast before we can share how and why we met. You’ll be keen to hear it all, brothers.’

As if on cue, Mirage arrived with a floating warmer behind them.

Soon, plates were doled out, and deliciousness was dished out. Utensils chimed, and the clinking of glasses and chatter of voices added to the lively atmosphere.

In the few minutes they set aside to eat, they escaped from the busyness of running a galaxy-wide organisation. Losing themselves in savouring the food, satisfying their bellies, and filling their hearts and minds.

As they ate and drank. They caught up with each other’s lives, exchanging bawdy stories and even more salacious jokes. But even as time wore on and the alcohol flowed, the talk turned more solemn.

Xion broke down the lead-up to events on Iccythria and the present sticky situation with its King.

‘By now, I’m sure he’s well apprised of my escape. He’ll be wary of trying anything now, given we have some clue on his plans.’

‘That said, I don’t think he’ll quit,’ Katya said, sipping from her glass of an utterly beguiling, dream-haunting pinot noir from a small format winery on Galicia.

She savoured its character and class, with layers of beautifully supple, shapely, bright fruit gliding across the palate like a ballerina.

‘So we need to lure him,’ Xion added. ‘In essence, create the ultimate trap for him to waltz into. We have the support and sanction of a substantial contingent of Iccythrians led by Duke’s mother, the Khosana Sonaya DKRT, who is the King’s niece incidentally.’

‘Damn, family succession is a thicket of blades,’ Riv drawled. ‘And I would know, given what Killen is experiencing on Katane.’

When Katya’s brow furrowed, Xion explained. ‘Killen Sable is Riv’s only son, whom he had with the love of his life, K’Élisa. He’s now the King of Katane.’

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