Page 21 of Quick on the Claw

“Good,” Zak said. “Now, if there are no other pressing matters, this meeting is adjourned. I expect to see detailed proposals for integrating Earth education into our curriculum on my desk by the end of the week.”

As the councilors filed out, many still looking shaken, Draven approached Zak. “That was... impressive,” he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Zak allowed himself a small smile. “Sometimes they need to be reminded why I’m the king.” His expression turned serious again. “Keep an eye on Rickon. I don’t trust him to give up so easily.”

Draven nodded. “Consider it done.”

As Zak left the council chamber, his thoughts turned once again to Tiffany. The fire of their kiss still burned within him, fueling his determination. He would protect her and the future they could build together, no matter the cost. With renewed purpose, he headed back to his chambers, already planning their next day together. The path ahead might be challenging, but with Tiffany by his side, Zak felt ready to face anything.

NINE

The aroma of exotic fruits and freshly baked pastries wafted through the opulent dining hall of the Larkana Palace. Tiffany inhaled deeply, savoring the unfamiliar yet enticing scents as she made her way to the table where Zak sat, his imposing figure somehow managing to make even the ornate chair look small.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” Tiffany said, a teasing lilt to her voice as she took her seat across from him. “I hope you didn’t stay up all night practicing your regal poses in the mirror.”

Zak’s golden eyes sparkled with amusement. “And deprive my subjects of my natural grace and poise? I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Tiffany snorted, reaching for a piece of fruit that looked like a cross between a mango and a star. “Oh yes, because nothing says ‘natural grace’ like tripping over your own feet when you saw me yesterday.”

“I did not trip,” Zak protested, his lips twitching. “I was simply... testing the structural integrity of the floor.”

“Uh-huh,” Tiffany said, biting into the fruit. Her eyes widened as an explosion of flavors burst across her tongue. “Oh my, what is this? It tastes like summer and happiness had a baby.”

Zak chuckled, the deep sound sending a pleasant shiver down Tiffany’s spine. “It’s called a sunburst fruit. I’m glad you like it.”

As they ate, their conversation flowed easily, filled with playful banter and lingering glances. Tiffany found herself leaning in, drawn to Zak’s warm presence and quick wit.

“So,” Zak said, his tone turning slightly more serious. “I’ve arranged for Xakia Brakka to give you a tour of our educational facilities today. I thought you might be interested in seeing how we approach learning here in Larkana.”

Tiffany perked up, her inner teacher coming to the forefront. “That sounds fantastic. I’d love to see what kind of advanced technology you use. Though I have to warn you, if it’s too impressive, I might just have to steal some ideas for my classroom back on Earth.”

Zak’s expression softened. “Actually, I was hoping you might have some ideas of your own to share. We’re always looking for ways to improve our curriculum, especially when it comes to Earth history and culture. With more Earthlings potentially joining our community, it’s important that our youth understand and appreciate both worlds.”

“Zak, are you asking me to help revolutionize your educational system?” Tiffany asked, her gray eyes wide with mock shock. “Because I have to warn you, my ideas of educational reform usually involve a lot more field trips and ice cream breaks.”

“I’m sure we can work those in somehow,” Zak replied with a grin. “Perhaps a field trip to the ice cream mines of the frozen tundra?”

Tiffany laughed, the sound echoing through the hall. “Now that’s the kind of innovative thinking I can get behind. You might make a decent teacher yet, Your Majesty.”

Their playful exchange was interrupted by the arrival of a petite blonde woman with kind blue eyes. “Your Majesty,” she said with a small bow. “Miss Whitlock. I’m Xakia Brakka, the Royal Tutor. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all,” Zak said, standing. “Xakia, this is Tiffany Whitlock, our guest from Earth and a fellow educator. Tiffany, Xakia will be your guide for the day.”

Tiffany stood as well, extending her hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Xakia. I can’t wait to see what educational wonders you have in store for me.”

Xakia’s face lit up with a warm smile as she shook Tiffany’s hand. “The pleasure is all mine, Miss Whitlock. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you since His Majesty told me of your arrival. I have so many questions about Earth’s educational systems.”

“Please, call me Tiffany,” she replied, instantly warming to Xakia’s enthusiasm. “And I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. Though I should warn you, some of my teaching methods are a bit... unconventional.”

“Unconventional is exactly what we need,” Xakia said with a conspiratorial wink. “Now, shall we begin our tour? The students are eagerly awaiting your arrival for the assembly.”

As Tiffany prepared to leave with Xakia, Zak caught her hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her. “I hope you’ll save some time for me later,” he said softly. “There’s a special place I’d like to show you.”

Tiffany’s heart skipped a beat at the intensity in his gaze. “I suppose I could pencil you in,” she teased, trying to mask the effect he had on her. “But it better be impressive. I’ve got high standards for alien kings.”

Zak’s laugh followed her out of the dining hall, warming her from the inside out.

The educational building of Larkana was a marvel of architecture and technology. Gleaming spires of what looked like living crystal reached toward the sky while holographic displays flickered to life as Tiffany and Xakia approached.

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