Page 38 of Quick on the Claw

The night wore on, filled with quiet conversation, gentle touches, and shared laughter. When they finally made their way back to their chambers, Nyx was waiting for them, his tail swishing back and forth in what Tiffany had come to recognize as contentment.

As she climbed into bed, Zak’s strong arms wrapping around her and Nyx settling at their feet, Tiffany realized something. For the first time since arriving on Nova Aurora, she didn’t feel like a visitor or an outsider. She felt like she was home.

With a smile on her lips and love in her heart, Tiffany drifted off to sleep, excited for whatever adventures tomorrow might bring.

SEVENTEEN

Zak’s jaw clenched as he watched his cousin Grixxar saunter into the dining hall, an air of smug superiority emanating from every pore. The tension in the room ratcheted up several notches, and Zak felt Tiffany stiffen beside him.

“Ah, cousin,” Grixxar drawled, his gaze sweeping dismissively over the assembled guests before settling on Zak. “How kind of you to invite me to this... quaint gathering.”

Zak forced a polite smile. “I didn’t really invite you, but you’re welcome. I trust your journey was comfortable?”

“As comfortable as one can expect these days,” Grixxar replied with a pointed look. “Perhaps if we focused more on our own advancements rather than... outside influences, we’d see some real progress.”

Zak’s nostrils flared, but he kept his voice even. “Please, have a seat. Dinner is about to be served.”

As they settled around the table, Grixxar’s gaze landed on Tiffany. His lip curled slightly. “So, this is the Earthling I’ve heard so much about. Tell me, my dear, how are you finding our... advanced civilization?”

Tiffany opened her mouth to reply, but Grixxar barreled on. “It must be quite the culture shock, coming from such a primitive world. I’ve read about Earth. Constant warfare, laughably outdated technology, a populace mired in ignorance and superstition...”

Zak felt Tiffany tense beside him, her hand clenching into a fist under the table. Before he could intervene, Gerri spoke, her voice clear and sharp.

“You know, for someone who’s of royal lineage, you’re quite rude, child,” Gerri said, her tone cold.

“It’s not a lie,” Grixxar muttered.

“Excuse me, but has no one ever taught you that it’s incredibly rude to insult guests in your home?” Tiffany’s eyes flashed with indignation. “Or do manners not exist in your supposedly advanced civilization?”

A hush fell over the table.

Grixxar’s face flushed an ugly shade of purple, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Finally, he sputtered, “How dare you? You... you common Earthling. You have no right to speak to me that way.”

“Grixxar!” Zak’s voice thundered through the room, his anger finally boiling over. He rose to his full height, towering over his seated cousin. “You forget yourself. Tiffany is my mate and a respected educator in our kingdom. Your behavior is unacceptable.”

Grixxar sneered, seemingly emboldened by his own rage. “Oh please, Zakhar. You can’t seriously be considering making this... this alien our queen? She knows nothing of our ways, our history. She?—”

“Enough!” Zak slammed his hand on the table, the dishes rattling with the force of it. His eyes glowed with an inner fire, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl. “You will show respect to Tiffany and to all our guests, or you will leave. Now.”

Grixxar’s face paled, but a stubborn set remained on his jaw. He turned to Queen Astra, clearly hoping for an ally. “Aunt Astra, surely you can’t approve of this... this farce?”

Astra’s expression was cold as she regarded her nephew. “I stand with my son, Grixxar. Your behavior tonight has been disgraceful. I suggest you take your leave and return when you’ve learned some manners.”

For a moment, Grixxar looked as if he might argue further. But faced with the united front of Zak and Astra, he finally deflated. He stood, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

“Very well,” he hissed, his eyes burning with humiliation and rage. “I’ll go to my quarters. But mark my words, you’re making a grave mistake, Zakhar.”

As Grixxar stormed out, Zak turned to Tiffany, his expression softening. “I apologize for my cousin’s behavior. Are you all right?”

Tiffany nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “I’m fine. Thank you for standing up for me. No one has ever done that.”

Zak took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. “Always, my love. Always.”

As the dinner resumed, Zak couldn’t shake the feeling that this confrontation with Grixxar was just the beginning of their troubles. He tightened his grip on Tiffany’s hand, silently vowing to protect her.

Zak’s muscles coiled with tension as he entered the council chamber, the air crackling with unspoken hostility. He’d barely settled into his seat when Grixxar sauntered in, uninvited, with Rickon trailing behind like an obedient shadow.

“Cousin,” Grixxar drawled, his voice dripping with false sweetness. “I hope you don’t mind my joining. I have some... pressing concerns to address.”

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