Page 2 of I Married A Lizardman

“Not only are you the ideal female for him personality-wise, but your background and expertise also make you his people’s best hope of survival,” Kayog said, his silver eyes suddenly taking on a greater intensity.

My jaw dropped upon hearing this unexpected comment. It also further piqued my curiosity. Finding a mate was my only ticket out of here. But finding a mate to whom I would be valuable could be the recipe for a happy union. Being needed instead of a burden would be such a wonderful change.

“What kind of challenges are they facing?” I asked.

“Financially, the Andturians are poor people,” Kayog explained. “The main reason for it is that they don’t actually pursue wealth. Over the past couple of decades, an increasing number of foreigners have been settling on Xecania. Its amazing climate, the beauty of its mostly undisturbed landscape, and the breathtaking beaches have made it a very appealing destination for fancy holiday resorts, real estate developers, and venture capitalists.”

“And the local population is getting snuffed out?” Although I stated it as a question, it was in fact a bitter statement.

The Temern nodded slowly. “The Andturians are facing an impending famine. In the past two years, they’ve been having more and more difficulty finding game to hunt when their forests once teemed with life. And the crisis is growing exponentially.”

“But I thought you said they had great farmlands?” I argued.

“They do,” Kayog said, his eyes gleaming with approval that I’d been paying attention. “One of the greatest appeals of Xecania is its lands. Currently, none of the farmlands are being worked by anyone. And some major corporations are eager to tap into that unexploited wealth. Every report claims that, properly developed, the Xecania food production would by far exceed that of your own homeworld, Meterion. We are talking about billions of credits per year. And it’s all going to waste because the Andturians who own those lands are not keen on selling.”

“You want me to convince them to sell their lands?” I asked, somewhat confused and slightly outraged.

Kayog chuckled and shook his head. “No, Susan. I want you to convince them to start farming their land and owning this industry on their homeworld. I want you to make Olix and his people wealthier, well-fed, and immune to the bully tactics from the investors and realtors on Xecania. You can turn the tide.”

I stared at him for a moment, rendered speechless by this rather tall order. I was a farmer, not a social justice militant. Who was I to try and thwart the plans and schemes of mega organizations? At the same time, we had lived through similar situations on Meterion, with huge corporations trying to acquire our lands. They would have automated the farms with less than ethical methods to increase productivity but in a way that would have not only damaged the land overtime, but also grown products of questionable quality. Being able to help turn the tide would be quite the accomplishment and something to be proud of.

“Why don’t they work their lands?” I asked, confused. “It seems like a no brainer to me.”

“They’re Hunters, not farmers,” Kayog said in a strange voice. “For some inexplicable reason, the herds are vanishing. But the Andturians keep trying to track them. Sometimes, people lose their way and need a bit of help finding it again. You can be that guiding light. Don’t forget that, as the mate of Olix Nillis, you would own an even greater parcel of land than any of the heiresses here on Meterion, and of far greater quality.”

That was a low blow, but an effective one. My whole life, I had dreamt of owning land. This was beyond a dream come true. But at what cost?

“What if I fail?” I asked. “What if they want to keep hunting, and I end up starving right alongside them?”

“As with all the unions arranged by our agency, you have to commit to six months of trying to make it work,” the agent explained. “Should the union fail, and you choose to divorce him, we will find you another mate. However, be warned that you will have even less choices than this first time around. As with this union, we will handle all the relocation costs.”

Feeling slightly overwhelmed, I ran my fingers through my hair and swallowed hard. This was not what I had hoped for, even though I never really had a clear idea of what I expected. Either way, I would accept. With luck, that decision wouldn’t come back to bite me in the ass.

“What’s in this for you?” I asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

The Temern smiled. “Our agency works exclusively on behalf of the United Planets Organization. They pay our fees to help grow primitive planets and ensure the locals have a chance at keeping control of their own wealth,” Kayog said. “Sending observers and advisors for a few months here and there is usually not very useful. Bringing knowledge and expertise through someone who will become an integral part of their culture bears more fruits in the long term. Your skills can incentivize them to broaden their horizons.”

I nodded slowly, understanding the wisdom of his logic. “So, what happens if I agree?”

“Then I will ask you to prepare to leave within 24 hours,” Kayog deadpanned.

I gaped at him, suddenly feeling lightheaded. This was moving way too fast. “But… but what of him? Doesn’t he have a say in the matter?”

The Temern waved a dismissive hand. “Olix agreed to take whoever would have him. Only your consent is required for this union.”

That stung. My already lukewarm enthusiasm plummeted further.

“Wow, is it that bad? I’m not feeling particularly wanted there when my would-be-husband doesn’t even care about who he’ll be committing to.”

Kayog smiled sympathetically in response to my dejected expression. “A Seer told him to marry an off-worlder, and that his mate from the stars would change the fate of their people. He complied.”

“If that was supposed to reassure me, it didn’t work at all,” I grumbled.

The agent burst out laughing. “You know our success rates, Susan. I take great pride in my work and in the happiness of my clients. This may look unappealing to you, and right now you may be feeling rather discouraged, but don’t be. Olix is your perfect mate. Trust me, by the time the trial period is over, you will thank me for pairing you with your soulmate.”

Despite their undeniable stellar success rates, I had the hardest time believing my fairy tale romance would be with a lizardman.

Nevertheless, I signed.

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