Page 48 of Alien on the Moon

Elena couldn’t help but think this was all for Rylan, and he deserved every moment of it. And she assumed he was probably thinking the same thing about her.

After a moment, Arccoo stepped forward toward the pair. Elena held her breath, unsure of what to expect the prince to say.

“Congratulations,” he said through a huge smile. “To both of you.”

“Your Highness,” Rylan said. “What’s going on here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” The prince laughed. “We’re celebrating two of the brightest minds my kingdom has to offer. The two of you.”

“Right,” Rylan said. “Of course. But is that smart? We still have so much work to do. Do you really have the resources or the time for something like this?”

Even in the face of success, Rylan was thinking about the work. Elena thought at the moment that it was one of the best things about him. He was always striving to do more, do better.

“Yes,” Arccoo said as he placed a hand on Rylan’s shoulder. “We do. We have more than enough of both now, thanks to you. Everything that’s being served tonight was harvested from the fields this morning. And the process is automated enough that it can be left alone for one celebratory dinner. Don’t you think?”

“I suppose so…” Rylan breathed out.

“Take some time,” Arccoo said. “Enjoy this moment. You’ve more than earned it. And if it makes you feel any better, consider it an official order from your prince.”

Arccoo turned around just as the doors to the kitchen burst open. Plate after plate of the most delicious smelling food Elena had encountered since arriving there was brought out.

“Ready to enjoy the celebration of all our hard work?” Elena laughed as she squeezed Rylan’s hand.

“Might as well be, it was an order,” Rylan joked back.

Elena gladly joined the table piled high with food with Rylan by her side. They sat at the head of the table with the prince and her sisters, but they might as well have been alone.

Elena kept her eyes on him, and he returned the favor. They barely looked away from each other long enough to make sure their forks hit food.

Elena was happy just talking to him. They chatted about the work they did and the work they still had ahead of them. How they could fine-tune the machines. How they could adjust it for other types of crops and terrain.

Watching Rylan talk about something he was passionate about had quickly become Elena’s favorite pastime. She could do it forever and never feel the need to say anything herself. He was just so smart, and his voice was like music to her ears.

After dinner, the atmosphere shifted to a more traditional party. Music played over the intercom system. Treats and desserts were brought out. Groups split up to play party games.

It was a true celebration, better than any party in any palace, Elena decided. While they had more work to do, Elena was proud of what she was able to do to solve the problem. The kingdom was saved, and food would be made here to feed countless mouths.

About two hours after dinner wrapped up, the party was still going on. Elena decided to retreat to the refreshment table.Rylan had been pulled aside for another interrogation session by her sisters, and Elena couldn’t bear to watch.

At the table, Arccoo approached her again. He once again had a huge smile on his face.

“What is it?” Elena asked.

“I don’t know if I should say,” he said with a sly smile.

“But you want to say? Don’t you?”

“Just… When we get back to Thryal, I’ll have some good news for you.”

“Oh my god,” Elena said as she rolled her eyes. “Just tell me now! What difference does it make?”

“I don’t know if I can tell you yet,” Arccoo said with a smirk, refusing to make eye contact with her.

“If you don’t tell me right now, I’m running to Carmen, and I’ll tell her.”

“Tell her what exactly?” He laughed.

“I don’t know, I’ll make something up and she’ll believe me and be mad at you. So just tell me!”

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