Page 53 of Alien on the Moon

“Well,” Elena said, “your invitation is why we’re here, Your Majesties. But it’s not why we’re staying. Both of us were invitedback to Thryal by the royal scientists here. They have some projects they want us to work on.”

“Hmm,” the king said. “I can’t think of a better place for two minds like yours to be. Now, go enjoy whatever amenities of the palace you please. I can’t wait to hear of the success of your next project.”

“Thank you, Your Majesties,” Elena said as she knelt down again.

“Thank you, Your Majesties,” Rylan echoed.

“No, Thryal thanks you. Dismissed.”

The royal courier appeared out of nowhere to usher them back out of the throne room.

Rylan still couldn’t believe where he was and who he just talked to. The king and queen had personally thanked him. It was unbelievable.

And, as far as Rylan was concerned, Elena was to thank for all of it. He never would’ve solved the problem in time without her help. Her genius was just as invaluable as his own. She was like no one else he’d ever met.

And she was so smart while also caring so much for him, too. He knew what she did for him and how she helped both their careers.

She easily could’ve left him behind, taken all the glory for herself and accepted the new position from the royal scientists. She’d have her pick of the litter of attractive scientists to choose from to help her forget all about him.

But instead, she insisted on something else. She demanded that to have her, the royal scientist on Thryal would have to accept him, too. And they did.

Now his life was only going to get better. He’d always be eternally grateful for Elena. And he planned to spend the rest of his life showing her that.

Though at the moment, he was still in complete awe of the whole palace. He tried his best to not gawk as they walked out of the throne room. He still wanted to seem professional, even if only the staff could see him now.

He could feel their eyes on him as he moved. They seemed nice enough, but he was still worried about embarrassing himself and, by extension, Elena. He couldn’t let himself appear anything but collected.

The giant doors slammed shut behind them, and Rylan was finally able to breathe.

“How’d I do?”

“Fantastic,” Elena said as she wrapped her arms around him for a hug. “Maybe a bit too wordy, but you did great. Most peoplearen’t able to say a single word when first meeting them. It’s so intimidating.”

“Oh, that was almost the case,” he said, looking at her. “But I found my strength.”

“Yes, you did,” she responded with a smile. “And as long as you didn’t shit your pants, you did better than average.”

“No, we’re all good there…”

“So, what do you want to do now? Those spa treatments aren’t for another hour or so.”

“Well, what are two people to do when left all alone to their own devices in the royal palace?” Rylan raised an eyebrow at Elena. His hands landed on her hips, slowly moving toward her ass. “I haven’t even seen our suite yet. Legends talk about how comfortable the royal beds are.”

Elena couldn’t help but giggle, though she smacked his hands away. A stern look grew on her face.

“Not here, you bad boy, you. Not out in the open. Especially not so close to the throne room.” Elena paused for a moment. “But certainly, our suite will be the last stop on a little tour.”

“A tour?”

“It seems only fair,” she responded slyly. “You gave me a tour of the station. I’ll give you one of the palace. After all, you will be staying here for a while. Won’t you?”

“Oh, I plan to.” Rylan planned to stay as long as Elena did. The palace was nice but being by her side was better. Much better.

“Good, then let’s begin.”

Elena took Rylan by the hand and began the tour, showing him all around the palace and bringing him to her favorite places.

“This, I swear, is the only quiet place in the whole palace,” Elena claimed as she dragged him out to a little courtyard.

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