Page 75 of Us Dark Few

The Governor chuckled. “There is no need for that, Arthur. I was just having a quick chat with our prisoner here. Run along now, Miss Kanes,” he whispered the last part in her ear.

Khalani quickly rushed away, skin crawling at the feel of Alexander Huxley’s gaze trailing her retreating form, a sly smirk resting over his face.

20

The loudest screams are hidden in smiles.

Dinner was served outside in the garden, where lights cascaded down a willow tree and flowers covered the ground. The colors of the petals were so effervescent and bright, Khalani almost didn’t believe they were real.

The guests sat at a grand table, while several servants stood ten feet back with their hands clasped behind their backs. One of them nodded at Khalani when she approached and mimicked their position. Khalani breathed a sigh of relief.

At least she did something right.

The wives of the councilmen seated at the table were young, not much older than Khalani, wearing garish makeup and frilly dresses that hugged their waists and accented their cleavage.

Most of the councilmen were middle-aged and sat proudly in shining tuxedos.

At the head of the table was the Governor, the undeniable leader whose charisma and confidence overshadowed every other man in Genesis.

Alexander began the meal by saying, “Thank you for this evening, ladies and gentlemen. Let us feast.”

Only when Alexander took a bite of meat did the guests start digging into their food and drinking their wine. Plates were piled high with turkey, pork, and ham.

The rich scents reached Khalani’s nose, and she licked her lips. Watching them feast while her own stomach grumbled in pain was torturous.

Khalani couldn’t stop staring at the fat, cooked turkey on the grand table. She’d never eaten real meat before—very few in Apollo had. Artificial rat meat was considered a delicacy.

Did the cloned turkey know his purpose was to die and be eaten for tonight’s feast? Or was he blissfully ignorant of his upcoming demise?

Maybe that was sexist.

It could’ve been a girl turkey.

“I must confess that I’m awfully excited for the Tenth Anniversary Ball,” a woman with an obnoxiously large white feather in her hair interrupted Khalani’s thoughts.

Blonde curls tumbled around her youthful face, marred by over-applied pink blush and lipstick that stained her front teeth as she eagerly eyed the Governor.

“I’m sure there will be many beautiful sights to behold, Pruscilla.” Alexander Huxley smoothly sipped his wine.

Pruscilla giggled, completely smitten by his good looks, despite her husband seated beside her at the table.

Khalani wanted to barf in the pot of red roses behind her.

“The preparations for the ball are coming along nicely. We might even be ready ahead of schedule.”

Alexander Huxley tilted his head. “And we have the labor force according to plan, Borris?”

Councilman Borris hesitated, the confident bravado slipping, but he gave the Governor a respectful smile. “Absolutely, sir. Just as you ordered.”

Councilman Wyatt downed his drink, slamming the glass on the table. His wife flinched by his side.

Alexander’s cold eyes flickered up. “Something wrong, Wyatt?”

“No, Governor,” Wyatt bit out, angrily cutting his meat.

An uncomfortable silence followed, and the Governor casually leaned back in his chair. Khalani and a few others gulped at his too-relaxed pose.

“Miss Kanes.” He suddenly turned to her. “Will you please grab the wine over here and refill Wyatt’s cup? He seems to be empty,” Alexander remarked in an eerily calm voice.

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