Page 44 of Captured By the Alien

“Daa’sten, I don’t know what to say. It looks like it’s made of pure liquid.”

“It’s turned out rather well,” he said approvingly. “At first I thought I should try to hide your obvious Terran traits. But then I realized we should be celebrating them. I did consider leaving your mammaries exposed to make you stand out from the others but decided that was too obvious.”

Kara blanched.

“Thank fuck for that.”

“But I’ve left your arms bare because they have pleasing muscle definition. That spells strength. I wanted you to look feminine but fierce.”

“Feminine and fierce. I like it.” She did a twirl and Daa’sten’s face dropped.

“What in the name of Ayanlesh is that?”

“What?

“That! On your back!”

“Oh, that. It’s my tattoo.”

“Can it be removed? It’s ruining the purity of the dress.”

“No, it can’t be removed. It’s a Merlin. I’m a Merlin pilot. It’s part of who I am. That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?”

Daa’sten shook his head pityingly.

“I’m so sorry. I never realized Terrans had to be branded.”

“That’s not… look, forget it. The dress is fabulous. And I love the sparkles.”

“Thank Vannla. I spent a lot of time on those. I manufactured them according to the chemical composition of a common Earth element. Solid crystalline carbon.”

Kara blinked.

“Um, you mean diamonds? These are diamonds?”

Daa’sten beamed.

“Did I get them right?”

“Oh yes. Absolutely,” she said faintly.

“Glad you like them. I also used them to cover your shoes. If you want to try…”

“No.” She shook her head firmly. “I don’t do heels. I’ll be wearing the boots.”

Daa’sten was horrified.

“You’re not serious?”

“I definitely am. The boots.”

“You can’t wear boots with that dress.”

“Yes, I can. I have to get used to them anyway. And no-one’s going to see them.”

“Well, all right,” he said reluctantly. “As long as you don’t accidentally disembowel anyone.”

“No promises.”

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