Page 33 of May the Stars Have Mercy
“Because humans are behind, don’t you see? They’ve just joined this massive community of other beings who are bigger, stronger,some even smarter and more advanced than we are. We’re at a disadvantage, but our only peace of mind is that none of you have true access to us—”
Xexis’ face lightened as a light bulb flickered on inside his skull. “Until I mated you.”
“And now my loyalty is to you, not them.”
“Your people already imagine us monsters and thieves and killers,” he growled, pushing the blanket back from the bed. Aphrodite lurched after him, hands failing to reach him before he slipped out of his bed.
“Xexis, wait.”
“No, the Korzavic should know, and Xnasis should be aware. As the next Korzavic, he is the one sat at the Council. He should not return to the Council unaware.” Xexis pulled on his royal garb once more, stuffing his body into it with snaps of his limbs. Aphrodite scrambled across the bed. He stopped to look at her with confusion. She rushed to stand beside him, grabbing him by two of his forearms.
“Xexis,” she breathed.
His face softened, “My mate, my anger is not for you.”
“I know but, you should know, not every human is a political scheming bastard. Most humans just want to exist, to live, to explore.” She squeezed his arms affectionately. “Please do not blame the regular people for the sins of the government.”
Crinkles returned to his eyes and his pincers danced tenderly. “My mate, I would never. It is simply your government I have anger with, your leaders need to see the Council as allies, not enemiesto test. We do not judge the people by those in charge. Do not worry, my mate, this is a political issue, not a human issue.”
Aphrodite relaxed, stepping back. “Okay, thank you.”
“Now, you should dress. I had official robes made for you; they’re in the closet.” He nodded to Buddy. The drone bound up from the pillow and zipped across the room. The wall where he collected his clothes from slid open to show a garment bag hidden in the back. Buddy scanned it with a blue light before giving an electronic chirp.
Aphrodite stumbled to the closet, the world around her slowing to a stop. Her hands touched the soft cotton and plastic mixture of the garment bag. Xexis reached past her and took it off the shelf. She followed him with her eyes as he draped it over the bed. The zipper echoed in the room. Aphrodite held her breath as he pulled out a black dress. It wrapped around her like his robe did, but hers had bell sleeves. It had a cinching aspect to the torso with distinct space for her breathers like his. The hem of the wrap dress was an opalescent fabric that glimmered. The symbols on the sides of his pants matched the ones etched into the skirt of the dress. It almost looked like flowers designed by knife edge; they were sharp and beautiful.
She burst across the floor while ripping off the clothes currently on her back. Xexis chuckled as she tossed herself into the fabric he held open for her. He showed her how to click the snaps into place before fixing her breasts into the jelly soft cups. The dress fell off her shoulders and the sleeves were massive batwings, she flopped them about happily. The hem hit the tops of her feet. Xexis pulled shoes out of the bottom of the bag. He slid into his usual boots while she bemoaned comfort of her usual shoes for the plastic flats that suctioned to her feet.One day in horrific flats would be worth it to look like a royal space princess.
“My apologies, Mphrovic’s orders. She refused to dress you in boots with official gowns.”
“Who?” Aphrodite blinked up at him.
“Xnasis’ mate, Kinsi. It is her duty to tend to our people since my mother’s passing. You’ll like her, she is feisty like you but not machines, about clothing and food. She possesses the best palette.”
Aphrodite snorted to herself, preparing herself for whatever in the stars that could mean. Only to turn toward the glossy walls and cupher face with her hands.Oh, yeah, space princess.Her inner child squealed loud enough to shatter the windows.It’s the fanciest fucking thing I’ve ever fucking owned!
“Mphronatch wears black and chrome to match the Kannatch.”
“I love it,” she breathed, running her hands down the satin finished fabric. Swiftly, she switched gears and ruffled her hair and got it manageable.
“You look…stunning. I enjoy you naked, but this is a good second.” He wrapped an arm around her and tugged her close to his chest.
She barked with a laugh, twisting as if to say something to his face. Words failed her as he stole the air from her lungs with a glance. He put his forehead against hers. She hummed happily. Melting into him, she almost didn’t want to leave. The door hissed open, and the pack broke their peaceful quiet bubble to gawk at them. She glanced away from Xexis to catch Kiefgr clutching their hands before their face.
“Is it bad?” She winced.
“You are more Mphronatch!” Kiefgr cried out, rushing inside. They clapped their hands together before bowing. “My Mphronatch, Kannatch, an honor.”
She flushed, turning away from them to grab her data pad. Buddy floated over her shoulder. “Sorry, Buddy, we can’t get you into the new stuff just yet. Your upgrade will probably have to wait.”
The text bubble appeared on her screen as she attached the data pad to her wrist under her sleeve.
I have patience installed.
She snapped her attention to the drone. Buddy twirled his tentacles innocently. Xexis grabbed her by the bicep tenderly and led her away, not letting her interrogate her drone.One of these days they would have to talk about his sentience.
She kept up with his stride as they left the room. His pack fell in step behind them. The distinct lack of sound in the ship meant one thing—they were here. Her heart leapt into her throat.
Aphrodite looped her arm in his, slowing their stride as they wound toward the dock. Xexis stroked her hand against his forearm affectionately. “It is loud, but not bad.”
