Page 107 of Stars on Fire

A voice cut into the moment, and Kainan withdrew sharply.

Selene almost jumped, whirling around, eyes drawn downward to see Sheikh Bagua of Sirius III and an entourage of about five men gazing up at her.

‘We need to talk xentium!’ the Sheikh beamed at her, his green eyes twinkling up at her from his short frame.

‘A moment, gentlemen,’ she said, nonplussed.

She turned back to Kainan. ‘I have to -.’

‘Go, Excellency,’ he urged. ‘You have your formal duties to carry out.’

He gave her a short, formal bow and turned as if to walk away, only pausing when she called out after him. ‘I won’t be long. Please wait for me so that we can finish -.’

‘I’ll wait for you as long as you need,’ he said quietly.

Then he bowed once more and walked away, leaving her to the mercy of the Sheikh and his gaggle of ministers.

Minutes later, Selene was saved from the Sheikh’s rapid-fire demands by the dinner announcement. The party filed next door to the banquet hall where long candlelit tables were lined with gold and white lilies bouquet centrepieces, the blooms flown in from a famous valley where rare blossoms grew in Central Arumba.

Celebrated chef Mark M’Osia had prepared an exclusive multiple-course menu for the main event. First, they feasted on generous portions of caviar from the bay of Rambasa, followed by oversized lobsters lightly cooked with butter, spices, lemon and capers. Next, stuffed rock oysters, truffle crepinettes and spatchcock roasted in citrus, fennel and caper brown butter were received with gasps of delight. So too, the freshly caught grilled platinum salmon with organic capers and seasoned wagyu steak from the windswept cattle ranches of Wadi.

Each exquisite course was served on white-and-gold Free Dunia marbled glass flatware designed by the House of M’Osian, especially for the special event. Champagne, wines and whiskey flowed while more celebrated singers crooned for the assembled guests between each course, making the special evening nothing short of memorable for eons to come.

While they dined, from her raised table, Selene found herself pulled towards where Kainan sat. Their eyes met, and she felt her breath catch each time. She’d look away when their shared gaze bordered on inappropriate or when Rina dug an elbow into her side. But when she did, she felt his hot eyes linger on her face. A tendril of hope rose inside her.

Then she felt another short jab to her side from the woman seated beside her.

‘Stop mooning at the Edenite and give your speech,’ Rina hissed in her ear.

‘I’m not -.’

‘You so are. Any more stares between you two, and flames will burst across the room.’

Selene served her friend a narrow-eyed, dirty look and a fake smile.

‘Before the dessert course, please and before Paloma has an apoplectic heart attack!’ Rina urged.

Selene clicked her teeth at her friend irritatedly while keeping the smile on her face, ever the consummate diplomat. She rose to her feet and clinked her dessert fork on her glass. The room instantly hushed.

She inclined her head with appreciation at their attention and launched into her short speech.

She thanked everyone for joining them at the auspicious event and, more so, all the enlisted soldiers, volunteer force and heroes who’d fought so hard for Dunia. She praised them for their astonishing bravery and selflessness and underlined that Dunia’s gratitude would never be enough.

She then moved to the dais, where the entire cabinet lined up for the awards presentation. One by one, the award recipients filed to the front of the room, receiving a generous bouquet of flowers and their medals. Selene greeted them with a smile, placed the carefully sculpted laurels on their chest, and thanked them. ‘I’m eternally grateful for all you’ve given in the service of Dunia,’ she told each one.

The Sable Riders - Kage, Xion, Riv and Zane - too stepped forward, their hulking heights looming over most guests in the room. They received a Medal of Bravery for their courage and the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

Even their AI received a Medal of Honourable Mention from Selene. Kage accepted it on her behalf. He leaned in and whispered to Selene. ‘Mirage sayssante. It means so much to her when someone appreciates her. Now she includes you in our little family.’

Selene smiled and squeezed his arm before he stalked away.

Last was Kainan, whom the Council had designated to receive the highest honour for a non-citizen.

Selene trembled slightly as she presented him with the gold-plated and purple ruby Medal of Valor, pinning it on his broad shoulders.

She softly thanked him, breaking with emotion as she spoke. ‘We cannot quantify how many lives you saved with your aid to us. We will forever be grateful for the commitment of The Sable Riders, your leadership, your alliance and the support of the entire citizenry of Eden II.’

Kainan blinked rapidly, he too fighting the great emotion of the moment.

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