Page 63 of The Alien Noble's Little Human

“I want you to know I’m so proud of you. All of this success you’re having, you deserve every bit of it.”

She comes closer and lays her head on mine.

“You know, I always dreamed of working with chemistry and medicines, Taurek. I was an artisan because I wasn’t able to get an education or apprentice anywhere. So, that’s one more dream you’ve made come true.”

I hold her face in my hands.

“You made it come true, my Zaya. You made it all happen. You.”

* * *

One month later,I stand at the palace gates, watching from a distance as Zaya shakes the hands of the Ocean Kingdom doctors as she bids them farewell. I, too, wave them off. Zaya approaches me with an excited smile on her face, upon which I plant a gentle kiss as we come together.

Before we can say anything, a set of arms wraps themselves around our legs. Peering down, I spot Hanai hugging us. Zaya swoops her up into her arms, and together we begin walking inside.

“Something came for you during the doctors’ visit,” I say, reaching into my pocket. I pull out a letter, handing it to my mate as she gives me Hanai.

“Let’s see…” She pulls out a slip of paper, gasping as she reads its contents. “It’s a commendation!”

“A commendation?”

“Yes, from Tlisan! With the seal of Wesqanti.”

“Word of your work has been spreading fast.” I chuckle. “Well done, my love.”

She runs a hand over her head, laughing in disbelief. As she reads over the commendation, I ponder the possibility of having Thane Odar put one together on behalf of the palace. She folds it away, stuffing it into her pocket.

“There’ll be time to celebrate soon,” she says. “Have Sorsha and Talan arrived? I want to thank them in person.”

“Yes, my dear. They’re currently waiting for us in the dining room.”

Sometime later, all of us adults are sitting around the dinner table, watching in delight as Hanai plays with their kids. Sorsha and Zaya are rapt in conversation, laughing amongst themselves. I turn to Talan, clinking glasses with him.

“Cheers to you, my good friend,” he remarks, raising his glass. “For many years, I was worried you wouldn’t find a mate again.”

“Me, too. For a very long time, I had no desire to. If a fated mate could drive Kantha to disown her daughter, I wanted no part. But in all honesty, she was probably like that before. It just took that as an excuse to do whatever she wanted, claiming she had no control.”

“Who’d have thought it’d be a human healer to win your heart, eh?” he chuckles.

“She wound up healing me.” I look over at the wives as they lean down to play with the children. “She’s amazing.”

“I don’t doubt that at all. I think the same of my Sorsha.”

“Daddy!” calls Hanai. “Uncle Talan, come over and play!”

Later on, after dinner and many toasts celebrating the commendation from the home settlement of Zaya and our guests, I arrive at Thane Odar’s Court, entering as the guards open the doors for me. Striding confidently inward, I stop a few meters in front of the Thane’s throne, bowing my head as he peers down.

“My Lord, I request an audience with you.”

“Granted,” he replies in his firm, commanding tone. “What brings you here this late into the evening?”

“A very special reason, Your Highness. As you know, Zaya has claimed a place in my heart, of a kind I had never felt before.”

“Of course. It’s a pleasure to have her in the palace. I’ve seen the change in you, my son, and I can’t help but think she has a role.”

“Indeed, my lord. I come to you this evening to inform you of my intention to have a mating ceremony with her. For this, I am in search of your blessing.”

“I see,” he mutters, leaning back in his chair as he strokes his chin. For a few moments, all is quiet. He then leans forward again, this time flashing an all-knowing, wise smile. “Ever since she arrived, I have observed a new joy in your heart, my boy. Hanai appears to have taken a great liking to her, too, and her judgment is one that I trust with my heart.”

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