Page 20 of The Alien Noble's Little Human

“Tired. And hungry.”

“Well, you’re in luck. The Thane is throwing a feast for me and Zaya.”

“Really?” Hanai’s eyes widen with excitement. “Can I come?”

“Of course. You’re the only one I’d really want there.”

“But Zaya will be there too, right?”

“Yes, she will.”

“Good, I like Zaya.”

Through pure instinct, I almost respond ‘I like Zaya too,’ but I stop myself.

“Wait,” she continues. “A feast for…?”

“The journey we’re taking. You remember we talked about it?”

“Oh. I was hoping it wouldn’t be happening yet.”

“The sooner we leave, the sooner we can come back and you can get better if the cure she has works.”

“You’ll be back, though.”

“Of course. I swear it.”

“Mom promised that too.” Hanai rolls over to face away from me.

I flinch at the memory. We don’t talk much about her mother. I honestly wasn’t sure how much Hanai remembered about her. I guess the answer is too much.

“I’ll be back. You’ll get better. And everything will go back to normal.” Hanai doesn’t look at me. “Sarna is going to get you dressed and ready for the feast. I need to go get dressed, too. I can’t wait to see how beautiful you look.”

“Dad?” I halt at the doorway.

“Yes?”

“Wear the blue robes. It looks the best on you. I think Zaya will like it.”

“Good idea. You should wear blue, too. We’ll match.”

I quickly throw on my blue ceremonial robes, a dark hue like the ocean during a storm. The sumptuous fabric hugs my body, putting my muscles on full display. I’ve seen Zaya stealing glances at me, and I want to make an impression at this dinner. I’m sure in her blue gown Zaya will make one of her own.

Zaya and Hanai are both still getting ready, and they’ll meet me down there.

I get to the feast hall, a huge stone chamber with vaulted ceilings. A large, long table sits in the middle, lined with standard seats. An extravagant throne sits at the far end. The Thane’s seat.

Other guests have already arrived and are milling around. I hear their whispers. “Where is this human woman? I hear she has some miracle cure for Hanai. Maybe she’ll have some miracle cure for Taurek if you know what I mean.”

“I think the Thane wanted a banquet because he knows it’s likely he’ll lose both of them by the end of this.”

“There’s been so much misery, we have to have parties to mark the sad occasions instead of the happy ones.”

They’re not wrong.

In the back corner of the hall, a small band plays traditional Mountain Kingdom music. The dulcet tones echo beautifully around. Just as the band starts a rendition of a popular love song about two star-crossed lovers from warring communities, Zaya walks in.

One of the finest dresses of the Mountain Kingdom clings to her body. The dress, the exact shade of blue as my clothes, fits exquisitely. All of the facets of her perfect curves are tastefully on display, cradled in fabric that fits like a second skin. In the front, the dress is high-necked, but the outline of her breasts makes them irresistible. The back is exposed.

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