Page 66 of Secret Twins for the Alien Dad

Have I done something wrong? I wrack my memory as I shove my feet into my boots, shoving away the stupid thought that I wish I had fancier clothes for a royal audience. It doesn’t matter what I look like, especially if I don’t know why I’m being summoned.

Perhaps the King has confused me with someone else? I run a makeshift half-school half-daycare for the kids of human colonists. There can’t be anything troublemaking about that.

There isn’t another Liara on Kiphia that I know of though, and after what happened back on Earth, I’m not even sure there’s another Zavier in existence anymore.

“I’m ready to go,” I say, pushing away that last thought too. Now is definitely not the time to wallow in bad memories.

The soldiers escort me to a very shiny hover-carriage. I’ve seen them, usually from afar, but getting to go in one is all new to me. My mouth falls open at the lusciously outfitted interior. Is that fur on the seats?

As soon as I’m inside, the vessel launches into motion. It glides through the streets faster than any Lorl could ever walk. The gigantic turtle-esque creatures are the only forms of transit I’ve seen since the colonists got here, so I can’t help but glue my face to the window and watch everything whizz by.

“Wow,” I sigh, as we leave the city streets to head up towards the palace, which sits on the highest hill. The view to my right is incredible. Cerulean ocean sparkles underneath the late afternoon sun, and the pinkish-orange sands of this planet glimmer like they’re made up of precious gemstones.

All too quickly, the ride ends. One of the soldiers yanks the door open and hustles me out. I want to turn around and take in the view, but I’m already being shepherded into the palace.

While I wish I were still outside, this inside is pretty impressive too. As I’m bustled down a series of hallways, I catch sight of statues made from precious metal, silken curtains, and ceilings of exquisite inlay. I’m even taken through a hallway made entirely of glass, tinged the same salmon as the beaches of Kiphia.

The soldiers and I come to a halt with a jolt, and they push open two massive doors. Before I’ve even caught my breath, we’re entering an impressive throne room.

“Presenting the human Liara Zavier, as requested, most illustrious King,” says the soldier, bowing deeply. I wonder if it’s part of the job to use as many fancy words to refer to the King as possible. Then I realize that everyone around me is bowing, and quickly drop into an awkward curtsy.

“Rise,” says a deep, rich voice.

I lift my head and see a Kiphian male sitting on the tall throne. This must be King Kravath. He’s beyond striking, the skin over his powerful muscles an intense saturated gold, with dark blue tattoos curving beneath his shirt.

My face heats up as I realize I’m staring.

“I’ve received information that you are the best with children, among all the human women.” The King sounds almost bored. I don’t know if I’m supposed to respond or not, but I give it a try.

“That is difficult to verify, your majesty.” I incline my head. “However, I do run the only school for human young ones.”

“I’m aware,” drawls King Kravath, “but you are to do that no longer. Your new purpose is to tend these three.”

With a gesture, the King waves forward a young Kiphian male struggling to manage a trio of Kiphian toddlers. One of them is trying to bite him.

“Excuse me?” I find myself saying, shock and anger warring in my throat. “Are you trying to offer me a job?”

“No,” says the King with an arrogant laugh. “This is not an offer. It is a command. These brats are your problem now.”

KRAVATH

Ikeep my tone curt, so as not to give away how startled I am by the human woman’s beauty. The moment she entered my throne room, I couldn’t look away from her. I caught one tantalizing glimpse of brilliant green eyes before she dropped into a shaky curtsy, and I was mesmerized.

Now she stands before me, those gorgeous eyes blazing. I should be displeased by her lack of deference, but instead, a surge of desire stirs in me for the first time in a long while. I can’t stop myself from gazing at her, noting the way her dark hair cascades in curls over her shoulders. The way her worn clothing clings to her lush curves.

“Excuse me?” She’s speaking, and I straighten at the insolence in her voice. “Are you trying to offer me a job?”

“No.” I laugh at the idea that this human of no consequence has a choice in the matter. She may be beautiful, but she’s still a nobody. “This is not an offer. It is a command. These brats are your problem now.”

“Ah. Well, unfortunately, your majesty, I refuse.” The human crosses her arms. Her face is calm but there’s temper in her voice. “My students need me. There’s no one else to take care of them. With all the kingdom’s resources at your disposal, great King, I imagine you can easily find someone else to take care of whoever these children are.”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. How dare this female question me! No, not simply question me—flat out turn down a command from her King. Rage flares in my chest, chasing away the shreds of desire.

“You do not get to refuse,” I say, through gritted teeth. “I am your King. You humans may have your own land, but that land was given to you by me and lies within my Kingdom. You will follow my orders like any other subject of mine!”

“Humans may be your subjects but we’re not your slaves,” she snaps back, her composure cracking. “Do you make a habit of ripping people from their lives on a whim, King Kravath?”

My name on her lips sends a shiver down my back. It almost feels like the blunt spikes of my spine are tingling, but I dismiss that as nonsense. I must be so angry that I’m losing my senses.

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