“I’m not. It’s just a hunch. He doesn’t understand how bad things have become out here and refuses to discuss it.” I shook my head and pinched the bridge of my nose.
“You know what he’s like. Impossible to please.” I rolled my eyes. “He constantly questions my abilities during away missions, as if I can’t do my job. When he’s not occupied with that, he is busy criticizing my performance as his son and heir.
On Alara, he never ceases to make my life miserable by constantly complaining about my failure to produce an heir. It’s impossible to win with him.”
I side glanced out the window next to us.
Alaran females were infertile because of the virus that struck our planet when I was a youngling. This meant I would have to find a suitable partner from a different planet.
Until today, it was not something that had even crossed my mind to consider. I hadn’t been looking for a mate, fated or otherwise.
Alaran spirituality taught us that Tenage and Veshar, our god and goddess, wove the Universe as an intricate web.
The tapestry encompassed all destinies, with the gods guiding fated mates toward their shared purpose.
Though many Alaran males no longer followed our spiritual beliefs and customs, my belief in the gods remained. But it did not mean I expected to meet my K’sha.
I chose to dedicate myself to being a warrior, with the purpose of protecting the people of Alara.
My duty on the Chetok was to patrol and confront anyone who threatened Alaran space.
My father had me also play the role of anemissary for the Kingin diplomatic meetings without revealing I was heir to the throne of Alara.
Letting out a rueful laugh, I said aloud, “If he knew I leave the ship to fight the enemy, I am sure his heart would fail.”
Krin grinned and raised his brows. “Yes. I am sure he would.”
We sat for a long time in silence both of us staring out the window into space.
KRIN SPOKE UP, WEARINGa sly grin. “The human females are attractive, don’t you think?”
It surprised me when a deep growl rumbled from my throat along with the sudden urge to choke my friend and first officer.
For what, I wasn’t sure.
I wasn’t jealous. I didn’tgetjealous.
Krin ignored me, acting oblivious to my unusual response.
At his mention of the females, my thoughts returned to the fiery-haired beauty with the milky skin.
During the shuttle ride back to the Chetok, I heard her talking to Joele and sensed her gaze on me throughout the trip.
I couldn’t get her face out of my head. I had never laid eyes on a more beautiful female.
Which was why I had forced myself to walk away from her.
The very idea of the human female being my K’sha baffled me.
Besides, I had no time for distractions.
Once other matters were seen to, I could focus on getting to know her. Which gave me another thought, and I put my fingers to my temple.
“Trex?” Krin was watching me with curiosity.
I raised a finger, asking him to hold on, and directed my attention to Orin, sending him a telepathic message.
‘What do you need, Captain?’Orin replied.
