“I can’t wait to learn about everything.” She began nibbling on another piece of ciglemia bread.
Her every gesture had me captivated, unable to look away. Grace’s enthusiasm for space was infectious. I couldn’t stop smiling while watching her.
After she finished eating, she leaned back and placed her hands in her lap.
“You mentioned being both the Captain of this ship and the Commander of the Protectorate. Is that right?”
I grinned and nodded. “Yes. That is correct.”
“So, what is the Protectorate, exactly? Are you all like a space army or something?”
“The Protectorate Forces are an allied group of planets that work together to protect Alaran space.”
“Do they run this part of space...are they in charge?”
I cocked my head. Although I appreciated her curiosity, I didn’t want to divulge too much aboutmyselfright now.
What if I frightened her and ruined my chances of being accepted by her? The last thing I wanted was to lose my K’sha.
“The Alaran royal family technically rule Alaran space and oversees the protection of its citizens.Theycreated the Protectorate after a war long ago. Although the Alaran Empire includes many planets, they no longer force planets to join them or follow their laws. Most other planets here are self-governing to a degree. If they choose to join the Alliance, they must adhere to laws laid out by the Alaran Empire since it governs the Protectorate Forces.”
She scratched her head. “Is there a King and Queen on Alara?”
“Just a King.” I clarified. After a moment, I asked. “Did you want that tour of the ship?”
Grace’s eyebrows drew together as she studied me. Did she detect I was holding back information?
We both stood at the same time.
She tucked hair behind both ears. “Where will we go after we leave Javar Outpost?”
Glad she wasn’t asking more questions about the King, I thrust my shoulders back.
“Where do you wish to go?” I asked, hoping she would not change her mind about staying on the ship with me.
She shrugged. “I’m not sure. This is all new to me.” She frowned for a brief moment, then sighed. “I never thought I would end up abducted to get here.”
I stopped myself from reaching for her hand. “You are safe now.”I am happy I found you.
She blinked at me, her lips parted. I sensed she believed me.
Grace ran her hand along her long hair again and twirled a strand between her fingers. “Thanks for the food. And thanks for saving me...I mean us.”
I pressed my lips together, forming a sincere smile. My heart was racing at her proximity.
She averted her eyes toward the doors.
My nostrils flared just before she glanced back at me. I caught a brief scent of her that made my blood heat.
Her mouth opened and her eyes widened a bit before she looked away.
“I should really get back to the other ladies,” she muttered, her breathy words barely escaping her lips. “They will be curious about what has happened to me.”
She continued twirling her hair with her fingers.
My body continued to respond to her signals, but I remained still.
“Don’t you want a tour of the ship?” I asked.
