I uttered a curse and proceeded to the dignitary’s quarters.
UPON MY ARRIVAL INthe Calti’s quarters, I detected a moment of surprise on Grace’s face before she avoided eye contact.
With a sly grin, Calti Joele inquired. “Captain. What brings you here?”
My jaw tightened. Why was my K’sha refusing to make eye contact with me?
I moved closer to her, while the rest of the females sat across from Joele. “Is everything well?” I asked Grace in a low voice.
“Yes.” She glanced at the other females before returning her gaze to me.
Something was troubling her. I hoped she wasn’t still upset with me about earlier.
I squinted my eyes, studying the group of females. “Why have all of you gathered here?”
“They are just visiting.” The Drakkari female smiled, but I knew they were adept at lying when it benefited them.
I had a feeling there was more to their meeting, but chose not to probe. If some of the females wished to leave, I would not stop them.
My gaze shifted to Grace as Calti Joele resumed speaking.
“The females were worried when they heard something striking against the ship’s hull. Is there a problem?”
I raised my chin. “There was a minor problem, but it has been resolved.” I stated.
Grace’s voice cut through the tension in the room. “Are we prisoners here?”
My eyebrows lifted. Did she lack trust in me? “What leads you to think you are held captive?”
Grace placed her hands on her hips. “Orin is stationed outside our locked door.”
I caught sight of Orin, who gave me an apologetic look.
The golden-haired female who was most outspoken gave me a glare while crossing her arms. “Well? Can you explain why there is a warrior outside our door?”
I straightened my shoulders. These females were tougher to reassure than I expected.
“You are not captives. Some areas of the ship are not safe. If you’re interested, I’ll show you around the ship after we leave Javar Outpost.”
Even though I had already mentioned it to her, Grace looked surprised at my offer.
Granted, I had only offered to show the ship toher.
“Can my friends visit the Outpost?” She quizzed, running her fingertips along her eyebrow and barely making eye contact.
“If they follow orders, it might be possible.” I allowed a small grin to form on my lips.
The female pilot scoffed. “Excuse me? Follow orders?”
Calti Joele signaled with her hand for her to relax, and the female said nothing else.
I continued to talk. “Commander Krin will be your escort. He has volunteered to accompany you for your safety.”
A shared look passed between the golden-haired pilot and Drakkari female.
I addressed the Calti. “Our arrival at Javar Outpost is on schedule. I will have Krin come get you once we reach our destination.”
My eyes sought Grace before heading back to the door. She was watching me with her lips slightly parted.
