He glanced over his shoulder for Blaize. He wanted to share the experience of Din’ Gale with her, to see what she thought. It was her second trip to the planet, but surely she remained impressed. Her eyes were on his, and the corners of her mouth quirked up before she quickly looked away.
Cifer walked with the crew across the tarmac and into the window-laden building.
“Dez!” A small woman with lighter coloring than Dez and deep-red markings darted across the open floor plan in the spaceport, her long black hair flowing behind her as she launched herself. Dez caught her one-handed easily, his stump stuffed in his pants pocket. Cyra, holding Princess on a lead, was smiling widely, giving them plenty of room.
“My sister, how are you?” He kissed her cheek before setting her back on the floor. Another man, not quite as big as Dez, but bald and with similar dark markings, stepped forward, wrapping his arm around Dez’s sister and putting his hand out in greeting to Dez. Cifer wasn’t sure who this probable brother-in-law was, but based on the jewels and fine fabrics, Dez’s sister had married well.
“Your Highness, greetings,” Dez said formally as they grasped each other. Dez then introduced Cifer to the prince and his sister, as well as his mother, Azhume, and father, Daymuhnd.
Cifer wasn’t sure how to act around a family. He observed the others and tried to blend in. Cyra was obviously well loved by the family, although according to what Veda had told him, this was only her second visit, and the first one had been to transport Dez to Kolben.
Daymuhnd’s face settled into a grim mask. “Show us.”
Dez stiffened at his father’s command. Azhume gripped her husband’s arm and stared at her son.
“It’s not a big deal.” Dez stepped back.
“Brother. You lost your hand,” his sister exclaimed.
“An appendage. Not my life.”
“But I’m the cause.” Tears filled his sister’s eyes.
Cyra shifted closer to Dez.
“That is not true. A man with a bomb was the cause. I’m honored to have protected my mate and her crew. This could have just as easily happened here in a farming accident.” Dez removed his arm from his pocket. “I’m perfectly fine. Able to function in all ways.”
“Dez and I are looking into options. Fine-motor robotics are incredibly sophisticated. With the right doctors…” Cyra trailed off.
Dez squeezed her in a one-armed embrace.
“You will allow me to help with the cost.” The prince’s tone was a royal edict.
“Your kind offer is most welcome,” Cyra replied before Dez could open his mouth.
Azhume stepped into the gap between the residents and the visitors. She held out her arm and addressed Cifer. “Come. You must dine with us. We are celebrating.”
“What are we celebrating this time?” Dez asked with a hint of laughter in his voice.
“Your freedom, your mating, your survival, your new friend.” She gave a warm smile to Cifer.
He hoped Dez’s father didn’t take offense. He might be older than Cifer, but he was huge. Cifer checked over Azhume’s head. Her male laughed, clearly at ease with his family’s antics. Cifer followed the tiny gray woman.
The meal was unlike anything Cifer had experienced in his life. Not even dim memories from his childhood could compete. The dishes were fresh, the flavors unfamiliar and yet so incredible. He’d had to make an effort to participate in the conversation instead of focusing solely on the food. At the point he couldn’t eat another bite, he glanced around the table, unsure who his host was—Dez’s parents or the Prince and Princess. Didn’t matter. “Thank you for this delicious meal. Incredible flavors and such bounty.” It occurred to him he was dining with royalty. “Does everyone eat like this?”
The prince wiped his hands and placed his napkin next to his own empty plate. “The farmlands on the far side of the planet are quite fertile, and the terrain is more conducive to farming than these rocky lands.”
Cifer had been impressed with the rocky peaks and waterfalls as they’d traveled from the spaceport to the royal homes. But as beautiful as the land was, it wasn’t farmable. At least not easily. Veda could probably figure out a way to do it.
The prince had leaned over his wife to speak to Dez. “In fact, the crops have been so successful this year, I would like to discuss another shipment.”
“Of course. Cifer, will you join us?” Dez asked.
Shocked, he stood when the prince and Dez did, and they excused themselves from the remainder of the group. The males led him back to a lavish office, lined with books and comfortable chairs in addition to the mandatory work desk.
The prince poured three glasses of a blue-green liquid that looked as potent as it smelled. Cifer didn’t often drink, but he recognized the requirement in this situation. It seemed there was going to be a business discussion, and Dez had told him earlier that he wanted Cifer to help out in these dealings as part of his payment for travel to Hiargus. It was an easy trade.
“Dez, I’m unsure how to proceed. Your sister and I owe you so much. A debt that could never be repaid.”
