“Your prisoner, Praxxan.” The Duke gave a dismissive wave in the Baron’s direction.
Praxxan took the direction with a curt bow. “Take the Baron to a holding cell and have Chancellor Qaimus brought to my office for questioning,” he ordered the guards.
Duke Ako waited until his guards removed the Baron and his guards from the kitchen. He turned back to my mate, his expression affectionate but still in the paternal vein that didn’t make me want to kill him... yet. When he glanced at me, the blue eyes held respect.
“It seems I have more to thank you for than just your delicious cooking. I owe you, my life.”
Pearl dipped her head, and I responded with the Vaktaire salute, thumping my fist over my heart.
“Jala.” The Duke turned to my sister, taking her hands in his. “I thank you for your most gracious hospitality. But if you could prepare my ship to depart, I need to return to the citadel and speak tomy son.” Anger turned his last words into a hiss. Duke Ako glanced over his shoulder at first me, then Pearl. “I look forward to welcoming you both aboard my vessel.”
Both of us?
I hadn’t planned on letting Pearl set foot on the Duke’s ship. I intended to take her and affect our escape the second we could sneak away. I would tear this space station to scrap with my bare hands before I allowed Pearl to be taken from me.
But my gut told me possessing Pearl wasn’t what Duke Ako had in mind. The male didn’t seem at all what the rumors suggested of him. Neither did my Wayfinder’s sense. It not only served to steer me within the cosmos, it also served to steer me in making decisions. While my protectiveness over Pearl remained vigilant, deep down, I didn’t sense danger from the Aljani ruler. Plus, Jala seemed to trust him, as evidenced by her slow nod at the Duke’s words.
This might be the opportunity we needed to discover what Nansar was up to once and for all.
I couldn’t pass it up.
Chapter 19—Pearl
The spacecraft loomed in all its massive glory, an imposing structure that brought to mind every fantastical spaceship I’d ever seen in the movies. The servants, tiny Framaddi with bright blue skin and curious eyes, led us down a grand hallway adorned with expensive furnishings and colorful artwork.Our luxurious quarters, complete with a private bath and large windows that afforded a breathtaking view of the endless expanse of starry darkness beyond, was like something out of a dream or perhaps a science fiction novel come to life.
The Duke had been the epitome of grace and hospitality, allowing us a few moments to adjust to our surroundings before a servant appeared, beckoning us to join him on the observation deck for a refreshing libation.
I could tell Jutuk still worried.
As we made our way to meet with Duke Ako, a wave of tension kept his muscles coiled underneath my touch. We’d barely had time to talk since the Baron’s arrest, what with the rushed packing and saying goodbye to Jala, Praxxan, and Priemba. Still, the way Jutuk held onto my arm tightly, and the protective glances he shot in my direction, spoke volumes about his continued cautiousness.
A tiny blue Framaddi female with bright teal eyes and an infectious smile led us through a grand hallway lined with intricate tapestries and gilded columns. We passed through massive golden doors, entering a breathtaking atrium,the ceiling stretching high above us allowing a view of the space beyond twinkling with millions of stars. Nearby, a quark illuminated the darkness of space with vibrant shades of purple and blue, mesmerizing in its beauty and complexity.
A beautifully crafted bar cart, adorned with intricate gold details and delicate crystal glasses, sat nearby. The array of drinks displayed on its shelves resembled a vibrant rainbow, and scents of freshly squeezed juices and aromatic spirits filled the air, making my mouth water.
Duke Ako had shed his regal attire and donned a more casual outfit of dark gray slacks and a tunic. Against his pale skin and hair, the color combination was striking, highlighting his rugged features, and making him even more handsome. He smiled broadly as we entered, motioning for us to join him.
Our Framaddi guide bowed curtly, first to the Duke, then us, before spinning on her heel and exiting the room, green skirts flouncing about her short legs.
At the center of the room stood a cozy seating area adorned with plush furniture. Jutuk placed a gentle hand on my back, guiding me to sit down on the sofa beside him. Our bodies were so close that our thighs brushed against each other so I could feel his unwavering tension, unwilling to let his guard down when it came to me.
“I trust your accommodations are to your liking, my dear?” Duke Ako rose from his chair and went to the bar cart, either completely unfettered by or unaware of Jutuk’s caution. He lifted a bottle of wine, similar to the type I used for cooking, and proceeded to uncork the bottle at my encouraging nod.
“The room is lovely, thank you,” I told him, accepting a goblet of dark red liquid. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask how he knew to put Jutuk and me in the same room. I’m sure he’d noticed our closeness, but there had been nothing that spoke to our mating that I recalled.Maybe it was an alien thing,and Duke Ako simply sensed that we had mated. I hoped so. If the Duke made any sort of untoward movement toward me, Jutuk would not handle it well.
“I am happy to hear it.” Again, the Duke seemed completely nonplussed as he handed Jutuk a goblet and dropped into the chair opposite me.“I hope you rest well on our trip to the citadel. My sincere apologies for what you had to endure to my cost.”
“I’m just happy we were able to recognize the stroaig was poisoned.” I took a sip of wine. It reminded me of Bourdeaux, earthy with tart fruit undertones.
“As am I.” The Duke flashed a charming smile before turning his attention to Jutuk. “My interrogators tell me you were right about the contest being rigged in Pearl’s favor. The Chancellor has admitted to his part in this sordid affair.”
“Did he say why?” I asked, feeling Jutuk relax somewhat beside me.
Duke Ako exhaled heavily, appearing regretful. “Jutuk was right in his assumption about that as well. The Baron rigged the contest so that you would be the one who prepared my meal. If the Baron had been successful, he would have blamed my death on the work of an inferior human.” The Duke flinched as he said the words. Beside me, I felt a low growl vibrate Jutuk’s chest.
“And everyone would have believed him.” I suffered no doubt at what many other species believed of my kind.
“There are still too many who believe humans have little to no worth other than slaves.” Jutuk’s voice was rough with ire, but the hand he laid on my thigh felt warm and gentle.
