Brogan had taken Onalee’s advice, and had forgone trying to blend in completely. She was right—with his large size it was nearly impossible for him to not turn a few heads. Instead, he wore the formal pants and jacket of a Northerner.
Arathians from the northern lands were generally built larger, and their clothes were better suited for him. The fabrics were heavy, long-sleeved, and trimmed with decorative fur. It was hot as hell under all the layers of clothes, but they concealed the arsenal of weapons he hid underneath.
Unlike him, Iliona was dressed as a southerner, in wisps of colorful cloth that left too much skin showing. Her hair fell freely down her back, and swayed as she moved to show glimpses of her skin. Her disguise was perfect: if they needed a distraction, she would be it.
Brogan walked through the growing crowd of spectators, his eyes tracking everyone he came across. His enhancements picked up on things a natural Arathian couldn’t sense. Most conversation was about how beautifully the Capitol Building’s grand hall had been decorated for the occasion.
The Capitol Building was where Arath’s High Council held their frequent sessions. It wasn’t common for citizens to have a need to come here, and even then, they never got to see the grand hall. He heard words of wonder at the soaring ceilings, decorative pillars, artistic glass walls, and sculptured lighting. Brogan had seen it all before and didn’t care to look now. He was on a mission.
Brogan sidestepped a group of young women whose oriaglyphs didn’t yet reach their hands (signaling that they were underage), earning him practiced pouts from each as he passed. He kept circulating through the large open room as the assembled crowd grew, keeping his expression and body language casually neutral—until he heard her laugh.
Brogan’s head whipped around, and there, standing a few feet away amongst a group of her brother and his cronies, was Onalee.
“See anything, Brogan?” Iliona asked in the tiny earpiece he wore.
Hell yeah, I do, he thought. Aloud he replied with a negative.
He scanned the faces of the men surrounding Onalee, and recognized them as either leaders of manufacturing, or in the energy business.
He had the impulse to move to her side. But today, that wasn’t to be. He was there for an important purpose, and he couldn’t allow himself to be sidetracked by Onalee… Even though she looked amazing in her white, close-fitting dress.
Most of the women from the region of Talavera wore flowing, gauzy dresses because of the heat, but not her. She was in a tight little white number, sleeveless, but with a collar that stood up around her neck. It only went to her knees, but it might as well have been short enough to see panties from the reaction he had to it.
Suppressing a groan, Brogan tore his eyes away and did another sweep of the room. By the time he’d done a full circuit, music began to play, and people made a wide gap for the procession. He found Onalee standing stiffly next to her brother, her back ramrod straight, hands clasping a small purse at her midsection. She looked uncomfortable, and Brogan had the urge to go over and demand what was wrong. He wanted to battle whatever was bothering her, just to see her face light up in a smile.
Oh shit, do I have it bad, he acknowledged to himself.
The music grew in volume, and people jostled for a position to be able to see the procession enter through the grand doors. Brogan acted the part of the enthusiastic bystander, but in reality, his eyes and ears were searching for anything out of the ordinary.
Soon, the three Kings, Queen, two Princes, and three Princesses, all entered the grand hall. They proceeded through the parted guests and took their seats atop the dais without any problems. Now the real work began.
People shifted to fill the walkway and position themselves to watch the ceremony. It was difficult to circulate through the crowd once everyone was standing politely, so Brogan moved to the back of the audience and watched as well as he could from his position. He could see other members of his team standing amongst the crowd, but everyone reported that they were clear.
Brogan barely listened to the formal words being exchanged; instead, he watched the attendees diligently. But every so often—more often than they should—his eyes strayed to Onalee. He didn’t mean to focus so intently on her, but it was nearly impossible not to. She had a magnetic attraction for his attention.
Come on, concentrate, he chastised himself time and time again. It worked for a while, until he glanced her way and found her watching him too. Their eyes locked, and she smiled. He felt his own smile light his face before he closed it back down.
She looked concerned about his change for a moment, until he winked and went back to scanning the crowd. When his eyes landed on her again, he was pleased to find that she was watching the ceremony with a more relaxed posture, and a small smile on her face.
Once the ceremony was over and the trio were officially the ruling Kings and Queen, Brogan breathed a little sigh of relief. The chances of someone sabotaging the event went down exponentially from there on out, but his job was far from over.
The event was being broadcast throughout the planet, so when the change of power was official, a great cheer went up from outside. There would be an entire weekend of parties, festivals, and celebrations in honor of the new ruling monarchs. The royals wouldn’t be attending any of that; the royal party would take place just outside the upper atmosphere of Arath on a Lurizian party cruiser.
The Lurizians were known for their impressive celebrations, so they were the race to call if you wanted to have one done right. In honor of the new monarchs, the leader of the Lurizians had offered his favorite party ship for their use. It was a giant cruise liner that would orbit the planet for three days. Shuttles would take guests to and from the party, which would probably rage the entire time.
The huge ship had been in orbit for a week, undergoing inspections and security checks run by the Arathian Defense. Brogan’s job was to accompany the trio and provide security once onboard.
For now, however, he still needed to focus on the (very gradually decreasing) potential for more immediate threats. People went back to mingling, although the atmosphere was a lot more upbeat and jovial. Drinks and light snacks were distributed, so Brogan took a glass and meandered throughout the crowd. Soon a familiar body was at his side. He turned to see Onalee smiling brightly up at him.
“I was wondering if I’d see you here, but I should have known better,” she told him.
There was no way Brogan could keep the genuine smile off of his face. “Yes, I’m afraid we’re all busy today.”
He purposefully didn’t say words like, “Guard,” “work,” or “on duty.” She got the hint and didn’t mention it either.
Onalee’s eyes circled the room. “I see what you mean. There are a lot of people here.” She turned back to him. “I could help you; be your companion for the afternoon?”
He laughed before lowering his voice. “No one would ever believe that you’re romantically involved with me. Besides, I’m here for a reason, and with you at my side, I’d never be able to focus on anything else.”
He snagged a drink off of a passing waiter’s tray and handed it to her. She took a sip.
“I’m not sure whether to be insulted or flattered.”
“Definitely flattered,” he replied.
Her smile broadened. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it then.” She turned to leave, but looked back at him one more time. “Will I be seeing you onboard the Lurizian ship?”
“Absolutely.”
Even if he wasn’t going to be working the entire three days, he would have secured an invitation just to spend more time with this enchanting female.
“So, you’ll be there, then?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yes. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing you onboard.”
She walked away, and he barely curbed the impulse to down the rest of his drink. The three days in Arath’s orbit on the party ship had just taken an unexpected upturn.
CHAPTER 12
Conall watched out the transport’s window as they neared the party ship. He’d imagined that it’d look similar to Earther cruise ships, but it didn’t. This space vessel was semi-spherical in shape, and at least ten stories tall. It wasn’t made to sail oceans, but to encircle planets in low orbit.
He’d heard from Karo that the Lurizians’ festivities usually lasted several days, and were lively, ostentatious affairs. Apparently, the concept of “restraint” was not in their vocabulary.
This ship was supposed to be decadent—the cream of the crop—and had been brought into Arath’s system in honor of its new Queen and Kings.
Flanking the party cruiser on all sides were ships from the Arathian Defense. Ranging from small fighters to large battlecruisers, they were there to keep the party ship safe from any external threats.
The royal coronation had happened earlier that day, but Conall and his family had stayed home from the event. It had been a good choice—Conall’d heard that Talavera had been a madhouse. He didn’t like crowds on the best of days; even attending this party was a stretch for him. He couldn’t remember the last party he’d been to, much less the last time he’d gone on an overnight trip without his son.
At least he wasn’t arriving alone. Riding with him in the transport were Ashlyn, Reus, Karo, and Aevum. His mother and father had decided not to attend, so Oliver was staying home with them. The lad had been unhappy he’d miss the party, but frankly, Conall needed time alone. So did Oliver.
He’d noticed, rather reluctantly, that he’d been hovering over his son—hovering to the point of driving the young lad crazy. Their arguments had become more frequent and heated over the last several days, so they both needed a small break. Distance would do the both of them some good.
“Holy shite! Do you guys see that?” Ashlyn asked from her seat behind him.
“What is it?” Aevum added.
It took them a moment of speculating, but Karo and Reus finally agreed that what they were looking at were virtual projectors. They extended out from the ship in all directions, and showed swirling colors in a myriad of designs. They reminded him of the Aurora Borealis on Earth. Conall was sure that when night descended on this side of the planet, the citizens on the surface would be able to enjoy them as well.
“I’ve been excited about this for weeks!” Aevum exclaimed. “Apparently, the Lurizians are very selective: they don’t host just any planet.”
“Well, I guess a Royal coronation is enough of a reason for them to tug the ship to this side of the galaxy,” Karo quipped from her side.
Aevum laughed at his joke. “Are you kidding me? This is the biggest event to happen to Arath in the last thirty years. They deserve to go all-out.”
“Yes, I’m sure Lukas will be thrilled to be the center of all this excitement,” Karo added dryly.
Everyone laughed. It was well known that the Earther King still wasn’t accustomed to all of the attention he received.
As they speculated about what they’d find inside the ship, the transport slowed its approach and slid seamlessly into a docking bay on the starboard side. They waited until a tube connected to the ship’s hatch, before they each gathered their overnight bags and followed Karo onto the ship. A very tall, very slender, and very yellow alien, waited for them on the other side of the hatch.
“Welcome! We’re very glad you could join us,” she greeted as she handed them blue-colored drinks in tall stemware. “Please leave your bags here. One of our stewards will see them safely to your rooms.”
They each piled their bags along the wall. The hostess smiled then gestured down the hallway.
“If you’ll follow me, I’ll introduce you to the ship.”
She led them down the hall, continuing to talk as she walked backwards.
“We have six levels on this ship accessible to guests, all of which have different themes and activities. The bottom three levels are staterooms. Here are your keys.”
She took Karo’s wrist and scanned it with a small device held in her hand. A number appeared on his skin.
“What is this?” Karo asked gruffly, clearly not happy that there was a mark on his body.
“Do not be concerned. The mark is temporary, and is only there to remind you—or to tell anyone who may assist you—which stateroom is yours. You and your mate will share a room.”
She took Conall’s wrist next, and he reluctantly allowed her to imprint the mark onto his skin. By the looks of the number, he was right across the hall from Karo and Aevum.
“Since you are here alone, you have your own room,” she explained to him pleasantly.
“Thanks for reminding me.” Conall mumbled.
Ashlyn heard him, and gave him a slight jab with her elbow. She and Reus were given rooms nearby.
“Your rooms are on deck two. Place your hand on the scanner next to the door, and it will open for you. Make sure to peruse your main console for the menu of room service options available, and the schedule of events. Now, please go and enjoy the party!”
The five of them (and their glasses of sparkling blue liquid) headed towards the sound of voices up ahead. They entered an atrium more massive than anything Conall had ever seen before.
His companions gasped in awe from his side, and Conall agreed. It was one of the most decadent places he’d ever been.
The atrium extended the full six stories in height, with a domed ceiling that was translucent, giving the guests a dramatic view of open space. Elaborate chandeliers floated through the air, illuminating the center, but creating plenty of shadows along the exterior walls where there were small, intimate sitting areas flanked by heavy drapes. There were a few already closed, and Conall couldn’t help but wonder what was happening on the other side.
Throughout the atrium were yellow aliens, the same race as their hostess (Conall assumed they were Lurizians), performing aerial acrobatics. Other Lurizians, both males and females, mingled throughout the room in various outfits that ranged from ostentatious, to barely-there. He could swear that some of them were nearly naked.
Working the room were gleaming mechanical robots holding trays with drinks and food ranging in all colors. But before they could move further into the room to partake, their small group was descended upon by a Lurizian female.
She stood a full head taller than Conall, but was barely as big around as one of his thighs, and was dressed in a criss-cross of black sequined material. Her eyes roamed over the five of them, then settled onto Conall.
“Hello, there,” she greeted him in a sultry voice and wide smile. Her arms went around Conall’s neck, and she moved close enough for her body to touch him. Her small breasts were right at eye level.
Conall cleared his throat uneasily. “Hi,” he lamely replied.
She ran her hands up into his hair then down his back. “Can I offer you some company?”
Conall heard Ashlyn snort in laughter from nearby. He had the childish urge to punch her arm.
“No, thank you,” he replied politely.
He wanted to physically remove her touch, but was afraid of insulting her. He was a guest; it wouldn’t be good to insult the hosts within the first minute of their arrival.
“Would you prefer a male instead?”
Her unexpected question had Conall nearly coughing in shock. His mind conjured memories of Brogan and him riding home in his transport from Talavera. He clearly remembered the way Brogan’s muscles had felt under his palm, the sound of his moan when their lips had gently met.
“No!” Conall answered her too forcefully, then softened his tone. “No, thank you. I’m straight.”
She pulled back and cocked her head to one side.
Conall was caught in her yellow eyes. He’d never seen ones that color—it was a bit unsettling, and almost as if she could see that he wasn’t telling the whole truth.
Please don’t tell them, he silently beseeched her. Either she was telepathic, or he’d misjudged her reaction, because she replied, “As you wish,” and pul
led away from him, giving him a half (almost knowing) smile.
Conall felt better once she wasn’t touching him any longer, and breathed a sigh of relief. The Lurizian wasn’t deterred. She turned to the rest of their group and offered her “company.” A chorus of polite declines had her sashaying off to greet other guests.
“Well, I guess they offer more than just drinks and food,” Reus commented as he drained the last of his beverage. A serving robot was there immediately to take his empty glass and offer a fresh one. Reus nodded in thanks.
“Aye,” Ashlyn answered, interest in her tone. “Let’s go see what else they have!”
She pulled her husband by their linked hands, and the rest of them followed. They explored room after room on the ship. Some were lush tropical scenes with streams bubbling over rocks, and the chorus of animals that Conall could swear were actually in the room. He saw something scurry through the underbrush, and was fairly certain that the sounds weren’t being created by a soundtrack.
Some rooms had dance floors with psychedelic lights and pulsing beats of music, while others had lounge chairs, artificial sunshine, sand, and warm pools to swim in.
It wasn’t long before their group was splitting off to take part in the various activities. Conall declined the couples’ invitations to join them. He didn’t feel like being a third wheel, and wanted to keep exploring the expansive ship on his own. Surely there was a quiet place somewhere onboard without so many people?
On the sixth floor he found the ideal spot: a room with an alien-looking telescope center-pieced in the middle of it. Surrounding it were several consoles and plush loungers. The exterior walls were transparent, which allowed him an unimpeded view of Arath and the surrounding space. It was a breathtaking sight, and so far, a place that no one else had found.
He made a mental note of its location and went back into the center of the ship, taking another glass of blue liquid from a robotic waiter as he walked.
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