A VERY D’TALI HOLIDAY

WARRIORS OF THE D’TALI: BOOK NINE

AVA YORK

STARR HUNTRESS

CONTENTS

Sofia

Dojak

Sofia

Dojak

Sofia

Dojak

Sofia

Dojak

Troko

Camilia

Troko

Camilia

Troko

Camilia

Troko

Camilia

Troko

Vokar

Isabella

Isabella

Vokar

Isabella

Vokar

Isabella

Sofia

The Alien Games: Opening Move

Are you a STARR HUNTRESS?

Rekker

Kazan

Rogue Mate

SOFIA

I stood near the nursery window, staring out into nothing. The D’Tali city of Tahkath sprawled past the river on the other side of the stained glass.

From here, in the tower containing the royal apartments, Tahkath looked cold, barren...desolate.

Winter had come, and homesickness for the familiar sights and sounds of Earth haunted me. Little Alyna played in the corner with a set of blocks. She had nearly completed a block version of the castle, and I knew that as soon as she did, she would knock the entire structure down.

I suspected that was her favorite part.

At two and a half years old, I no longer felt compelled to watch her every second. I could usually detect most problems by the sounds she made.

I only really worried when she stopped making noise, as that was the first indication my daughter was up to mischief and trying to sneak around.

I heard the nursery door open and turned to see who’d opened it.

Dojak, my mate and the King of Tahkath, stepped in and I flashed him a smile which I hoped looked happy enough, though the cold overcast days weighed on me.

“Daddy! Look.”

Dojak’s eyes darted to her. She had yet to grow out of her I-hate-clothes phase and stood as naked as the day she was born, pointing at the intricate block castle.

“That’s beautiful, my little princess.”

“Thanks, Daddy!”

Alyna beamed at her father, filled with pride at his praise.

Then she kicked the structure, sending blocks skidding across the floor. She laughed, then grabbed the handle of a little wagon and dragged it around behind her, tossing the scattered blocks into the wagon’s bed.

Dojak sighed, despite his indulgence for the little girl who had her daddy wrapped around her little finger.

He crossed the distance between us and wrapped me in his arms. “Well, at least she picks them up after.”

“True. If only you had seen the epic battle it took to convince her to, though.”

Dojak stroked my face with his big, scaled hand. His horns gleamed magnificently in the glow of the vap lamps hanging from the walls.

“What troubles you, my love? You look like you carry something heavy. Talk to me, Sofia. Let me help.”

“I’m just missing Earth.”

“How so?”

I returned my gaze to the window.

“I guess I don’t, exactly miss Earth, specifically. Don’t misunderstand me, I am happy here, with you. I love our life more than I ever thought I could. I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished and have no regrets…”

“But?”

“But…on Earth there was a… Ugh. How do I explain? There was a certain…beat, I guess…a rhythm of common traditions and events around which we arranged our entire year. Holidays, celebrations…”

“And, here, all of that is different.”

I looked up into his eyes.

“Yes, exactly. I suppose it’s like a ritual that I didn’t even realize I was used to.”

“I never thought of it like that.”

“We did certain things at certain times of the year for my entire life. I never thought about how much it would affect me to live without them entirely.”

“We have holidays and celebrations…”

“I know you do, and they are lovely. I just miss the ones I knew.”

“Tell me about them. Alyna! Come here. Let us listen to Mommy’s stories about Earth.”

“I want blocks. Not story time.”

“I know it’s not our usual story time, but I want to hear Mommy’s new stories.”

“Blocks.”

I placed my hand on Dojak’s arm. “Best not to fight her. Her iron will may not be convenient, but it will serve her well later.”

Dojak sighed. “When do you think she’ll stop fighting clothes?”

I shrugged. “When she’s good and ready. Like everything else.”

“At least you got her to willingly take baths.”

“I really have to find a way to thank Janis for that.” Well, probably. “Who would have thought a waterfowl would solve that problem?”

“I’m still not sure how our daughter's bath time has led to quite so many of the creatures,” Dojak admitted.

“Because you were on a diplomatic visit to the Aetamians, and I was at my wits’ end. Alyna was refusing to bathe and to try to distract her, Janis brought us a young happa. Alyna jumped into the bath to swim with the bird. Then, of course, the challenge was getting her out of the bath.”

“Is that how we ended up with all those happa in the castle fountains?”

“Yeah…well, the happa got too big a lot faster than I expected. I really thought she would relent after the first one…”

Dojak chuckled and pulled me close, and I leaned into the comfort of his big body. I breathed a deep breath, letting the golden comfort of his love surround and soothe me.

“Come, Sofia. Let us sit and watch the next monarch of Tahkath play.”

I nodded and Dojak stepped back and offered me his hand. I took it and we walked to a sofa from which we could watch Alyna construct a new building out of her blocks.

“You know, happa are pretty tasty.”

“We can’t eat them. She’s named them all.”

“Too bad. Anyway, tell me about what you miss so much.”

I released a deep breath. “That’s just so much more complicated than it sounds, Dojak. Most of what happened on Earth has no place in this world. When the Skarg first abducted me and the other human women, they took us out of our context.”

“Still, I would listen.”

“I know you would. And I appreciate it more than I can explain. I’m just… I don’t know how to explain Earth holidays, since they are all rooted in Earth cultures and Earth history, little of which really matters here in Tahkath.”

“Try me, Sofia.”

“Like, for one of our most common winter holidays, we cut down a tree, bring it into our home, and decorate it.”

“Do Earth people worship trees?”

“No.” I shook my head, torn between wanting to explain and not wanting to bring over too much of the Earth’s various cultures that had started so many wars. “Maybe, when the tradition began, but after hundreds of years, the original meanings faded, changed, or were incorporated into new traditions and cultures. Like Halloween.”

“Is Halloween a winter tradition?”

“No, it’s a combination of many fall traditions,” I shrugged, flailing for the right words. “It was from an ancient culture who believed that particular night was the last night of the year and evil spirits could roam on that day. By the time I was around, it had become an excuse to dress in elaborate costumes, eat candy, and watch scary stories.”

“I can see why that was popular.”

“It was fun, dressing up as someone else.”

“Okay, so, for the winter, we have tree worship. What else?”

I laughed.

“Feasts with traditional foods which simply don’t exist here. Singing songs no one here would understand. Someone dresses up as a legendary character called Santa Claus, who is supposed to delight children.”

“Santa Claws sounds nice.”

“He’s a made-up character based on legends of a spirit who would kidnap children who misbehaved.”

Dojak’s eyes narrowed. “I take it back, then. I suppose that explains the ‘claws’ part of his name.”

“No, Claus…oh, never mind. Once again, by the time I came along, Santa was a character who magically delivered gifts to all the children in the world within a single night in a sleigh pulled by…the Earth equivalent of pafu, who magically fly through the air.”

Dojak sighed, then chuckled. “You may be correct, Sofia. Earth traditions sound like a mess.”

“Humans are complicated.”

Dojak laughed harder. “Really? You don’t say…”

There was only one reasonable response.

I poked him in the ribs. “Hey, get used to it. You married one and your daughter is half human. You think things are complicated now, wait till puberty.”

Suddenly alarms rang in my head.

At some point during my conversation with Dojak, Alyna had gone silent. I stood up, my eyes searching the room.

“Alyna? Where are you?”

Alyna crawled out from under the sofa where Dojak and I had been talking.

“Boo, Mommy!”

I reached for her. “Come here, you. Oh, Alyna, you’re filthy! Remind me to have someone dust under that sofa…”

Alyna slipped from my grasp and sprinted for the door.

“Dojak, she’s making a run for it.”

“I’ve got her.” Dojak leaped from the sofa and chased Alyna down, growling like a wounded valanx.

“Come here, little princess! I’m going to get you! Grrrr!”

Alyna squealed in delight, and the hunt was on.

DOJAK

Sofia worried me.

She’d seemed so sad this morning in the nursery.

I could only try to imagine what it must be like for her and the other human women—to be ripped from everything they knew and transported to an entirely new world. The humans spoke of the experience in terms I had tried many times to contemplate, but I knew I didn’t really understand “space” or “planets” or “light years”...not the way they did.

But, I DO know how to throw a party. Luckily, I have the resources of an entire kingdom to do so.

A grin spread across my face. I stood up from my office desk where a pile of important, but boring, papers awaited me. One of my clerks raised a brow ridge.

“Carry on. I realized I have an essential task to complete for the good of the kingdom.”

“Aye, sire.”

I strode out into the hall before anyone could bring to my attention some problem or other I couldn’t possibly ignore or put off and started hunting down the humans.

I knew Mellida would be in the kitchen—or possibly the prison. Janis and Nadan would be tending the animals. Luckily, the couple had recently returned from another trip to the Valley of the Ancestors.

Who else?

Camilia would be in either the infirmary or at Sofia’s school. Isabella would also be at the school. Queen Riley, of course, was with Kator, King of the Aetamians. I decided to begin my self-appointed quest at the school.

Decision made, and course clear in my mind, I squared my shoulders and strolled through the castle’s hallways. I stepped through an exterior door out into the overcast day. A cold wind battered at me, snatching all my warmth. I pulled my heavy winter cloak around me, and leaned into the headwind.

I trudged to the stables and closed the heavy door behind me to block the insistent winds and a young stable hand ran up and bowed.

“Sire.”

“Hello, young Pax. Please saddle my numa. I mean to visit the school today and I have no desire to fight the weather for the entire way.”

“Yes, sire.”

Young Pax trotted off. Twenty minutes later, he returned leading my numa.

“Thank you, Pax.”

“My pleasure, sire.”

He bowed his head, and I mounted my numa. He opened the stable door and I trotted back out into the wind, pushing my numa into a gallop that ate up the distance to the new school.

I had had my doubts when Sofia first suggested such a thing, but the benefits of educating the people of Tahkath had proven to far outweigh the costs.

Students trudged against the wind all over campus. So many had come to learn, from so many places, the school had become an incredibly diverse place.

Everywhere I looked, clusters of D’Tali students spoke and joked with Lukadians, Aetamians, and Vivutians. I wrapped my scarf high over my face to keep the wind off my neck. No one recognized me, giving me a moment to see my city function without the constant bows.

Tahkath filled me with pride. Making certain that my face was well covered, I trotted my numa up to a group of students.

“Pardon my interruption, but could one of you direct me to one of the humans?”

A juvenile Vivutian male, barely tall enough to look me in the eye while I was mounted on the numa, fluffed his feathers and pointed a feathered arm in the direction of a building to the left.

“Esteemed Instructor Camilia was in the school’s medical wing with Esteemed Instructor Isabella but an hour ago.”

“Thank you.”

I walked my numa over to the medical wing. I dismounted, tied my numa’s reins to the hitching post, and entered the door. Camilia and Isabella fell silent at my arrival. I pushed back my scarf and they both stared at me.

“Good morning. I have questions and I need your help. There’s something amiss with Sofia.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. She’s not just the queen. She’s our friend.”

“Sofia seems very sad. She says she misses Earth winter holidays, which I know very little about. I can only imagine that many of you must feel homesick, as well.”

Camilia blew a lungful of air through her lips.

“Now that you mention it, yeah. I’ve been feeling…off, too.”

Isabella nodded. “Wow. That explains so much, Camilia. Sofia’s right. I miss it, too.”

“If you don’t mind my taking some of your time, tell me about the holidays. I want to find a way to help all of you feel as much like you are home as I can.”

We all took seats. Camilia poured me a goblet of warm, mulled pel cider. I sipped, letting the drink warm and soothe me from the inside out. Camilia spoke first.

“That is such a complicated question. What did she tell you she missed?”

“Well, she told me about the clawed, magical, flying Santa, tree worshipping, and something called Halloween, which sounds very, very fun, but I understand that is a fall tradition.”

Both women blinked at me as my descriptions of their traditions trickled through their minds. I sipped my pel cider while they thought.

Isabella spoke first. “I hate to say it, but my family traditions mostly involved lottery tickets.”

Camilia laughed. “Lottery tickets?”

“Yeah, we never played the lottery on a regular basis, but we hung stockings stuffed with lottery tickets. We’d wake up, scratch them off, then eat.”

“Ever win anything?”

“No. I had the worst luck.”

“I assume ‘lottery’ is a game?”

Camilia waved at me.

“The lottery is more of a gamble. You, and millions of other people, pay money to guess which random numbers will be picked by an official a few days later. Whoever guesses correctly gets a portion of the total money collected.”

“Millions…?”

“There were a few billion people on Earth when we left.”

“Billions? Was Earth a huge planet?”

Camilia and Isabella laughed. Isabella answered before Camilia could catch her breath.

“No, humans just make lots of babies fast.”

“So…do I need to start a lottery?”

“No. Stick with the “clawed” Santa and tree worshipping. Although, I did always enjoy a sleigh ride. Too bad Nadan doesn’t have any trained pafu, but, since pafu and numa are all reptiles anyway, numa would be close enough.”

“Good point, Camilia. The kids would love it. Of course, you don’t have any snow, King Dojak, so a sleigh wouldn’t work, either. Maybe we can just use the kitchen cart. Mellida says the old numa who pulls it is pretty gentle.”

“You’re saying we take the children to the prison in the food cart?”

“I’m not saying the prison, specifically. The route is nice, though. Then again, and no offense intended, but we’d have to be able to keep the princess inside the cart long enough to complete the ride.”

“No offense taken. Sofia assures me Alyna’s willfulness will serve her well later…”

Isabella patted my shoulder.

“I swear, the current frustration will be worth it.”

I smiled, as I always did when thinking of Alyna or Sofia. A sudden thought struck me.

“Thank you both. Also, I want this party to be a surprise. Can you both swear not to tell Sofia?”

“Of course, we can. Just let us know how we can help.”

“Thank you, Camilia. I will get back to you. I have much planning to do.”

SOFIA

“Alyna, if you try to take your clothes off again while we’re here, I’ll strap you into them. It’s acceptable to run around naked in the royal tower, but not here.”

Alyna shrieked, twisting in my arms, grappling with her dress.

“Alyna, please. I have to work. Please don’t do this today, alright?”

Instead, she only grunted and kicked at me.

“Behave or I’m sending you back to the nursery and you won’t get to play with your friends this afternoon.”

Alyna froze, glaring at me. She let go of her dress and stood still, though she radiated resentment. Ever since the first time I’d picked her up in the middle of a playdate and took her home, she knew I was serious.

“Besides, you’re supposed to be napping right now.”

“Not sleepy, Mommy,” Alyna declared, rubbing her little eyes.

“Okay, don’t sleep. But you still have to sit on your cot.”

She toddled over to her ‘cot’, an elaborate affair befitting a princess and the heir to the D’Tali throne. She plopped her little butt down and glared harder at me through drooping eyelids.

“Remember, you’re not tired and you definitely don’t want to lie down, get comfortable, sleep, or yawn.”

She rubbed her little eyes again and yawned.

I turned my focus back to my papers, certain she would crawl under the covers within minutes, if only to keep off the chill. I counted to sixty and glanced at her. She lay under her blankets, dead to the world.

I sighed and leaned back, rubbing my own eyes with a hand. Dojak could easily have afforded a nanny, but I wanted to raise Alyna myself.

She was our daughter, not just a princess to be handed off to servants and tutors.

Besides, I wanted to take every opportunity to teach her as much about her human side as I could. There were so few of us. How was she ever going to understand her heritage when it came from a world a million miles away?

I turned back to my work, reading page after page of budget requests and banal reports. After half an hour, the numbers and words began to run together. I wanted sleep. I needed sleep. I also wanted to keep up with the school’s administration.

I leaned back and stretched just as Dak, a promising D’Tali recruit Mellida had recommended for our pilot classes, knocked on the doorjamb of my office.

“Hi, Dak. What can I do for you?”

“Hello, Queen Sofia. I just stopped by to see if there was anything I could get you. I’m on assistant duty today.”

“Oh, I don’t know.”

“I could bring you a snack?”

“I think all I need is a neck massage.”

His face went rigid, his eyes wide.

“Heh…well, I saw King Dojak talking to Camilia and Isabella in the medical wing. I could go ask him…I’m not sure I should be giving a queen a neck massage…”

“Dojak’s here?”

“Yes.”

“What did he want?”

“Uh…I’m not sure. I don’t generally question the king…”

I stood.

“I’ll tell you how you can help me. Keep an eye on the princess over there while I go find out what Dojak is up to.”

Dak looked terrified.

“Don’t worry, she’ll sleep the entire time I’m gone now that she’s down.”

He swallowed hard. “As you wish, Queen Sofia.”

“Thanks, Dak.”

Without another word, I power walked into the hall. I must have looked serious, because no one stopped me.

Once I exited the school’s administration building, I broke into a run. The movement felt good. My limbs stretched, loosening my joints. I ran harder, ignoring the curious looks following my progress.

I suppose seeing one’s queen running at top speed like a track star is an unusual sight, after all. Considering the lack of women, seeing a woman running anywhere at all would be a strange enough sight to draw stares.

I ran around a cluster of students who watched me dash past and up to the medial wing’s doors.

I stepped in, closing the door behind me, and stopped for a moment to pant. Isabella stuck her head out of the doorway to her office.

“Sofia! What a surprise. Is there something wrong? Camilia, come quick…”

Camilia rushed out of the office and up to me, checking me for signs of illness.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. I just ran over here.”

“What in the world for, Sofia?”

“No emergency, I just felt like running. Don’t you ever feel like running?”

“Not since I had kids.”

Isabella laughed at Camilia’s joke. I smiled and my breathing relaxed.

Dojak stepped out into the hall, wrapped in a heavy cloak, his face oddly expressionless, and my chest tightened again.

“Hi, honey. What brings you to the school?”

“Where’s Alyna?” he asked in return.

“Sleeping in my office. Young Dak is watching her. Back to my question. What brings you to the school?”

Dojak’s eyes darted between Camilia and Isabellla.

“I…I was just discussing with Camilia that “hospital” idea you were talking about last week.”

“Were you?”

Camilia nodded, her eyes darting to the side. “Oh, yes. And I couldn’t be happier. We almost have enough nursing students to staff a hospital. Next step, we just need more doctors…”

Isabella nodded her head, too.

“Oh, yes. We were just discussing how, by the time we built a hospital structure, we may even have some fledgling doctors for Camilia to teach.”

The three of them looked like bobble-head toys. For some reason, their bobbing heads, blank stares, and plastered-on smiles increased my suspicions rather than alleviated them.

Couldn’t imagine why.

I narrowed my eyes, but Dojak just clapped his hands and sidled towards the medical wing’s external door.

“Well, I must be off. Busy day. Lots to do, being a king and all…”

He slipped out.

“Spill it, ladies. What’s he up to?”

Camilia and Isabella shook their heads.

“Nothing’s up, Sofia. Listen, I could really use your take on this hospital project, though. Isabella can work out the logistics and building materials, but I need your help for the early planning. I’m still looking for the right place to build it. I hate for it to be very far from the school…”

“Well, it may have to be, Camilia. I can’t stand the thought of tearing down Tahkath’s existing architecture unless we have no alternative.”

A plan that had been circling at the back of my mind pushed forward, distracting me for a moment from Dojak’s sneaky behavior. “You know, what if we set up a system of carriages between campus and the hospital? Like a campus bus system.”

Isabella’s eyes grew wide. “A public transportation system? Talk about transforming Tahkath…”

And yes, that would be all well and good, except for one thing. “Really, though. What is Dojak up to?”

“Nothing, Sofia. Nothing to worry about. Come, let’s look at the maps.”

“I really should get back to Alyna and let Dak off the hook.”

“I’ll tell you what, Sofia. I’ll get my maps and walk you back.”

Fine. Maybe I’d get more information from her later.

“Bye, ladies. I’m off to the engineering wing. I better check on the students before they blow up the steam engine I’m building.”

Camilia and I waved at Isabella, packed up Camilia’s maps, and walked back to the administration building.

Alyna still slept when I returned, and Dak looked incredibly relieved to no longer be responsible for Tahkath’s heir.

I couldn’t say I blamed him.

DOJAK

As soon as I escaped the school’s medical wing, I leaned against the building and released a deep breath while my numa looked at me from where I had left it hitched. I unhitched my numa’s reins and mounted quickly, hoping to be far from the school by the time Sofia emerged from the medical wing.

Who knew the most powerful man in Tahkath would have so much trouble keeping a secret from the queen?

One would think a king would be better at sneaking around… then again, no one has ever accused me of subtlety.

I nudged my numa into a trot, then an easy gallop. The path between the castle and the school rolled gently, and I doubted the gallop would strain my mount. It felt good to ride, even in the chill wind. I eased up and let my numa set its own pace. It settled into an easy walk and we plodded through the cobblestone streets.

I pulled up my scarf, hoping for another moment of anonymity, and let my gaze fall over my kingdom. Boys ran past, chasing each other by the everchanging rules of the game. Merchants sold their wares and drovers guided numa-drawn carts down the cobblestone streets, cloaks wrapped tightly around them.

Maybe a new winter festival is just the thing we need. Winters are cold and hard and beg for nights of laughter, drink, and the comfort of loved ones. What would it be like, had I been the one abducted from my home? If I could never eat another pel fruit? Or see another numa? Or never again hear the calls of familiar birds?

I shuddered at the thought.

The humans had adjusted far more quickly than many D’Tali would have.

I shook off my thoughts as I approached the courtyard of the kitchen complex. A young D’Tali boy ran up as I brought my mount to a halt.

“May I take your numa, sire?”

I dismounted and handed the child the reins.

“Thank you. Is Mellida here?”

“Yes, sire, but not for long.”

“Then I had best hurry.”

“Yes, sire.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“Yes, sire.”

I walked through the courtyard and into the kitchens. Everyone around me began to bow.

“Please, forget I’m here. Go about your business. No one can cook if they are bowing, and your work is essential to keeping Tahkath running.”

Everyone looked uncomfortable, but they went back to their tasks. I caught a glimpse of a human head, distinct since D’Tali have no hair. I walked her way. I had intended to skirt around the workers in the busy kitchen, but they all parted before their king. Sometimes, I wished I could return to the days before my crown, but I realized I really had few complaints.

“Mellida!”

She turned to look at the source of her shouted name. She raised an eyebrow.

“King Dojak. What brings you to the kitchens?”

“Well, do you have a few minutes? I want to do something for Sofia and I am hoping you will help me.”

“If it is within my power, of course I will help. Let’s sit outside, though. The kitchen is too loud to talk.”

Mellida grabbed a cloak, and returned to the courtyard, where I took my numa’s reins from the boy and sent him on his way.

“So, tell me about Sofia. What’s going on?” she started.

“She has been sad lately, missing Earth. Well, she says she misses the familiar winter holiday traditions.”

“Ah. Yes, I suppose we all do. Holidays were such a pivotal part of our lives there.”

“So, help me bring some of those traditions here.”

Mellida looked hard at me for a moment. “What exactly did you have in mind?”

“The clawed Santa. Sleighs drawn by magic Earth pafu. Worshipping trees. Singing songs and feasts. Isabella said her family played a game called lottery.” I nodded. “I am sure I have that right. I want to do all of those things.”

Mellida’s face grew red and she covered her mouth with her hands, making an odd strangling noise. After a few minutes, the color on her face faded and she spoke in something close to her usual voice.

“That all sounds lovely. What do you need from me?”

“A feast? Obviously, we don’t have the same foods, but…” I trailed off. Maybe this wouldn’t work. Maybe there wasn’t a way I could bring the winter tradition of my mate’s heart to her.

Mellida lightly put her hand on my arm. “Don’t worry. I can see this is important to you.”

“Sofia is important to me, Mellida. And I should have considered this before. Now that we D’Tali are having children with humans, we can’t just stay the same as we always have. You humans have already changed so much here for the better. I want to make new traditions, ones that reflect our new reality and make space for more than just human technology.”

Mellida patted my hand.

“You are a good man, King Dojak, with a good heart. To start with, we’ll need to speak to Thulid. He’s in charge of the kitchens, after all.”

I nodded and Mellida pulled aside one of the boys running by.

“Krenik, please ask Thulid to join King Dojak and me out here. Politely.”

“Yes, Miss Mell.”

Krenik ran and Mellida turned back to me.

“Mellida? Perhaps you could help me find a Santa costume?”

Mellida giggled, then managed to resume her normal serene expression.

“Who will be wearing it?”

“I will, of course. Unless there’s a reason I shouldn’t? I don’t know! Nothing anyone has told me about Earth’s winter traditions seems to make sense…”

“No, there’s no reason you can’t wear the Santa suit. What kind do you want? The pre-Norman Rockwell, multicolored cloak or the post-Normal Rockwell red and white suit?”

“Uhhhh…”

“Let’s keep it simple with the post-Norman Rockwell. Listen, I just need your measurements and I’ll speak to the tailor who handles all the human clothes.”

Hope flooded me. I untied a coin pouch from my belt and placed it in her hands.

“For any expenses.”

“This is far too much…”

“Spend the rest on tree-worshipping decorations. Sofia said there were decorations. I have no clue what to even ask an artisan to make. And Santa’s claws can’t be easy to make…”

Mellida laughed as Thulid joined us, wiping his hands on his apron.

“Sire. Krenik said you called for me?”

“Yes, Thulid. I want to throw a huge party for Queen Sofia that incorporates some human traditions.”

Thulid worked through his initial shock of preparing for a last-minute feast, and began to nod.

“How many are we feeding?”

“The humans, their mates, children, any foreign dignitaries…”

“Right. Do you have specific preferences for the dishes to be served?”

Lost for an answer, I looked at Mellida.

“What do humans eat for the winter celebrations?”

“Don’t worry. I will work it out with Thulid.”

“Great! Now, you must simply swear not to tell Sofia. No matter how much she interrogates you, you must say nothing. She nearly caught me talking to Camilia and Isabella about it earlier. She already thinks I’m up to something. I don’t know how I’ll keep her from figuring it out…”

“Tell her you’re planning a date night without little Alyna. Trust me.” She winked. “Then actually take her on the date.”

I grabbed Mellida by the arms. “You’re brilliant! Yes!”

“Thanks. But she will only believe you if she feels like she has uncovered the conspiracy.”

I released Mellida’s arms and stepped back.

“Right. You are so right. I have to keep acting like I’m up to something to get away with being up to something else…”

“I think you have a good plan, sire.”

“Thank you, Thulid. And thank you, Mellida, for all your help.”

“Hey, anytime you need a devious surprise-party planner, I’m your girl. Now I have to try to find the D’Tali equivalent of a turkey.”

SOFIA

Alyna woke from her nap starving and cuddly. She crawled out of her blankets and into my lap just as I had finished examining the pile of papers on my desk.

I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her head. I enjoyed the feel of her little body in my arms. Soon enough, little Alyna would grow too big for my lap, and I wanted to savor every moment while I could.

“Hello, Alyna. Are you hungry?”

I felt her head nod against my chest.

“Do you want to stop by the kitchens on the way to play with your friends?”

She nodded her little head again but didn’t move from my lap. I rocked her gently, stroking her hair and back until she woke enough to wiggle in my arms.

“Potty time?”

Alyna pushed off my lap, nodding, and toddled into the hallway.

Who knew half-D’Tali children would potty train so early?

With no desire to complain about such an unexpected advantage, I stood and offered Alyna my hand. She grabbed it with her little fingers. We walked down the hall to the miracle of slightly more modern plumbing Isabella had managed to install to create a bathroom in the school buildings.

Maybe we should create a vocational training program for plumbers. What would I have to do to make that happen?

Import copper pipes from Lukadia. We would have to teach them how to extrude pipe, what shapes…

Why am I trying to start an entire new industry right now? My plate is already full.

I sighed. I didn’t know enough about plumbing. Deciding I would have to bring it up with Isabella later, I returned my attention to Alyna.

“I potty, Mommy. Wash hands.”

My little miracle, in so many ways.

“You’re such a good girl, Alyna.”

We washed up and strolled out of the school building. As soon as we walked through the administration building’s front doors, Alyna ran.

I knew she wouldn’t get far and watched her go. She caught her little foot on a dip in the ground and fell facefirst onto a soft carpet of blue winter grasses.

I rushed to her, worried she would be upset with her tumble, but Alyna laughed and rolled away from my hands. I stood, back straight, and put my hands on my hips.

“Are you going to roll all the way to the castle kitchens?”

“Yes.”

She made it about twenty feet before she popped back to her feet and wrapped her thick cloak around her until only her red-nosed face poked out as we trudged through the biting wind.

“Cold, Mommy.”

“I know, Alyna. We’ll warm up when we get to the kitchens. I bet we can get a nice warm pel cider, when we get there.”

“Okay.”

Alyna broke into a stubby-legged run and I jogged to keep up, the exercise warming us plenty in our cloaks. Alyna’s cold red nose reminded me of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

She’ll never understand what a reindeer is. Can I adapt it? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pafu? That’s not so bad.

Alyna’s mere presence entirely disrupted the kitchens. Everyone wanted a moment to play with the princess, to greet her and give her little treats.

I knew that, were we to stay for more than a moment, no other work would get done, so I tried to speed up the cups of cider.

“We can’t stay long. We only came for some cider and a snack.”

A purple-scaled D’Tali I didn’t recognize bowed.

“Did you want to take your cider and snack with the king?”

“What do you mean?”

“King Dojak, Mellida, and Thulid are in Thulid’s office. I thought you were coming to join them, Queen Sofia.”

My eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“Is he?”

“Uh…yes?”

“I think I will join them, after all. Alyna, come on. Let’s go see Daddy.”

“No.”

“Alyna, I know you are having a good time, but everyone needs to get back to work now, or they can’t make dinner. Do you want dinner?”

She glared at me, but she nodded her head.

“Can the cooks make dinner if they are playing with you?”

“No.”

“Then we need to let them get back to work. If we keep them from working for too long, we can’t come back here anymore.”

Alyna stamped her foot, but she took my hand. A cook handed her a breadstick covered in numa cheese and she seemed appeased. I mouthed a “thank you” at the cook and we made our way to Thulid’s office.

The kitchen noise proved too loud for me to eavesdrop, so I simply walked in. Dojak jumped out of his chair like I’d shoved a flaming torch in his face.

Mellida merely looked amused and Thulid always looked like he was in a good mood.

“Hi. What are you up to?”

“Nothing.”

Dojak’s eyes darted between my face, Mellida’s, and Thulid’s.

I raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “Then why did you jump?”

“You startled me.”

“You’re a lot jumpier than usual…”

“No, I’m not. I’m always this jumpy.”

Mellida nearly choked on the laugh she valiantly fought to suppress as Thulid’s eyes twinkled.

Dojak looked like the words which had popped out of his mouth finally trickled through his brain.

“Uh huh.”

“Daddy jump.”

Dojak’s eyes darted to Alyna and his entire demeanor softened. He crouched, opening his arms wide.

“Come here, my princess. Isn’t it time to play with your friends?”

Alyna ran to her father, flinging her arms around Dojak’s neck.

“Daddy play.”

“You don't want to see your friends?”

“Daddy play. Layla play.”

“Oh, I see. You want me to come play with your friends.”

Alyna nodded. Dojak scooped Alyna into his arms.

“How can I say ‘no’ to my princess when she uses her words so well? Want to ride on Daddy’s shoulders?”

Alyna clapped her hands and began to climb her massive D’Tali Daddy. Dojak lifted her over his head, tucking her cloak under her legs to keep her warm and the cloak out of his eyes.

“Okay, let’s go find your friends. Bye, my love. See you later.”

Dojak managed to flee with Alyna before I could get a word in. I spun my head to Mellida.

“What is he up to?”

Mellida laughed and patted my shoulder. “Don’t worry, Sofia.”

“I’m not worried. I just want to know what he’s up to. He was at the school earlier, talking to Camilia and Isabella. They claimed to be discussing a hospital…”

“Hey, that’s not a bad idea.”

“We’re at least a year away from it even being remotely possible. Why discuss that now?”

Mellida sighed. “It’s never too early to plan.”

“You’re in on this, too, aren’t you?”

“In on what?”

“He’s up to something. I know it. The hairs on the back of my neck know it.”

“Human neck hair can detect suspicious activity?”

Mellida and I looked at Thulid, then we spoke in tandem.

“Yes.”

Thulid shook his head. “My, you humans are truly remarkable. Hair. Who knew it had such strange properties?”

“You, Thulid. You tell me what is going on.”

Thulid swallowed and waved his hands in front of him.

“Please, Queen Sofia. I just run the kitchens. King Dojak was just checking on the status of our supplies.”

His voice rang of truth.

Maybe I’m losing my mind. Maybe there isn’t anything going on…

Still, suspicion nagged at me and I would not be denied a straight answer out of my mate.

“You are both off the hook. I’ll get the truth out of him, one way or another.”

I turned and stomped out of the kitchen, determined to track my mate down and get said answers.

DOJAK

Alyna waved at everyone we passed, and to her joy, many waved back. My chest swelled with pride at the thought that Alyna and her people would know and love each other long before Alyna took the throne.

I hoped she would bring her mother’s ingenuity, drive, and purpose to her reign when Sofia and I were ready to pass on the crown.

“Alyna, I have a secret. I want to surprise Mommy with a special party.”

“Party!”

“Do you want to help surprise Mommy?”

“Okay, Daddy.”

“Great. Do you want to go see Janis and Nadan?”

“Kerensa?”

“Yes, Kerensa is there, too.”

“Play. Kerensa. Play tayn?”

“You want to play with the tayn?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Then we shall see if Janis and Nadan have any tayn you can play with.”

“And Kerensa.”

I walked her to where my numa stood tethered, then slipped her little body off my shoulders before untying the reins and placing Alyna at the front of the saddle then leaping up behind her.

I wrapped one arm around her middle, holding her loosely to me, and we walked out of the kitchen complex and down the slope to the livestock areas.

Worried Sofia might have tried to catch us, I kept glancing over my shoulder. I hadn’t felt this nervous, or sneaky, since I was little and sneaking out to run the streets with my friends.

Don’t tell Alyna that story. She’ll get ideas. She’ll probably think of it all on her own, anyway.

I leaned over to kiss the top of Alyna’s head. We walked on the grass beside the cobblestone path, and I smelled the pens long before we arrived. Nadan turned as we approached. He dropped the bale of hay in his hands and bowed.

“King Dojak.”

“Nadan.”

“Kerensa!”

“She’s with her mommy, princess.”

“Kerensa! Want Kerensa!”

“Okay, okay. Hop down into my arms.”

Alyna opened her arms to Nadan, who lifted her down to the ground. I dismounted and hitched my numa to a nearby post. Nadan set Alyna on her feet and pointed at the kennels.

“Kerensa is in there, Alyna. She’s playing with the newly-hatched tayn.”

Alyna’s eyes grew wide as saucers. She spoke in the barest whisper.

“Puppy?”

“Yep.”

Alyna ran for the kennels, cloak streaming behind her.

“She’s going to want to keep one.”

“There are worse things. Tayn are loyal and protective. Many people on the caravans pair their children with a tayn for protection on the trails.”

“I suppose it would be good for her…”

We followed Alyna into the kennels. She squealed at the sight of the pile of wiggling, whimpering tayn puppies. Kerensa, only a year old, sat near the wiggling pile with her mother, Janis.

Janis looked up and smiled. “Hello, King Dojak.”

“Hello, Janis. How was the last trip to the Valley of the Ancestors?”

“Great! The Historical Center is really coming along. We should be ready to give tours by spring.”

“Excellent. I look forward to seeing our past with my own eyes.”

Nadan spoke with a dreamy gaze. “The Valley is a profound place to visit.”

“I imagine it is. And the two of you are still willing to administer it?”

Nadan nodded. “Very much so. I can’t explain, but it feels like home.”

Janis smiled up at her mate, love plain in her eyes.

“Good. I can’t run the Valley and Tahkath at the same time. Tahkath will fund you for now. I can’t imagine regretting establishing a—Sofia calls it a colony.”

“We will certainly be allies.”

“Yes, King Nadan.”

Nadan swallowed. Janis laughed. I clapped Nadan firmly on the back.

“I could not hope for a better ally, King Nadan. Worry not. You have the instincts of the best rulers.”

“I just…never saw myself as a king.”

I shrugged and leaned against the kennel wall. I watched Alyna play with the puppies.

“Neither did I. Nor did Kator, for that matter, yet look at us now.”

Janis pulled a puppy’s face out of little Kerensa’s mouth, then reminded me why I’d stopped here in the first place.

“What brings you down here today?”

“Oh, you do, actually.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I need your advice.”

“On what?”

“Sofia is missing Earth’s winter traditions and I intend to throw her a party. So far, Mellida has agreed to handle the catering and procuring a clawed Santa suit…”

Janis snorted a laugh.

“What is a ‘clawed Santa’?” Naden asked?

“Apparently it is an Earth legend. A magical man who used to kidnap bad children, but now drives a sleigh pulled by magical, flying pafu to deliver gifts to all the children of the world in a single night.”

Janis laughed so hard she fell back against the kennel wall. With her mother busy laughing, Kerensa returned the puppy to her mouth.

“Kerensa, stop trying to eat the puppy…”

Nadan removed the puppy from her mouth and returned it to the pile. Kerensa shrieked. Alyna sat next to her and petted Kerensa’s hair.

“Hush, baby. No cry.”

Kerensa grabbed Alyna’s hair in a chubby fist and ate that instead of the puppies.

Janis got ahold of herself and wiped tears from her eyes. “So, how can I help?”

“First, you both must swear to keep the secret. Sofia is already suspicious…”

I looked over my shoulder, in case Sofia stood behind me. I still wondered how she had managed to find me everywhere I had gone earlier that day.

“The sneaking around will pay off, Dojak. Sofia will love it.”

I swung my head to smile at Janis.

“I hope so. Isabella said something about a lottery, but I don’t really understand that. I was going to stick with tree worshipping, the clawed Santa, and feasting. Unless you have good suggestions.”

“Tree…worshipping…”

Janis held up a finger in a gesture I had learned meant for me to wait as she struggled to keep from laughing again.

“Yes. Sofia mentioned decorating a tree, but I really don’t know what she meant.”

“Uh…well, string lights are out of the question…but tiny vap lamps might work…I'll have to ask Isabella…”

“Could you? I really don’t know what to even ask for.”

“Sure. I can do that. Dojak, we also give presents to our loved ones on the winter holiday.”

“Presents? Like, what kind?”

“All kinds. Just something meaningful. Some people give pets to children…”

Janis pointed at Alyna and the pile of puppies. She winked at me. I mouthed an “oh” and nodded.

“Good thinking. Can you two bring some? In fact, bring enough for all the children.”

Janis nodded.

“Of course.”

“Bring enough of what for all the children?”

The distinct tone of a suspicious Sofia behind me froze me where I stood. I slowly turned, the most innocent look I could muster on my face.

This is it. Time to sell the distraction…

I pointed at the tayn puppies. Sofia visibly melted a little at the sight of Alyna covered in puppies. Determined to keep me from finally escaping her scrutiny, she put her hands on her hips.

“I know you’re up to something, Dojak. You had better tell me right now what you’re trying to get away with or I’ll have every student at the school watching you and reporting back to me.”

“I didn’t know you had a spy program.”

Sofia shot an entirely unamused look at Janis. “Are you part of this?”

Janis laughed, shaking her head. I took Sofia’s hand in mine, gazed deep into her beautiful eyes, and laid the trap.

“Fine. I was trying to arrange a surprise date with just the two of us. I was asking Nadan to have some numas ready for us in the morning. Mell is making us a lunch for the trip.”

Sofia’s entire face brightened, the color high on her cheeks.

“Dojak. That’s a great idea. I could use a date. I’m sorry, I don’t know why I was so suspicious…”

“Because I was sneaking around, love.”

I wrapped Sofia into my arms and winked at Janis and Nadan.

SOFIA

Anticipation fluttered in my gut all morning. I stuffed Alyna’s favorite toys, a blanket, and a change of clothes into a bag while I danced from task to task with a little bounce in my step.

Camilia and General Troko had agreed to watch her while Dojak and I enjoyed our date. As much as I loved my daughter, the excitement of getting away for a day filled me.

“Are you ready to go visit your friends? Are you excited about playing all day with Ania?”

Alyna nodded, clutching her cloak around her.

“Did you put on your outfit?”

Alyna nodded, but I could see all over her face that she lied.

“Let me see how cute your outfit is.”

She shook her head and I sighed.

“Alyna, it is too cold to go naked.”

Alyna glared at me.

“If you want to play with your friends, you have to wear clothes.”

Alyna stamped, then dropped her cloak, took off her shoes, and pulled her outfit from under the bed where she had hidden it.

Alyna will be the first naked monarch of Tahkath…

I helped her dress and put her cloak back on, then grabbed her bag and we walked down the tower’s stairs.

Camilia and Ania met us in the courtyard, and immediately Alyna and Ania toddled over to each other and embraced, striking up a conversation of what sounded to me like babbles, but they seemed to understand each other just fine.

I hoped their friendship would last a lifetime.

Camilia and I smiled, watching them, then hugged.

“Go on and get out of here, Sofia. Enjoy your date.”

“I’m so much more excited than I thought I would be.”

She grinned. “I’m excited about you watching the kids next time, so I can sweep Troko off for a date.”

“Any time, Camilia. Thank you so much.”

Camilia waved me off.

“Eh, don’t worry about it. Dojak said he was collecting your numas from the stables.”

I crouched down to talk to Alyna. “Mommy’s going to go now.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

Alyna planted a wet kiss on my cheek, then turned back to her friend, not upset in the slightest.

I squeezed her little body in a quick hug and made my way to the stables. I meant to stroll, calm and casual, but a little skip of excitement crept into my walk.

I felt like a teen again. Carefree, with none of the responsibilities of this new life.

What does any of that matter now? Enjoying my life is nothing to feel ashamed of. I, and all of the other human women who had been brought here against our will, have fought long and hard to find places here.

We deserve to be happy. I deserve to be happy.

Dojak met me halfway to the stables, saddled numas in tow. A happy grin filled his face.

“Hello, Queen Sexy.”

“Hello, King Sexy.”

“Let’s get out of here.”

I lifted my arms and Dojak lifted me onto the saddle. He mounted his own numa and we raced through the gate and onto the streets of Tahkath.

We weren’t exactly alone. The inevitable cadre of guards followed us, yet at a distance. Tahkath’s citizens waved and cheered us as we raced by.

Privacy is relative when you’re a king.

We rode hard over the River of the Ancestress and past the fields surrounding Tahkath, past the prison and into the wilds.

My heart pounded with the beats of the numas’s feet on the path. Exhilaration filled me, escaping from my throat in bubbling laughs.

In the distance, I saw a massive fabric wall, blocking off an entire field from view.

Somehow, I wasn’t surprised that Dojak turned his numa toward it. We slowed as we approached, walking our numas the last leg of the trip to bring their heart rates down before we stopped.

“I have even more surprises for you, love.”

“Well, aren’t you full of secrets?”

Dojak’s grin stretched from ear to ear and he looked far, far too pleased with himself. We dismounted and handed the reins of our numas to a guard. Dojak offered me his hand and I took it, and we stepped through the opening in the wall.

Oh.

Inside stood Nadan and one of his trained pterodons. They weren’t Earth dinosaurs, of course, but ones which had developed very similarly on the D’Tali homeworld. For the sake of simplicity, Janis referred to them by the names with which we humans were already familiar.

“Dojak…what have you done?”

“We’re going for a ride.”

“Really?” My voice faded in terrified wonder.

Sheer morbid curiosity drew most people to gawk at the massive, gliding beast staring at me with reptilian eyes. Getting close to the beak that was longer than my leg, and certainly capable of snapping a leg off a D’Tali, much less a human, was another story.

“If you don’t want to…”

“Shut your royal mouth, Dojak. I’m going, as long as Nadan is on the reins.”

Nadan helped Dojak and me get properly situated in the saddle, then directed the guards to lead it to the middle of the field. Light streamed down and the pterodon stepped out and flapped its wings while Dojak wrapped his arms around me.

Several guards sat, mounted on other pterodons around us, and with a command, the pterodons took a few running steps, caught an updraft of warm air, and soared into the sky.

I squealed like the first time I’d ridden a rollercoaster back on Earth, clinging to Dojak, feeling safe in his big, strong presence. He laughed, for a brief moment sounding just as carefree as Alyna.

We looked over the side of the saddle, taking in the view of Tahkath from the air while the guards flew in formation around us.

What must the people down there think of us?

We turned and followed the River of the Ancestress downstream. The river widened as it flowed through the landscape until it split. One side of the river continued on to the horizon, while the other side of the split emptied into a wide lake at the top of what looked like a vast sinkhole. Nadan nudged the pterodon to descend and circled around the cliff.

The lake fed a series of cascading waterfalls down the cliff wall and into a wide lagoon at the bottom. The steep sides of the sinkhole blocked the rays of the sun, casting the lagoon in shadow.

The guards landed their pterodons along the top of the cliffs while we gently drifted to the lagoon at the bottom.

There, someone had set up an elaborate tent, lit by the gentle glow of vap lamps. We landed and Nadan helped us out of the pterodon’s saddle. With a wave, he remounted and flew up to wait with the guards at the top.

I spun, looking all around.

“Dojak…it’s beautiful…”

Insects flew, flashing jewel-toned bodies and the soft calls of unfamiliar birds floated through the air. Crystal-clear waters of the lagoon lapped gently against rocky banks. Lush pillows and blankets had been set up near the luxurious tent and a haunch of pafu roasted slowly over a fire.

A D’Tali cook waved from the firepit and a few servers approached us with bowls and trays of delectable foods. I dropped my cloak, suddenly too warm in the moist air, and turned to Dojak. He smiled, smug but loving, and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“I love you, Sofia.”

I grabbed his face and pulled him down to my level, then kissed him with all the passion in my heart.

DOJAK

Sofia’s lips parted as our tongues sought each other out. With Sofia wrapped in my arms, the rest of the world faded into hazy shades around us.

I cupped the back of her head, luxuriating in the feel of her dark brown hair. She pulled back, gulping air, and her green eyes sparkled up into mine.

I smiled and stroked her hair, touching her with all the gentle comfort I could muster. I would never have forgiven myself had I hurt her. My stomach rumbled, interrupting our beautiful moment.

Sofia chuckled.

“I agree. Let’s eat. That was a beautiful ride, but we breakfasted so long ago, and that pafu smells incredible.”

“As you wish, queen of my heart.”

Sofia smiled, smacking me playfully on the chest.

“Big softie.”

“For you, Sofia, I will be King Softie.”

The devious look I loved flashed across her face.

“I’m not saying I always want you soft…”

I leaned close to her ear and whispered.

“Never fear, my love. My cock will always be hard for you. It is merely my heart which will never harden against you.”

She giggled and whispered into my ear. “Keep talking like that and you’ll have a second child to dote on.”

“Somehow, that information only encourages me, Sofia. Oh, no! Whatever shall I do with more glorious perfection in my life? First you, then Alyna, and now you threaten me with more? You are so cruel.”

She laughed, breaking away from my arms, and flashed those perfect eyes at me as she offered her hand.

“Let’s eat before we talk each other out of our clothes, again.”

“Why can’t we do both?”

“And scandalize the cooks? Have mercy on your people, king.”

I chuckled and we strolled hand in hand to the firepit. We crawled onto the soft lounge which had been set up near the fire. Sofia cuddled up to me and we watched the reflections of the vap lamps twinkle on the lagoon. Servers brought trays of delicacies, placing them on short stools within arm’s reach. Sofia shook her head.

“This is far too much food for the two of us. We will fill two platters. Take the rest and split it among the staff and guards.”

The D’Tali server bowed.

“As you wish, Queen Sofia.”

I smiled. While we had plenty, the human women refused to waste even a morsel and never forgot the needs of the people around them.

I could only hope Alyna would learn the same humility and compassion. In my life, I had already seen what became of the people of a selfish ruler. I strived for better in my own reign and hoped to teach Alyna such integrity.

Another baby…a dream come true. Babies are blessings—girls doubly so.

Within minutes, the cooks had portioned out four trays towering with food.

They packed up the rest and flashed a vap lamp in a pattern. A guard on a pterodon landed, and the cooks packed themselves and the remainder of the feast onto the beast and took flight, leaving us more alone than we had been in years.

“I wonder how Alyna is.”

I pulled from my cloak one of the small personal communication devices Amber had found on the ship so long ago and handed it to Sofia.

“Call and ask.”

“Dojak, you really thought of everything.”

“Ah, thank our friends. You humans are incredibly thorough.”

She chuckled and after a quick check-in, she put the communicator to the side, and we snacked on the delicious foods the cooks had prepared.

“How did you find this place?”

“That was Janis’s idea. She and Nadan spotted it from the air on their last trip to their valley.”

I stroked a strand of hair from her face and gazed into the depths of her eyes. They seemed to glow in the light of the vap lamps.

Who knew a glowing, edible, subterranean fungus would become so useful?

Sofia’s face softened, her eyes growing so large I thought I would fall in.

“Thank you.”

Her soft words fell on my ears like a gentle spring rain. I smiled, losing myself in her.

“I should thank you, Sofia.”

“What for? You’re the one who made this magical moment possible.”

“Ah, but you are the one who made possible all of the wonderful things we have done for our people. You transformed not just my life, but the lives of so many others. I may be king, but you are the architect of this world’s future.”

Sofia kissed me, fierce and passionate, and at once my cock sprang to life. I wanted nothing more than to surrender to her desires. After being together for so long, I knew exactly how she liked to be touched.

She tore at my belt while I slid her tunic up, past her perfect breasts. I engulfed one of her nipples in my mouth, stroking the other areola with a thumb. She moaned, leaning into me, then straightened for a moment to strip her tunic over her head, tossing the garment aside.

I pulled back, sucking hard on her nipple, until I let it pop out of my mouth. Sofia shuddered and I took in the sight of her perfect body in the soft glow of the vap.

Her chest heaved in ragged breaths and her cheeks glowed, her mouth swollen with arousal. She gazed at me through half-lidded eyes.

“Give me another baby, Dojak.”

“Anything for my queen.”

She pulled at my tunic, more than ready. I could smell her private scent from here and knew her silken folds already dripped. My head spun from the heady aroma. We stripped the last of our clothing and Sofia lay back on the cushions.

“Do you want to go to the tent?”

“No. I want you inside me.”

I needed no more words. I swept her into my lap and ran my hands all over her body, hungry for her until she moaned. Sliding my hands down her back, I gripped her ass and my thick fingers sank into her perfect flesh. I felt her swollen folds grow hotter against my scales, and my cock grew impossibly thicker, straining towards her.

“Wait.”

I froze, mere inches from entering her. She pushed me back and gripped my shaft in her delicate fingers.

“What…?”

I never finished my sentence because she engulfed my cock with her lips. I groaned. She bobbed her mouth up and down, scooting her core around toward my face. I grabbed her ass and maneuvered her folds over my waiting tongue.

The smell of her drove all other thoughts from my mind. I dove into her wet folds, licking and lapping and sucking at her hot, drenched crease. I relished her taste, her smell, the feel of her body on mine.

The more enthusiastically she licked my cock, the more I wanted to please her. I wiggled two fingers into her tunnel, searching for her magic spot, and sucked hard on her clit. She groaned around my cock, the vibrations only spurring me on.

Consumed with the task of pleasing my mate, of drawing her closer and closer to an orgasmic explosion, she surprised me when she moved away. I opened my eyes to see why she had fled. Naked desire filled her face.

She spun, crawling on top of me. She grabbed my shaft, pumping it, claiming it, owning it.

“I need you now.”

She crawled back atop, this time facing me. We gazed into each other’s eyes, falling deeper and deeper into the golden perfection of our love. She raised her hips, taking me inside. I groaned, thrusting deep.

I grabbed her hips and rocked my cock into her in a steady, slow, deep rhythm. Her fingers slid between us, pressing against her swollen clit. I wrapped my hand around her neck, pulling her to me, and she kissed me with all the passion in our hearts.

Our lips parted and our tongues danced, familiar now, but still magical every time we touched.

And that was it. Any control I’d ever had was long gone, worn into nothingness by the waves of desire.

I wrapped my arms around her hips and pounded into her, desperate to be lost inside her, to make our connection spiral out of control.

Her slick sheath felt amazing, clenching and throbbing around my cock, but her moans of pleasure and her body writhing in ecstasy felt better than any other sensation I had ever known.

Sofia’s body squeezed me harder and harder and my cock swelled even thicker. Then she clenched down on me and screamed the most perfect sound in the world. She trembled in my arms, collapsing on my chest as her orgasm rushed through her in waves.

Overcome, I thrust deep into her and filled her with my seed. We lay, wrapped in each other’s arms, trembling and panting, lost to our lovemaking, until Sofia pushed herself up on trembling arms.

“Just give me a minute…I’m not done with you…”

I chuckled and she fell against me, and I held her until she was ready for more.

TROKO

Troko

MEANWHILE, PLANS HAVE BEEN BREWING…

Meanwhile, plans have been brewing…

My two-year old daughter, Ania, ran circles around the practice yard, shrieking as loud as possible. Two promising young D’Tali officers, Dak and Lorkot, ran with her, and the latest batch of military recruits followed behind. I drew a breath deep into my chest and bellowed at the recruits as they raced by.

“If you can’t keep up with a two-year old, how are you supposed to fight for Tahkath? I want to see every one of you match her moves.”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

“Ania, teach these boys how to move like a soldier.”

Ania squealed in response, dodging left. The line of soldiers pivoted to follow, stumbling at the sudden change of direction. Ania shrieked in delight at the cadre of soldiers mimicking her every move.

“How did you ever think of this exercise, General Troko?”

I spun at the sudden sound of King Dojak’s voice behind me. I bowed my head.

“Sire. To answer your question, I thought of it while trying to catch Ania and Alyna at their last playdate.”

King Dojak chuckled.

“Who knew half-human daughters would run us so ragged?”

“They certainly make me feel old.”

We watched Ania lead the men in a series of quick dashes and pivots. She retained enough energy to screech and squeal, but the recruits looked halfway to passing out.

“What brings you to the practice yard?”

“I need to enlist your assistance, General.”

“Of course. How can I help?”

To my surprise, Dojak looked over both shoulders. Seemingly satisfied no one watched us, Dojak leaned close to my ear.

“I’m trying to surprise Sofia, which is much more difficult than I thought it would be. She nearly caught me at it yesterday. I need you to be sneaky.”

I chuckled. I remembered Camilia trying to tell me about it last night, but Ania interrupted and we had never returned to the subject.

“Sneaky in what way? If you needed sneaky, why not ask Vokar?”

“I have a task for Vokar, don’t worry. I need you to bring me a tree.”

“Excuse me?”

“A tree, Troko. I need a tree. For the human women to worship for their traditional Earth winter festival.”

“Uh…”

“Camilia can explain. Didn’t she mention our conversation?”

“We’ve been a little distracted… Isn’t Nora the person for trees?”

“Good idea. Take her with you. Nora will know what to do, and you have the troops to get the trees back here.”

King Dojak patted my shoulder.

“Yes, sire. I suppose I can bring you…trees to worship.”

“You’re a good man, General. I have to go before she catches me. Mellida and Thulid can fill you in on the logistical details.”

He glanced around again for a hint of Queen Sofia, then slipped away back into the castle.

Bemused, I turned my face back to Ania and the recruits. The recruits had collapsed to the ground, panting and moaning. Ania repeatedly ran and belly flopped on Lorkot, only to get up and do so all over again.

“On your feet, men. We have a mission.”

The recruits groaned but pushed themselves up. Legs shaking, they saluted. I scooped Ania into my arms as she leaped for Lorkot one more time.

“Come now, my precious girl. Don’t kill them. They are old and tired compared to you. Everyone! Get some water and fall in. Our king has asked for trees and we shall not fail him.”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

The exhausted recruits fell in behind me. Ania sucked her thumb and leaned onto my chest, eyelids droopy. I cuddled her close, tucking her little cloak around her while we marched to the kitchens, where Thulid informed me of the party’s timetable.

Then we headed for Nora’s greenhouses.

Rojav stopped at the sight of our approach, a large, heavy sack over one shoulder. I waved. He nodded at me, then shouted at the greenhouse.

“Nora, we have company.”

Nora walked out, a confused look upon her face.

“General Troko, how good to see you. What brings you all here today?”

“Well, King Dojak has assigned us a mission and I will need your help.”

“Please elaborate.”

She wiped her hands on a cloth and sat on a nearby bench, Rojav hovering over her. She waved him back.

“I’m pregnant, Rojav, not about to die. Sit.”

Rojav nodded, then sat next to her, gazing lovingly at her, his eyes roaming between her face and her large belly.

I smiled, remembering feeling the same way when Camilia was close to birthing Ania. One of the recruits found me a seat and I joined Nora and Rojav. Ania had fallen asleep in my arms at some point on our walk, and I rocked her little body gently.

“Camilia says you are close to your time.”

“I’m going to pop this kiddo out any minute, so talk fast.”

I glanced over my shoulder, suddenly as paranoid about Queen Sofia catching me as Dojak had been earlier.

“King Dojak wants to surprise Sofia with a winter celebration which incorporates Earth traditions.”

“Okay…”

“I do not understand what he wants, but he says you humans need trees to worship?”

Nora laughed while Rojav looked confused, mouthing the words “tree worship” at me. I shrugged.

I didn’t understand it any more than he did.

It didn’t matter.

If it was important to our mates, it would be provided.

“Tree worship!”

Tears streamed down Nora’s cheeks while Rojav patted her back, the worried look of a soon-to-be-first-time father on his face. After a few minutes, she calmed.

“Yes, I can help you get a tree for us to worship. It will be fun. We should take the kids. I suppose, I really shouldn’t go—not this close to birthing. You know what? You should take Isabella and see if you can get Amber to bring Rover, too.”

Rojav’s body relaxed and he began to smile, relieved, I was sure, that his mate wouldn’t be actively in the cold, hunting for trees.

“Yes,” I nodded. “That is a good idea. Thank you, Nora.”

“You are more than welcome, General Troko. Tell Camilia I’m feeling fine and she should go enjoy her day. If I begin to feel contractions, I will radio her over the communicators.”

I stood, nodding. “I will. Take care.”

Nora and Rojav waved us off and the troops followed me out. We walked to the school, where I hoped to find my mate. She sat in her office, speaking with Isabella.

“Well, hello! What a pleasant surprise. How was Ania?”

“The best physical training instructor I’ve ever had.”

“Is that how she wore herself out?”

I nodded, gently placing our daughter in the cot we had set up for her in Camilia’s office. I stroked her perfect little face, then turned to Camilia and wrapped my arms around her waist.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you, too, Troko.”

She kissed my lips, then got to business. “What brought you here?”

“King Dojak has set me the mission of finding a tree for you humans to worship at the surprise party for Sofia.”

As my beloved began to argue, I raised a hand to forstall her. “I consulted with Nora first,” I reassured her. “She says she will call you over the communicator if she begins having contractions, and that we should take the children to get our tree, and that we should recall Amber and Torvok, and take Rover for this tree hunt.”

Isabella gasped. “Camilia, that sounds like so much fun! Let’s do it!”

Camilia giggled. “We should invite Queen Riley and King Kator, too. Now, that would be a surprise.”

“Oooh! Great idea. I’ll go call Amber and Riley right now.” Isabella jumped to her feet and dashed out the door.

Camilia kissed me again. “This will be amazing.”

I smiled, gazing into Camilia’s perfect eyes.

“I can’t wait to help you worship a tree.”

CAMILIA

When I finally stopped laughing, I leaned into Troko’s big, scarred body. When we’d first met, his scarred and twisted appearance had terrified me.

Troko, a looming slab of hard muscle, had seemed so fierce at the time. I realized I hadn’t even noticed his scars in years.

“Oh, Troko. We don’t worship trees. Like so many human traditions, few of us even really remember where they began. We just keep doing them when they are fun, changing the meaning as our culture changes. Surely the D’Tali do the same.”

“I, uh…never thought about it that way.”

I stepped back and sat in my chair. “Take a seat while we wait for Isabella to return. Oh, and we’re watching Alyna tomorrow so Dojak can take Sofia on a date. We’re hoping she will believe the surprise date is the cause of Dojak’s sneaky behavior. Humans call that a red herring.”

Troko chuckled. I smiled. So many of the D’Tali had been terribly grim when we humans first arrived on this world. Seeing Troko so relaxed and open now, after all our human efforts, filled my heart.

“A red herring is a surprise date?”

“No, a red herring is something, especially a clue, that is, or is intended to be, misleading or distracting.”

“Oh, I see. Was that King Dojak’s idea?”

“No, I suggested the red herring date.”

“Is there no end of human deviousness?”

I grinned and wiggled my eyebrows at him.

“I doubt it.” Troko and I turned at the sound of Isabella’s voice. She pulled up a chair and waved a communicator at us.

“Amber, Torvok, Queen Riley, King Kator, and little Princess Sasha are on their way in Rover. They should arrive in the morning just after Dojak and Sofia leave on their date.”

I poured myself a glass of water and took a sip, then spoke.

“That’s perfect. Do you know where they’re going?”

“Apparently, Janis and Nadan have that covered.”

Troko looked troubled.

“What’s bothering you, Troko?”

“How will we hide them all? And the tree? And Rover?”

“That’s my mate, always so practical. Except when it comes to the recruits.”

Troko shrugged. “They’re fine. Learning to stand around for long hours, guarding people, is good training.”

“Yeah, but, Troko dear, this office is a bit small for a dozen D’Tali to be standing around, staring at us.”

“Fine. Dak!”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

“Take the recruits and find out Janis and Nadan’s specific plans.”

“Yes, sir!”

Dak led the recruits out of the office and Troko turned back to face Isabella and me.

“Now, tell me about this tree. I have no idea what I’m even supposed to be looking for. Nora did say she would help, but she shouldn’t travel.”

Isabella interrupted. “As much as I would love to hear the rest of this conversation, I need to prepare a base for the tree and I have an idea for strings of vap lamps. I’ll stop by the workshops and get some of this started.”

Isabella and I stood and gave each other a quick hug. She walked to the door, then turned back. “Tomorrow is going to be so much fun. I’ll hit the kitchens and ask Thulid to prepare a meal for us to take tomorrow.”

I waved. Isabella left and I hopped off my chair and into Troko’s lap. He wrapped his strong, muscled arms around me. I giggled and snuggled in.

“Back to explaining tree worship that isn’t tree worship?”

“Oh, yeah. So, on Earth, the longest night of the year is called the Winter Solstice. It’s complicated—and this is not a complete explanation—but, basically, the Winter Solstice marks the point when part of Earth receives the least sunlight because of how it moves in relation to the sun…”

“Your world moves away from its sun?”

“So does yours. That’s why there is a winter. Sort of. Anyway, ancient Earth peoples didn’t know it was a natural phenomenon. They believed the sun was a god, and that their sun god grew weak in the winter and that’s why the world grew colder and the nights grew longer.”

“But how does that relate to trees?”

“In their fear that their god would not recover and rise the morning after the longest night, the people sought out comfort. They saw plants die in the winter and so many trees lose their leaves and seem to die, and they believed it was a sign of the weakening of all life with the perceived weakening of their god.”

“And they thought worshipping the dead trees would save their god?”

“No. They filled their homes with the few remaining signs of life and vitality. They didn’t know the deciduous trees simply lay dormant, awaiting the return of spring to burst forth with new signs of life. They saw the trees which remained green through the harshest of conditions, the evergreens, and believed they symbolized survival.”

“Ah.”

I sat up, gazing deeply into Troko’s eyes.

“They believed that, by bringing those signs of continuing life into their homes, they would give their god the strength to survive the longest night, and that he would recover enough to once again help the world thrive.”

“Strange, believing hopes and wishes could save the world.”

I grinned.

“Do they not? Collective belief is a powerful force in any civilization. Look at how human ideas and beliefs have transformed this world already, and in only a matter of years... medicine, science, engineering…a single thought can change everything, Troko. Knowledge is the ultimate power.”

His eyes grew distant as my words made their way through his mind.

“But…none of the human women believe the sun is a god or that worshipping evergreen trees will save the world, so why continue the practice?”

“Just because we know better now, doesn’t mean we lost appreciation for the benefits of the tradition. The tradition met and blended with new cultures over thousands of years, the original meanings lost or forgotten except to history. For us, the humans who traveled here, the winter holidays are a time for families to gather and reconnect, to do activities together, feast, and rejoice in the midst of short days and cold nights.”

Troko smiled.

“That, I understand. I do not think I would have understood before you and Ania, though.”

I kissed him for his sweet words.

“What about the D’Tali? Where did your winter traditions come from?”

“Um…eating? Drinking? Hunting? With most families having so many boys just trying to birth a girl child, mostly we looked forward to getting away from the crowd. I joined the King’s Guards so long ago, though…and mostly we drank to celebrate. And to forget that so few of us had mates.”

I kissed him again, luxuriating in the golden glow of our love and the warmth of his presence.

“So, this year will be your first to enjoy and help worship trees.”

Troko chuckled, stroking my hair.

“Anything for you and Ania.”

Inspiration struck. I giggled.

“Don’t tell anyone, but I think we should dress the kids as elves.”

“Elves?”

“Yep. They are short little spirits who either help or hinder one’s ambitions with magic.”

“And they have specific outfits?”

“Oh, yes. Just be glad I’m not asking you to wear the Santa suit…”

TROKO

Krenik, Lorkot’s younger brother and a born scoundrel, ran up to me, nearly collapsing upon arrival, his chest heaving.

I had tried to tell him before to pace himself, but he continued to run everywhere at top speed, regardless of my advice. When he had sucked in enough air, he presented his report.

“King Dojak and Queen Sofia are in the air, General Troko.”

“Great. Get some water before you pass out.”

Krenik ran to the water barrel meant for the numas and shoved his entire head inside. I cringed, and my eyes rolled. I estimated the weather far too cold to douse one’s head, but I also had not run all the way down the lookout tower’s spiral staircase.

Krenik pulled his head out of the water, slinging droplets everywhere, and wiped his face with his tunic.

“Child, that is an excellent way to get sick, being wet in the cold.”

“Well, Mama always called me a hothead.”

I thought about that, blinking. I had no idea where to go with that statement. Instead, I shrugged it off.

This child wasn’t mine. I glanced over at Ania. She attempted to climb Dak.

In turn, Dak attempted to ignore her. Princess Alyna tried to lift Ania higher, as if she could place her friend on Dak’s shoulders. Dak looked terrified of telling the princess “no”.

Camilia clapped her hands, drawing all eyes. “Ania, Alyna, Layla! Hold hands, stay together, and let’s go on our outing.”

Princess Alyna put Ania down. Both forgot Dak existed within moments and joined Camilia, holding hands. Isabella picked up her daughter, the eighteen-month-old Layla. I glanced around but saw no sign of her mate.

“Is Vokar joining us?”

“No, he’s on an assignment for King Dojak. He should be back soon, though.”

I nodded and took Ania’s hand. Camilia began to walk.

“Come on, everyone. Amber and Torvok have Rover parked outside the castle. Are you girls ready to go for a ride?”

The girls squealed and we all marched out of the castle’s courtyard entrance and through one of the castle’s gates. Amber, Torvok, Queen Riley, Princess Sasha, and King Kator stood outside Rover’s open cargo bay door, waving.

The girls broke from our gasps and ran, squealing and babbling to each other, Krenik following them close behind.

Lorkot chased Krenik, shouting. Dak chuckled and led a team of recruits behind us. Camilia laughed, filling my heart with her joy.

“Krenik! You weren’t even invited on this trip!”

“I wasn’t invited to go to the jungle, either, but no one stopped me!”

I shook my head, wondering if anything life could throw at that child would ever slow him down. The children streaked into Rover, the cargo vehicle Amber had found on the crashed Skarg ship. Camilia threw her arms around Amber’s neck.

“I missed you! How was your trip?”

While they chatted, I greeted Kator. “King Kator, well met.”

“Troko, please. Surely you know how awkward it is to greet an old friend as ‘King’. I may love my new life as the Aetamian King, but let us forgo the formalities today.”

I chuckled.

“It has become a habit by now. Come, let us board, before our children decide to drive themselves.”

Camilia hugged Queen Riley, and we rushed our greetings to follow our children inside. The cargo hold had been outfitted as a children’s playroom. The children jumped on miniature beds and dove into piles of soft toys fashioned like animals.

“Did you bring all of Sasha’s toys?”

Kator laughed, clapping my shoulder. “Yes. Yes, we did.”

“I tried to tell him we would be fine with the usual travel toys…”

“Oh, Riley, I would not have missed the opportunity for Sasha to show her friends all of her favorite things.”

“Well, then, you and Troko can watch the kids play while Amber, Camilia, Isabella, and I go talk in the galley.”

I kissed Camilia on the head and gave her a quick squeeze.

“This is why I brought troops…”

She giggled, then the humans retreated further into Rover. Kator, Dak, the troops, and I became toys. We wallowed in the excuse to play like children again. Rover began to move and an hour later, the children demanded snacks.

Luckily, Rover pulled to a stop shortly after and everyone got a trip to the restroom, then we opened the cargo bay doors and unleashed our offspring on the unsuspecting forest surrounding us. Camilia handed us blankets and pillows to spread out for our meal.

Riley walked by, booming commands.

“If you want a snack, come sit with me. Only people sitting on a blanket get snacks.”

I spread my blanket and sat. Ania crawled into my lap and the children gathered. Isabella handed Dak snacks to pass out and Camilia directed the troops to create a perimeter around our snack area, in case one of the children made a run for it. Even Krenik calmed and patiently awaited the arrival of food.

We ate and chatted, enjoying our meal, and to my surprise, Princess Alyna even remained clothed. With everyone’s appetites sated and the children corralled, I decided it was time to announce the day’s mission.

I handed Ania to Camilia and stood. I clasped my hands behind my back and addressed the gathering.

“Listen up, troops. King Dojak has given us a mission. We are to find the perfect tree and bring it back to Tahkath. Camilia, can you explain what we are looking for in a perfect tree?”

Camilia giggled, then nodded.

“We need the prettiest tree we can find. Come on, kids. Hold hands and let’s go explore!”

Krenik sprinted into the forest. Lorkot dashed after him, trying to keep him in sight. Princess Alyna, Princess Sasha, and Ania held hands and skipped into a meadow, followed by Amber, Isabella, and Riley. Isabella carried her daughter, Layla, and Camilia took my hand.

Dak directed a recruit to follow each couple, to provide any needed assistance, and Kator chatted with Torvok near Rover. Camilia and I strolled through the huge old-growth trees, enjoying the relaxed moments together.

“What makes a tree pretty?”

Camilia shrugged.

“I suppose that depends on the person. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all.”

“Interesting thought. I never considered that.”

“It’s an old Earth quote.”

Birds chirped. Insects called out to each other. Gentle light filtered down through the leafy canopy. Small mammals rustled the leaves of undergrowth shrubs. Thin needles crunched under our feet.

Camilia drew in a deep breath, closing her eyes. A contented smile flowed across her face. She smiled up at me and leaned into my arm.

“It’s so peaceful here.”

“With enough of us to keep away most large predators, it is very peaceful.”

Camilia shook her head with a sigh.

“Always so practical, Troko.”

“Ah, but that is why you love me.”

She laughed, patting my arm gently.

“Keep telling yourself that.”

“Is there anything else I should know about these Earth festival traditions?”

“What is there to know? We feast, drink, have fun with our families…”

“Mellida mentioned specific attire…and someone mentioned a clawed Santa…”

Camilia laughed.

“We’ve already put in our orders for a Santa suit, elf outfits, and a few ugly sweaters…”

“Ugly sweaters? What are those and why are they ugly?”

“Oh, Troko…don’t worry. I ordered you one, too.”

CAMILIA

“Tell me more about these ‘ugly sweaters’, Camilia.”

“Oh, I would hate to ruin the surprise.”

Troko chuckled and helped me over a fallen log. I could hear the children squealing in delight nearby.

“Okay. Well then, tell me more about decorating this tree.”

“You’re just lucky I did a report on winter traditions in junior high.”

“What’s junior high?”

“Torture.”

“Uh…”

“It’s school for children approximately aged eleven through thirteen or so.”

“Those are terrible ages.”

“Pure misery. So, the Yule tree decorations originally consisted of lit candles, strings of fly agaric mushrooms, and brightly colored decorations. They were meant to symbolize stellar objects—like stars and planets, the spirits of those who had died, important religious figures, things like that.”

“How do mushrooms symbolize that?”

“Oh, the mushrooms just grew under the trees people were cutting for the Yule festival. Few cultures give up a chance to collect easy food, especially in the winter when other foods are scarcer. Funnily enough, fly agaric mushrooms are slightly poisonous.”

“So…a poisonous mushroom is an easy meal? Didn’t they know it was poisonous?”

“They knew it made their faces rosy and gave them hallucinations.”

“What?”

“Eating the mushrooms made you see things that aren’t there.”

Troko looked horrified.

“Humans are strange…”

I laughed.

“I didn’t even get to mistletoe, yet.”

“Mistletoe?”

“A parasitic plant that grows on the trees. It is also poisonous, but the tradition was, any couple who found themselves standing under the mistletoe kissed, then ate one of the poisonous berries each.”

“Why are humans so obsessed with poisoning themselves? How could poisoning yourselves become an ancient tradition?”

“The same way drinking ale is a fun pastime. You’re literally poisoning yourself with the alcohol in the ale.”

“But…but ale can’t kill you…”

“Enough of it can. Drinking a lot of it for long enough kills you slowly, destroying one’s liver. Drinking too much at once kills with alcohol poisoning. That’s why it makes you feel different.”

“Humans know too much. I’ll never look at ale the same way…”

I laughed.

“Troko, ale didn’t suddenly become more dangerous than it was before you knew more about it.”

Troko fell silent. I glanced at his face. He looked like he thought very hard on a subject.

“What’s all that? Has learning more about ale truly disturbed you so?”

“Not exactly. I was just thinking how much smarter our children will be than we ever were…that, with Queen Sofia’s school program, our children will know so much. How will we ever keep up?”

“We don’t need to keep up. They are supposed to be smarter than we are. They are supposed to know more. Teaching them will help them make better decisions than we have. That’s the point of education—not to teach them to think the same way we think, but to help them think better, faster. So they don’t make the same mistakes we made.”

Troko stopped and turned to face me. He took both my hands in his and gazed into my eyes. A smile curled one side of his mouth.

“They will still make mistakes, Camilia.”

“Of course they will. But at least they will make new mistakes. That’s how we all learn better. As long as they are making different mistakes than we made before, at least.”

Troko laughed, drawing me into his warm embrace.

“I should never underestimate the twisted routes of human logic.”

I laughed with him.

“See, look how clever you are. You’ve identified the root of many mistakes—underestimating the twisted logic of the human mind.”

“So, now we add the hunt for slightly poisonous mushrooms and something like mistletoe.”

“Hmmm…let’s make better decisions than our ancestors and pick nonpoisonous plants, and be smarter than ancient humans.”

“Deal. Then I can kiss you under the new mistletoe.”

“Maybe.”

I stretched up on my toes and kissed Troko. The kiss deepened. The world around us tried to fade, but a shriek I recognized came from my daughter turned my head.

“Oh, no.”

I moved through the brush toward the ruckus, with Troko following close behind. Ania sat on the ground, clutching a knee. Isabella glanced our way.

“She tripped and skinned her knee.”

“Oh, baby. Let Mommy look.”

Ania sniffled but let me see her knee. The tiniest scrape barely bled. I made plenty of sounds of sympathy and wrapped her in my arms before I looked up at Isabella and Troko.

“Looks like she might live. I suspect someone startled themselves after a morning of excitement and a long walk.”

Isabella nodded and Troko relaxed. I picked Ania up and carried her in my arms as we returned to our walk. Amber shouted in the distance, and we all headed her way.

“Found it! The perfect tree! Where are those soldiers? I think I can get Rover in that meadow over there, so we don’t have to drag the thing all the way back to the forest’s edge…”

“Great. That makes this a good spot to stop for a snack.”

“Great idea, Riley!”

I had to chuckle at Amber’s exuberance. Her perpetual energy and joyful nature made me feel tired sometimes, but always warmed my heart. I picked a nice spot to get off my feet and settled against a nearby tree trunk.

Ania had nodded off at some point and lay in my arms, drooling. The other children plopped down next to me and, within minutes, they had all somehow managed to find a free lap to doze in.

“Torvok and I will go get Rover. Get your soldiers started chopping that tree down.”

Amber grabbed Torvok’s hand and stomped back into the forest, excitedly telling the tall, quiet Torvok all about her plans for the tree.

Riley settled near me with a sigh.

“I’m so glad we came. Kator jumped at the chance of getting a break from running Aetam.”

“Shoot, so would I. I only run the medical part of the school and I jumped at the chance to get away. I don’t know how you do it.”

Riley chuckled, stroking Sasha’s hair. Isabella leaned close and whispered at Riley.

“Hey…what’s with Amber and Torvok?”

“How do you mean?”

“When do we get little Ambervoks?”

We all laughed.

“She says she’s not ready for kids yet.”

“Oh. Well, I can respect that. I was simply worried there was a medical reason, or something, that Camilia could help with.”

“No. Nothing medical. She’ll have babies when she’s ready.”

Isabella and I nodded.

“Have we figured out where we’re going to put the five of you so we don’t ruin the surprise?”

Riley chuckled.

“Dojak and Sofia really don’t know we’re here?”

I shook my head.

“Nope. They flew off on one of Nadan’s pterodons first thing this morning for a date.”

“Where did they go?”

Troko answered Riley’s question.

“A deep valley near a waterfall, according to Nadan.”

Riley’s eyes grew wide.

“Ooooh…”

Troko’s eyes lit up.

“How about you take Rover there? King Dojak and Queen Sofia should be back before dark… There’s a big tent set up, vap lamps, a cook…”

“Yes! We will go there.”

“Maybe we should ask Kator? And Amber and Torvok?”

Riley shook her head.

“Nope. I’m a queen and I want to see this waterfall.”

Troko chuckled.

“Fair enough.”

TROKO

Rover flew past our little camp, weaving between trees like thread through fabric before stopping in a nearby meadow.

We picked up our sleeping children and carefully trudged through the forest undergrowth, our feet crunching over layers of needle-like leaves, small branches, and other detritus.

Amber waved. Though usually a very loud person, she refrained from shouting a greeting and I could only be grateful.

We tucked the children into the beds set up in Rover’s cargo bay and reconvened outside.

“Dak!”

“Yes, General?”

“Tell the men to begin chopping. We might have gotten out of here more quickly had we started before, but I couldn’t stand the thought of waking the children.”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

Amber shaded her eyes and stared at the top of Rover. She pointed where she looked, then spoke.

“I think we’re going to have to get it up top…”

“Can’t we rig it below? Then we could let Rover do all the work.”

Torvok shook his head.

“Sorry, General. Rover’s anti-grav thrusters wouldn’t function properly if we did that. The entire thing might crash.”

I grunted.

“I’ll take your word for it. I suppose we’ll just have to rig some ropes then.”

Amber shook her head.

“General, it’s not a big deal, Rover has an automatic lift.”

I raised a brow ridge and considered asking her to explain, but decided I didn’t really need to know.

“Well, that sounds great…”

Isabella tapped her lips with a finger. She glanced back and forth between Rover and the direction of our chosen tree.

“So, the real question is, how do we get the tree to the meadow…”

Amber giggled.

“None of you let me finish. We’ll just use the mag-lev pallets.”

“That’s perfect!”

“Thanks, Isabella. Once the tree is on the ground, this will be easy. The difficult part will be keeping Sofia in the dark about all this.”

“So, we’ll take the tree with us to the date spot until we all sneak back.”

Kator grinned and wrapped his arms around Riley.

“You’re so smart.”

Riley grinned and kissed Kator.

All of these displays of naked affection would have made me uncomfortable before Camilia had revolutionized my life. I realized how empty my life had been then—no mate, no daughter, no love or affection.

Living that way may have seemed normal for most of my life, but now I feared ever being without love and family.

I reached out, taking Camilia’s hand. Then one of the humans’ distinctly devious looks spread over her face.

“How many takers for D’Tali-sized ugly sweaters?”

The humans burst into laughter. Amber, Riley, and Isabella raised their hands. Then Amber interrupted the laughter. I began to worry about those ugly sweaters.

“What about a Santa suit? We have to have a Santa!”

Camilia giggled, then leaned in to gossip.

“Mellida already has one on order with the tailor.”

The humans looked far too pleased with themselves for my comfort, but Kator only grinned and winked at me.

“How can you be so calm when they all laugh like that?”

“General, I have come to accept the human ways.”

“Well, I have, too…”

Kator laughed, clapping me on the back.

“Just go with it, Troko.”

Camilia grinned at me. “It will be fine. Trust me.”

“I do, love. I do.”

I softened at her touch and her good humor.

How can I worry when Camilia looks so delighted?

A loud crack and a few shouts exploded from the direction of the tree. We spun to look. Krenik dashed out of the forest.

“It’s down! It’s down!”

“Come, young Krenik.”

I waved him over, hoping to keep him out of the soldiers’ way. Amber and Torvok pushed out a stack of pallets which floated above the ground, and I shook my head.

What the humans called technology still looked like magic to me. And yet, it may look like magic to me, but my children will never know a world without it.

Krenik joined me as I walked over to help push the floating pallets to the tree. Dak and Lorkot tried to take the task off my hands, but I waved them back. The calm day may have been refreshing, but I enjoyed the physical labor.

“Krenik, you’re my lookout.”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

Krenik saluted me and led the way. Lorkot joined him, large knife in hand. He hacked at the underbrush as if born to the work. I heard his voice float back to my ears.

“This is easy, compared to the jungle.”

“Yeah, but the Vivutians made the jungle more fun.”

I pushed the pallets along after them. Camilia passed by me, winking when I glanced her way.

“Mmmm…you’re so sexy when you make your muscles bulge like that, Troko.”

I laughed. “I did agree to be your candy eye.”

“Eye candy, not candy eye.”

“Right. Eye candy. Human phrases are so strange. Do you make candy eyeballs?”

Amber walked past me, giggling. “No, General. Eye candy is, like, a treat for the eyes. Torvok’s butt, for example. Rock hard…”

“Amber!”

“What? Your butt is a treat to watch…”

“This is why I don’t take you anywhere.”

“Ha! You don’t take me anywhere because I take you all over the continent! Where haven’t we been?”

Our arrival at the felled tree ended that conversation, to Torvok’s visible relief. The recruits took charge of the pallets. I took a look at the tree. Someone had been smart enough to rope enough of it to bring it down without destroying the branches.

Camilia immediately inspected the recruits for scrapes or other wounds, treating whatever minor injuries she found, while Amber and Torvok explained to the recruits how to tie up the tree for transport.

A lot of rope later, they rolled the tree onto the pallets and the recruits began to drag it back along the path Lorkot had cleared on our way in.

The levitating pallets made the return trip to Rover easy. The recruits pulled and the rest of us kept the pallets from drifting to the sides. Soon, we floated the twenty feet of evergreen next to Rover.

Amber directed us to step back and activated the lift. Metal arms extended from the bottom of Rover and lifted the entire tree, pallets and all, to the top of Rover. Amber and Torvok rode the lift with the tree and tossed down ropes the recruits secured to hitches along Rover’s side.

Task complete, we joined the children in the cargo bay. Isabella met us, passing out ale. In light of my new understanding of ale’s poisonous nature, I hesitated. I glanced at Camilia. She grinned at me, then drank her own ale. I shrugged and joined the party.

We drank and laughed and talked the entire trip back to Tahkath. We arrived as the sun sank behind the horizon, reminding me of Camilia’s Earth stories. We carried our waking children out of Rover and waved Amber, Torvok, Queen Riley, Princess Sasha, and King Kator off just in time.

Camilia took Ania from my arms so I could deal with my recruits, who I sent to eat and then to their bunks. King Dojak and Queen Sofia arrived by pterodon twenty minutes after Rover had departed on its mission, looking more in love than when they’d left.

King Dojak raised a brow ridge at me. I gave him the barest nod.

The mission had been a success.

But what would be next in this crazy plan?

CAMILIA

“Come on, Ania. Today is a special day. Today, we get to check on Nora’s baby.”

“Baby?” Ania lifted her favorite doll at me.

“Yes, but a real baby…uh…a new friend. Like Alyna, Layla, and Sasha. But very little.”

Ania tilted her head, considering my words carefully. “Okay.”

“All right. Do you have your doctor’s bag?”

Ania toddled off to her mountain of toys and dug through until she retrieved a small, shiny black bag Troko had had one of Tahkath’s artisans make, designed to look much like my basic medical kit.

She took my hand and we walked out of the nursery and down the stairs to the castle’s entrance.

Ania and I strolled across the grounds and around the perimeter of the castle. Even if the castle was far more habitable after replacing the smoky torches with the soft glow of vap lamps in the dark interior rooms, I preferred to walk in the sunshine as often as possible.

Unlike the world we humans had left behind, I felt little need to rush in Tahkath. Instead, Ania and I enjoyed the sights and sounds of the living world around us. Happa splashed in the fountains. Birds chirped and sang in the trees. Sunlight, though weakened in the winter, fell on our faces and I felt full and complete.

Ania skipped and jumped, jerking my arm around while she played. I had to smile. I wished my childhood had been so carefree.

I wondered how many of the other women felt the same. Soon, we arrived at Nora’s greenhouses.

Promising recruits and prisoners studying horticulture tended her gardens under her direction while she sat in a plush armchair someone had carried out to the garden for her. Rojav sat near her propped feet, massaging her swollen ankles with anti-inflammatory lotion.

I noticed she adjusted her position constantly, restless and uncomfortable.

This is it. This baby will be born within days…

“Hi. How are you feeling today?”

“Miserable. I can’t seem to get comfortable. No matter where I sit or how many pillows I use, all I want to do is walk. But I’m tired, at the same time.”

Her voice sounded strained. I walked up and set my bag on the table next to her, pulling out a medical scanner we had salvaged from the Skarg ship. Ania placed her bag on the ottoman near Nora’s feet, opened it, and pulled out a toy medical scanner.

I ran the scanner over Nora’s body, checking her blood pressure and heart rate. Ania mimicked each move I made. I felt Nora’s head, checking her temperature and perspiration levels. Ania made Rojav lift her so she could also check Nora.

Nora breathed in short, shallow breaths.

“Any contractions?”

“Not yet, not even Braxton-Hicks.”

I pursed my lips and moved to her swollen belly. It looked slightly smaller than I remembered. I placed my hands on it, feeling the child inside. I made appreciative little noises, only to be mimicked by Ania, who also gently examined Nora’s belly.

“Well?” Rojav looked equal parts excited and terrified.

“The baby has moved into a good position. Head down, thank goodness. Nora, this baby is ready. Keep a communicator close. The general discomfort is normal. Walking stimulates the birthing process, so that’s why you can’t keep still.”

“So, this bullshit is supposed to happen?”

I chuckled, nodding.

“Yes, absolutely. The more you walk now, the easier the labor.”

Nora growled.

Ania patted her arm. “Be okay.”

Tears welled in Nora’s eyes. She held out her arms to Ania, who leaned in and gave her a hug.

“How can you be so sweet? Ignore me, it’s just the hormones.”

I smiled, stroking Nora’s hair.

“I can have Dojak assign a couple of recruits to help you walk, if you like.”

“No need, Camilia. I will be at her side every second and Zarid has already volunteered to assist. Everyone on the expedition to the jungle has volunteered to help. Olanth and Madar have promised to come by after their classes.”

“That’s wonderful, Rojav.”

Nora grunted, releasing Ania, and pushed herself to her feet. She paced, blowing out short gusts of air.

“Have I started to dilate, yet?”

“Not yet, but effacement has begun.”

“So, what does that mean? Does that give us any clue?”

“Not specifically, no. Soon is the best estimate I can give you. Don’t get excited until your water breaks or your contractions are two minutes apart.”

“How am I supposed to know when they’re two minutes apart? Do you have a timer? A stopwatch?”

“I can count for you, Nora.”

“Rojav’s count should be sufficient.”

Nora paced in slow circles, hands on the small of her back. Ania watched her walk, then looked up at me.

“Friend?”

“Yes, soon you will have another new friend.”

Ania nodded, then turned her gaze to Nora.

“Friend good.”

“Doesn’t it seem like these half-D’Tali kids develop more quickly?”

I nodded.

“I’m attributing it to hybrid vigor.”

“Hybrid vigor?”

“Yeah. Like…when you breed a wild cat variety with a domestic cat variety, or a European cow with a bos indicus variety—you know, the big-eared ones from the Indian subcontinent? The F1 generation crosses, the first-generation cross breeding, creates a phenomenon of hybrid vigor. The F1 crosses tend to be more robust than either of the full-breed parents.”

“How do you know so much about cattle? I thought you were a nurse…”

“I flirted with veterinary medicine and theriogenology in my teens and what else was the internet for but looking up way too much about strange subjects? Anyway, the point is, I believe there is enough genetic diversity between humans and D’Tali to create hybrid vigor. Also, I don’t exactly have a knowledge base of D’Tali obstetrics from which to hypothesize norms for D’Tali pregnancies, or years of birth records or development charts...”

“So, it’s a guess.”

“Like every other hypothesis or theory, yes. At least it is based on a science which has proven true in multiple Earth species. That makes it an educated guess.”

Nora chuckled, then planted herself back in the armchair. Rojav looked entirely lost, his eyes glazed. He spoke to Ania in a whisper.

“Do you know what they are saying?”

Ania patted Rojav on the arm.

“Is okay. Baby good.”

Rojav melted and gathered little Ania in his arms for a hug.

“Thank you, Ania.”

“Enough about this baby, Camilia. Tell me how the tree cutting went.”

“Oh, we had a wonderful time. It was good to be able to spend some time with Amber, Torvok, Riley, and King Kator. I just wish we could have found something like mistletoe—but not poisonous…”

“Oh, you just need to go to the market. There’s a merchant there who brings me the best stuff—that’s where I found the adhku chung.”

“Now, if only I could find poinsettias. I miss poinsettias… They always felt so cheerful.”

Nora chuckled.

“I know we think of them in the winter, but they are actually a tropical tree which, in the jungle, can grow up to twenty feet. The Aztecs called it Cuetlaxochitl and used it for medicines and to create red and purple dyes.”

“Wow. I…never knew that. Medicinal? I thought it was poisonous…”

“No, that’s a myth. It may irritate the skin or esophagus of people and animals a little, but the biggest danger is from small children choking on the fibrous stems.”

“Wow. Now if only any of that knowledge applied here on this world…”

Nora laughed.

“Welcome to my life. I went off and learned all these things and will never be able to use half of what I know. Like Mellida in the kitchens. What good is knowing fifteen ways to cook a potato when we have no potatoes? At least your knowledge is still applicable.”

I sighed.

“Once I figured out how to treat D’Tali as well as humans. Well, at least we can learn new things. Learning how to think feels so much more important now.”

“I know, I’m just irritable. Let me pop this baby out and I’m sure things will look easier after.”

“Just take care of yourself, Nora.”

“I will. Also, I’ll write a note for you to take to the merchant. I’m certain he can find something.”

TROKO

I sat at my desk, where I had been reviewing troop reports all morning. Had I understood the tedious minutia involved in managing the entire D’Tali military when I had first been offered the job, I might have passed on the offer.

That’s not true. I love this work, I just don’t particularly enjoy the long hours of staring at unending lists, columns of figures, and calculations required to manage the lives of thousands of people.

I leaned back in my chair, rubbing the bridge of my nose. My eyes refused to see the numbers written on the pages. I stretched, stood, and decided I had spent enough of my day at this portion of my duties.

The need to move my limbs overcame me and I made my way to the practice yard, where Dak and Lorkot oversaw the latest recruits’ basic arms training. I tried not to grimace at the awkward swings of the recruits’ practice swords.

Not like anyone would notice, with this face.

I chuckled quietly. My scars had seemed such a burden, before Camilia. Now, I didn’t mind using them to my advantage, to terrify as needed.

I put on my most intimidating expression and walked past the fighters who had been paired into practice groups. The recruits glanced my way, my mere presence disturbing and distracting them.

“Don’t look at me, men! Keep your focus on your opponent. A moment’s distraction can spell your death. An effective soldier focuses on his mission! Your mission is to survive long enough to accomplish your mission! Take it to heart. Learn to love it! Death is unacceptable. Not a single one of you is allowed to get yourself killed!”

The recruits fought their eyes, trying to turn them back to their opponents.

“If you’re looking at me, you’re not going to see death coming.”

As if to punctuate my words, Dak landed a solid blow on his distracted opponent. The recruit fell to the ground with an airless oof. I walked over to the recruit who lay sprawled on his back on the ground.

“On your feet! Who gave you permission to take a nap? When you go down, I expect you to get back on your feet immediately!”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

The recruit sprang to his feet and saluted.

I leaned into his face. “You will run, recruit! You will run the perimeter of this practice yard until someone dismisses you.”

He stood tall, back straight, saluting. “Sir, yes, sir!”

“I don’t see you running, soldier! Move, move, move!”

The recruit dashed to the track around the practice yard. I turned back to the remainder of the recruits, who had stopped fighting to watch.

“Who gave you permission to stop practice? Who gave you permission to stand around? If you don’t want to practice, you can join young Zair on the track!”

The combat pairs returned to their exercises, practicing their combat forms, trying to train their bodies to know where to be and how to fight.

Camilia called it muscle memory. I didn’t know even a fraction of what she knew about the body and didn’t bother to argue. Rather, I incorporated her knowledge into my training regimens.

Movement caught my eye. King Dojak walked my way, looking twice as paranoid as when he first came to me about the surprise party.

He will give the surprise away long before the party, if he keeps this up. It’s a good thing he’s the king, not a spy…

“Troko!”

He waved me over. I met him halfway and bowed.

“My King. How can I help you?”

King Dojak looked over his shoulders, checking for Sofia, then wrapped an arm around my shoulder and whispered.

“The tailor sent word…the clawed Santa suit is ready, and I need you to go get it. The date managed to throw Sofia off my scent, but she’s too clever. I can’t let her catch me sneaking around again.”

“Yes, sire, I understand.”

King Dojak clapped me on the shoulder. “Good man, General.”

Without another word, he walked away, looking even more suspicious than when he arrived because now his suspicion had mixed with a vague smugness.

I sighed and shook my head. Any other task I would have assigned to Dak, Lorkot, or another recruit, but this one I knew I must see to myself.

I nodded to Dak and made my way to the stables. With a quick thanks to the stablehand, I trotted into the streets of Tahkath. I slowed to a more reasonable walk, not wanting to run over Tahkath’s citizenry.

After all the work we’ve done to heal the divisions in Tahkath since King Dojak’s coronation, trampling over citizens won’t exactly make things better. Not that I even want to run anyone over with a numa.

Merchants waved as I rode by and gangs of children followed my progress.

I never expected to be cheered in the streets…for so long, my scars had been a barrier between me and the world…one forced on me, yes, but I have to admit it was a barrier behind which I also hid. Thank the Ancestors for Camilia, who’d lured me so far out of my shell.

The tailor’s sign distracted me from my thoughts. I dismounted and tied my numa’s reins to a hitching post out front next to two others, and entered. Yoris, a lime-scaled D’Tali, stepped around the counter.

“Welcome. How can I help you, General Troko?”

“Uh, well, King Dojak sent me to pick up the clawed Santa suit?”

“Ah! Yes. Give me one second. I also have the children’s outfits. Those humans always bring me the most…interesting challenges.”

He scurried into the back stockroom and returned with several garment boxes. He set them on the large sewing table and opened each for my inspection. I glanced at the strange clothes and shrugged.

“Loris, I will have to trust your expertise… I must admit that I have no idea what these are supposed to look like.”

The tailor chuckled.

“I take no offense. I simply enjoy the creativity and the challenge.”

I untied a money pouch from my belt and dropped it on the counter.

“Will this cover it? King Dojak is adamant we keep the secret, and Sofia would see any invoice.”

Loris waved the coins away.

“The good king has already covered the expenses. Oh! I almost forgot.”

He scurried behind his counter and retrieved another box. He brought it over to the sewing table, as well.

“Lady Camilia placed a…special order. She was to come by today to pick it up, but she sent a boy earlier to tell me she couldn’t make it. Apparently, Lady Nora is too close to birth for Camilia to leave. She asked that I have it delivered to her and who better than you?”

I reached out to the box, to look inside.

“No, no, no, General Troko. Haha, Lady Camilia was quite particular on that point. She wishes to surprise you.”

Loris chuckled far too much for my comfort at that, but I agreed not to look. I gathered the packages, thanked him, and mounted my numa. I returned to the castle and tracked King Dojak down. His eyes filled with glee when they fell upon me.

“Ah! Do you have it?”

“Yes, sire. Apparently, there were several special projects awaiting delivery, so I brought them all. This is your package.”

I indicated the package holding the Santa suit. It was certainly the heaviest of the packages, since it contained the claws. King Dojak closed the boxes, handed them back to me, and rubbed his hands together, entirely pleased with himself.

“Excellent. Excellent.”

“What’s excellent?”

King Dojak and I spun around. There stood Sofia, that suspicious look on her face. King Dojak smiled.

“I, uh, was just telling General Troko how pleased I am with…the progress of the recruits.”

I nodded.

“Yes. They are coming along very well. Good batch, all around.”

Sofia’s eyes narrowed.

“Then what are those packages?”

“Camilia asked me to pick up some…special orders from the tailor, since Nora is about to give birth. See?”

In my panic to explain away my conversation with King Dojak, I opened the box Loris had told me not to open.

I showed it to Queen Sofia before I looked.

I choked, nearly dropping the tiny, lacy underwear onto the floor.

CAMILIA

Ania and I walked to the stables, and we petted the numa while we waited for the stable-hands to hook up the carriage.

Half an hour and three sheaves of hay later, Ania and I crawled in. I directed the driver to take us to the merchant Nora had mentioned and Ania and I sat back to watch Tahkath roll by.

With the rain canopy folded down like the top of a convertible car, we could see everything around. The carriage driver kept the numa at an easy pace, no more than tapping the whip on the numa’s rump.

I had come to love riding in a carriage. When I walked through the city, I could only really focus on my destination and avoiding the packs of wild children running everywhere. When I drove a car on Earth, I felt the same, though I focused on not getting run over by other cars, rather than small children.

In a carriage, though, I had the time to really look at the city around me. I could appreciate the architecture and the clusters of people. I could take in the art and the vibrancy of the thriving life around. The gentle clop of the numa’s steps became a steady, relaxing beat. The breeze refreshed.

I drew in a deep breath and sighed. I looked down to see how Ania felt about it. Her curious, bright eyes took in the world around us, as well. Peace settled upon me. Ania’s little body nestled up against mine comforted us both. I could not imagine a better life.

Soon, the carriage pulled to a stop. I thanked the driver and stepped out. Ania stretched her arms wide and I lifted her down. We walked up to the merchant’s market stall. The thinnest D’Tali I had ever seen smiled, his orange scales glistening in the sunlight.

“Hello, Lady. How may I help you?”

“Hi. Nora sent me. I’m looking for a few plants…”

I pulled the note Nora had written from my pocket and handed it to the merchant. He read it, making little noises, pursing his lips then nodded.

“Yes, I can do this. To be clear, this is a secret?”

“Yes. It is part of a surprise for Queen Sofia.”

“Ah! Then, yes, it will be done.”

“Thank you so much.”

We said our goodbyes and rode back to the castle. After we thanked the carriage driver and strolled to our chambers, Ania ran to her toys and I took a moment to put up my feet.

Then my belly rumbled.

“Are you hungry yet, Ania? ’Cause, Mommy is starving. Mommy had a long day.”

Ania sat at a child-sized bistro table decorated with handpainted flowers. Her favorite toys sat, crookedly, in child-sized bistro chairs. Toy plates, carved from a durable wood, covered the tabletop next to small, metal flatware and tiny wooden teacups.

“Hungry. Pel cake?”

I chuckled.

“We can’t eat cake for dinner. Come on, then. Let’s go see what Mellida made for dinner. Daddy will be home soon, and I bet he’ll be hungry, too.”

“Okay.”

Ania got up, told each of her favorite toys goodbye, and took my offered hand. With everyone’s busy lives and demanding schedules, we rarely ate in the big dining hall anymore.

We passed guards and staff who bustled about their tasks. Ania gave them all high fives, a habit she had picked up from Krenik, who had picked it up from Nora.

Honestly, the lines between D’Tali and human cultures have certainly blurred.

Thinking we wouldn’t rub off on each other felt absurd. We lived together, we worked together, we changed everything about our lives together.

Of course we have begun to blend. Isn’t that the point? Are our children not proof we were meant to become one people, part D’Tali, part human? Not just physically, but as a people?

Ania’s delighted squeals interrupted my ruminations, drawing my eyes. She let go of my hand and ran to her daddy, who stood at the end of the hallway. Though obviously delighted to see his daughter, he also looked a little wild.

“Hi, Daddy. What’s that face all about?”

“Uh…”

His wide, wild eyes darted about. He looked over his shoulders. I raised a bemused eyebrow at him. He swallowed hard, a fake smile plastered on his face.

“Well?”

“Uh…well, see, what happened was…I, uh, picked up the special orders from the tailor…and, I know he told me not to look in the box with your special order, and I really wasn’t going to, but the other boxes had all the costumes for the party and I tried to take them to King Dojak…”

Troko halted, gulping.

Whatever this was, it was going to be good.

“And then?”

“Then, well, Sofia caught us and thought we were up to something, and I thought that, well…that your package was the safest to show her…to, uh, prove we weren’t up to anything. Even though we were…”

The scene played through my mind—King Dojak, Queen Sofia, Troko, and…the raciest lingerie I could convince Loris to make. A laugh began deep in my belly and rumbled up through my mouth. I laughed so hard I cried. I couldn’t stop.

Or talk. Or stand.

“Your…new ‘outfit’ fell out. I’m sorry…”

“In front of Sofia and Dojak?”

Troko nodded. I only laughed harder.

“Mommy? Mommy okay?”

“I’m fine, Ania, I’m fine. Don’t worry. Daddy just told me the funniest story is all.”

I walked up to Troko and kissed him hard. He released a breath, his shoulders relaxing as he calmed, then a tiny smile spread across his mouth.

“I suppose it was pretty funny. You should have seen King Dojak’s face. I thought his eyes would fall out. Queen Sofia just snorted, covered her mouth, and walked away.”

I laughed again. Then Ania laughed, too, since mommy and daddy were laughing.

“Oh, Troko. What am I going to do with you? What did you do with the outfit?”

“I took it, and the rest of the outfits, to our bedchamber.”

I stepped back, still amused, and took Troko’s hand. He picked Ania up in his big arms, and we strolled down to the kitchens.

“So?”

“So, what?”

Troko looked confused.

“How did you feel about the outfit?”

Troko whistled his appreciation.

“Must I wait for the party?”

“Not if you model the Santa suit.”

“Claws and all?”

“Claws? What are you talking about?”

“Loris included claws. For the clawed Santa.”

I laughed all the way to the kitchens. We picked up our dinner and returned to our chambers.

Finally fed, and fairly certain Ania was down for the night, I whispered in Troko’s ear.

“I think it’s time for me to change into something much sexier…”

TROKO

“Uh… Do I need to put on the claws?”

“No, just get out here so I can see how that Santa suit fits. You can check out how my new lingerie fits. Loris enjoys knowing his efforts pay off.”

I gulped at the mere thought of Camilia, in all her perfection, wearing the tiny lacy things which had fallen from the box earlier.

I had never seen, or even contemplated, the existence of such garments.

Since I saw them, though, I had contemplated little else. Camilia deciding to have the slips of cloth and lace crafted in the first place…left me shuddering. Anticipation of seeing them against her skin had had my heart racing all evening.

I released a breath, the Santa suit suddenly stifling.

I tugged at my collar and stepped out of the dressing room. I stood before Camilia, and held my breath. Laughter burst forth from her mouth. Dressing robe tied firmly around her waist, she fell over onto the mattress. I waited while she laughed until she cried. I lifted my arms.

“Can I get out of this thing now?”

“Please.”

I pulled the bulky red and white monstrosity over my head, tossed it at one corner, and stepped out of the black boots and baggy pants fashioned around a device which extended my waist to monstrous proportions.

“You have no idea how relieved I am that those boots are not my size. I thought I would trip. Now, on to the important stuff. Your turn.”

“Let me breathe…”

“You can stop laughing. It’s gone. Someone else can wear it. I refuse.”

She sucked in mighty breaths, releasing them in little puffs. She held her waist, and the robe’s belt, in a tight grip.

Camilia released a loud sigh. Her body relaxed, seeming to melt into the bedding. A soft smile settled on her mouth. Her amusement-reddened face glowed in the soft light of flickering candles. She wiggled into the soft, quilted blanket. A sigh of pure contentment breezed from my lips.

“Okay, my turn. Come. Sit.”

She patted the mattress and I sprinted over as she pulled herself from the comfort of the bed.

Camilia gripped the edges of her robe over her breasts, wearing the grin that always made my cock swell.

She pulled her shoulder high, gazed at me, and batted her lashes.

My heart beat faster and my mouth watered, my breath coming in shallow pants.

Nothing and no one else existed. Camilia swayed her hips with each step. I groaned. My cock bobbed, hard and throbbing.

“So…you’re saying…”

Camilia stopped in front of me.

“You want to see my new outfit?”

I nodded.

“Yes. Yes, I do.”

She turned to face me. A smug smile sat on her face. She pointed a finger at her chest.

“The outfit under this robe?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think you’ll survive?”

“No, but I’m willing to risk it.”

“Well…since you asked for it.”

“I’m not asking. I’m begging. Have mercy on me, human.”

She sauntered those perfect, swaying hips closer, her steps slow.

“But, Troko… I’d never forgive myself if I killed the King’s General. Surely I would go to prison…”

Unable to wait a moment longer, I grabbed her by the robe’s belt and pulled her the last step between us. Camilia chuckled and shook her perfect breasts at me. Growling, I untied the obstructing belt, pulling it away from her. It fell from my hand, a detail Camilia quickly made irrelevant.

She released her grip on the robe. The smooth fabric slid over her shoulders, falling open over her breasts. My chest seized.

I forgot to breathe, and even how to draw breath. The little wisps of red lace tied with black ribbon against the glory of Camilia’s bare skin slammed into my mind.

“How do you like your present?”

“I would fight hordes of valanx, unarmed and naked, at your whim.”

Camilia chuckled.

She enjoys this far, far too much for my own good and I shall never complain.

She leaned close to my ear and I detected her delicious aroma. My eyes glazed, blurring the edges of reality. My head spun as she spoke in a throaty whisper.

“Are you gonna unwrap me? Sir?”

May the exquisite torture of this moment never end.

She wrapped her delicate hand around my jaw and pulled my face close to hers with gentle fingers. She kissed me, her tongue darting out to swipe across my lips.

That was the moment I broke.

I jumped to my feet and grabbed her around the waist, spun us both around, and tossed her, facefirst onto the mattress. She bounced with a squeal, then wiggled her ass back until her legs hung over the edge.

She turned her face back and gave me that look—the one she knew I could not resist.

I grabbed her wrists, bringing them together behind her back. I gathered them both in one of my big hands, careful not to hurt her, then stepped forward and pressed the shaft of my cock between her folds. I rubbed the bulges of my cock’s shaft against her, spreading her juices along the entire length.

“Are you asking me to command you, Cam?”

“Yes.”

I slapped her ass cheek with my free hand as I paused my cock.

“Say ‘Yes, sir,’ Cam.”

Camilia moaned. Her hips pumped rhythmically as she panted in little gasps. Her folds swelled and leaked sweet honey, drenching me.

She spoke in a whisper. “Yes, sir…”

I groaned, pressing against her hot entrance. My cock throbbed. I loved every moment with Camilia, every delicious gasp.

“You want a command?”

Her hips bounced against my swollen cockhead. I tried to untie the black ribbons at her hips with one hand.

I focused, no matter how hard she tried to distract me with her bouncing ass.

“Please…sir…”

I’ll buy her more.

I ripped the lace to shreds and sunk myself inside Camilia’s clenching depths. I leaned in and growled next to her ear.

“Come.”

Camilia screamed. Her inner walls clenched. I drove my cock into her, over and over, thrusting as deeply as I could, plowing my throbbing head into her tunnel. I felt her break. Her breath rushed out in a deep, sighing moan.

I filled her again and again, fighting the clenching orgasms flooding her as long as she needed me.

I grunted with the effort as she slammed herself against me, meeting each thrust. Sweat glistened her body.

“Please…”

“Come.”

My strangled growl threw her back into a flight of ecstatic screams.

Finally, I roared, filling her fully. My cock swelled. My head throbbed hard, pushing me over the edge. She came again, clenching around me. The world stopped around us and all that existed was her and me, here in this place beyond the world where only we could travel together.

We hung there for a short eternity, suspended in a space defined by only the two of us, private and eternal. We collapsed into each other. For a moment, I couldn’t remember where she ended and I began because we felt as one. We floated there forever in each other’s arms.

The barest whisper escaped her lips.

“I love you.”

“Camilia…”

I discovered I held her in my arms and drew her close. I knew I need say no more, for I could feel us both.

The personal communicator on the bedside table began to beep from under the Santa suit. Camilia’s eyes grew wide. Camilia flew from the bed, tossed the Santa suit aside, and grabbed the device. She pressed a button.

“Camil—”

“IT’S TIME. Baby! Nora! Contractions! Two—”

Camilia held the communicator at arm’s length, grimacing.

“Rojav, calm down. I’ll be right there.”

“THANK YOU WHAT DO I DO?”

“Stop yelling into the communicator, for one thing. Help her walk. Let her lean on you. Stay calm to help keep her calm. I will be right there.”

“Walk? She’s in labor! How can she walk?”

“Rojav, walking will help the baby come. Now, put down the communicator and keep your mate company. I can’t come help you until you stop yelling at me.”

“Right!”

Camilia sighed and looked at me.

“Why do men seem to always act like their baby is the first baby ever to be born?”

I chuckled and pushed myself up from the bed.

“I’ll start the shower, have a quick rinse, and run down to distract him.”

“Good idea. Make that a good soaping, though. You get to help me birth a baby. We’d better take Ania to Isabella’s chambers on the way.”

VOKAR

The pafu leather of my soft-soled boots silenced my steps. I stalked from shadow to shadow, tracking my prey. I followed a human woman, the sun-bleached tips of her dark blonde hair peeked from her cloak around her face and fluttered in the wintry breeze.

Though she had stuffed the length deep into the hood of her cloak, I knew she wore the soft strands in long braids.

My heart quickened. The flash of an eye threatened to snatch the breath from my lungs. I slid into a deep shadow. I stopped behind a pillar, listening for signs she had discovered me, for any sounds of her approach. When I discovered neither, I peeked around the corner.

I saw no one ahead. My quarry seemed to have escaped my grasp. Risking discovery, though believing I most likely had avoided detection, I slipped ahead.

My eyes and ears sought the most minute of clues, endeavoring to reacquire my target.

Before I detected the barest hint of movement behind me, my quarry had become my hunter. She pressed cold metal against the back of my tunic.

Cold, hard, and sharply angled, the metal set off all my highly trained alarms.

“Who are you and who sent you?”

“Uh…I am but a simple servant of the king, merely passing through this hall. Have mercy and stay your blade, Lady.”

She pressed the cold metal tip deeper into my flesh.

“Dare you call me ‘Lady’, Knave? It is I who wields this blade.”

“I have come on the humblest of missions, captor. The noblest. I have come to win your heart…”

Isabella began chuckling and didn’t stop.

I spun, grabbing the wrist holding the scabbard she’d pressed against my tunic. I kissed her, deeply and passionately. She melted against me, clawing at my clothes.

“Dada!”

Isabella and I groaned. I turned to my daughter, whose happy face shone like a star, melting my heart.

“Layla. How did you get more adorable? I was only gone a few days and here, you’ve grown so big already. I will have to put books on your head so you stay this perfect forever.”

I swept Layla into my arms and planted a kiss on her chubby cheek. She grabbed my face in stubby fingered hands and kissed my cheek back.

“Are you ready to go shopping? We have to find presents today with your friends.”

Layla babbled at me, mimicking speech, though she didn’t yet know how to form the words. She was remarkable in her soggy, essence-of-milk-sour, infant perfection. As far as I was concerned, Layla would never have to walk again as long as I had an arm for her to ride, no matter how much her mama was about to fuss.

“Oh, Vokar, put her down. She can walk and it’s good for her at this stage.”

“Yes, Mama. Mama knows best, Layla. Listen and remember that.”

I nuzzled into her neck and reveled in her happy giggles, but I put her little feet on the floor, offering my hand instead. She placed her perfect hand in mine and together we turned our attention to Isabella.

An eyebrow stretched high above one eye, but a smile curled the corner of her mouth. She chewed at it, fighting admitting she thought me adorable.

I smiled my most charming smile.

At least, it was the one that she found charming, and that was all I cared about.

Isabella chuckled and I slid my arm around her with the studied grace of my profession. I pulled her in close and planted a volley of kisses along her neck. She laughed and swatted me away with only half a heart.

“Would you stop it? The carriage is waiting.”

“Mama.”

Inspired, Layla tried to dive at her mother. With precise, fluid motions, my arm compensated, swooping her up. Layla planted a slobbery kiss on her mother, too.

“As if she wasn’t screaming about having to wear shoes and a cloak not ten minutes ago.”

“Ah, but I am the most cunning spy in Tahkath, Bella. None can resist my charm.”

I tucked Layla back into am arm.

“Welcome home.”

“I missed the two of you every second I was away.”

“And just in time to join us.”

Isabella picked up Layla’s bag of supplies, and we left our chambers. We walked down the hallways, naming everything we passed. Layla seemed unimpressed, but I enjoyed her company. Once Layla had entirely lost interest, I smiled at Isabella.

“So, my dear, can you update me? Many things seemed to have happened while I was gone.”

Isabella checked over her shoulders, whispering her reply.

“We will fill you in, but not here. We can’t afford to be overheard.”

An entirely amused chuckle bubbled up from my chest.

“You know how much I enjoy a good conspiracy…”

“Quiet, or I will gag you, tie you up, and throw you in a closet. Too many people have worked too hard on this thing for you to let the cat out of the bag now.”

“A what in a bag?”

“It’s an Earth thing. Don’t worry about it. All you need to know is to keep your lips shut and don’t ask too many questions until we are certain nothing will get back to Sofia.”

I laughed harder, Layla joining me, slapping her pudgy hands against my arms.

“I know, Layla. It is so hard to wait for good intel and a juicy bit of gossip, but we must learn self-control. It is never too early to begin your training. With my devious nature and your mother’s mind, you will certainly be the greatest Guild Master of all time.”

“Really, Vokar? She’s not even two years old yet. I think she has some time before dedicating herself to the shadowy arts.”

“Don’t forget your good looks and my natural charisma. She’s obviously my successor. Think of how strong she already is. And this face? How will anyone suspect her? She is the epitome of innocence.”

Isabella rolled her eyes and laughed.

“She’s a baby. She’s literally designed to be adorable, Vokar. What if she wants to do something else when she grows up?”

“Like what, with her obvious advantages?”

“I don’t know. Maybe she wants to be a merchant.”

“Then those skills will be perfect. Still, it’s to her advantage to train like a spy.”

“Okay, well, what if she wants to be a…mathematician?”

“The horror. Impossible.”

“What’s wrong with math? I like math.”

“Yes, and I love you for it, but Layla is obviously destined for adventure. Just look at her grace.”

“I might, if you ever let her walk for herself.”

We both laughed. Layla joined us, babbling on what was obviously her turn. I gasped.

“No! You don’t say! How scandalous. Tell me more.”

Layla babbled her emphatic response and Isabella laughed. We stepped out into the mid-morning sunlight and Layla squealed and demanded to be placed on her feet.

Princess Alyna, Ania, Layla, and Kerensa squealed, all toddling together into a group hug. We ushered our little pack into the carriage.

“Okay, now tell me everything. What are all of you up to?”

ISABELLA

We herded our children out of the carriage and corralled them near the window of a cobbler’s shop. Vokar distracted them with sly little magic tricks involving a disappearing coin, while the rest of us sorted out supplies and packs.

Troko had been clever enough to arrange for Lorkot and a few recruits to join us, and we were going to need them.

We loaded the soldiers with our children’s supplies and turned our attention to the gaggle of giggles once referred to as our children.

Camilia clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention.

“These are the rules of the day. As long as you are good, we will have a great day. Keep your clothes on, no fighting, and stay with the group. Okay?”

The children blinked at us as if they understood nothing, but I knew at least Princess Alyna and Ania had understood.

Vokar swept up to the girls, dripping with charm.

“Yes, yes, Mama. We understand. Don’t we? Nod your heads and smile and you can get away with anything.”

He nodded his head.

The kids mimicked him. He smiled, sly and smug. The kids smiled their most innocent smiles, the youngest mimicking the eldest.

I rolled my eyes at his antics, while his own eyes crinkled, sparkling with mischief.

“Really, Vokar?”

My mate winked at me as he herded the gaggle away and down the street before him.

“Oh, yes. They will all be spies. Come, girls. Let us go see what is in the next shop. Boots are not very interesting. The first one who spots a toy store gets a prize.”

Camilia chuckled. “We’re supposed to be buying other people presents, Vokar. They are supposed to be picking things out for other people.”

Vokar raised an eyebrow at me. “This is the human tradition?”

I nodded.

“I see. Perhaps we will move into that next year…”

“No, we are not moving into that next year. Look at me, girls. Today we are picking out presents for the people we love. Then we will wrap them all up in boxes and give them to our friends. It will be a good surprise. When you know what you want to get your friends, tell an adult.”

Vokar’s face lit up. “Yes! Surprises! See, you will all be spies. Sneaking around, keeping secrets? I can teach them these skills.”

I looked at Camilia. “We have created a monster.”

Camilia chuckled. Her eyes looked dark and a little sunken, though she seemed in excellent cheer. With Vokar charming the girls like the pied piper, I slid my arm into Camilia’s. We strolled along.

“You look tired. Are you well?”

“Very much so, Isabella. I was just up late with Nora.”

I gasped. My hand shot to my mouth.

“Did she…”

A huge, happy grin stretched across Camilia’s face.

“She did. A healthy baby girl.”

“Another girl! Surely, by mere chance alone, one of us would have had a boy by now…”

Camilia shook her head.

“Humans, by means research has yet to identify, tend to balance at a one-to-one, male to female ratio. So, whatever makes that happen, is responding to the overwhelming number of males and trying to compensate. It may be many generations before anyone with human DNA produces a male child.”

“So, what you’re saying is, I’m only having daughters…”

Vokar called back over a shoulder. “’Tis a miracle! Could there be better news? We are truly blessed by the Ancestors. What glory! I will give you as many daughters as you can have.”

Camilia and I laughed. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you were the one giving birth to them!”

“Besides, Vokar, the human body needs at least two years after a birth to fully recover and be in peak condition to carry new life, so you will simply have to wait.”

Vokar clutched his chest, as if Camilia’s words had dealt his heart a fatal blow.

“Not to mention, once you spit those babies out, someone must care for them. Look at the girl who just escaped your care because you have been talking to us. Now imagine all these girls belong to us, alone, simultaneously.”

Vokar dashed after Sasha, sweeping her into his arms a moment before she tried to taste a kindly old cart numa. The numa chuffed at the gang of girls rushing its way and we spent the next ten minutes petting the numa, to everyone’s delight.

“Ah, if only you were all mine. I would be a legend in my own lifetime! Just look at them, Isabella. Could there ever be anything more glorious than this fine collection of preciousness?”

“When would I find time to teach if my entire day was filled with potty breaks, baths, and meals?”

“Easy. I shall retire and dedicate my life to caring for the children. That way, I can begin training them early.”

I chuckled and began herding the girls toward a bakery, where I hoped to find something to distract their hands and mouths.

Vokar leaned close to my ear and whispered. “So, you’re saying we can continue this discussion this summer?”

I laughed and slapped him away. Our little troupe flooded into the bakery, entirely disrupting our conversation. The kids plastered their faces against the glass beyond which sat assorted delicious baked treats.

“Keep your faces off the glass, please. We don’t want to leave a complete mess.”

The baker smiled indulgently, chuckling.

“There is no need to worry, Lady. I will be honored to clean up after them.”

So different from Earth, but girls are so rare here… The D’Tali must see each one as a living hope for their people.

My heart filled with gratitude, aching with relief.

Our daughters have the chance to grow up as blessings. If I had only felt such.

Camilia stepped in, taking charge of the orders. Vokar wandered back, settling next to my side. He kissed my cheek and wrapped me in a strong arm.

“Now that we have a moment, tell me the gossip.”

“Oh, yeah. Sofia was feeling down, missing some winter traditions from Earth. Dojak decided to throw her a surprise party. We have managed to arrange most of it. Amber, Torvok, Riley, King Kator, and their daughter are hiding in Rover until the party starts…there is so much…”

Camilia interrupted us. The girls each held a foot-long sweet pastry in their hands, smearing it all over their faces, and sometimes even taking a bite.

“Don’t spoil the surprise, Vokar. Sofia has been very difficult to keep in the dark on this and a lot of people have already made huge efforts to thwart her suspicions.”

We strolled back into the street and continued window shopping. Camilia chuckled. The fact Camilia obviously held onto the juiciest morsel of gossip drove Vokar half mad.

“Why are you chuckling? You know something. I will simply die of curiosity if you don’t tell me, Camilia.”

“Okay. Okay. So, Troko went to fetch the Santa suit from the tailor. He also picked up a special order I’d convinced the tailor to make. Oh, and the kids’ elf costumes. Remind me to get those distributed to everyone. Anyway, back to the story… Troko tries to report back to Dojak with the outfits. Sofia walks in on them, and Troko decides the only way to get away with it is to show Sofia what was in my box.”

“And? What was in the box?”

“The skimpiest lingerie I could talk Loris into making.”

ISABELLA

After arriving at the largest toy store in town, we watched the children carefully, watching for what caught their attention, what made them laugh and giggle.

Krenik, several of his brothers, and a couple of his best friends found us, and soon we had compiled a list of their favorite toys, too.

Camilia looked directly into my eyes and I nodded.

It was time for me to take care of the next part.

Leaning close to Vokar, I whispered. “Want to prove how sneaky you are?”

Vokar chuckled. “Every time. Do tell me what you have in mind, my devious, beautiful Bella.”

“Buy every toy in the store. Have them delivered all over town. Personally deliver the presents to Krenik’s gang in the Santa suit while only giving them glimpses of you in disguise.”

“Be still, my heart. Isabella, you know exactly how to delight me. Your will shall be done.”

“Also, send Sofia the bill. Trust me.”

“With my life.”

Vokar snuck a kiss on my cheek, then slipped away to corner the toymaker. I turned my head to face Camilia and nodded. Happiness filled her face as she understood. The plan was in action. She turned back to the children and put on her best teacher voice.

“Okay, everyone. Next, we go to the papermaker to pick gift wrap, then we go to the market to pick ornaments and eat. Everyone wave bye-bye.”

The girls waved and followed Camilia out into the street, holding each other’s hands. I waved at Vokar. He smiled, then mouthed ‘I will meet you.”

At least I hoped that’s what he meant.

With a pack of tiny children to corral, I didn’t bother to confirm and followed the last child through the door.

I knew Vokar would catch up. Vokar could find anyone.

Camilia led the column of toddling bodies down the block. Several soldiers flanked them, blocking streets and keeping the girls on their feet.

Quickly glancing back, I realized that Vokar had enlisted some help. One of the recruits sprinted in the direction of the closest guard station, bent on some unknown task. I returned my eyes to the path ahead of me before I tripped over something, and calm contentment settled into me.

Life felt good.

Fires blazed in hearths, releasing woody scents reminiscent of the Earth we’d left what felt like a lifetime ago. We stopped at a warm cider stand. I drew in deep breaths of its heady, spiced warmth. Flames danced and coals crackled in large, stone hearths, warming the cobbles under our feet.

The children waved their hands over the flames, held safely in the arms of the adults. I filled their hands with warm, faveltwood cups filled with the mulled cider. The children settled down with the gentle heat. They babbled at each other, practicing the pace of adult conversation.

So clever.

We strolled to the papermaker’s and ordered rolls of the most popular varieties, payable by Queen Sofia. A recruit stayed behind to arrange the details.

“Are you imagining Sofia’s face when she gets all these bills?”

I laughed hard.

“I can’t wait. What is she going to do? Say ‘No, I won’t pay for the toys sent to every child in Tahkath city’?

“She’ll love it. Then she’ll forget, and another bill will come and remind her.”

Camilia and I laughed. The girls mimicked us, laughing, too. Even the little ones giggled. We traveled the market, each girl selecting her favorite ornament. The girls began to wilt, and a recruit called the carriage, which had been ferrying purchases to their respective destinations all day.

A few minutes later, we rode back to the castle at an easy, swaying pace. The girls’ eyelids drooped in the afternoon light. We stroked their hair and their chubby cheeks, and they drifted off into dreams I hoped were filled with fun.

Or, well, whatever they hoped to dream about, at least.

The day had filled me so full of emotions that I, too, rode in silence. So did everyone else. Vokar had caught up to us in the market and rode beside me.

“They are an army. By the time they are as wise as we, our children will be unstoppable.”

We chuckled and I shook my head at Vokar.

“You will not have to teach any of them to be devious, Vokar. I promise they will be devious enough all on their own.”

“I merely wish to hone such obvious talent. Look how perfectly that one drools. Amazing. Perfectly performed. But I know, and she knows, that she is actually awake. If only her eyes were open, then she would see I was about to tickle her.”

Princess Alyna’s eyes flew open.

Realizing Vokar sat nowhere near her, she giggled until we arrived back in the castle’s courtyard. The carriage stopped near the castle entrance and soldiers met us at the gates.

We passed waking children to the guards until we had excavated at least one of the adults. One by one, we managed to get everyone on their feet. Porters ferried our purchases to a lounging dayroom area in the nursery.

“Camilia, have the Santa suit sent to my chambers, will you?”

Camilia laughed. “And Layla’s outfit. I can’t wait to see how she looks in it.”

We got our sleepy children through a bathroom break and into the dayroom, where we helped them make garlands and ornaments. The girls soon tired and we settled in for bowls of thick stew, cuddles, and stories.

The sun set, the light fading outside the tall windows. Stewards lit fires in the hearths, stacking logs on beds of hot coals carried up from the kitchen ovens. We gathered on the warm, bench-high hearth as the fire’s flickering light glowed on our backs.

The fire’s soft crackle and soothing aroma softened our words and lulled our girls back to sleep. Parents joined us for a cup of mulled cider or a goblet of wine, then gathered their babies into their arms and carried them to their chambers.

Recruits packed our handmade decorations into trunks and carried them away to the King’s Hall, where we would set up our celebration later. Through it all, Layla slept like a log, not even twitching when Vokar laid her down. We tucked her into her blankets, kissed her head, and retreated to our bedchamber.

Vokar chuckled as he shucked his outfit, laid it on the bench at the foot of the bed, and opened the box containing the Santa suit. He chortled as he pulled it over his head, cackling in delight.

“You enjoy costumes far, far too much.”

“It is magnificent! Look at this giant belly!”

He stepped into the pants, securing each fastening which kept the suit together. He looked like he wore the misbegotten love child of a tent and a hoola hoop in red-and-white-dyed, premium pafu. Vokar wore a grinning face of complete happiness.

“Now, you have to say ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’. That’s what Santa says.”

“Ho, ho, ho.”

“Deeper.”

“Ho, ho, ho.”

“Close, but apply more jolly and less ‘I want to eat your face’, okay?”

Vokar nodded.

A knock on the hall door rang into our room. Vokar and I froze in our tracks. We heard Sofia’s voice call out.

“Isabella? Can I talk to you? I have some questions…”

“Hide!”

Vokar pulled on the black boots and ran.

VOKAR

Isabella slipped out of our bedchamber and answered the door while I strapped on Santa’s wooden-claw-tipped gauntlets, grabbed the huge sack of toys, and pressed my ear to the door, listening with my full concentration.

“Am I losing my mind, Isabella? I swear, I still think Dojak is up to something…”

“Sofia…you just need a girls’ night. That’s all. I’ll tell you what, let’s get some recruits to come watch the kids, go to that great spot on the roof, and get really drunk?”

“That…that might actually work. I don’t know, I just haven’t been right for a while. It’s this cold, gray sky…”

I heard Isabella close the door and the sound of their conversation moved away down the hall. I slipped on a hooded cloak and met the guard stationed by the door.

At his belt was a personal communicator, and I knew Isabella would have one, too.

“Ah, great. Please make yourself at home. I vow to return before Layla wakes.”

Before the guard could respond, I headed out. Snippets of Sofia and Isabella’s conversation floated through the hallway and their voices moved in the wrong direction. I snuck behind them, listening with all my focus.

“I don’t know… I don’t see how getting wasted is going to make me feel less paranoid…”

I drew closer on silent feet, my cloak draped around the magnificent Santa belly.

“You’ve been working too hard, Sofia. Come lounge around on the roof, look at the stars, and drink lots of wine. You need it. I need it. You would be doing me a favor…”

“Drinking isn’t going to make me happier.”

“No, but relaxing might. Look who you’re talking to, Sofia. You know how far I’ve come since we first landed. And a huge part of that was Vokar teaching me how to relax. Now I’m teaching you. Trust me tonight. I promise that, when morning comes, the world will look entirely different.”

I heard their steps halt. I froze in mid crouch.

Sofia sighed.

“Fine. I did feel a lot better after the date…”

“Which you haven’t even told me about yet. Come on. We’re going to the roof. I’ll call Camilia for medical backup, if I have to. This is an intervention. For your health…”

I could never love my sweet Isabella more than I do at this moment.

Sofia released a breath, her shoulders loosened, and she laughed. A softness shone on her cheeks.

“We have all been too busy, haven’t we?”

Isabella nodded, drawing her arm around Sofia’s shoulders. With a little hug, Isabella had swirled Sofia about and back toward the staircase. They would pass me on the way to their destination. My eyes darted about, searching for the perfect solution.

Then it struck.

I’ll have to get some grappling tips on these claws…

I leaped, grabbed the rafters, slid my legs up, and clung tightly. The hoop extending the waist of the Santa costume flipped sideways, flattening against my body. I breathed with slow, shallow breaths.

Until the Santa hat begin a slow slide off my horns just as Sofia walked directly below. The hat leaped into oblivion but, with the speed and accuracy of my assassin training, my hand snatched the hat from the air.

Surprised by the motion from above, Isabella’s eyes shot open then darted directly at me. She mouthed Nora’s favorite word then hurried Sofia down the corridor. I dropped to my feet and scurried to Dojak’s office, where I saw the glow of a vap lamp under the door.

I quickly slipped inside, closed the door behind me, pressed my back to it, and drew deep breaths. King Dojak stared at me, his mouth hanging open, his eyes blank while his mind attempted to understand the glory of the Clawed Santa.

“Vokar?”

“Yes, sire, ’tis I.”

He pointed at the belly. His jaw moved, and he struggled to shape it in a meaningful way. I stretched my arms to the side and twirled.

“Wow…”

I stopped my spin and leaned in close.

“I have a mission of the utmost mischief. I could use a driver…”

“Just let me change.”

Dojak sprinted through his chambers, stripping off his royal garb, replacing it with something tight and quiet, in black. He hid his crown in a box he placed in a trunk he hid under a wooden plank under his bed. He donned a dark, hooded cloak and a dark mask like the Lukadians wore.

“Ready.”

“Perfect. First, though, I need you to write something…”

I told Dojak my plan and he set to writing a few very special letters. We agreed to meet up at the stables, and I snuck down to speak with Nadan.

The numas and tayn smelled me coming, but we knew each other well, so they gave no alarm.

I slipped through Nadan’s door.

“Do you ever knock, Vokar? What if we were half naked in here?”

“I would have heard it before I opened the door and I would have knocked. You know that perfectly well. Listen—do you have any pafu trained to pull a carriage?”

“No, I don't have any pafu carriage-trained. Why do you ask? And what is that…”

We both spun at the sound of Janis’s sudden laugh. I flourished an arm with all the charm I could muster.

“Behold, I am the Clawed Santa.”

Janis fought to calm her laughs, though tears still streamed from her eyes. She clapped her hands together.

“We don’t have any carriage pafu, but I can make something that will work for a numa. Nadan, go hook up a numa.”

Nadan grinned and hurried out the door. I slipped out behind him, holding my cloak tight around my outfit. The soldiers I had spoken with at the toy store promptly joined us with the rest of the toys for Krenik and his friends.

Moments later, Dojak jogged up to the carriage wearing the most carefree grin I had seen on his face in a long time. The soldiers saluted and Dojak swiped their hands down.

“None of that tonight. Do not tell the queen. No one knows, but, for this one night, Tahkath’s king sets aside his crown to become a legend. Tomorrow, this city will wake to a new miracle. Tonight, I am not the king, I am He Who Drives the Clawed Santa’s Carriage.”

The guards grinned, only loving King Dojak more.

“Yes, sire. Enjoy your mischief, sire.”

Dojak clapped the guards on the back and stepped up the carriage’s wheel cap and into the driver’s seat. He took up the numa’s reins in one hand and arranged his cloak with the other. I crawled into the carriage seat behind him.

“The letters?”

Dojak pulled out a stack of envelopes sealed with wax from his cloak and handed them to me. I stuffed one under of each the ribbons tied around the children’s gifts in elaborate bows. I stuffed the bundles into my Santa sack and knelt on the bench seat so I could watch ahead.

Janis ran out. In her hands, she held a broad strap of leather with the shed antlers of an old pafu somehow stuck to it. She strapped it to the numa’s head and the soldiers hung small vap lamps around the folded canopy. Secured, I waved at Janis and Nadan.

“Are you ready, my sly old friend?”

“HO! HO! HO!”

Dojak gave the command and we dashed out into the night.

ISABELLA

Sofia sighed and took my arm, leaning against me as we meandered up the stairs. Relieved Vokar had managed to escape the castle without Sofia seeing him in the Santa suit, I relaxed, too.

“Talk to me, Sofia.”

“I just…I miss Earth, but I feel guilty for missing Earth when there are so many things to feel grateful for.”

I patted her hand.

“I get homesick, too. I think we all do. It doesn’t mean we don’t have a great life now. Missing what we knew for most of our lives has nothing to do with how much we love our kids or our relationships or our work.”

“I know. Like, my brain knows…”

“We left a lot behind. That loss must be grieved.”

A sound rumbled down the hallway from the direction of the King’s Hall. Sofia and I turned to look. I wondered how I was going to talk Sofia out of looking for the source of the rumble.

A guard waved at me. He gesticulated, his face and arms wild. I thought he meant for me to keep Sofia away. I nodded and waved him over, then went to work on Sofia.

“Let the guard check, Sofia. Guard!”

“Yes, Lady Isabella?”

“Check on that noise and find someone else to deal with it. The queen and I are going to go… observe the sky from the roof.”

“Yes, Lady Isabella.”

The guard bowed and sprinted down the hallway. I hooked Sofia’s waist with an arm and gently nudged her back in the direction of the stairs.

“But…”

“Leave it, Sofia. We’re in this mess in the first place because you don’t take enough time for yourself. I’ll tell the next maid we pass to bring up your brushes and I’ll brush your hair.”

“Oh, Isabella. I love it when someone brushes my hair. You found my weakness.”

We made it up to the second floor before Princess Alyna, naked again, ran past. She dragged a long garland of red-berried evergreen boughs behind her. A path of needles stuck into the hallway carpets trailed behind her.

Troko ran after her, attempting to reassure us as he ran by.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got this, Sofia.”

Sofia stood there, her eyes crossing slightly.

“Tell them to bring two bottles. And something sweet.”

Sofia turned to the stairs spiraling up the nearest tower. I had to jog to catch up to her. Arm in arm, we ascended the second flight.

“One advantage of living in a castle—my ass has never been in better shape.”

I giggled. Sofia giggled. A red blossom floated down the stairwell directly in front of our eyes. We leaned into the rail and looked up. Camilia smiled down at us. A nervous laugh bubbled from her lips.

“I was just bringing Nora a gift…you know, because of the baby, when one of the blossoms decided to fall.”

Sofia stared at her. I held my breath. Sofia spoke.

“Roof lounge. Three bottles of wine. Snacks. See you there.”

“When do we get to meet the baby, Camilia?”

“They are both doing so well that I think they will be ready for visitors tomorrow. Nora is already feeling the need to get up and move around. I can’t keep her still. So, I got her a plant. To distract her. I’ll see you later. Excuse me, I have to go.”

“I’ve never heard Camilia speak so fast, Isabella.”

“Eh, we get to start this party without her. She’ll catch up. Come on.”

Sofia grabbed my arm and tugged me along behind her. “I mean, every day here is delightful chaos. We live with D’Tali, we trade with giant bird people and glowing lizard men. That has to have an effect, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah, of course, Sofia.”

“I was never a fan of eggnog back on Earth. Now, it’s all I can think about. Do you know what I mean?”

“Yes, of course. I miss avocados…”

“Oh, I would kill for an avocado.”

We reached the third floor and crossed the hall to the mag-lev elevator we’d scavenged from the Skarg ship. She unlatched the gate and drew it back, then we stepped onto the platform and secured the safety gate behind us. Sofia pushed a button and we gently floated up to the top of a lookout tower.

A guard opened the safety gate and we stepped out onto the roof and crossed over to a balcony facing the world beyond the castle’s walls.

We also happened to be as far as possible from where people scurried around preparing the King’s Hall for tomorrow’s celebrations.

“But missing those things feels so selfish,” she scowled.

“Why? And who says? You’re a queen…”

“I know, but that’s a lot of responsibility.” She threw her hands into the air. “It matters to me that I’m not just ‘a queen’, but a good queen. So many have put their trust in me, their lives and futures into my hands. Just because I believe what I ask them to do is important, I’m still asking people to dedicate parts of their lives to me.”

“That’s a hell of a burden you put on yourself, Sofia. I feel much the same when teaching. They trust me to shape their minds. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the cause—to try to pass on as much as we dare, so our children can live better lives, but I also know you must take time to remember, to feel, to mourn, and to party.”

“You are wise. Where is that wine?”

We collapsed on the lounge chairs and enjoyed goblets of wine. Someone brought us a plate of cheeses and fruits and before long, Camilia joined us, bringing along a musician who sat near the rail, staring off into the city. He played the D’Tali version of a mandolin, the music soft and low.

Sofia nearly outlasted us, but Camilia and I fought the soothing lull. Finally, her eyelids drooped while we held our breaths. The goblet fell out of Sofia’s limp hand, but a guard snatched it before it fell to the roof and shattered.

We all looked at Sofia, then released our held breaths.

She was asleep.

With the deliberate precision I’d learned training with Vokar, I extricated myself from the lounge. I glanced at Camilia, but she waved me away, mouthing ‘Go’ at me.

I tiptoed away and back to the mag-lev elevator. I rode it down, wiggling with impatience. The instant it stopped, I opened the gate and sprinted down the hall, only a little tipsy.

Maybe more than a little.

But it was totally worth it.

In moments, I burst through the doors to the third-floor balcony of the King’s Hall.

“She’s out! Bring in the tree!”

A small army of engineering students went to work creating a stable base for the tree while soldiers dragged it in on their mag-lev pallets.

The tree floated up, wrapped in complicated rope netting. The recruits heaved and the top of the tree rose at the back of the Hall. Placed against a wide bank of windows set between the stone support pillars, the new Winter Holiday tradition began to take shape.

VOKAR

Dojak tossed a couple of small stones at the window facing the street until a small head poked up and stared out from the other side of the glass.

I dropped the last gift and letter on Krenik’s porch and ran full speed back to the carriage. From the corner of my eye, I could see the outlines of many small heads joining the first.

With the grace born of long years’ study of the shadow arts, I leaped into the carriage as Dojak commanded the numa to run. Our carriage dashed into the night in a streak of vap glow. I looked behind, to see Krenik and several of his brothers chasing us.

We turned the corner at the end of the block and I tossed the lamps into the Santa sack, hiding their glow from sight.

Dojak pulled into a dark alley, escaping the shouts of the searching kids. We waited there long enough to be certain we had lost them.

Hopping down, Dojak removed the pafu antlers from the numa’s head and handed them back to me. I escaped the Santa suit, stuffing it and the antlers into the Santa bag. He crawled back into the driver’s seat and I sat up beside him as he urged our numa into a slow walk. We traveled through the alley and onto one of the cobblestone streets.

“When was the last time we had so much fun, Vokar?”

“Never. Until tomorrow, when we will only have more fun.”

“I tremble in anticipation, my friend.”

I hung a few of the lamps so other drivers could see us coming, and Dojak and I settled into our hoods like exhausted workers out far too late.

“What a treat, Vokar. Thank you, my friend.”

“Thank my wife. It was her idea.”

“Shy Isabella?”

Dojak laughed a deep, gut-rumbling laugh.

I drew a flask from my cloak and took a deep swig, then handed it over. “How can something so rank taste so good, Dojak?”

He took a swig, sighed his appreciation, and handed back the flask. “I look forward to collapsing in my bed. This was fun, but let us only do it once a year.”

“At least next year, we won’t have to sneak around.”

He smiled. “Oh, but was it not grand, my friend?”

“Yes, sire, yes it was. And there is still tomorrow to look forward to.”

We laughed and drank and laughed some more. We returned to the castle and stopped at the stables. Soldiers ran by carrying chairs and tables to the King’s Hall. Cooks, maids, butlers, and all manner of other castle staff rushed about us.

Dojak’s hand froze halfway to the straps of his mask. He looked at me. “Perhaps I shall remain anonymous a few minutes longer.”

I grabbed the Santa bag in a firm grip and nodded. “As you wish. Shall we?”

Dojak nodded, and we walked to the King’s Hall. Utter chaos reigned inside. We looked around in wonder.

“Sire, forgive me, but I believe I will retire before I ruin all the surprises. I have no doubts about how right this feels, though.”

“I believe I will help…at least for a few minutes.”

“Yes, sire. Stop by tomorrow for the Santa suit.”

“The moment Sofia begins to stir.”

We said our good nights and I retreated through the halls, quickly stashing the Santa suit in the dressing room before I turned to track Isabella down and bring her to bed.

She stepped through the door, handed the guard a meal from the kitchen, and dismissed him with her thanks.

I snuck up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. She sighed softly and relaxed into my arms, nuzzling her head into me. We rocked back and forth, swaying gently. I drew in a deep breath of her heady scent.

“I have completed your quest.”

“Have you? Tell me all about it.” Isabella twirled in my arms, her eyes tired but with a happy grin on her face.

My heart skipped a beat.

How could such perfection be mine?

“First, I convinced Dojak to be my driver.”

Isabella began to giggle.

“Then, we made certain each child saw us deliver their package.”

“Was it magical?”

“Everything you talk me into is magical.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Let us simply say, we have an even better plan for next year. See, we will have teams of Santas to deliver gifts…”

Isabella laughed. She leaned into me, her shoulders shaking with mirth.

“Want to hear the best part?”

“What?”

“I also delivered an invitation to the families of Krenik and his friends, inviting them all to tomorrow’s celebration.”

Isabella gasped. “Really?”

“Official wax seal and everything.”

“They will love it!”

Isabella’s joy filled my heart. I moved a lock of hair from her face. I sighed, happy and content.

“They will. You and the other humans have done so much for the D’Tali.”

“Oh, don’t start getting cheesy.”

“I don’t know what food has to do with it, but I know how much you have brought to this world. How much you have brought to me.”

She gulped as tears welled in the deep pools of her eyes. I wiped one from her cheek with my thumb.

“You have brought us love and hope. Why do you think I treasure the children so? Each of them will only bring more love into this world. Each one will create more happiness with their own love stories and mates.”

Isabella’s chin quivered. Tears glistened, threatening to gush any moment. I stroked her face.

“I am honored to bring more of that joy to our world. To be with you…”

“Shut your charming mouth before I cry.”

“Why would I deprive you of your tears of joy?”

Isabella kissed me, her soft lips pressing into mine as I drew her to me, holding her close. I never wanted to let her go. My lips parted and my tongue sought hers. She threw her arms around my neck, parting her own lips in response.

She pulled back, gasping a quick breath, then met my lips again. Our tongues danced and the world faded around us. The golden connection between us, the binding threads which wrapped our souls together for all time, glowed.

“I love you…”

“I love you, too, Vokar…”

ISABELLA

I stood on the tips of my toes, wrapped in Vokar’s strong arms. My heart raced, and I could feel the heat of desire wafting from my chest.

I breathed in shallow, ragged gasps, gazing into his eyes. Mischief twinkled in their depths.

“What is so funny?”

“I have one last surprise.”

“It must be important, if you let yourself remember it all the way through that kiss.”

Vokar took my hand and led me into our bedchamber. He sat me on a chair and I swung my legs, impatient, but amused while he slunk into the dressing room. He returned with a box wrapped with a wide ribbon.

“I picked a green ribbon. Like the color of my scales.”

He looked so pleased with himself. I giggled and took the gift from him, placing it on the table. Vokar stepped up behind me and wrapped an arm around my waist. The hard planes of his abs pressed against me as he whispered near my ear.

“Remember when I caught back up to you at the market? You had made it as far as the cloth shop. I don’t think anyone else saw, and I don’t think you even knew you did, but I saw you looking at a certain fabric. You looked to me as if you already imagined wearing the garment made from it.”

I opened the box. Yards of the silky, shiny, sexy red fabric slid out in tumbling billows. I gasped.

“I had entirely forgotten. Thank you, Vokar. I didn’t even think to get you anything.”

“I need no greater gift than you and our sweet daughter, Isabella. At least not until you are ready to make another miracle who will save the world with even more love.”

I put a palm over his mouth.

“Shut it, you silver-tongued charmer.”

He nibbled my fingertips, and wiggled his eyebrows as I squealed.

“Let me love you forever, that is all I ask.”

He slid his arms around my waist. He brought his mouth near, yet stopped within a hairsbreadth of mine.

“Bella.”

I stroked a hand down his face as our gazes searched each other, the world falling away from us, leaving nothing but right here, right now.

Vokar scooped me up into his arms and I wrapped my legs around his waist as he walked to the bed with slow, deliberate steps, not once taking his eyes off me, until I could feel the golden love radiating from our entwined spirits.

No matter what had been left behind, no matter what lay ahead for us in the future, at this moment, I felt perfect.

Despite everything, I could not imagine living a different life.

I kissed Vokar again, surrendering all my defenses. Nothing remained to hide or to hoard. Here, with him, I’d found my perfection.

We held each other fiercely, placing passionate kisses upon each iota of bare skin or scale. My entire body throbbed, tension radiating from my core as my heart pounded.

Vokar pulled at my tunic while I tore at his.

“Make love to me, Vokar…”

“Always, Bella. Always.”

My tunic flew over my head, freeing me to finish pulling Vokar’s off over his head while he tore my skirts away.

By the time I had unlaced my boots, Vokar stood before me. Magnificently muscled, his perfect cock bobbed and throbbed, standing at perfect attention.

It didn’t matter how many times I’d seen him. How often we’d been together.

My mind went back to one single phrase.

Oh my.

Vokar’s toned, physical perfection was the icing on his He Really Loves Me cake. I crooked my finger at him and he swept in, lifting me in his arms like a new bride. We twirled, then the world slowed.

He lowered me to the mattress, where I knelt, cupping his face between my hands, gazing into his eyes before kissing him once more.

We forgot whatever game we had been playing and gave ourselves over to our mutual passion. He touched me with exquisite precision, had so thoroughly studied my body by now that he knew exactly how to drive me to wild abandon.

He drew a nipple into his mouth, applying the perfect amount of pressure to send little shocks of pleasure directly to my core. He soon found my swollen, throbbing clit with a talented fingertip and I moaned and shuddered under his hands.

His fingers explored my folds, teasing my clit and tunnel. My entire essence throbbed in time to the beat of his cock, bobbing against my leg. I wrapped my fingers around his shaft, stroking his thickness, drawing little groans and growls from him.

Vokar growled low and scooped me into his arms again, so that he could turn to sit on the bed, drawing me into his lap. My folds melted open to each side of his rock hard cock and I rocked my hips, rubbing the swollen nub of my clit against the thick ribs of his shaft.

We kissed, sloppy and hot, entirely surrendered to our mutual passion. He lifted my hips and I fitted my entrance against the thick head of his cock. We fell into each other’s eyes and I slid down over him.

His big head popped inside, his cock stretching and filling my throbbing tunnel until I cried out. Vokar clutched me close, nuzzling his face between my breasts. I writhed atop him, working him deeper and deeper until I was sure I could not possibly stretch more.

He rocked his hips in a slow, steady rhythm. I met him with little thrusts, wiggling till he hit the perfect spots—the little bundles of electric pleasure begging to be burst by his cock. Orgasms flooded over me as he battered each cluster.

I lost all concept of time as he thrust again, deeper than ever before. Another orgasm burst, washing through my essence. My body seemed to retreat, until all I knew was the connection tying us together, tighter with every day.

“Come with me…”

Vokar roared, throwing back his head and squeezing me tightly to him. Another wave of orgasm rolled through me, destroying the last wisps of thought. We hung there, together, for a timeless moment.

I sucked in a lungful of air, desperate to feed my racing heart. Vokar collapsed against me, his face buried in my breasts. My legs gave up all pretense of working and I sort of slid sideways. Somehow, Vokar caught me before I crashed into anything more dangerous than his hard muscles.

He pulled me into bed next to him and we fell into a deep, perfect sleep.

SOFIA

I woke to an unfamiliar emptiness around me.

I had grown accustomed to coming to consciousness surrounded by the busy sounds of Alyna and Dojak, rather than the silence which now permeated the Royal Chambers.

Something was wrong.

I pushed myself from the mattress and found my housecoat, wrapped it around my shoulders, and padded down the hall to the plumbed bathroom Isabella had managed to install.

Maybe Isabella told them I had a rough night and they let me sleep in. Dojak can be so sweet, no matter how big and scary he may look.

I relieved myself and padded back to my chambers, stopping in front of the guard on the way back.

“So… Have you seen Dojak?”

“King Dojak entertains unexpected guests in the King’s Hall, where he awaits your company, Queen Sofia.”

“Unexpected guests? Who could possibly—do you know who the guests are?”

“You will have to see for yourself, My Queen. I am afraid I can help you no further.”

“Ugh. I suppose I will have to put on something nice.”

“As you wish, My Queen.”

“What about Alyna?”

“King Dojak took Princess Alyna with him when he left to greet the surprise dignitaries.”

“I see. Thank you for your help.”

I padded into my chambers, past the mess I refused to see this early in the morning, and refreshed myself. I picked out an outfit I hoped would be easy to deal with after a night of drinking, and slipped my cloak over my shoulders. I took a deep breath, then trekked through the castle to the King’s Hall.

Guests? Who could they possibly be, to make Dojak open the King’s Hall? We save that for large events, feasts, and celebrations. It would have taken days to clean and prepare the room, armies of cooks to cater, regiments of soldiers to provide security and labor… Opening the King’s Hall took money, planning, and the kinds of logistics required for a wedding.

The first, piercing notes of trouble reached my ears. My head snapped in the direction of a progressive series of crashes and my eyes narrowed to slits. My ears led me down the hall. I had put on a fetching pair of calf-high, heeled boots earlier this morning. They sounded like the heartbeat of fury as I stomped down the hallway.

As I approached, I heard a far-too-long series of hushes silence the sounds coming from the King’s Hall.

What in the world?

I pushed open the doors of the King’s Hall and they swung wide.

And the impossible awaited.

My daughter ran by, dressed as a Santa’s-little-helper elf.

My relief that she was dressed transformed into horror as Dojak, my mate and the king, ran by after her.

Dojak wore what on sight I knew was the D’Tali interpretation of someone’s simplified picture of Santa in red, white, and black.

A blood-curdling scream caught my full attention and my head snapped my eyes around to locate the source of such horror.

Krenik ran after Dojak at full speed.

“I SAW YOU! NO ONE BELIEVED ME! THAT GUY WAS TRYING TO ROB MY HOUSE! GET ’IM, BOYS!”

A gang of street urchins followed, each screaming their own, piercing, pre-pubescent war cries. A pack of girls chased the D’Tali boys. Parents, elder siblings, and guards jumped into the crowd, grabbing random children and sorting out who they belonged to.

An ear-piercing whistle rang out into the chaos and everyone cringed, grabbing their ears. The terrible sound finally ceased, freeing my lungs to breathe. We all slowly rose to our feet, searching in every direction for the source of the debilitating sonic attack.

A screeching laugh pierced the silence, and all eyes turned to the deadliest congregation of people this world may have ever seen.

Wuhat, the grizzled, wizened, loin-cloth-wearing D’Tali guide Nora had apparently bought from his matriarch in the jungle, rolled out of his chair. He clutched his belly, hooting in mirth.

Lady Lanah, the eldest Matriarch of Lukadian society, sat in her wheelchair, surrounded by grandsons and great-grandsons. Shriveled with age, her scales faded to a pale, cloudy gray, Lady Lanah held more power and influence in Lukadian society than anyone could really guess.

She, too, laughed, tears streaming from her eyes, clutching her belly. Next to her, Jithâ, the Vivutians’ Great Hen, sat next to her, bobbing her head in excitement, flapping an arm-like wing, the hand tipped with taloned fingers, vestigial feathers fluttering along their edge.

“You will all sit down this instant.”

Everyone sat.

When a nine-foot-tall bird tells you to sit down, you sit down.

“Not you, Sofia. You come join us. Bring in the fruit wine!”

The room burst back into a more ordered chaos. I looked for my husband, but only saw Vokar and Troko laughing in a corner, wearing ugly sweaters.

Ugly sweaters.

Here.

Mind struggling to keep up, I walked down the entrance steps to join Lady Lanah, the Great Hen, and Wuhat. Then a presence registered in the corner of my vision.

My mind tried to refuse to believe what my eyes told it, but I could not deny the truth.

A twenty-foot-tall cone of a needle-bearing tree had been installed near the picture windows near the outer entrance of the King’s Hall. It glowed with strings of small vap lamps.

Someone had decorated it in the strangest collection of random-looking objects I had ever seen stuck to a tree.

It’s…pink.

“Someone needs to start explaining, because I’m starting to think I died in my sleep…”

The other humans laughed behind me. With so few of us on this world, I had memorized each laugh. I spun to face them.

“What have you done?”

They all looked so smug. Camilia pointed behind me, and I spun to look.

Dojak stood there. I could hear the laughter waiting to burst from his lips. He drew a careful breath. He shrugged a shoulder.

“You said you missed your traditions. So, I asked around. We all worked together to create our new holiday. Welcome to the first Queen Sofia Day, where we celebrate your memories of Earth. See? We have everything!”

“Almost,” Isabella corrected. “Here we go…”

The outside doors opened and a flood of tayn puppies raced into the crowd. Adults gasped, while the children screeched in joy. Packs of children rounded up puppies and handed them out.

Then juvenile male Vivutians rolled in casks of fermented fruit wine.

A small band formed by a group of prisoners who had used their time behind bars to study music in Mellida’s reform program pulled some chairs into a circle and began to play.

Janis, Nadan, and their daughter, Kerensa, followed the puppies in and I waved them over. Janis gave me a big hug while Nadan smiled, beaming at the chaos.

“The new king of the Valley of the Ancestors brings the gracious Queen of Tahkath a gift of fine tayn for the children of your royal court.”

“Shut your mouth and hug me.”

Janis winked at me. “But wait, Sofia, there’s more.”

Amber and Torvok came in and, of course, the moment they were in the room, Amber sprinted over to throw her arms around my neck.

I oofed and hugged her back until she stepped away, the biggest smile spreading over her face.

“It’s been so long, Sofia. When they called and asked if we could help haul that tree in here under your nose and party, how could I say no?”

“I’m so glad you came, Amber.”

“Ah, but Torvok and I have also brought you a gift.”

We all turned to the entrance in time to see Riley and Kator arrive. This time, I was the one who squealed. I ran over to Riley and threw my arms around her.

“I missed you so much!”

“Yeah, as soon as Amber told me what was up with Dojak’s whole holiday scheme, we had to come. The kid is running around as an elf somewhere…”

“Queen Sofia.”

King Kator took my hands in his. He lay a kiss atop them. A look of genuine friendship spread over his face.

“King Kator.”

“When I heard of this new holiday to celebrate you and the humans who have changed so much for so many, I had to come see. Next year, Aetam will host. I am quite impressed.”

The humans laughed. My shock finally broke and I laughed, too.

“What?” Kator looked confused. “Is this not like your holidays on Earth?”

I thought about it for a moment. “It’s exactly like our Earth holidays, actually. Spiked punch, drunk elders, children running wild…”

Mellida arrived and, as if conducting an orchestra, raised her hands high in the air. Through the open door behind her, lines of cooks brought out tray after tray of delectable foods from every kingdom.

Jarlath proudly carried out a globe of glowing vap decorated with numa cheese to look like Earth.

Mellida spoke in a voice designed to cut through a busy kitchen. “Let the feast begin!”

The crowd I would have called a mob filed into a neat line for the buffet.

Dojak spoke next. “If I may have your attention. Please, calm yourselves. I ask that you remain quiet for a moment while we meet our guest of honor.”

We all turned to look at the door which Dojak, King of the D’Tali, opened, to reveal Rojav and Nora.

Nora was simply radiant, and Rojav carried their newborn child swaddled in soft cloths. The crowd drew in a collective gasp.

Jithâ whistled softly, trilling sweetly. “Bring me that baby, Rojav. I will sing.”

Lady Lanah glowed with quiet joy. She glanced at me.

“When they called to tell us about the baby, we insisted on meeting her. We appreciate you throwing a party in our honor, Queen Sofia.”

Jithâ accompanied the musicians in a gentle lullaby while Nora hugged my neck.

“Have you picked a name?” I asked.

“We’re going with Tayla, his mother’s name. I think it's pretty.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Thanks for everything, Sofia.” Nora took a small branch from her bag. “Here, this is the closest nontoxic plant I could find for mistletoe. Camilia already arranged to have the D’Tali equivalent of poinsettias delivered to all our chambers.”

“Why are you thanking me? This was your prank.”

“Oh, Sofia, no. We credited the entire festival to you. The real prank is, we’re blaming you for the entire thing.” Nora’s eyebrows waggled. “Just wait until you see your desk in the morning.”

My desk?

Credited to me?

Nora chuckled all the way over to Rojav and her baby while my mind tried to absorb that revelation.

Oh, they didn’t. They couldn’t have.

Of course they did.

Laughing, I tried to imagine the stack of bills that would await me.

While I was lost in thought, Dojak snatched the new mistletoe from my hand and hung it over our heads, grinning from ear to ear.

“If you still love me after this surprise, kiss me! I dare you to admit you love our life!”

I grabbed his face, pulled it down within my reach so I could kiss him.

“Oh, Dojak. How could I want anything more?”

A laugh escaped my lips.

“You are already too much.”

THANKS FOR COMING ALONG for a little visit to our D’tali couples!

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NEXT UP? The Alien Games!

THE ALIEN GAMES: OPENING MOVE

Win the game, find my sister, and somehow get back to Earth. That's the plan.

So why does this grumpy, growly, giant blue gladiator make my heart pound every time we're close?

NOTHING IS GOING to stop me from getting out of here with my sister.

Except maybe my partner in this stupid game. He's rude, arrogant, and a walking slab of muscle.

And unexpectedly sweet.

And brave.

And makes my knees weak in the craziest of ways.

THE FURTHER WE progress in this stupid game, the more I wonder... can I leave him behind?

Do I even want to?

WELCOME to the 34th season of Intergalactic Love Death Match, where five lucky couples are matched and sent to wild and exotic locations! Which couple will make it to the Altar of Freedom first? Will they survive? Will they fall in love? Will they win their freedom? Stay tuned and find out. Now, a word from our sponsors…

DON’T MISS the Alien Games!

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ARE YOU A STARR HUNTRESS?

Do you love to read sci-fi romance about strong, independent women and the sexy alien males who love them?

STARR HUNTRESS IS a coalition of the brightest Starrs in romance banding together to explore uncharted territories.

IF YOU LIKE your men horny- maybe literally- and you're equal opportunity skin color- because who doesn't love a guy with blue or green skin?- then join us as we dive into swashbuckling space adventure, timeless romance, and lush alien landscapes.

CLICK HERE to sign up for the newsletter for giveaways, promotions and new release announcements!

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REKKER

Rekker wasn't expecting to be matched.

On the eve of being sent to retrieve a mysterious artifact, he's sent something just as enigmatic.

A HUMAN WOMAN, lush and curved.

His mate.

Even worse, she wants nothing to do with him.

His blood burns for her, but the need to make her happy overrides everything.

He'll find a way to set her free, even if it means he'll be alone. Forever.

But when danger comes from an unexpected source, they're thrown together. And when his mate turns to him, he'll protect her.

KEEP HER.

Claim her.

Lila Kanes never wanted any thing but a quiet life on her family farm. She certainly didn't want to be claimed by a massive alien mate.

THROWN INTO THE STARS, she'll do whatever it takes to find a way home.

BACK TO EARTH.

Back to her family.

SHE COULDN'T POSSIBLY WANT to stay with the hot, horned alien with the amazing body, who made her feel like the most precious thing in the universe, could she?

RIGHT?

REKKER IS the first book of the Warriors of Vaznik, a stand alone series in the Warlord Brides universe. There's no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA for each couple!

CLICK HERE to keep reading Rekker, book one of the Vaznik Warrior Mates!

KAZAN

An alien warrior resolved to return to battle. A woman determined to get back to her life.

They'll fight the match, but can they fight fate?

A MATE IS the last thing on my mind.

Especially one as sassy as the human female they say is my match.

Even if her lush curves call for my touch, and her fiery spirit is equal to my own.

I will endure the thirty days demanded by the Protocol.

But with every look, every word, I can feel us bound closer together.

Will I be able to leave her, even for her own safety?

KAZAN IS the first book of the Jorkan Protocol Mates. Spend the night with this perfect steamy, funny science fiction romance escape. There's no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA for each alien warrior and his mate! Hot, steamy alien yumminess!

CLICK TO GET IT NOW!

ROGUE MATE

Science fiction romance is the destination of the Rogue Star…. Hop on board!

OUR RESCUERS ARE a group of pirates. Or smugglers. They're not exactly answering questions, either.

More importantly, they're giant, golden skinned aliens...

And their rogue of a captain seems very interested in the little human commander.

Me.

ROGUE MATE IS the first in the Rogue Star science fiction alien romance series. Click now to start the adventure!

Copyright © 2020 by Ava York

All rights reserved. These books or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Contents

Sofia

Dojak

Sofia

Dojak

Sofia

Dojak

Sofia

Dojak

Troko

Camilia

Troko

Camilia

Troko

Camilia

Troko

Camilia

Troko

Vokar

Isabella

Isabella

Vokar

Isabella

Vokar

Isabella

Sofia

The Alien Games: Opening Move

Are you a STARR HUNTRESS?

Rekker

Kazan

Rogue Mate

Copyright