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“What about you, big boy?” she said over her shoulder to Bellator, then instantly couldn’t believe herself. The men were clearly rubbing off on her.

“I am content with this view.” Bellator’s gaze darted to her ass.

Isa chuckled as they headed out of her overgrown bedroom. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of the Vorto, but she liked them—a lot. More than a lot.

Chapter 12

All Hail the Queen

Isabella

The cacophony of voices overwhelmed Isa’s mind as they approached the dining commons. Her entourage stopped at the central entrance between two of the six ornately carved columns that separated the commons from the passage bedside it. Her mouth gaped at what she saw, her cheeky mood fleeing. On the earlier tour she hadn’t noticed how large this room truly was, she’d only seen the top row. This cavern made her new bedroom seem small. The room was bowl-shaped, looking more like a Greek amphitheater than a dining hall, and was the size of a stadium. The broad rows were laden with colorful cushions descending to a stage. The place wasn’t filled to capacity. There were probably only a few hundred Vorto, but it felt like it was packed full. Everyone’s head swiveled to look at her, then they instantly quieted and stood. It was disconcerting having so many people staring and rising at once, especially when she was still getting used to being the odd man out. If she had a shovel, she would’ve dug a hole and climbed in.

Phara’s large hand enveloped hers, their fingers interlacing. It pulled her attention away from the daunting crowd.

“Oh, thanks,” she said, as he started helping her down the stairs along with Artifex on her other side.

She was dressed, so this wasn’t as awkward as it could be. She was also feeling cute. The way Phara, Artifex and Bellator looked at her added to that feeling. It was nice, wonderful really, warming her insides in a way she didn’t experience much before today. The same adoring look was also on the faces of the men filling the commons, turning the nice feeling into overwhelming. She couldn’t possibly live up to whatever preconceived notions they had about her.

I’ll be okay.She smiled at Phara and Artifex, focusing on the wonderful things they had said.Just relax. Everyone is overly excited, we’re all new to each other, and it will calm down.

“Hello. Hello.” She nodded to her left and right. “How many people are here?”

“Including you, my queen, there are two-hundred and sixty,” Artifex replied while helping her down the steps that were just a tad too tall.

That’s a lot.Although not as many as it could be. It looked like the amphitheater could hold over a thousand, and probably did before the terrible Blight struck the Vorto. She continued nodding hello, while thanking God she wasn’t a total introvert.

They reached the circular stone stage at the bottom where a large leather chaise lounge was the centerpiece. The three alphas mounted the dais with her and turned around.

“Oh,” Isa declared in surprise as Phara gripped her hips and lifted her up.

“I present to you, Queen Isabella of the Tumulus Hive!”

Isa startled and cringed as a loud vibrating roar reverberated through the arena. With all the noise they were lucky one of the stalactites didn’t come crashing down.

No. This isn’t awkward at all.

She tried smiling at the crowd of alien men, but it came out a grimace. To say she’d never been the center of attention for a crowd this big was an understatement. She’d presented research for classes while getting her education, but they were a fraction of this size and she knew the people. She also wasn’t held aloft to do her presentations.

Isa released her death grip on Phara’s arm and waved to everyone, trying to remember how excited they were. “Hello,” she said, not that she was heard.

“Let the Bonding Feast commence!” Artifex’s voice resonated loudly in her mind, as he yipped, reining in the noisy crowd.

Phara lowered her, setting her in the middle of the leather chaise. The seat was large enough that Phara was able to sit behind her, with Bellator and Artifex on either side, while Gregis, Rego and Galis sat at her feet.

There was a flurry of action as servers descended the stairs with dozens of large platters piled high with meat, vegetables, and other dishes. The platters and pitchers were set on the edge of the stage, like it was a massive buffet.

“Wow. You guys outdid yourselves!” she said in awe as she squeezed Artifex’s hand. “Thank you!” she said to him and the servers setting everything out, though she wasn’t sure they heard her over the excited din.

Operar, one of the servitor betas, approached with a tray of cups. Artifex took two, bringing one to her lips.

“Be cautious, this is fermented juice for special occasions,” Artifex warned while he gingerly tipped the cup.

Isa’s eyes widened when she tasted the wine. “Mmm.” She nodded emphatically. “This is good, very good,” she declared after swallowing.

“Wonderful.” Artifex grinned at her, looking proud.

“Did you make this?” She tapped the cup.