Page 68

In your dreams. Aculus wants nothing to do with you.

She turned away from the group before she got caught glaring as the women debated who Aculus’ favorite was.

Just enjoy the amazing scenery. Like that planet on the horizon. It looks huge dangling there in the sky. Sort of reminds me of Saturn. It’s probably a moon or something. Do moons have rings?

“I think the little feline is pleased,” the one called Umerus said from behind, startling her.

Nadzia followed the woman’s gaze to a nearby flowerbed. She laughed at the way the tiny panther prowled through the undergrowth, his pudgy belly practically scraping the ground, his tail ramrod straight as he stalked a bloom wavering in the breeze. Tarsus pounced and chomped down on the yellow bud. Swiftly she sprinted out of the pond and scooped Tarsus up.

“Tarsus, no. That might be poisonous.” She pried the plant out of his mouth.

“You think a mere flower will hurt him?” Costa scoffed.

Being treated like some evolutionary mistake was getting real old, but now the bitch was picking on the kitten too.

Carefully she chose her words. “I know you think I might break if the wind blows too hard, but I won’t. It’s true, my people do have their flaws, but everyone does. Even Aculus, as strong as he is,hashisweakness. Butthat’s not you. You’re flawless, right?”

Costa glared at her, catching the double meaning of what she said.

That’s right, I’m the bitch and don’t you forget it.

It probably wasn’t smart. She all but admitted knowing Aculus had found his mate. Although it was doubtful Costa caught more than the jibe about her not being Aculus’ weakness. Either way she had a hard time feeling bad about what she said.

She smiled as she brushed past Costa and headed to the shady bench.

“Don’t eat random plants,” she instructed Tarsus and sat him down.

Tarsus stretched out on the fragrant ground cover that doubled for grass in the alien garden and closed his eyes.

“Don’t mind Costa.” Umerus sat down beside her.

“Does she think I’m blind? I’ve noticed I’m smaller than every species I’ve met and not nearly as formidable.” Nadzia looked from the armored woman to herself.

“I think she’s jealous. On the trip here, you spent more time with the Premiere Servant than any of us have since our Trials.”

“If he’s never around, why do you all stay?” she asked the Osivoire woman.

“It’s an honor,” Umerus replied solemnly.

“That’s all? For honor?” She looked sideways at the woman.

“Yes, and well…” The woman paused and turned away, looking guilty and sad.

“What?”

Umerus refused to look at her and shook her head.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.” She patted Umerus’ hand.

Umerus nodded. “My conclave wouldn’t allow it. It’s just not done. Aculus is never here, but he is a good male, the best male. The things he’s done for the nation. I would never…” Umerus shook her head as she zipped her lips again.

She’s not in love with Aculus.That should’ve made her happy, but seeing how conflicted Umerus was, she just felt sad for the woman.

“I think I understand what’s wrong. You need to tell Aculus. He’ll be okay, I promise,” she insisted.

“I don’t know,” the woman nervously replied. “My matrons would be livid if they knew. It’s dishonorable.”

“But you being unhappy is acceptable?” she asked, dumbfounded, then realized she was judging something she had no right to. “I’m sorry. I guess I don’t understand. Do any conclaves join because of love?”