Page 34 of Starborn Husbands

“I’m not a child.”

“Orions,” he says with a huff.

Mustering as much of my pride as I can, I stride through the doors behind Gem. I might be listening for heavy footsteps I know well. I also might not be. Guess we’ll never know. I know these halls well. The inside matches the magnitude and grandeur of the outside, only leveled up—more platinum, but with gold and various precious stones.

Gemini escorts me to the meeting room and the significance hits me. I have a crown prince escort. It’s not his duty, he’s doing it for Zhang. Most would be dragged here in shackles by a guard, who would have been one of my father’s guardians anyway, but still, my special escort will be noted.

There are one hundred and fifty members of the Guild, and they are all present today, seated like an orchestra behind a long table that faces the door in a semi-circle. Some are faces I recognize and others are new additions I don’t.

One face, in particular, stands out. I almost face-palm. I surprise myself again by looking at the door before I internally freak out. Why is he here? Please tell me he hasn’t become a member of the Guild.

But it appears so, since he’s sitting at the table, and they do require at least one angel representative. I just didn’t think he’d ever qualify. He’s the furthest thing from holy and were he not born one, I don’t think he would be an angel.

The bastard waves at me. It’s one of those cocky little waves with just the fingers. Then he blows me a kiss.

“Fuck off, Merrick,” I mutter under my breath. It’s too low for others to hear, but he can with his angel super hearing.

The extra-smirky smile tells me he got the message. I make horrible boyfriend choices. No, my dick does. Even knowing what an unbelievable asshole he is, and including my awful predicament, my cock begins to fill when the flashes of him railing me flitter across my awareness.

It’s always the devastatingly handsome ones that claim to love you but leave you to rot on Earth without even a goodbye.

Luella Hartwell, an ancient star who has served the Guild off and on for thousands of years, shuffles to the front, placing her in the center of the table. I fight to keep my gaze eye-level, wanting to look at the floor and save myself the embarrassment, but that’s what a coward would do. I’m no coward, and I take responsibility for my actions.

“I’m sorry, my dear,” she says. “The vote of the Guild is one hundred and ten in favor of the punishment and thirty against.”

My heart is racing like mad. Shaking, I glance to the door.Where is he?

“Madame Hartwell, if I may?” Gemini says.

“Of course, your highness.”

It’s a tricky system. The Guild is not above the royal Centaurus family or my family for that matter, but we are obligated to abide by the system, or the Guild must hold us accountable. They represent the law in the Nebuli and keep peace with other planets.

The Guild can’t turn down a royal’s request to speak, but they can turn down the request the royal makes.

“Treyu Orion has told me himself that he is happy to pay the price for his failure, but on behalf of his husband-to-be, I would like to request a one-day suspension so my brother can be here to fulfill his role.”

I check the door again.

“Your Highness, is Prince Zhang aware that it was his royal majesty who agreed that we proceed today?” she asks.

Fuck. That’s going to get Zhang in trouble, isn’t it? But we’re in this lie now. It’ll look worse if I speak up. Maybe Zhang shouldn’t have agreed to any of this. It’s only going to get worse from here with me as his husband. He might as well get used to it.

“Yes, Madame.”

And now Gemini will be in shit as soon as the king finds out he lied about that too—because he will find out.

“Prince Zhang is in the field and was unable to get the message to our father in time. I’m sure you can understand he’s a busy man, but thankfully, the desperate message reached me.”

To her benefit, Madame Luella’s face softens. She’s considering it. She was one of the thirty on my side—I know it.

I’m certain Merrick voted to beat me into the ground. He probably requested to wield the whip.

Another Guild member glides over to her. A new face I’m unfamiliar with. The Nebuli is a massive place. He whispers something to her, and her eyes fill with regret.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. We cannot postpone. We must issue retribution now,” she says.

Gem sucks air over his lips, considering all angles. Eventually, he nods, letting it go and I’m glad. I’m allowing my emotions to rule me. I shouldn’t have asked Gemini to say anything.