Page 35 of Wayfinder (The Outlander Book Club… in Space! #5)
The spacecraft loomed in all its massive glory, an imposing structure that brought to mind every fantastical spaceship I’d ever seen in the movies.
The servants, tiny Framaddi with bright blue skin and curious eyes, led us down a grand hallway adorned with expensive furnishings and colorful artwork.
Our luxurious quarters, complete with a private bath and large windows that afforded a breathtaking view of the endless expanse of starry darkness beyond, was like something out of a dream or perhaps a science fiction novel come to life.
The Duke had been the epitome of grace and hospitality, allowing us a few moments to adjust to our surroundings before a servant appeared, beckoning us to join him on the observation deck for a refreshing libation.
I could tell Jutuk still worried.
As we made our way to meet with Duke Ako, a wave of tension kept his muscles coiled underneath my touch.
We’d barely had time to talk since the Baron’s arrest, what with the rushed packing and saying goodbye to Jala, Praxxan, and Priemba.
Still, the way Jutuk held onto my arm tightly, and the protective glances he shot in my direction, spoke volumes about his continued cautiousness.
A tiny blue Framaddi female with bright teal eyes and an infectious smile led us through a grand hallway lined with intricate tapestries and gilded columns.
We passed through massive golden doors, entering a breathtaking atrium, the ceiling stretching high above us allowing a view of the space beyond twinkling with millions of stars.
Nearby, a quark illuminated the darkness of space with vibrant shades of purple and blue, mesmerizing in its beauty and complexity.
A beautifully crafted bar cart, adorned with intricate gold details and delicate crystal glasses, sat nearby. The array of drinks displayed on its shelves resembled a vibrant rainbow, and scents of freshly squeezed juices and aromatic spirits filled the air, making my mouth water.
Duke Ako had shed his regal attire and donned a more casual outfit of dark gray slacks and a tunic. Against his pale skin and hair, the color combination was striking, highlighting his rugged features, and making him even more handsome. He smiled broadly as we entered, motioning for us to join him.
Our Framaddi guide bowed curtly, first to the Duke, then us, before spinning on her heel and exiting the room, green skirts flouncing about her short legs.
At the center of the room stood a cozy seating area adorned with plush furniture.
Jutuk placed a gentle hand on my back, guiding me to sit down on the sofa beside him.
Our bodies were so close that our thighs brushed against each other so I could feel his unwavering tension, unwilling to let his guard down when it came to me.
“I trust your accommodations are to your liking, my dear?” Duke Ako rose from his chair and went to the bar cart, either completely unfettered by or unaware of Jutuk’s caution.
He lifted a bottle of wine, similar to the type I used for cooking, and proceeded to uncork the bottle at my encouraging nod.
“The room is lovely, thank you,” I told him, accepting a goblet of dark red liquid.
It was on the tip of my tongue to ask how he knew to put Jutuk and me in the same room.
I’m sure he’d noticed our closeness, but there had been nothing that spoke to our mating that I recalled.
Maybe it was an alien thing, and Duke Ako simply sensed that we had mated.
I hoped so. If the Duke made any sort of untoward movement toward me, Jutuk would not handle it well.
“I am happy to hear it.” Again, the Duke seemed completely nonplussed as he handed Jutuk a goblet and dropped into the chair opposite me.“I hope you rest well on our trip to the citadel. My sincere apologies for what you had to endure to my cost.”
“I’m just happy we were able to recognize the stroaig was poisoned.” I took a sip of wine. It reminded me of Bourdeaux, earthy with tart fruit undertones.
“As am I.” The Duke flashed a charming smile before turning his attention to Jutuk. “My interrogators tell me you were right about the contest being rigged in Pearl’s favor. The Chancellor has admitted to his part in this sordid affair.”
“Did he say why?” I asked, feeling Jutuk relax somewhat beside me.
Duke Ako exhaled heavily, appearing regretful.
“Jutuk was right in his assumption about that as well. The Baron rigged the contest so that you would be the one who prepared my meal. If the Baron had been successful, he would have blamed my death on the work of an i nferior human .” The Duke flinched as he said the words.
Beside me, I felt a low growl vibrate Jutuk’s chest.
“And everyone would have believed him.” I suffered no doubt at what many other species believed of my kind.
“There are still too many who believe humans have little to no worth other than slaves.” Jutuk’s voice was rough with ire, but the hand he laid on my thigh felt warm and gentle.
“Unfortunately, I might add.” Ako grunted, taking a consoling sip of wine.
Jutuk joined him, studying the liquid in his glass for a moment before taking a long swallow. When he glanced up, the golden eyes met Duke Ako’s gaze solidly.
“Your Grace, my brethren, and I believe there is more than just this incident of aggression instigated by Nansar. You should speak with my Chieftain Khaion.”
Duke Ako sat his glass on a nearby table and steepled his fingers, thinking.
“Perhaps you are right. During my travels, I have heard whisperings of my son’s misbehavior, but I fear much has been kept from me.
Duke Ako retrieved a small metal square from the table, handing it to Jutuk.
“Would you set up the comm, please?”
“Of course,” Jutuk nodded. At the touch of his fingers, the matte gray covering came alive with symbols. A comm unit. I thought it was just a big coaster.
“I wanted to thank you for rescuing me from the Baron,” I told the Duke, not wanting to weather any awkward pauses while Jutuk worked.
“Of course, my dear.” Duke Ako gestured toward the wine bottle, making me realize over half my glass was gone. Maybe that’s what made me so brave.
“I don’t know what you have in mind, but I’m not really harem material. You already know my skill lies in the kitchen.”
Ako laughed loudly, smacking his thigh with his hand. I liked his laugh—it was deep, rich, and completely sincere.
“My dear Pearl. I did not take you from the Baron for myself. Although I will admit a desire to taste more of your delicious cooking.”
“Then why?” I took another swallow of wine, worried about his answer.
The Duke’s expression went from one of amusement to benevolence. “I took you to set you free.”
Jutuk snapped his head at Ako’s words, causing a broad smile to appear on his pale, handsome face.
“No one should ever keep true mates apart.”
My gasp was audible, making the Duke’s smile even broader. I shared a shocked glance with Jutuk and felt the last bit of tension with which he held himself subside.
“How did you know of our mating?” Jutuk asked, studying Duke Ako curiously.
The Aljani male shifted, staring off into the vastness of space for a moment, his chest rising and falling with a heavy breath. When he finally glanced back at us, his eyes had darkened in color—a genuine sense of sadness settling over his features.
“As one who knows the joys of caring for a human woman, the signs are easy to notice. I am glad to see your mating. I did not think Vaktaire could mate with another species.”
“Many believe as you do,” Jutuk told him, laying the comm unit on the table and slipping an arm around my shoulders.
“As did I for a while. But my sister informed me the belief is false. A rumor perpetrated by Vaktaire priestesses wanting to keep our bloodline from becoming diluted by humans as well as other species. Jala gave me all the data she has been able to collect on the fraud. I hope to present it to the Alliance council.”
Duke Ako steepled his fingers, his chin resting on his fingertips, pensive. “Perhaps it is not only my son who intends to keep others from caring about humans. I would be proud to champion an investigation into the wrongdoing.”
“Thank you, my Lord.”
I snuggled against Jutuk, sending out a mental fuck you to the Vaktaire females who’d conspired to keep us apart.
The Duke shifted in his chair, reaching for the wine bottle, when the comm unit let out a sharp, urgent beep, stilling his hand.
“Ahh,” he grinned. “This will be your Chieftain.”
Duke Ako retrieved the comm, his fingers dancing over the buttons as he accepted the communication. In an instant, a life-sized image appeared in the center of the room.
The man occupying the screen was Vaktaire, like Jutuk.
Tall, muscular, and imposing, he had chiseled features and golden eyes, although his irises seemed a slightly darker shade than Jutuk’s.
He sat at what looked like a conference table, a dark starry sky visible behind him.
It was like looking through a portal into another world, one where technology and magic intertwined seamlessly.
“Duke Ako.” The man exuded the poise and confidence of a leader. It had to be the Chieftain.
“Khaion.” Duke Ako relaxed in his chair. “It is good to speak with you.”
“I hope you still think that after we talk.”Khaion frowned. I noticed his eyes dart off-camera for a moment, whatever he saw bringing an upward tick to his lips.
The duke sighed with resignation, although the sound contained a hint of aggravation. “Tell me what you know.”
I already knew some of the information from Jutuk, but hearing Khaion describe it in detail made my skin crawl.