Chapter 65: Chapter 65

Raven

Raven was jolted awake by the sensation of falling and hitting a cold, hard surface. Panic surged through her, and she scrambled to her feet, ready to fight. But her fear quickly turned into annoyance.

“King’s orders. He wanted me to wake you if you were still sleeping,” Captain Oito said, grinning smugly.

“Just like old times,” she muttered, heading for the bathroom.

“Better hurry. I’ve got plans tonight,” he said, helping himself to the lunch spread out on the table.

Even though it was late in the day, she lingered, hoping the broadcast had been successful. Hearing from anyone back home would be a blessing, but hearing from her sister would mean the world.

“How am I supposed to get ready for the solstice party?” she asked, stepping into the elevator.

“By picking out clothes and aphrodisiacs for the night,” he replied.

“And what exactly happens at Solstice?”

“A massive orgy. The king goes first, then the rest of us join in. It’s the best time of the year. My brother and I will probably find you later in the night, so don’t wear yourself out,” he said.

“I don’t think the king will be too happy about that.”

“It’s tradition for all the whores. No one can say no. He’s not going to claim you exclusively anytime soon. The council won’t allow it, especially without an heir,” he said as the elevator doors opened.

“No is always an option for me,” she retorted.

“Well, you’re in for a rough time then.” He laughed. “There’s already a drawing on order. You’re the talk of the palace.”

Raven felt her stomach twist. She wished she still had the daki venom. It would’ve come in handy for the night. Most of the people in the palace barely noticed her unless she needed something.

No one showed any interest, not even a second glance. She could always pretend to be sick and skip the party.

Raven was good at playing sick. Once, to avoid going to school, she had made herself throw up. Deep down, she knew Soi-Ji wouldn’t throw her to the wolves or betray her in any way.

***

Soi-Ji

“This is King Soi-Ji of Tarea. Who am I speaking with?” he asked.

Static and a muffled voice echoed back. He looked around, but no one could make out what was being said. Their translators were working perfectly. His heart pounded as he leaned over the microphone.

“This is King Soi-Ji—”

“I am Commander Cole. Is SFO Raven Fox with you?”

“She is well taken care of.”

“I would like to verify that for myself if you don’t mind.”

“Is this how humans show gratitude? By asking for favors before giving thanks?” he retorted.

“How do I know that she is still alive? It could be an old transmission,” Commander Cole said.

“Very well,” he said, tapping Callum on the shoulder.

They had collected many voice samples from her, among other things. It was easy to stitch the pieces together.

“This is Raven,” the recording played.

“State your code,” Commander Cole said.

King Soi-Ji cursed under his breath. He’d hoped they wouldn’t have a fail-safe like this. Raven should’ve mentioned it if they did. He would deal with her later.

“That’s enough now. You’ve spoken to her,” he said, “Now, I would like to discuss a meeting with your leader about opening relations between our people. We have a lot to offer. Technology, medicine, and land.”

“What is it that you hope to get out of this interaction?”

“Just to expand our network of allies in the galaxy and to exchange knowledge,” he said without hesitation. “That’s assuming humans are as honorable as Raven.”

He would never reveal their true goal, their weakness. When he asked for the females, he would make it seem insignificant. After the aid the humans would receive, they would feel indebted to them.

***

The meeting with the human leader went well overall. Their desperation was clear, and they agreed to almost everything he asked for.

The new planet they had traveled to wasn’t the haven they had thought. They needed medicine, food, and other resources. Soi-Ji had even convinced them to send males to work and females for mating.

One thing he couldn’t get was Raven’s sister, Tori Fox. She was an asset they wouldn’t part with. As far as her sister was concerned, Raven was dead, as her superiors had told her.

So the primary condition they asked was to keep that true; tell Raven Tori was dead and he could keep Raven. A small price to pay for happiness.

“Not participating? Is that wise?” the commander asked.

The commander voiced the opinions of the other worried faces around the table.

Soi-Ji didn’t understand why they were so upset. He was still in his prime, and him not joining in this year left all of them with more time with the females. He’d thought they would be ecstatic about it.

“Yes. I’ll be getting mated soon. After the Solstice, but before the first shipment of humans. Six thousand females and three thousand males,” he said. “Rejoice. All of you will be among the first to get mates.”

The table erupted in chatter.

“There’re a few not here. Will they be included too?”

Only one wasn’t present—Dhol. He wasn’t going to get anything.

“I want to reward my most loyal men. Is that a problem?” he said, looking around the table.

The table went silent. This incentive alone should be enough to discourage anyone trying for her at Solstice. If it wasn’t, then he had other ways of dealing with it.