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"Your ship was floating outside the Gilth Galaxy, barely inside the far reaches of the known Universe." Behtu’s cocky gaze turns questioning.
Behtu is as trustworthy as any Star Maverick, each of us having taken a vow of allegiance as brothers, yet I find myself reluctant to reveal anything to him. Tasha's friends remain on Crao, and my fierce need to protect the ones she covets wins out over my desire for revenge or my pledge to the Star Maverick brotherhood.
"I haven't thanked you for coming to our aid."
Behtu chuckles and pushes off the counter. "You're entitled to your secrets, Qhix, as we all are. Just so you know, my curiosity is even more piqued."
Tasha stirs in my arms, her eyes fluttering open as she drowsily peers up at me in confusion. "Are we dead?"
"No. Saved in the nick of time by my brother Behtu," I say, sitting up.
Her eyes follow the motion of my hand. "He's your brother?"
"Brotherhood of Star Mavericks, not brothers by blood," Behtu explains with a slight bow.
"Thanks for coming to our rescue, Behtu."
"My pleasure, yet I cannot take all the credit for saving your pretty hide. If it wasn't for Qhix's sivot warming your skin, you would have succumbed to the freezing temperatures long before suffocation." Behtu starts toward the exit as I force my surging sivot to heel, the casual compliment rousing my beast. "Now that you're awake, I'll bring food and drink. I won't be but a moment."
"Not that I'm calling you small, Qhix, but is he unnaturally enormous, or is it just me?" Tasha asks as soon as the door slides closed behind Behtu.
"All Kaul males born of royal lines are larger in stature and build. It's in his genetic makeup."
"He's royalty?" Tasha sits up slowly, touching the respirator tubing running under her nose. "Should I have curtsied or something?"
"No," I swing my legs over the side of the bed and stand, shedding the many layers of clothes. "He gave up his seat on the throne to his younger brother and chose the life of a Star Maverick."
Tasha lets out a low whistle. "If royalty means the same thing out here as it does on Earth, then that's quite a sacrifice." Her gaze lingers on the closed door, and I can see the curiosity dancing in her eyes. "Any idea why he chose the life of a pirate over a crown?"
I shrug, hoping she'll let it go. "I don't know all the particulars, that's his story to tell."
Tasha hops off the bed, stripping away the excess layers of garments until she's dressed only in the loose-fitting dress and soft leather foot coverings she was wearing when I took her from Crao.
The door slides open once again, and Behtu enters with a covered tray expertly balanced on one hand. The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food fills the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.
My eyes go wide as Behtu sets the tray down on a rolling table, unveiling a spread of exotic fruits, grilled meats, and steaming bowls of fragrant soup. "You have a replicator onboard!"
"Most Lizordian vessels do," Behtu says and rolls the table over to where Tasha now sits on the edge of the bed.
"Put a leash on your sivot, Qhix," Behtu states. "I wish not to tangle with your beast."
"I don't know what you mean, brother." Though I do. Behtu offering sustenance to my female triggers my inner beast to surge territorially.
"The white flash of your eyes belies your discontent." Behtu locks a challenging gaze on me. He might be leery of my sivot, but his pride won't allow him to back down.
"There's not going to be any fighting, Qhix," Tasha sternly interjects. "You called for help and help is here, so stop being so aggressive. Thanks, Behtu. I'm starving, as I'm sure Qhix is too."
"My pleasure, Tasha." Behtu nods then turns his attention back to me. "Your ship is in tow, and I have rillium to spare whenever you are ready to resume your journey—to wherever it was you were going."
"Thanks, Behtu. We won't be much longer and then we will be on our way."
Behtu gives me a knowing smile, understanding the unspoken request for privacy, and exits the room.
I watch as Tasha eagerly reaches for a slice of succulent vhit fruit, her eyes gleaming with excitement. As she takes her first bite, a smile spreads across her face, and a surge of warmth envelops me.
She's resilient, this fiery-haired human of mine, and her ability to find joy in the simplest things is captivating. I can't help but admire her strength and spirit as she savors each mouthful.
"Get over here and eat, Qhix." Tasha pats the spot next to her. "I don't like to eat alone."
