The memories flooded me with heat and I had to look down at my plate, hoping my stupid body would just calm down and leave me alone. But no such luck, as he spoke directly to me this time with that deep voice. “Welcome to you, Lady Deston. May you find every happiness with us as a bride of Prillon.”
My answer was more a squeak than true words. “Thank you.”
Anne reached out to touch my arm and I felt like I had to look at her again, or risk being very, very rude. When I looked up into her blue eyes, I could see that she knew what I’d seen, what I’d experienced in the bride processing protocols. She knew. I could see it in her eyes as her mate’s large hand came to rest on the side of her hip. Her next words confirmed it. “The processing protocol?”
I couldn’t look her in the eye and lie. I just couldn’t. “Yes. I’m sorry.”
She threw her head back and laughed out loud, the sound one of utter delight. I froze, shocked at her reaction. I’d expected her to be angry or embarrassed. Instead she couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “You’re welcome, Lady Deston.” She placed a heavy emphasis on my new title. “You’re very, very welcome.”
I felt my eyes widen and she winked at me as her mate gently pulled her toward the door. She looked back over her shoulder. “We are going to be great friends, Hannah. I’ll see you again, soon.”
I waved as she left and turned to find Dare studying me, his nostrils flaring as if he could smell my arousal. Then I remembered that he could, in fact, feel it through our connection. A guilty blush crept up my neck and face, and I knew I was turning a bright pink. I’d liked… no, loved, what Captain Hendry and his second had done to Anne. I craved that kind of dominance.
“Explain, Hannah.”
I shook my head, refusing to tell the man my true feelings, and took my first bite of lasagna instead. The flavor of tomato and oregano, mozzarella cheese and thick noodles exploded on my tongue. It was the best lasagna I’d ever tasted. I made a small sound of pleasure and hurried to take another bite, my stomach suddenly an empty, aching cavern.
Dare watched me for a moment, then decided to let the matter drop, eating his own food quickly.
When we were both finished eating, a kind-faced Prillon woman walked to our table and took our plates with a shy smile. I thanked her, and she bowed to me. “My pleasure, Lady Deston. Welcome. May you find much joy among us.”
“Thank you.” I looked up to discover that everyone who was still in the dining hall, which was eight unmated warriors, six small children with their mothers, and one mated couple who appeared to be in their sixties were all watching us openly. I turned to Dare, suddenly uncomfortable to be the center of attention. “Why are they all looking at me?”
His chest was puffed up with pride, and his smile one a man gives when he is feeling generous and all too pleased with himself. “They are waiting to meet their new lady. The commander is second in line to the Prime on our home world.”
I had no idea what a Prime was, and my confusion must have shown on my face.
“The ruler of our planet. Our king.”
Holy shit. Deston was third in line for the throne of his whole freaking planet? I felt my chest get tight. Hot. It was hot in here.
I looked from the approaching couple to Dare, who appeared to be enjoying my moment of panic, because he continued. “Zane, my cousin, is also the most feared warrior on the front. He is the commander of the entire coalition fleet, not just this battleship and its battle group. You are Commander Deston’s bride, Hannah. And the second highest ranking member of our entire fleet.”
“What? What does that even mean?” I whispered the question in a hurry, as the elder warrior and his bride were already approaching the table. I didn’t know anything about war, or battleships, or their enemy. I knew how to wipe noses, sing ‘Wheels on the Bus,’ and paint the alphabet with watercolors.
Dare leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest, nodding almost imperceptibly to the male headed toward me. “The Prime rules our planet, but the commander rules all of the coalition military forces. He has more real power and influence than the Prime, because he oversees warriors from all member worlds. Zane rules this region of space. On Earth, Hannah, I believe you would be called a queen.”
For the next hour I was introduced to and greeted by everyone in the room. I couldn’t complain. They were friendly, warm, and seemed genuinely happy to meet me. I tried to smile and make small talk, but the truth was, with my stomach full and the day’s events wearing me down, I was getting tired. Dare watched me like a hawk, and the moment the last chubby little hand had held mine, he stood.