“It’s so beautiful.” River said in a hushed voice looking up.
The moons came into obit together approximately every ninety days. This was the first they had aligned since River, Jo, and Star had been on Kassis. They looked so huge in the early evening sky.
Torak and Ajaska just grinned down at River enjoying her awed expression at something they took for granted. Torak felt like everything else paled into comparison to River’s beauty. Since she found out she was with child she seemed to glow as brightly as the moons she looked upon. Letting his hand slide around to the small of her back, he couldn’t help the wicked smile that curved his lips at her response to his touch. He would be glad when the evening was concluded so he could return her to the safety of their House and his bed.
The three couples and Ajaska climbed the stairs to the rear entrance of the South House and moved into position. Jo and Star winked at River as they walked by with a softly muttered ‘showtime’ under their breath. River barely bit back the laugh that threatened to escape. Even so, Torak sent her a dark look that spoke of his suspicion the girls were up to something.
Ajaska and Torak moved to greet people at the front entrance as they began arriving. River, Jo, and Star were to meet in the large ballroom where people would be mingling, enjoying light refreshments before the dinner and additional entertainment afterwards. Jo would go with Manota first to meet with the elite team covering the kitchens, while Star went with Jazin to meet with the team covering the upstairs. River highly suspected it was the men’s way of trying to keep the three of them from getting together any sooner than necessary.
River picked up a non-alcoholic drink and sipped it, enjoying the cool refreshing taste from the fruit juice. She wondered over to the double doors leading out onto the terrace and looked out over the gardens. Tonight would be interesting. They would either catch Tai Tek in their trap or he would get away once again. He reminded River of a slippery eel hiding in wait for an unsuspecting victim.
“It’s quite enchanting, it is not?” a soft voice said behind her.
River froze for a moment before relaxing. “Yes, it is.” A small smile curved her lips. “I’m so sorry about scaring your men the other day.”
Kev Mul Kar gave a husky laugh as he replied, “Yes. The other men were having a great time teasing them until they saw the vidcom of your little stunt. I think all of them became very sympathetic when Borat and Waytec were assigned to you. I wish you congratulations on your breeding. Motherhood is very becoming on you.” Kev Mul Kar added softly studying the glow to River face.
It was true, River did seem to glow with a radiance that softened her face and gave her an air of fragile elegance.
River glanced over her shoulder at Kev Mul Kar blushing, “Thank you.”
Kev Mul Kar cleared his throat before he continued, “Please remember to stay in either this room or the dining room at all times. Do not leave either for any reason. Someone will be watching you at all time.”
River rolled her eyes at Mul Kar and stuck out her tongue just enough for him to see the pink tip of it. It took everything Mul Kar had not to groan at the innocent gesture. “You have been talking to Torak.”
Mul Kar couldn’t have responded if he wanted too. His throat had suddenly closed over the lump in it. With a stiff nod, he moved away. Jo and Star had just walked into the room and watched as he moved by them giving them a quick bow.
“What got his panty hose in a bind?” Jo asked puzzled as they came up to River.
Star just rolled her eyes at River. “You know for being the oldest you are not always the brightest bulb in the package. Can’t you tell he is half in love with River? He has been since the Tearnat’s warship.”
River looked at Star like she had lost her mind. “What? Don’t tell me you didn’t know that either?” Star asked. “And you guys think I’m naïve!”
“So, what’s the plan?” Jo asked looking around at the people coming in.
There were dignitaries from all the different provinces, as well as, intergalactic members. River’s eyes darkened in sorrow when she saw Gril Tal Mod enter the room along with a female version of their species. She still had trouble accepting she had killed his son, no matter if he had been about to execute his own father. Murmuring a brief excuse to Jo and Star, River moved over to greet the Tearnat leader.
“Lord Tal Mod?” River called out softly. She wasn’t sure on how to address him as she had never had to formally greet intergalactic leaders before.