Page 40 of When the Universe Sings

Slowly, Asher reached behind me, careful of my hair, to pull the hood back up and over my eyes. This, in its own way, felt like armor. He pressed his hand to my lower back, guiding me forward as we made our way down the ramp, greeted by another Louxurian in similar flowing robes who bowed deeply to us. Their hair was a deep gold, almost bronze, and it bounced on their shoulders as they rose.

“Captain Ruciyah, it is an honor. I am Aristedes Lunca, your steward for your stay at my master’s humble estate.”

“A pleasure,” Asher replied, tugging me a little closer.

“Allow me the honor of escorting you to your rooms. My master and most of his esteemed guests are sleeping presently, but at sundown the festivities will begin.”

Asher’s hand tensed on my waist before releasing. “Of course.”

When Aristedes rose to their full height, their lavender eyes flicked to me. There was some small recognition there, an understanding that usually passed from one yeska to another. Beneath the fine clothes and heavy silks, a small part of us was the same. I wondered how it was there were so many here in service to their own people.

None of the research Zoleka shared had told of a population in need of work. But it was clear as we were guided across the glittering runway and greeted by bowing servants every few paces that there was an underbelly to this resplendent planetthat reeked of greed and darkness—just like every other part of the galaxy.

If the universe did sing, I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear its song.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-EIGHT

The room Aristedes guidedus to was overstated in its luxury—ten times that of theDaskquah. Deep purple and white stalactites dripped from the ceiling, glittering in the light of the ornate halo orbs hovering at different points throughout the vast room. Tall arched windows looked out onto the sparkling sea and sent rainbows of light across the gleaming walls. There was a sitting area full of overstuffed couches and poufs with a low table, already set with a gleaming pot of their golden tea and one goblet. But it was the bed I couldn’t look away from.

The single, wide bed with frothy white linens hanging from the crystals above and swaying in the breeze from the glass doors leading out onto a small balcony.

Asher stared at the bed with a bone-creaking intensity while Aristedes pattered about the room pouring him a cup of tea and settling our cases before the large wardrobe. From the tight fists at his sides, this was a turn of events Asher hadn’t anticipated. I had to admit I hadn’t either. Most of the time I’d heard yeskas had their own sleeping areas at these parties.

“My master thought you would prefer your pet to sleep with you given your attachment to her.” Aristedes stopped a few paces away and folded their hands in front of them in the perfect act of servitude.

Beneath the respirator, Asher’s throat bobbed before all at once his shoulders relaxed and he turned toward the male. “Of course. It’s only that I usually prefer for her to sleep in Nusjilisilks, not Quili.” The slight note of disdain in his voice was so convincing that for a moment even I forgot that I slept on threadbare polyfiber sheets.

“My sincerest apologies, Captain. I can put in a re?—”

Asher raised a hand and Aristedes immediately fell silent. “No need, we will make do.”

Maker, he was good at this. There was a hint of exhaustion in his tone, as if to even continue the conversation would put him near suffering. Aristedes’ jaw closed with a snap, their eyes widening in panic.

“Don’t worry, lovely,” Asher all but purred as he dragged his knuckle across the servant’s cheek, which bloomed with a deep blush in its wake. “We will keep this between us.”

And just like that, his momentary lapse was instead an opportunity to build trust between him and one who was supposed to be the eyes and ears of Lesephous. Aristedes interlaced their hands behind their neck and bowed low. “Thank you, Captain. May I unpack for you and your pet?”

Asher waved his hand absentmindedly, but I took a step forward. “I will unpack for my master and myself, thank you, Aristedes.”

Who knew what sort of things Asher might have packed in his case. After ensuring we didn’t need anything else, they left with another deep bow, closing the door behind them.

“I can—” I started, gesturing to the bed.

“Not to worry,” Asher said, running his hands up and down my arms. “This bed will be just as fine as the one we share on the ship.”

His eyes flashed in warning. We couldn’t speak freely here and we would be watched constantly until we arrived at the gala and could disappear into the crowd. So instead, I nodded, forcing my shoulders to relax and dropping my chin the way I’d seen others on theDaskquahdo, looking up at Asher beneathmy lashes before realizing he couldn’t see me through the fabric. “Would you like me to unpack for us?”

A muscle twitched in his temple before he tugged back my hood and smoothed my hair from my forehead. My pulse quickened, mouth suddenly dry. Though I wanted to draw away, instead I let my eyes fall half closed and leaned into his touch. I thought I could remember someone else doing this, perhaps my mother or father. And yet it was nothing like those touches bleeding from my memory like vapor.

For once, I was able to stem the tide of betrayal quickly. I pushed it back as his fingertips trailed down my cheek, curling around my jaw before one gloved thumb brushed my bottom lip. Yet a small part of my mind questioned how far we would have to go. We should have discussed it as he’d intended, but my pride and stubbornness had gotten in the way.

“Leave my case,ly’anen. I can unpack later. I’m going to explore the grounds while you get ready for tonight.”

Translation:I’m going to see if I can shut down these microphones so we don’t have to keep talking like this. Also, I’m afraid if I see you naked, my brain will explode and my mask will fly off into a million pieces.

Maybe not that last part.