Page 73 of Ahelno
Good night, mate. Sleep well.
CHAPTER 54
I was nervous the day of the Ball. Kashtinela had told me the trade talks were proceeding very slowly. The Charonu just didn’t know how to cope with a female leading the talks and being able to make binding decisions for her people. Kashtinela had arranged a few tours for the ambassador and his retinue to tour parts of the city, and many of the businesses and sites they visited “happened” to be female-owned or operated. I wondered if she was helping to shift their views on women overall.
I spotted Leo and his partners as I entered the ballroom. They were immersed in conversation. If it were just Leo, I would beeline for him, but I wasn’t keen to talk to Aldrin and Gafand, so I skirted around the other side. I was quickly accosted by a couple of male Ptexari who were eager to talk about courtship. I explained that I was not accepting courtship outside of Dakleth, but they were not as easily deterred as the village men. One of them, who introduced himself as Bakarto, was insistent that I should “give him a chance,” and then let me know what hotel he was staying at in town. Eww.
“I know you did not just proposition my mate,” a voice behind me growled. “My mate who explicitly told you thatshe is not open to courting any male besides me.”
Bakarto flexed his wings. “You know as well as I, Prince Dakleth, that any male can court a female. She is supposed to choose from a number of suitors.”
“I was absent for nearly a year,” Dakleth snapped back. “She had plenty of opportunity to know other males. She has chosen me.”
“She was not open to courting at that time,” Bakarto retorted. I remembered he had cornered me at a party in the past, but I barely spoke to anyone in the early days.
“I’m not open now, either,” I said. “Thank you for your interest, Bakarto, it is truly flattering, but as I have said, I do not wish to be courted.”
“Except by me,” Dakleth said.
“Except by Prince Dakleth,” I gritted out through clenched teeth. Bakarto and his friend harrumphed and stalked off. Dakleth turned and grinned at me.
“Oh, stop gloating,” I said. “I’m still not happy about being courted by you, either. I’m just using you as an excuse to keep the others from bothering me.”
The Prince stared at me, and his wings wilted a bit. Great. Now I felt terrible.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” I said. “I’m trying to be honest with you. I’m not sure I’m ready to be courted by anyone at all.” He looked at me impassively for a moment.
“You have nothing to apologize for, my mate. You have been consistent in your ambivalence.” He seemed amused by this. “Winning your affections will not be easy. It is a worthy challenge.” He straightened up, seeming pleased. “And I do not mind you using my name to keep away other males. Infact, I like it. It is a type of claim, even if it is not a full one yet.”
“Yes, well, ah, I’m going to talk to Kashtinela. She looks like she needs to be rescued,” I chuckled. She also was besieged by males of various species and looked particularly unhappy about it.
“As you will,” he said. “I will be watching.”
“Not surprised,” I huffed, and made my way over to his sister.
“Andie!” Kashtinela exclaimed. “You look beautiful!”
“You, too!” I said. I nearly hugged her, then stopped myself. I knew it would make her uncomfortable. I missed hugging my friends. She surprised me by opening her four arms expectantly. I threw myself at her and grinned up at her as I squeezed her waist. “Thanks!” I said to her. She gave me a small smile and said, “I am growing used to your human ways. I have seen how you and Leo cling to each other. You need this.”
“Yes, I really do,” I said as I sighed.
“I would be happy to embrace you, human,” the male to her right said. He was one of the Charonu delegation.
“Ahhh, thanks. We are a touchy people, but we don’t usually hug people we haven’t met,” I said
“Understood,” he said, backing away a step.
I looked at the males around her. “Please excuse me, but I have an urgent private matter I need to discuss with Kashtinela.”
“Of course,” they murmured, shuffling off. One bowed his head before leaving.
“What is wrong, Andie?” Kashtinela eyed me with obvious concern.
“Nothing, you just looked like you wanted them to leave.”
She threw back her head and laughed. “You are a delightful klovaka,” she said. A klovaka was a small rodentish creature known for getting into mischief. I smiled at her.
“I do what I can,” I said.
