Judging by the look of contempt that spread across Chiss's face, he'd known about Macon's late night visitor. 

Although she wasn't sure about the courting rituals of the Aturians,  she didn't want to find herself in the midst of a scandal. 

Perhaps the commander's late night visit would be thought of as poor taste or possibly worse. 

She didn't know, but she needed to find out. 

She'd been quite surprised when a young Aturian female had woken her up nearly an hour ago. 

The girl had introduced herself as Beda and quickly readied Macon for the day. 

"You are expected at the morning meal with her highness, Princess Oura." Beda had explained.

Macon's heart had only returned to a normal pace as she entered the palace to find Chiss standing just inside.

Why hadn't he woken her himself?

The truth was written all over his face.  

And that truth had been that he feared who he might find in her bed if he dared to open the door. 

That had been gamble he wasn't willing to take. 

He knew all to well that he might attack the commander. 

Chiss scoffed at the thought. 

This human female had blown into his life and ruined everything. 

His friendship. 
His chance at happiness.

His dream of bonding with a beautiful Aturian female and producing younglings of his own. 

"Hey." She called to him as she nearly sprinted through the door of the palace. 

"Well, look who finally decided to get out of bed." His tone was sharp and irritable. 

Hurt flashed through her eyes. 

Clearly he needed to dial it back. 

Rolling his eyes, "we are expected in the dining room. Her highness requires morning meal with the regent.  Since you are promised to the Royal Commander, that includes you."

His smile was forced. 

"The regent?" She looked at him hoping he explain. 

"The regent includes the members of the Royal Fleet and their mates." His voice was curt. 

"And you are also part of the regent?"

"Yes Macon, I am third in command."  He didn't know whether to be proud of his high rank or discouraged because he held title beneath that of her future mate.

He straightened. "Let's go.  We're late."

Macon's eyes went wide as the entire room turned to take in the pair. 

"Ah, General St. Baylor, it's so lovely for you to make an appearance. I was just welcoming our newest members of the regent."

Macon's cheeks burned bright red as the stunning Autrian Princess stared at her from head to toe. 

It was like being examined by an Amazonian goddess, and she felt completely unnerved.

"And to our newest member of the regent.  Welcome." Her tone softened, but her eyes seemed to hold contempt. 

Macon did her best to smile. 

"Please sit." The Princess continued as she motioned toward an empty seat at the table of human women that she vaguely recognized from the day before.  Chiss had already found his seat and left Macon to stand before her highness.

Macon hurried to her seat glad to no longer be the center of attention. 

She grabbed the glass of pink bubbling liquid that sat before her. 

She took an unladylike gulp. 

It was something like champagne and Macon nearly spewed the drink from her mouth in surprise. 

She recovered quickly and decided that perhaps a bit of the mind altering drink was for the best. 

As if the meal had been postponed until the non moment of her arrival, silver trays were placed simultaneously in front of the guests. 

"Let's eat." The Princess announced.  

Trays were lifted to reveal a pink gelatinous creation that was sparsely sprinkled with some of the Aturian fruit that Xane had her try last night. 

Her body warmed at the mere thought of the commander. 

She took a moment to search the group but found him missing. 

A hint of disappointment bubbled inside her. 

She was a little surprised by this. 

As the meal came to a close, the Princess stood again. 

"Ladies, shall we move to veranda?" 

Without hesitation, she watched as the women stood quickly to follow behind her. 

She too found herself up moments later, hurriedly chasing after the group of women. 

The veranda was lined with beautifully cushioned silk lounge chairs and shades similar to umbrellas. 

All that was missing was a swimming pool, she thought. 

At the focal point, a large fountain that depicted an Aturian female holding a new born stood at an enormous size.
Macon was surprised as Jielly approached from behind. 

"Hey." She mouthed unsure of what might happen next.