Chapter 13

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After a brief moment on the veranda, the newest members of the regent were ushered to the front doors of the palace for a tour of the capital city.

A long trolly like vehicle stopped just at the steps of the palace.

An older Aturian male sat at front of the trolly. He spoke into some sort of voice amplifier so that even those on the back could hear the information that he was sharing about the city and its landmarks.

Macon sat next to Jielly hoping that she could answer some of the questions that she had about the Aturians. Jielly had after all lived with them for the past two years before the ship returned home.

"So, I'm completely clueless about what's expected between the commander and myself. Please tell me you can help." Macon's tone was pleading, and she felt silly being unaccustomed to life on this planet.

"Girl, I got you... what do you want to know?" Jielly's words provided Macon with some much needed reassurance.

Macon thought for moment. "Well for starters the commander signed 'my papers', but he has me living at General Chiss's apartment until his place is remodeled. But then last night he came to 'visit' me. I was so caught off guard. I don't know, I just don't know. How am I supposed to act around him? What's deemed appropriate?"

Macon leaned her head against the seat in frustration.

"Woah, woah.... take it easy." Jielly chuckled.

"I know it's a lot to digest, but..." she trailed off. "I got your back."

Macon looked at her expectantly.

"The "papers" are kind of like a marriage certificate. The king has to sign off on them before any joining ceremonies are performed. And it's probably best to keep your reputation in tact until after your joining ceremony. It can be hard for human women on Aturi without a mate." Jielly let out a sigh.

Before they knew it the trolly had pulled up back up at the regency apartment building.

"Well, this is me." Macon chirped as she went to stand.

"Actually this is all of us." Jielly chuckled.

"Really?"

"Yea, uh, all of the regent live here when they're not on duty. I'm on the second floor if you want to come by. I haven't actually gotten to see the whole apartment myself."

"That sounds great. Actually." Macon nodded knowing that she didn't really want to be alone with Chiss at the moment.

Hours later, Macon leaned against against the cool metal of the elevator waiting for the door to close.

Moments before the the doors slammed shut a powdery gray hand reached in keeping them ajar.

"Hey, thought that was you." Xane said as he took a step into the elevator.

Macon looked up at him. Uncertainty in her eyes.

"About last night." He started.

"Don't worry about it. Really."

Xane stared into her eyes for a moment trying to think of some way to stay with her for a bit longer. Damn the renovations for taking longer than he'd expected. He'd never considered how hard it would be to leave his future in the hands of another male. Even if it was his oldest friend. "How about I take you somewhere."

"Okay." A small smile played at her lips.

He pressed a button and the elevator descended.

When the doors opened they were on the ground level in a parking garage.

Each vehicle was stored in a small glass pod.

Macon followed Xane as he passed several vehicles until he stood before a small black coupe that almost reminded her of the bat mobile.

"Wow." She breathed out in a chuckle. "Will we both fit?"

"Hey, it's roomier than it looks." He held his hand up to a scanner and moments later the glass doors parted allowing them to walk in to the cubicle that housed the vehicle.

"I sure hope so."

Xane climbed in taking up nearly all of the seat.

He held a hand up to Macon and noticed the reservation in her eyes. "Just trust me."

He pulled her quickly into his lap and strapped them in before she had time to object.

Xane grabbed at the joystick near his right hand and the vehicle whirred to life.

Seconds later they were out of the parking garage and on the Main Street of the city.

Xane took off, sending Macon's head into his chest.

He wrapped his left arm around her middle protectively.

"Slow down." She screamed through nervous laughter.

They'd passed the main buildings that were part of the city.

Now Macon could see the beginnings of a more rural area.

They were only just outside of the city when Xane turned down a road with lush over hanging trees that were much larger than those on Earth.

Macon gasped trying to take in the beauty of this new world.

Finally Xane slowed down as they came up on a large estate.

The building was nearly half the size of the regency apartment building.


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