The Primitive King ~ ON HOLD ~

SIXTEEN

IDEN

My face hurt from smiling so much, despite how shifty things are between Alvara and I. I was certain that she wouldn't allow another male to vie for her affection, especially since she barely tolerated mine unless I was igniting her lust.

My mother rarely spoke of my father, I was never told his name nor did I desire to know. But to see her so content, cared for, and happy with Jopu, filled my stomach with warmth. I hope that someday Alvara will let me make her happy here.

I glanced over to see her engaging in a heated debate with Cuby and Bakra on the proper maneuver to take down a larger person. My interest piqued and I tuned in, listening for her point of view.

"Bakra, with all due respect I've only ever fought larger opponents. Since I was 5, I have trained in combat as well as weapons. If you don't believe me, I'll just have to show you." She challenged him with a cheeky grin, and I laughed at the mental image.

"Oh, you're on princess. I'll need a signed decree from your protector over here that he won't maul me for beating you though." He quipped, and I laughed again knowing he was 100% correct.

"I may just have to see for myself before I let you on top of another male here, little Gervida..." I smirked, and her cheeks reddened with indignation at my insinuation.

Cuby spoke up before she could think of a response

"Hey now, nobody will be mounting my man except for me!" His comment came so out of the left-field, as he was conversing with my mother and Jopu, that Alvara forgot her sour train of thought and began cackling in her adorable way.

Duna smiled and observed the interaction.

"Alvara- I'm sure that I'm speaking on behalf of the group- we are so glad you can communicate with us now! There's so much that we're curious about. Where are you from? How did you learn our language so quickly?" My mother inquired, and Alvara's gaze landed on me as if to ask permission. I smiled at the gesture and gave her a nod to say 'yes' like I'd seen her do.

"Well, I have a device that can listen and send messages to my mind that translates and helps me remember. I have a device with this capability because I'm from a faraway place among the stars." She said, and everyone was stunned into silence.

I reached over and rubbed her shoulder, to provide courage.

"Go ahead, tell them why you are here and what your intentions are." I calmly reassured her.

She went on to explain to everyone why she was here, how she wanted to get back, and how she has no intentions of stealing from us or staying long-term. I got a few glances when she said that, but none of them knew what I did.

Alvara had no chance of getting off this planet with her current ship. There were too few parts, too few tools, and too much to fix for it to be possible within our lifetime.

For now, I will be patient. I know that she has to ultimately make the decision to accept her fate, but I can't lie and say that it feels good. She wants to get away from me... but then again I know she's mostly afraid.