A WAR AMONGST THE STARS

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The air feels different. Ignited with a warm enchantment that almost feels too sacred, too beautiful to disturb. Can they feel it or is it just I? Maybe it's the vibe. This place is quite magical, even unreal at times.

The twinkling, star-studded, re-decorated room is lit with a nightly blue ambience. One in which reminds me of the night sky, of home.

We enter together and everyone in attendance immediately turns towards their king. Majority of them bow in respect and allegiance to His Majesty, all except me.

I look to Zurhen, not knowing if I too should bow or remain standing.

"You can bow before me later, when I have you on your knees," he ends with a seductive wink, and I—I swear it's like he can read my mind. Sometimes, I truly wonder if he can...

While quietly chuckling, I bite my bottom lip to keep from giggling too loud. "We'll see about that," I tease, yet he only beams. So handsomely.

Slowly, he raises his palm and all rise, going about their previous routines.

As we walk amongst the parted gathering, Zurhen extending his elbow for me to hold, we make our way towards the small stage at the end of the blue lit room. Meanwhile, my gaze wanders, noticing a few familiar faces within the crowd.

Dressed so elegantly, Nay'ahli and Cur'rav stand off to left side together, each holding a thin glass of clear, bubbly liquid in their hand.

Zurhen notices his friends and nods in greeting. They nod back, raising their glasses high to their king.

A male being speaks from on stage. "Good evening, Your Majesty. We are humbled for your appearance today."

We turn, casting our attention on the one bended towards us.

Zurhen responds. "I suppose I have missed too many of these celebrations to have you humbled by my presence."

"We are always humbled by your Imperial appearances, Your Majesty, just as we are delighted to have you celebrate this year's Winter Starlight with us."

Zurhen gives him a polite nod. "Thank you. I look forward to celebrating it."

"As do I. It will of course be a lovely celebration away from home and just the event to bring us such holiday cheer."

"I should hope so," Zurhen responds.

One final nod from the king, he ends the conversation by turning and directing his attention to me.

"What is Winter Starlight?" I ask. I wonder if it is like Christmas.

He smiles kindly. "It is a time when the beings of my world come together on the longest winter night beneath the stars to celebrate the joys the holiday season brings them. There is often many songs, artistic performances, and winter sports involved but seeing how we are to spend the holiday aboard ship, unfortunately we are limited to just the singing and theater." So, it is like Christmas.

"Are there gift exchanges?"

His head tilts in confusion. "Gift exchanges?" he asks. Okay, so not like Christmas.

I turn, feeling embarrassed that I asked. "Never mind," I say. A part of me feels bummed but I shouldn't. It's not like I expect a gift from anyone, especially him after all he's done for me. I don't know. Maybe it's just the kid in me feeling disappointed for being robbed of the last years of my childhood. The years I would have had with my family had I not obliterated them into dust.

"I still haven't forgiven you for that,"I tell The Star.

"I know,"she replies.

"You're lucky I haven't found a way to kill you. Yet," I half tease her.