When Worlds Collide (MxM)✔

Chapter 11 - I Didn't Mean to do That

"What made you change your mind?" King Toca asked, looking just as surprised as everyone else.

Nyx's eyes never left Kade's. "Because I've never had this opportunity before."

"Ah, I see. You didn't allow me time to introduce our newest Royal Inventor. This is Kade, the mind behind our new transport system."

"We've met."

"You did?" Now Toca was looking at Aino, whose scowl had doubled. "When?"

"Yesterday." Nyx walked behind Kade's chair, where he rested his hands on the human's shoulders. "I spotted this specimen hiding in the lab and took a liking to him."

"You were asked to stay in the guest wing." Toca frowned.

"Oh, you know us carnivores. We're not very good at being contained."

Kade could feel the tension in the room as all the other Terran nobles watched the two kings.

It was Toca who broke the silence. "Nonetheless, I request you not be so...Explorative...next time."

"But then I would never have met my newest consort." Nyx grabbed Kade's hand and brought it to his lips. The Terran's tongue flicked out, but never made contact as Aino snatched Kade's hand away.

The inventor stood before the carnivore, steely eyed, as he nodded respectfully. "King Nyx, I believe we stated that we were busy with future projects. I do not think Kade would have the time to indulge in your curiosity."

Nyx's eyes narrowed. "Then would you like to come to my kingdom instead?"

"You know I cannot."

"Oh, but you can, right Toca?" Nyx turned to the king. "Your only reason for keeping Aino here was because he was your only inventor. Well, now you have two."

"I thought you said you wanted a mate?"

"I do. I would take either of them."

Toca took an exasperated breath. "You cannot force someone to be your mate. No matter your status."

"True. Aino doesn't seem interested, but what about this one?" Nyx glanced at the human.

"I have no interest in being used for sex. So I decline." Kade spoke as formally as he could muster but still lacked the proper vocabulary.

"Then what about work?"

"I'm an inventor, same as Aino. Work will be my priority."

"Excellent. Then if I can't take a mate, I'll borrow one of your inventors." Nyx looked triumphantly at Toca. "Unless you can think of a reason not to allow it?"

"They are busy working on our kingdom's infrastructure. I cannot spare-"

"And you don't see why that's a problem?" Nyx approached the king's chair, where two Terran guards nervously blocked him.

"How is that a problem?"

"Your kingdom is advancing rapidly. Things like clothes and paper were not a problem, but now you've developed ways to travel a week's journey in a matter of hours. Found ways to produce light with no sun! If we are to remain at peace then surely you could understand the importance of sharing this new knowledge. You have two brilliant minds at your disposal, and refuse to lend us even one."

"We cannot risk harm befalling either of them."

Nyx was offended by the insinuation and had to fight back a snarl. "And why would you think I or anyone else from my kingdom would bring harm to an envoy? Do you truly believe us all to be savages?"