When Worlds Collide (MxM)✔

Chapter 12 - The Carnivore Kingdom

Everyone stared as Kade waited for the carriage. He refused to look anyone in the eye, knowing what questions awaited him. Then King Toca showed up with his entourage.

He immediately noticed the mark on Kade's neck. "What a smart idea."

"Yeah." Kade shuffled his feet. "It'll prevent unwanted advances for a while."

"Indeed. I also must ask that you not share too much knowledge with the carnivores. We need to maintain our technological advantage. Nyx's main interest is the train. Help him establish train routes to help with trading between our lands. Anything else I request you keep to yourself."

"I understand."

"I've also explained you have a sensitive diet," Toca added. "Carnivores don't understand our diet, so it shouldn't stand out as odd. Do what you can to return if you find the food situation too hard to endure."

Kade nodded, then glanced around.

Aino hadn't shown up for Kade's departure. After chasing him down the hall, pleading for him to stay and talk, the man was eventually outrun.

A braying sound was heard as grey creatures with blue shoulders, six cloven feet, small round ears, and stubby tails pulled up. They were similar to the red ones that were so scarce in the Terran Kingdom, except these were a different color and had shorter snouts.

There were two of them pulling each of the Carnivore carriages. One carriage was large and luxurious, with dark wooden frames and white lining. The doors had the same harsh markings as King Nyx, with two guards on either side.

There was a smaller one pulled behind, which Kade assumed was meant for him.

Nyx emerged, grinning ear to ear, but that grin faltered when he noticed Kade's neck. "Being over-cautious, are we?" He stepped down from his carriage and offered a hand.

"I wanted to make it clear that I had no intention of doing anything other than work." Kade ignored his hand and headed toward the smaller carriage. "This is a work trip. Nothing more."

Nyx scoffed, amused by Kade's audacity.

Kade found his accommodations much better than when he'd first come to the castle. For one, he didn't have any strict orders to remain hidden. So he drew back the curtains and let the air in. Soon they departed, and he waved when he saw Eira and Tiner standing near the back. Both were downcast as they slowly waved goodbye.

He was a small distance away when Aino burst through the doors and uncharacteristically ran to the road. The inventor watched the carriages, his face twisted in regret, and Toca looked on at his friend in confusion. Then the king noticed something in the air as he stepped closer. His eyes flew wide and he glanced between Aino and the departing carriages.

Kade couldn't hear what was said, but Aino shook his head, then returned to the castle with his ears drooping low.

The other Terrans made way for him, with equally shocked looks on their faces. For a second, he considered hopping out to see what was wrong. But he had no way of stopping the carriage and was forced to deal with his curiosity until he returned.

The trip gave Kade time to reflect on his relationship with Aino. And while he liked to consider himself a logical man, he couldn't deny that he had feelings for the Terran. As frightful their last encounter was, he found himself thinking about it late at night.

Kade knew that Aino regretted his actions, but could he control himself in the future? Eira claimed that the man had never gone into season before, so maybe he was just being clumsy? God knew Kade had no idea what to do in bed and could be equally as awkward. The problem was that Aino was strong enough to hurt him. Would they somehow be able to work that out?