Chapter 12 #2
“This is an invasion of privacy. How dare you cut me off from my nestmates! I don’t care who you are—you have no right,” I mentality shouted at him.
How was he able to get past my shields? There wasn’t the usual stabbing one would get if someone forcibly penetrated through their protections.
“Through your connections with your nestmates, your mental shields are almost indestructible unless I use my full force—but even then, it would take a lot of energy. Back-dooring through your bond threads made it easier and more comfortable for both ends.”
“But why? Why can’t I have my connections with them?”
“Their natural reaction would be to aid and comfort you. My job is to lead the Assembly. I am the neutral leader and the deciding factor in the time of ties. But the most important responsibility I have is to prevent any telepathic conversations in this dome between others outside their own species. This prevents anyone from aiding someone on trial or representatives from making deals privately between tables. Having you cut off from outside help allows us to view your true self and helps us make judgments.”
“Why didn’t they tell me?”
“That is an error on their behalf.”
I stood there, stunned by the news.
Why would they leave me in the dark?
“You are here today to discuss multiple issues. First, we will discuss what should happen to you. It comes to my knowledge, you are capable of understanding and speaking Galactic Common. Is this correct?”
I peered at the surrounding males. They stood at attention, staring straight at the Chamber Master.
Their lack of acknowledgment of my gaze confirmed Mwe was telling the truth.
They would not try to help me. Their faces held stoic expressions—as if they didn’t have any issues with what was happening to me.
Returning my gaze to Master Mwe, I nodded.
“Forgive my ignorance about protocol, but if you are addressing me, then that is correct. Well, as correct as it can be. I am sure I am missing some slang or dialect changes… Sir?”
“Step forward and state your name. This conversation is between the Assembly, myself, and you. We will address your company only after we are done. They are not to aid you in any way. Do I make myself clear?”
Burying the mixture of emotions swirling inside me while keeping my annoyance at the lack of warning at bay, I followed his instructions, refusing to glance at the offending males.
I stopped a short distance before him, ignoring the weighted feel from multiple gazes on me. If everyone believed I didn’t need help from the males who came with me, then so be it.
Thank the Fates and Stars above, I didn’t bring my cubs. This whole show would have been a disaster if they were here. The last thing I needed was for the Assembly to take them away against my will, in front of thousands, and to make a spectacle out of it.
So far, that is what this was—a show of power.
“I am Selena… Officially Selena Darcaw, now that I have agreed to be Prince Zirene’s Seedbearer and have claimed him as a mutual mate.
” I tilted my head, exposing my mark. “I believe that should by default make me a citizen of the Aldawi Empire, therefore also a member of CEG. Unless I got that wrong in my understanding from my studies.”
Rumbles filled the room.
The Chamber Master waved his hand, and the room silenced.
He chuckled as he sat down.
“Prince Zirene of the Aldawi has already given us documents of his team’s findings and such claims. We have to determine if you will cause harm to any of CEG’s citizens if we allow you to go along your business unsupervised, and if you can deny any scientific research to help aid the fertility problems in CEG,” Master Mwe said, addressing the whole room.
“And how would you determine if I am fit enough to be a citizen? I am intelligent enough to have a conversation with you right now. I am not showing any signs of aggression or breaking any of your laws. The only thing different between the rest of you and me is that I developed in a tube while I am assuming everyone here was either hatched or born,” I said loudly, to make sure everyone could hear me.
“It was reported that you attacked the Senior Healer on the ship that rescued you.” Mwe looked down at his desk and lifted a tablet.
“I believe the exact words were: ‘Patient is a primitive female. She was found unconscious, injured, malnourished, and pregnant. In her fragile state, she savagely attacked me as I was checking the work of the Master Scholar—who unknown to me at the time had started a courting bond with his patient. Must be watched at all times.’” He placed the tablet down on his desk and returned his gaze to me.
“Are you telling me none of this is true?”
Fisting my cape, I tried to calm the anger brewing in me.
I should have known he would betray me. Everything had to follow protocol. I would show him protocol when I got back. Did he know he just ejected me out of an airlock with nothing but an empty tank?
“Temper. Temper. More like into a blackhole—but I agree.”
“Is this a game to you?”
Silence met me. I huffed and rolled my eyes. I didn’t understand how listening to my inner thoughts without my permission wasn’t abuse in his position of power—unless no one knew, and he had gotten away with it this whole time.
“Yes, it is true,” I projected. “If self-defense is a crime, then I am guilty. He walked into my washing facilities unannounced and surprised me. Instinctively, I attacked. After everything I had been through, I didn’t want to take any chances of someone trying to take advantage of me.
” I smiled and relaxed, letting go of my cape.
“Now tell me, did I do something wrong?”
“I am not your enemy.”