An Out-of-this-World 'O' (Planet Double Dick #13)

Visha

The ghinuts set off at a swift pace as though eager to get back to the palace.

King Athos is eager too, I can tell by the way he holds himself, tense, his jaw tight, and his eyes flashing with desire.

“Mimis is beautiful,” I say as he takes my hand in his big one and squeezes it. “Peaceful.”

“Yes, you would be quite safe walking here as long as you have one of the guards with you.”

“Why? If it is safe why would I need guards?”

“So I can continue to breathe knowing you have ultimate protection.” He chuckles softly. “I couldn’t lose you, not now I know you, Visha.” He sweeps his warm lips over my knuckles. “I wish us to be together, in love, in certain loyalty, and in heady lust until the end of days.”

My heart swells with the words no man on Earth ever managed to say to me. “I…I think I would like that too.”

“Then you have made me a very happy king.”

I blink a few times, emotion welling, and look out at lights twinkling in the distance. The twilight is stretching out the shadows on the mountain. “I should like to see more women, more people, I am used to a social life.”

“A social life?”

“Yes, friends, conversations, emotional support, and sharing experiences, that kind of thing.”

“But…didn’t we just have a party to do all of that?”

I smile at his confusion. “Yes, but that didn’t include me I just observed from the royal balcony, and besides, one gathering isn’t enough, for a social life it is a constant stream of company, friendship, and I guess, fun.”

“Fun.” He nods slowly. “So how should I get you a fun social life?”

I think for a moment, wondering what the correct response for a queen would be. “How about we host a dinner party?”

He scratches his left horn. “I really don’t recall learning the meaning of that, and I can assure you I have spent years studying Earth culture.”

“That doesn’t matter, it’s not complicated. All we do is invite a few other couples for a meal.”

“A meal? But that can be delivered on demand to their homes.”

“And everyone eats alone.” I gesture at the houses. “At a dinner party the experience of eating a meal is shared.”

“Tell me more.” He does appear genuinely curious.

“And while eating, and enjoying, conversations are had,” I say.

“About what? Usually I have a meeting with my generals, scientists, or ambassadors if there are things to be discussed.”

“But they are official things. At a dinner party other things can be discussed.”

“Like what?”

We turn into the palace grounds and are saluted by the white-uniformed guards.

I breathe in the scent of the flowers which seems to be stronger when the suns go beyond the horizon. “People talk about the weather, about the news, music, books, anything really that comes to mind.”

He sighs. “I am confused as to the benefit of this dinner party.”

I laugh. “So just say I can plan one, and then the benefit for you will be a happy queen.”

“You.” He cups my face and turns me to him. “Are considerably more devious than you first appear.”

I smile and touch my lips to his. “Not devious, just determined to make a happy life here, with you.”

The driver pulls the carriage to a halt.

Athos alights and then helps me in my wide golden dress to navigate down the step. He pulls me into an embrace.

“And guests?” I say, looking up into his chiselled face. “Who shall we invite?”

“You tell me.”

I thought about it for a moment. “I should like to see Zuri again, perhaps meet her mate.”

“Pr-Hal, yes, he is a good man, a valued chef who adjusted Planet Hade food for Earth women.”

“Good, so that is two. How about a scientist?”

“Tr-Argon has a new mate, we could feed them at this dinner party.”

“And get to know them.”

“And that.”

“And you mentioned ambassadors? Do any have new females?”

“Yes, several.” He pauses and bites on his bottom lip. “I like Ar-Hagan, he is an excellent farmer, very progressive and has been in close communication with Earth regarding soil composition.”

“This is good, we have three couples. Only one more.” I pause. “When I stepped off the ship, there was a woman, she was kind to me, held my hand when I was so scared. Do you remember her?”

He frowns.

“I think her name was…” I click my tongue on the roof of my mouth, frustrated by my lack of memory.

He holds me a little tighter.

“Oh…blast, she had red hair and…oh Candice, that’s it. Candice. Can we find out who her mate is and invite them?”

“I know her mate.”

“You do?”

“Naturally, I selected each woman for each male. I know them all in here.” He taps the side of his head. “She is mated with Cy-Ray, one of my senior generals.”

“Excellent,” I smile. “This is a perfect dinner party line-up.”

“It is?”

“Yes, my grandmother always told me, and she was fond of throwing a dinner party, that you had to have interesting people to make for an interesting conversation and we will certainly have done that.”

“I am pleased you are pleased, now if that is cleared up, and set to be organized tomorrow, I must insist we go to my bedchamber.”

I recall the promise I’ve made him—that we will start the breeding program, tonight. A small thrill winds up my spine at the same time a little tremble of nerves tugs at my belly.

“Come my love, this way.”

With his arm curled around my waist he leads me up the wide stone steps to the palace entrance. There are staff around, discreet, silent, all in white, and I wonder if they know what we are about to do.

But who cares? We are as one now. We are mated for eternity. Athos and I.

Our footsteps echo on the shiny flooring. We don’t speak and with each step my anticipation grows. When we reach his bedchamber door I am breathing fast and my breasts pushing at the neckline of my gown.

I look at the two guards who are seated on the chairs either side.

“Are they staying?” I ask Athos quietly.

“Do you want them to?”

I shake my head. I don’t relish the thought of being listened to as I am doubly penetrated.

“Go.” Athos jerks his hand at them. “Guard from the lower level, we do not wish to be disturbed.”

“Yes Your Majesty.”

Quickly they stand and move silently down the corridor.

“Your wish is my command.” He grips the door handle. “Whatever it is you need or want you only have to say.”

“We do need lube, Athos.” I nod at the door. “Or I am going to my own bedchamber.”

“A copious amount of lube has been arranged.” He pushes open the door, his expression serious and tense. “Please, enter.”

It feels like stepping into his lair. The lighting is dim and the air heavy with something similar to cinnamon and cloves. Here the flooring is soft and plush and I pause to kick off my shoes.

The windows are covered in gauzy linen that blocks most of the outside light, there are just a few pinpricks of gold flashing through thinner threads like tiny stars.

I look at the vast bed covered in purple and red blankets and then at a tall case of what looks like Earth books, the titles mostly in English.

“We shall sleep after breeding,” he says.

I nod, sleep the furthest thing from my mind, and take a step toward the bed.