The wood construction of the Queen's Fare was a marvel of engineering and taste. Nanites carved out the construction to a fine, polished finish, including the bars and tables—All furnishings and structures. I could see my reflection on the floors.

I could hear the smirk in Razor's voice behind me as he said, "Yes, it is a wonder. The hive was a husk when I found it. If you ever want a peek at the technology behind it, I would be happy to show you."

A husk in Monarch 3. Surely, this wasn't the same hive—

"The burlesque lounge is through there." With a nail-less finger, Razor pointed to the unlit room off the lobby. "Deliver this envelope to your contact in the VIP balcony. Tell security I sent you. In the meantime, I will be conducting some business in the back." He patted my shoulder in one of his congenial gestures, saying, "It may take some time, so until then, I suggest you enjoy yourself once your errand is finished." After winking at me, he went behind the lobby's bar and through a door meant for employees only.

His bizarre nature left me shaking my head a lot, but often with a smile. Which was better than staying home, alone, pulling out my hair. Right?

I headed for the dark archway—

Behind me, Razor called, "Oh, Xelan?"

With a glance over my shoulder, I caught the mischievous grin on his face.

"Try not to blush."

I laughed, waving him off. Thanks to father's consummation ceremonies, blushing was unlikely, so off I went into the dark. The lounge was decorated in heavy black and purple fabric cascading from the ceiling. The chairs and barstools matched the color scheme in plushy elegance. Darkness congregated around the colors, creating an intimate bedroom atmosphere which smelled of vanilla.

Notably, it was like Razor's scent, minus the coagulated blood. When I asked about it, he'd said the darker scent resulted from a rare bone disorder common in his people. But when I asked about his race, he gave me one of those 'I know something you don't, and I delight in keeping it from you' smiles. It was Razor's favorite smile.

Back to the story.

Women and men of all origins from across the Vast Collective performed on the stages in various ranges of undress. I knew without being familiar with their cultures that each of them represented the peak standard of beauty from their home worlds.

With a glance upward, I noticed the draped material gathered at the base of each balcony until it formed the outline of...

All the females in the Vast Collective must bear the same anatomy to an extent.

I did blush. It burned my cheeks as I approached the only set of stairs and the Mon3 drone guarding its base—

Did I... Did I know him? He looked so familiar...

Oh.

It was him!

The drone who had let me give his Queen a nacre. The last time I'd seen him, he'd dropped me on the surface of the magnificent tree where I found Nox and Korac ripping people apart.

Did the Queen survive? Did the nacre and my blood revive her—

"Sir?"

The security drone said it as if he'd tried to reach me several times.

"Pardon me." How do I ask about his Queen in the very same hive my father had ruined and my employer had appropriated? I ran a frustrated hand through my hair and considered my options before I choked out, "Razor sent me to meet someone in the VIP balconies."

Instead of Traitor Prince, they should call me Cowardly Prince.

"Go ahead."

To satisfy one curiosity, I asked, "Do you need some proof of my affiliation?"

The drone chuckled. "You must be green to Razor's company. No one would dare misuse the Pain Curator's name."

Rather than satisfying my curiosity, his answer only fueled it further. I muttered, "Thank you," before climbing the stairs to the balconies. Only one was occupied.

I rapped my knuckles on the archway. "Excuse me?"

"Come in, friend."

Again, I asked as I entered, "What makes you assume I am a friend?" I sat in the chair beside the contact, unable to see him in the dark with his face turned away.

The informant shrugged. "We are all friends here." His accent drew out the 'S' sounds in a hiss. When he turned, his eyes took me by surprise. One half of each iris was was black, and the other half was blue. They were set in shallow sockets, surrounded by red scales. When he smiled, his front teeth were comprised of fangs in varying length, and when he spoke, his tongue was forked at the end. "Hello, your highness. Is that envelope for me?"

In my study, Iuo toasted me with an ice cream cone. "Finally, we've arrived at the integral parts of this Verse."

Some chuckles and snickers sent me back into the story.

After I handed over the envelope, Iuo checked it and smiled. "I never thought a celebrity would run errands for the Pain Curator." He reached out a hand, saying, "I am Prince Iuo of Reipon, and I am beyond delighted to meet you."

I took the hand and reveled in the texture. Fascinated, I stared. Unsure how to take his compliments, I blurted, "May I ask for a sample of your DNA?"

Iuo barked out a laugh. "Yes. Yes, you are living up to your reputation. It would be my honor to contribute as your first Lamian specimen." He plucked a scale from his arm and offered it to me.

Eyes wide, I stored it carefully. "Thank you."

After an amused shake of his head, Iuo got straight to the point. "Regarding the business which brings us here. Your daughter has instigated some trouble, demanding access to local hives. Healthy ones. Those are off limits." Iuo waved a finger for emphasis. "No one can enter a Queen's dominion. When Celindria could not pry them, she threatened the drones before leaving of her own accord, all while promising reprisal. Does that sound like the girl you know?"

This tore at me. Could I say I ever really knew Celindria? But then I thought of the vacancy in her eyes as she'd asked for my help—What it must be like to go through life unable to experience it fully.

I sighed and wiped my hand down my face.

The gesture sparked something in Iuo. He gripped my shoulder and offered, "We can locate her and return her to your care before Enki claims her. Do you know of her next destination?"

If Celindria was demanding the gas...

"Lacceirus Capra."

Iuo kept glancing back at the stage, as if afraid to miss the act, but still managed to say, "We shall venture there next. I am positive Razor can find some lucrative excuse to send you, and I will accompany you."

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

I couldn't keep from frowning. "Why?" I hated asking when I sought alliances and friendships, but that voice in my head said to doubt everything, everyone.

Iuo's smile was kind, as he said, "I am a 'performative' historian for Enki. They are extremely interested in you, and my presence as an official could tame some of their desire to pursue you and Celindria. It will satisfy Officer Tumu's concern. Consider me a chaperon."

Officer Tumu.

The same name kept coming up.

I said, "Thank you."

With another glance at the stage, Iuo assured, "I will join you once I have gleaned all the inspiration I need from here. About two hours? In the meantime, recruit Seps."

I tilted my head. "Seps?"

Iuo pointed at the stairs. "The Mon3 drone. He was among the individuals your wayward child threatened, so he has a vested interest in your case. No—Wipe those worries away. Seps is a peace-loving individual. Like me, he only resorts to violence when the occasion calls for it."

I frowned, asking, "You saw Celindria. Do you think the occasion will call for it?"

There was a... flicker of something in Iuo's eyes before he said, "Let me just say we may need the additional muscle. Two hours."

Back in my study, I asked Iuo, "Did you actually want to finish the show or were you staging what came next?"

Iuo put on his best innocent face. "I haven't a clue what you're talking about. That burlesque show completely inspired the next series of videos I filmed."

Bones mumbled, "Sure."

I glanced over at Tumu, whose warm expression reminded me of why I valued my friendships so. With a grin, I accused, "You were already chasing me down."

The old Primary returned the expression. "You didn't know it, but your days were numbered."

Lamassau chuffed. "All of our days..."

Korac raised his glass. "I'll drink to that."

The room took a collective sip, even Pax drank from his orange juice.

I reflected on what came next—

Oh.

Hmm.

I turned to Tameka and leaned down to mutter in her ear. "The next part I'd rather tell you in private, but..."

She smiled and said, "We don't have time. It's okay. I'll get through it."

"Smith, please read on."

Seps waited downstairs, and I didn't need to ask if he'd been listening. The determination was set in the line of his jaw.

Instead, I asked, "So will you come with us?"

With a glance left and right, Seps muttered, "I need you to come with me before I can leave with you."

This smelled of trouble.

"Sure."

A half-hour later, I knew we'd exited the tree by the sudden freshness in the air. It smelled wild and uncompromised by technology, just as it did all those millennia ago when we'd first stepped inside. Of course, I needed my nose to tell me this because Seps had blindfolded me and stuffed some wax in my ears, deafening me. If not for the lead tied between us, he would've lost me in flight.

I didn't blame Seps for his caution—

Wait.

A coolness came over me, and the smell changed. It was... more the perfume of fragrant flowers and—

The hood came off and left me facing Seps, who gestured for me to remove the wax from my ears. It was dim in the space. Some light transitioned in color along the walls like the reflection of water. Purple gas hovered at my feet.

We were in a hive.

In the center, a form moved until great wings unfurled, revealing a frail body at its center. I'd recognize those lips anywhere. Having been a Prince all my life, I can count the few times I went to my knees for another person on one hand—Apart from a lover, of course.

In my study, people chuckled, but Pax glanced around, confused.

Tameka shot me an adorably admonishing look, and the story continued.

On my knees, I bowed my head, saying, "Your majesty."

"F8," the Monarch 3 Queen corrected. "Young man, why have you returned once more in the company of our enemy?"

Enemy? "Razor?"

F8 pushed her hair over her shoulder and clicked her tongue. "All men not of this world are our enemy."

"Am I your enemy, your majesty?" My question puzzled F8 into frowning. I gently assured, "No. Not everyone harbors ill-intentions. I seek my daughter. She came here, and—"

"Threatened us. Demanded our clouds," Seps finished.

F8 shot him a look for the outburst, but agreed with a reluctant nod. "He speaks the truth. She is the first to ask for a Queen not for breeding, but for our pheromones. What sin does she wish to commit against our people?"

This was uncomfortable to admit, but I said, "I created her from this..." I waved my hand through the gas. "And other materials. I believe she intends to recreate the process, but I want to stop her. To save her from the... sin I fear she may commit against herself." I swallowed before bringing up the next bit. "An ally mentioned Seps should join us on the journey."

Seps frowned, but F8 conceded the point to me with a bow of her head. "Yes. This is a beneficial alliance. Cinder and the world Enki has named Monarch 3."

I quirked a brow out of curiosity. "What do you call it?"

"Home."

That earned a smile. "Yes. Your home. I would never betray my own intentions. When I revived you, I intended for your people to thrive. Tell me, how many of you possess nacres now?"

F8 glanced over at Seps, who gave an assenting shrug. The Queen said, "All of us. We walk among the worlds of men and do their bidding to prevent further expansion into our home. To learn and subvert their designs. Beware of your new companion with the changing eyes."

It was my turn to bow and concede the point about Razor. "Yes, your majesty. So, what say you? An alliance?"

F8 crossed the hive with the gas billowing around her dainty ankles like thick smoke. The closer she drew, the headier the smell of the flowers became. When she stood not a breath away, I could see her lids were low and her eyes sparked with fire. They raked down and up again, assessing me.

The Queen confessed, "We are a hive. Communal. All arrangements are sealed one way."

I frowned. "How?"

F8 needed to levitate to reach my face with her small hand. She cupped my jaw and flew in to kiss me. Curious, I let her. After which, I grasped her proposal.

"Oh."

In my study, Tameka gaped at me. Shocked, she cried, "You didn't?!"

Sagan grinned at me.

I wet my lips and tried for a good defense. "I'm a scientist, and I was curious."

Tumu barked out an incredulous laugh.

Lamassau admonished me. "That's so weak. You introduced an ex-lover to your current one without mentioning—I mean, you designed Iona Pax with F8 on the team—" He gave a hearty laugh before toasting me. "You, my friend, are messy."

I didn't bother explaining it was a simple one-time business transaction, but the defensiveness was there all the same. Better to save it for a private conversation with Tameka.

Korac jumped in. "How many of our allies did you sleep with, exactly?"

Sagan nudged Korac, but the question still stood.

I wanted to loosen my collar even though I wasn't wearing a shirt under my frock coat. Eventually, I squeezed out, "That is a hard question to answer. Technically, only F8 made it into the Elect, but..." I swallowed, saying the next. "I have taken a partner from each race to experiment with the capability Enki's reproduction program had instilled to see if it was as viable as they'd assumed." My face burned.

Tameka stared at me. I was worried—

"None of that, Superman. It's a simple matter of accepting your varied history. You know how gracious Tameka is about you living so long and acquiring a few exes."

Very well.

Sagan's expression was unexpected. She smiled with something close to admiration in her eyes. "I dig it."

Korac gave a bewildered shake of his head and took a drink like it could wipe away the mental images.

In the back, Puk folded his arms and tsked, near sulking.

Matt asked, loud enough for the room to hear, "What is it, man?"

The Mon3 drone, in his pride, admitted with some disappointment in his voice, "I always thought once you go drone, you never go home."

Much laughter ensued.

Iuo began listing off statistics in which Puk's assumption simply wasn't the case.

In the ruckus this caused, I whispered to Tameka. "Are we all right?"

She gave me wide eyes, a slow blink, and a wary smile. "Yeah. We can talk later. I promise it's not a big deal." With all the kindness in her, she took my hand and gave it a weak squeeze. "Really."

I waved for Smith to keep reading amid the noise.

He looked back at my journal and read, "'With the arrangement consummated, Seps returned with me to the Queen's Fare. We emerged in the lobby with Iuo and proposed the expedition to L. Capra to Razor. He beamed, delighted, and said, "How fortuitous. I have another package for you to deliver, and the recipient happens to reside on L. Capra."'"

The Shadow fell silent.

I made eye contact with each of them before I flicked the lapels up on my frock. "Now the adventure begins."

"Superman, are you trying to exasperate Korac to death?"

Am I that transparent, Little Rayne?