"First, you show yourself to them, and now you bring the Homs HERE?" The voice bellowed. Melia winced, her body tensing in response. This time it wasn't her stepmother, but her father yelling at her. His voice thundered throughout his study, echoing off the stone walls, empty save for the Emperor, Melia, Tyrea, and Kallian, their older half brother. Soren's eyes blazed as he held his furious gaze upon her.
Melia did not respond. She knew the question was rhetorical and she didn't trust herself to answer without making things worse.
"It wasn't her fault. It was mine." Tyrea interjected. "Don't punish her for my mistake."
"Don't you dare interrupt me. You're next," Soren snarled, not taking his eyes off of Melia.
Stunned, Tyrea bowed her head. Melia could see her sister's mouth twitch, struggling to keep her lips in a straight line. Tyrea was not one to become visibly upset, so when she did, it was a significant occurrence.
Regret flushed through Melia. This was all her fault that they were in this situation. Tyrea didn't deserve this. She shouldn't have put Tyrea in this position. Had they instead left for the Homs' base...
But then Dunban might be dead. And Melia could not have fathomed such a thing.
"How could you do this, Melia? How could you be so brazen? Is this how I raised you? To endanger your people?" His eyes bored into hers. "I thought I raised you to be a good, obedient daughter. This was...I don't even know where to begin. I'm appalled by your decision making."
Her eyes warmed and her vision became glossy. She dug her fingernails into her palms as she held her hands behind her back, willing herself to keep the tears at bay.
Soren turned away from his children, rubbing his temples. "Now, I must decide what to do with them. I cannot let them go now that they are aware of where we are hiding. Does that mean I kill them?"
Her blood ran cold. "Father, you can't!" The plea was out of her mouth before she knew it.
"I bloody well can if I choose to." He spat, dropping his hands to his sides. Soren took a seat at his desk, interweaving his fingers as he brought his hands to his lap and leaned back in his chair.
Melia felt her chest tighten. She could not let the Homs die, not when she had brought them here herself in order to save them.
"Father, if I may," Kallian interjected, stepping forward. "If I may say so, Tyrea did bring to us important information regarding the Ganglion. And Tyrea and Melia did destroy one of their bases. That must be considered."
A sparkle of hope and gratitude ignited in Melia's stomach. Her brother had always been Soren's favorite. Maybe his interceding would save them. At least, she hoped, it would save Tyrea and the Homs.
"You have a loyal brother." Soren glared at the two young women. "And the information Tyrea retrieved has been...valuable to say the least. That doesn't solve the question of what to do with these Homs. Nor how to punish you both."
"I believe they are not our enemies," Melia carefully replied.
"And how would you know? Have you talked to them?"
"...Not in great depth."
"So this is more of an assumption than a truth."
She struggled to keep her voice neutral while her heart hammered in her chest. "They could have easily turned on us in the middle of the fight with the Prone. They did not. Instead, Dunban is injured because of me."
"What?" Soren sat upright.
Her heart skipped a beat. Perhaps this was her salvation.
"The Homs man. He took the shot that was meant for me. Otherwise, I would be the one lying in the infirmary, most likely dead, father." She kept her voice firm, her gaze resolute.
The Emperor studied her, the wheels of his mind working. A few silent moments slipped by and Melia felt a burst of butterflies explode in her diaphragm. Whatever Soren said next would be the determination of the Homs fate.
Finally, he opened his mouth. "Fine. I will speak to them. Then I will make a judgment."
A stop gap. That was all she could hope for at the moment it seemed.
"Thank you." Melia hesitated then asked. "What about the Nopon?"
"He will be released. His people have kept their distance." Soren answered.
"Can we see them?"
"Certainly not. You will both be escorted to your rooms and kept there under guard until the Homs are presented to me."
Melia nodded. At least they weren't being sent to the dungeons. Besides, she had no doubt that Tyrea would fly around the castle and come to her room in the dead of night so they could talk. Tyrea knew all of the secret ways to get around. Melia sometimes worried that one day she would wake up to find Tyrea simply gone from her life, having easily escaped her imprisonment.
After being escorted to her quarters, Melia headed for the bathroom and promptly hopped into the shower. The water sprayed over her and she began scrubbing the dirt and sweat and blood and tears from her skin. It was difficult to believe how much had transpired in the past four or five hours. First, she and Tyrea were sneaking out of the city. Then they were allying themselves with Dunban and his team. Next, they were in the middle of a battle. And finally, they were on house arrest for saving a man's life.
Oddly enough, she didn't regret it one bit. Clearly, Tyrea was rubbing off on her.
Gods, she hoped Dunban was alright.
It had been sixteen hours since the Homs arrived in Melia's city. Twelve of those Dunban had spent asleep, recovering from the wound he'd incurred during the battle at the Prone base. His team had rested as well in the quarters provided to them by Melia's people. They were exceedingly comfortable, enough beds for each of them. Additionally, a medical professional had come to check on Dunban in the morning when he awoke. Considering Melia and Tyrea's fears about bringing him and his team back to their city, Dunban was surprised by the warm welcome they had received. And that kept him on his guard.
A nagging also emitted in the back of his mind, like an alarm clock going off every ten minutes. He hadn't radioed to NLA. He had missed the check-in. And the last thing he wanted was for NLA to send a team towards their last known location. He didn't want to jeopardize any possible relationship he could cultivate with Melia's people. Given the level of distrust Melia had implied that her people felt towards humans, snooping humans weren't going to help with that.
But ultimately, Dunban knew there wasn't anything he could do about that at the present moment, even though these thoughts continued running through his brain as he finished the breakfast the attendants had left for him and his team.
"What do you think they'll do with us?" Fiora asked as she lay her fork down next to her plate.
He could hear the tremor in her voice and sighed inwardly. Between his injury and his need for sleep, Dunban hadn't had a moment to check-in with Fiora. Once again he was being a neglectful older brother, her only family.
"I mean, if they wanted to kill us, they already would've." Reyn shoved a piece of fish into his mouth.
"Really?" Sharla glared across the table.
Reyn shrugged. "I still think it means they may want us alive."
"He does make a logical point. Even if the delivery was lacking." Dunban said and refocused his attention on Fiora. "I will negotiate, just as I did with the Nopon. Once we explain who we are, that we mean no harm, and the importance of the Lifehold, we will come to an understanding with them."
"We don't even know who they are, much less what they call themselves." Shulk contemplated, swirling his water in his glass. "I wonder what kind of technology they have. If it's more advanced than ours, maybe we could learn from them. And from what we've seen, it definitely seems to be."
"First we have to befriend them," Dunban responded.
KNOCK KNOCK. All eyes snapped to the door as it opened. Dunban felt a shiver of anticipation rumble through his body, but it immediately dissipated when an armored man entered. "The Emperor requires the presence of your leader."
"That would be me." Dunban raised his hand. Carefully, he began to rise from his seat. Fiora jumped up to help him. She guided him over to his wheelchair — another measure of generosity from Melia's people that wasn't necessary — and helped him sit.
"Will you be okay?" Fiora whispered.
"Yes. Don't worry about me."
"How can I not do that? You're injured!"
"I'm healing." He squeezed her hand. "I'll be back soon. Just, try and distract yourself."
"Easy for you to say."
He smirked and shook his head. Tapping on the buttons on the right armrest, he guided the chair forward, passing by the guard as he drove through the door. The guard closed the door, then began to lead the way.
The journey was passed in silence. Despite the bedrest, the man still felt exhausted. Without proper rest, he wasn't sure he'd be able to survive another week in the Noctilum wilderness, which was necessary for their mission. That worried him. If the mission wasn't complete, then the mapping and search for the Lifehold pieces would be stalled. And that was unacceptable.
Soon though, the thoughts drifted away, overtaken by wonder and awe at his surroundings. Everywhere he looked was white or silver; pristine, untouchable. The walls of the building — palace? he wasn't sure what exactly he was in — looked to be more than stone or steel. And the technology imbued within the walls was clearly far advanced than anything his people had created and had access too. There was no doubt in Dunban's mind that Melia's race was highly advanced.
A shadow of fear passed over him. What if he wouldn't be able to convince them to keep his team alive?
No. That wasn't an option. He couldn't — wouldn't — allow himself to think like that. He would reason with their leader and Fiora and the others would be safe.
Finally, it appeared they reached their destination. The guard pulled open a double set of doors and gestured for Dunban to enter. He felt an uncharacteristic anxiety sweep through him as he directed the wheelchair forward. But it only took him seconds to evaluate why. He looked physically weak. And that was the one thing he hated the most.
Straightening in the chair, Dunban guided the chair towards what he believed was the receiving platform. From what he could see, he was in the throne room. About twenty feet away on a raised platform sat an older man and woman on individual thrones. Next to the older man was a younger version of himself. No doubt his son.
Then he saw her. Melia — and Tyrea — stood to his left against the wall, both staring straight ahead. Neither acknowledged him.
His stomach crunched. This was to be some sort of interrogation.
"State your purpose here, Homs." The tall man boomed from his seated position.
"My name is Dunban. May I ask your name so I know to whom I'm speaking?"
Silence. Clearly, that wasn't the expected move. But none of this was expected. Five years ago, never in his wildest dreams would he have believed he'd be on a foreign planet speaking with different xenoforms. Yet here he was. It didn't shock him given what he and his race had been through, but that still didn't mean it was expected.
The man cleared his throat. "I am Emperor Soren of the High Entia."
High Entia. That must've been what their people were called.
"Thank you for providing me with medical attention. I understand it's unusual given we don't know each other yet, but I appreciate it all the same."
Soren raised an eyebrow in surprise. Did he not expect politeness? Hopefully, that was a good sign.
"You didn't say why you are here, Dunban."
Dunban nodded. "My people sent myself and my team here to Noctilum to survey the land. We are building a map of the planet so we can locate parts of our ship that split off when we crashed here."
"And what purpose do you have with us?"
"None. We didn't realize you were even here."
"Which you wouldn't have if it had not been for my daughter." Soren glared over at Melia, who didn't move. Didn't even bat an eye. It was like she was stone. Dunban wanted to defend her but thought better of it. Most likely if he did, he would only make her father's ire worse.
Then his mind skidded to a halt. Daughter. Melia was Soren's daughter, meaning she was the princess of the High Entia. He could hear Fiora's voice in his mind say, "Well now that's going to make things complicated."
Dunban pushed the thought away.
"We mean you no harm."
"Why should I believe that?"
"We are strangers here on Mira. We seek alliances with those who would seek a mutually beneficial relationship. It also seems that we have a common enemy."
"The Ganglion."
"Is that what they're called? We know very little about them, other than the fact that they shot us down onto this planet after attacking our homeworld."
"What is your homeworld named?"
"It was called Earth. But it was destroyed in a war. The Ganglion had a part to play in its destruction."
A flash of something blinked through Soren's eyes. Dunban couldn't tell what it was. Recognition? But it was gone as soon as it came.
"It appears we share a history. The Ganglion drove us from our homeworld as well."
The man felt his features morph into surprise. Dunban certainly hadn't been expecting that. He clasped his hands in his lap. A shared experience: the obliteration of their homes. How widespread did the Ganglion menace reach? Had they destroyed other races as they'd attempted with both humans and now apparently High Entia?
Hot red anger flashed through him before he tempered it down. This was not a place to entertain such feelings. And most definitely not the time for such rage to be expressed, even if it would be understood.
"What are the pieces of your ship that are missing?" Soren asked, mirroring Dunban's body language by clasping his hands in his lap as well.
Dunban studied the older man. While he wanted the High Entia to trust him, he was uncertain if he'd made a great enough impression to be considered an ally yet. What if Soren turned around and searched for the Lifehold himself? Held it ransom? Or blew it up? A voice in his mind murmured that it did not seem likely, but he would not allow himself to trust so easily. Even if Melia was his daughter. Yet, at the same time, if he lied, it would endanger the lives of his team and any potential alliance between their two peoples.
So he would temper the truth.
"One of these pieces held a group of humans who are in stasis. If we do not find them, they will die."
"You are very honest." Soren mused.
"You hold our lives in your hands, it would be unwise to lie. Lying also defeats the purpose. I am hoping we can come to trust each other. That our peoples can become allies." Soren did not respond. Dunban continued, "If you wish it, we can forget we ever met. My team and I will not mention your existence to our people. You shall remain a mystery."
"You would do this for us?"
"Yes. But I think it would help us both to join forces against the Ganglion."
Soren eyed him thoughtfully. "I shall consider your proposal. You shall be escorted back to your quarters."
"Thank you." Dunban inclined his head in lieu of a bow. Hesitating, he flicked his eyes towards Melia, then back to the Emperor. "Could I speak with Melia?"
For a moment, Dunban was certain that the older man was going to say no. But to his relief, Soren nodded and waved dismissively at Melia and Tyrea. "The two of you may go with him."
Nodding, they began walking towards the exit. As they fell into step with Dunban, he caught Melia's eye and gave her a small smile. Although she didn't smile back, he could see her give the tiniest of nods.
Because they were escorted by a pair of guards, the trip back to the quarters was one done in silence. Finally, when the doors closed behind them and they were away from formal ears, Dunban opened his mouth, ready to address Melia.
"Melly! City is so pretty!" Riki chirped as he bounded over to the trio.
Dunban sighed inwardly. It seemed he would have to wait his turn.
"I'm very glad you like it, Riki," Melia responded and picked the Nopon up, cradling him in her arms. She ruffled his fur and he purred. "How are you all getting on?" Melia stepped further into the room to address the others, who were scattered about.
"What are those orange things they give us to eat? They were delicious." Reyn grinned from his reclined position on the sofa.
"Poison," Tyrea shrugged.
"What?!"
"She's obviously joking, Reyn." Sharla rolled her eyes from a nearby armchair.
"Oh. Right. I knew that."
"If the Emperor says we can be allies, then can I see your tech? I'd love to learn more." Shulk asked from the loveseat, where he sat in close proximity to Fiora. Neither of them seemed too eager to get up, but still maintained a respectable distance of five or so inches from each other.
"Hold your unicorns, buddy."
"You know what a unicorn is?" Reyn asked.
"You don't?"
Tyrea began to field more questions about the High Entian civilization from the team. Dunban focused his attention on Melia. She met his eyes and he gestured towards the window. Nodding, she set Riki down, who waddled over to Fiora and took up residence in her lap.
Dunban rose from the wheelchair with a wince. Not only was his recent wounds hurting, but also his arms. His body was rebelling against him.
"Should you be doing that?" Melia asked, worry creasing her brow.
"I can't sit any longer," Dunban responded, and moved towards the window. He leaned against the sill to support himself, making eye contact with Melia as she stopped beside him.
"What did you want to speak about?"
"I still haven't properly thanked you for your saving me at the waterfall."
"Oh." A faint pink rose in her cheeks. It was a good color for her. "I'm just, glad you're well. Well I mean, you were alright then, and now you're injured because of me so truly I should be apologizing and thanking you now."
"I've been hurt before. This time though I know it was worth it." The words were out of his mouth before he even knew he was saying them. What on earth had possessed him to deliver a line like that?
She looked at him, startled. Clearly, she too thought it was too much. He needed to backtrack.
"You're a princess."
"Yes, that is correct."
"And Tyrea is..."
"My stepsister. Her mother is my father's first wife."
"But she isn't his child."
"No. It's a...sensitive subject."
If the rules surrounding royals and their lineage were anything like those on Earth, Dunban had no doubt it was.
"And the man who stood by your father? Who is he?" Dunban could hazard a guess, but it was better to ask.
"Our half brother Kallian. My father and stepmother's son. He is the heir."
"I see."
He was tempted to ask about her mother but given the strange nature of their relationship where they felt closer than acquaintances but were acquaintances nonetheless, he thought better of it.
Silence settled between the two and they each looked out the window. It was a beautiful sunny day. From the room, he could see the sparkling ocean. They must be wedged into the side of a mountain, he surmised. Well-hidden though. As the silence stretched between them, he wracked his brain for a new conversation topic, any topic at all. He wasn't sure what else to talk about, but he all he knew was that he wanted to keep talking with her.
"Do you have any family?" She asked, cutting through his uncharacteristic social anxiety.
"Fiora is my sister."
"I see."
"Our relationship is rocky. It's a sensitive subject."
Melia smiled at his joke. "Family always seems to be."
"So, what is the beast at the Roost?" Dunban inquired.
The smile fell away. Inwardly, he cursed. He had said the wrong thing. "A sensitive subject," he suggested.
She nodded. "Very."
Subject change was required. He tried again, "How long have your people been on Mira?"
Melia hesitated, her eyes flicking away from his and back out through the window.
"I apologize. I shouldn't be interrogating my host." Dunban sighed.
"It's alright. I understand that you have many questions. I just think it would be best if you spoke to my father about these things when an alliance is solidified."
Ah. That was quite a diplomatic answer. She wouldn't divulge anything until she knew her people could trust him. A pang of disappointment vibrated within him, but he shrugged it away. There was no reason she should trust him blindly. As he had reasoned before, they hardly knew each other, despite the fact they'd saved each other's lives now multiple times. That had to engender some degree of trust though...
It still disappointed him.
"Do you think he will agree to it?"
"Truthfully, I cannot say. My father and I are not...close."
Dunban could hear the downward intonation in her voice though her face betrayed no hint of emotion. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"No, I should apologize. It is unbefitting of me to burden you with such personal things."
The response surprised him. She had made an omission of truth, the smallest, tiniest omission, and was now apologizing to him. As if she were burdening him. He considered the answer. It was clear she didn't have many people to confide in. And maybe those she did have in the past made her feel burdensome. Or perhaps it came from her father. He wasn't going to psychoanalyze her, but he definitely didn't want her to feel that way with him.
"You don't need to apologize, Melia. I understand your reluctance of sharing personal feelings but don't worry. At least, not with me. In fact, I'd like to get to know you better. Especially since you saved my life."
"By that logic, I should get to know you better as well."
"I can't say I would mind that." He grinned. He could see the corners of her mouth turn upward and her eyes sparkle slightly. Maybe he wasn't making such a fool of himself after all.
A few minutes later, Melia and Tyrea were summoned to return to the throne room. They took their leave, Melia whispering good-bye to him and hesitantly laying her hand on his shoulder in a comforting manner before departing.
Never before had he met such a woman. Poised. Diplomatic. Almost completely unemotional.
"What was she like?" Fiora asked, ambling over to him, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"She's very strong."
"...wow Dunban. Super romantic."
"Excuse me?"
"You were talking to her in private and all you can say is that she's strong?"
"Fiora, what did you expect me to do?" He raised an eyebrow at her. "
"I don't know. Not be boring."
"I don't think we had a boring conversation."
"Sure." She flung her arms up dramatically and pivoted, making her way back towards the group.
Dunban turned his gaze back out to the ocean. His mind drifted to Melia, the melodic sound of her voice, the impassive expression on her fine features, the rigidity that she kept within her body. He wanted to know why she was the way she was. He wanted to know what was behind the armor she wore around him, around everyone.
And that's when it occurred to him that this wasn't curiosity of the professional kind. No, this was a personal one. Dunban was attracted to the High Entian princess.
A/N: I got my thesis back today, and I passed! So yay! I'm not done with school yet, but closing in on the last few weeks. But hopefully this will satisfy y'all until I get the next chapter out.
