Aldebar Home by Teresa Howard

Author:Teresa Howard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC
Published: 2022-05-04T19:05:54+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN —Space—Bengari Vessel

Careful design created the illusion of spaciousness in the captain’s dining hall. The end walls reflected the interior furnishings with mirror mosaics that contrasted with the long walls of alabaster. A sleek ebony table, elegant in its simplicity, held room for twelve. It surprised Kelli when one of the crew escorted her to this table instead of the round table with the other students.

Kelli admired the design of the table while Duncan and Michael chatted with Shual. The table stood bare. Their host, Captain Raggion, was already fifteen minutes late. The door slid open and Rom Ishma entered, followed by the captain and two ambassadors.

Rom Ishma said, “Greetings, students, doctors. May I present your host, Captain Raggion. We also have the honor of dining with Lord Halvati of the House of Bengar, and Lord Tobul of the House of Shamar.” Rom Nebbar made brief introductions.

With eyes lowered, Kelli extended both hands with the palms up to Captain Raggion in what, according to Shual, was a standard Bengari greeting. In response, he laid his hands palms down on hers, pressing down. She looked up, smiling into the surprised face of the captain. The simple greeting had taken practice, but she performed it well. Raggion’s smile softened his face. She lowered her head and offered her hands, this time to Lord Halvati. When she felt the responding greeting, she looked up into the violet eyes of Lord Tobul. She was confused. How had he switched places with Lord Halvati?

“A beautiful greeting, my lady.” The old Shamaru war lord nodded. His face was impossible to read as he studied her reaction for a moment, and then turned to greet her companions.

Kelli’s heart hammered, her eyes glued to Lord Tobul as he greeted Duncan. She could have reached out and touched the gray and white wings folded across his back. If she could get one feather from those wings, she could do the genetic profile in a few hours.

Shual interrupted her thoughts, suggesting that she take a seat. “They are ready to serve us now.”

Kelli found herself between Lord Tobol and Rom Ishma. Duncan sat across from her between Shual and Lord Halvati. The captain was at the head of the table, with Michael at his right hand. The guests sat and four ranking officers entered, bowed, and filled the empty places. They were all Bengari.

They served drinks in ceremonial goblets to begin the formal meal. Kelli lifted her goblet, admiring the design etched into the exterior. Its silver glass shone in the light.

When Michael hesitated to drink, Lord Halvati glared at Captain Raggion. The captain hastened to apologize.

“My apologies for not warning you about the effects of Rube. Had I seen Miss Royal, I would have known it was unnecessary. Her beauty is enough to warm the coldest blood. I assure you that this is a mild tea and nothing more.”

Something in the captain’s tone assured everyone that both the apology and compliment were sincere. So, for the sake of diplomacy, Michael accepted them.

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