CHAPTERNINE
ONYX
Onyx felt tired and stressed as he left his office, but he was looking forward to the evening all the same. He couldn’t wait to see Azura again, and he hoped she was rested well enough to enjoy dinner.
He checked in with his staff to make sure they had clothes prepared for both Azura and Martin, then headed to the kitchens to make sure they had prepared Earth-friendly food. It was of vital importance to him that his guests felt at home.
He was able to head to his rooms for a quick shower and change before the dinner hour, and he was surprised to find he was nervous as he headed to the main hall. He couldn’t wait to see Azura, but he also hoped he had done enough to show her exactly how much she meant to him.
Martin was already there when he arrived at the table, looking only slightly sullen. The boy wore a long, loose tunic in dark crimson and finely cut black pants, the same style that Onyx wore. Only his were gray and black.
Normally, I wouldn’t wear anything this formal to dinner, but I really want to impress my mate.
The moment the thought flitted through his mind, Onyx suddenly wondered if he’d gone too far. The long-ish tunic or loose jacket over slim fitted pants was the usual style on Nova Aurora for men, but the ones he was wearing now were tailored and embroidered with detail.
Maybe, she’ll think that I look like this every day and be intimidated. Damn, why didn’t I work harder to learn about Earth women?
Then, he realized he had an Earth native right in front of him who might be able to answer his questions.
“Martin!” he said jovially. “Good to see you found your way to the dining area.”
Onyx cursed himself slightly as he sat at the head of the table with Martin on his left.
Of course, the kid found the dining hall. Got any other stupid lines you’d like to trip over before your mate gets here, or would you like to save them for her so she can laugh too?
“Yeah,” Martin answered, looking at the table without enthusiasm. Onyx frowned. It was as if the kid had not even heard him.
“Are your rooms to your liking?”
“I guess.”
“Is there anything you need that has not been provided for you?”
Martin shrugged. Onyx was watching his hopes of a civil conversation going down in flames. Not only was Martin from Earth, but Azura was his sister. If Onyx wanted to know how to make her happy, Martin would be the obvious choice to ask.
It looks like that’s not going to happen. What’s wrong with the kid? Is he sick?
“Martin,” Onyx said firmly. It wasn’t quite snapping, but it was close. Martin looked up swiftly and met his eyes.
“What?” he asked, almost mimicking Onyx’s tone. Onyx couldn’t help a little smile, even though he hid it quickly.
Teenage boy energy … Right when the testosterone starts running. I guess it’s the same on every planet.
“I am enquiring if you are well and if you require any assistance to be made comfortable in my home. The polite thing to do is acknowledge I have spoken, think about the question and provide me with an answer. Especially since I am asking if there is anything I can do for you.”
Martin stared him down, not even blinking.
“Sorry,” he said, in a casual tone, “but I guess I’m not familiar with the customs of an alien planet.”
Onyx actually had to bite his tongue. He knew that basic manners applied on every planet. The kid had potential, but he’d never reach it if someone didn’t pull him out of his self-pity now.
Confusion bubbled up inside him as he wondered what to do with the boy, how to approach him. He didn’t know if comradery or friendship was the best way, and knowing which to use was vital.
Luckily, they were both saved from finding out, at least for now, because Azura entered the room from the main doors at the end of the dining room.
She was wearing a long dress of pale gold silk, strips of shining fabric crossing over her ample breasts, wrapped tightly around her waist to fall in folds from her curvy hips and swish about her legs as she walked.
The color of the gown made her soft brown eyes appear brighter and set off the glow of her hair and skin. She looked extremely relaxed and happy as she walked toward them, the spring in her step making her hips sway just a little.