Breathtaking.
Onyx stared helplessly as she approached. He couldn’t think of a single word to say. His mind tripped over appreciative phrases and found them either insufficient or overdone. Eventually, he just settled for a neutral greeting.
“Good evening, Azura,” he said, a little too politely. She giggled.
“And to you, too, Onyx,” she answered, her voice melodic with amusement. “You look very handsome tonight.”
“Thank you,” Onyx said, beaming. “I was going to compliment you on your beautiful dress …”
“Actually, I was talking to Martin,” she laughed, “but the same goes for you.”
Onyx hoped he wasn’t blushing too hard.
You’re a damn fool. Is the rest of your life going to be embarrassing yourself in front of this woman?
He had to admit, the answer to that wasprobably.
“You look good in red,” Azura said, sitting slowly so she could arrange her flowing skirts. Martin made a small grunt.
“It’s more comfortable than jeans,” he said quietly. Azura seemed pleased to have gotten a response out of him, even one as small as that.
Onyx noticed her eyes darting over at him almost constantly as if she were trying to look without looking. His confidence grew.
Maybe she’s just as worried about being embarrassed as I am. That makes things easier.
As the servers brought out the first plates of food, Onyx decided it was a good time to discuss the day’s business.
“I spent a considerable amount of time today talking with Earth authorities,” he said. Azura paused immediately, her hand hovering over a basket of garlic bread. Martin ate his piece without even looking up.
“And?” Azura asked, her voice wavering just a little.
“We have a court date set in a couple of weeks. There were a few charges there, boy,” Onyx said, eyeing Martin. The kid looked back at him and shrugged.
“What charges?” Azura asked, alarmed.
“Some theft, drug possession, underage drinking. That type of thing. He might have gotten away with it if others involved had not pressed charges. Of course, we also have evading arrest now. I was very transparent about my part in it. I didn’t want to see you upset, and I’ve made sure the court knows I have the ability to hold Martin safely.”
Azura looked at Martin, her eyes wide. Onyx could hear her heart pounding against her chest. He reached out and squeezed her hand.
“It’s all right, Azura. If he steps foot back on Earth before the court date, he’d be thrown into jail for sure. I’ve gotten him a small clemency. I’ll be there for the court date with my lawyers and Gerri. We will get through this.”
“It’s good that you’re here, away from those friends of yours,” Azura said sadly. “You can’t get into too much trouble up here.”
“I’ll miss practice,” Martin said with some regret, “but at least I won’t have to go to school.”
“Incorrect,” Onyx said, smiling. “I’ve lined up tutors for you. You’ll be starting lessons tomorrow.”
“Lessons!” cried Martin. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, it won’t be anything like your school back home,” Onyx assured him as he buttered some bread. “Apparently, you like to get into fights. I’ve lined you up with Master Doran to start training with the staff. We’ll see how you enjoy learning to fight with discipline and honor.”
And learning how to take hits. My joints ache just thinking about my younger days training with Doran!
“No fucking way!” Martin cried, standing up. He slammed his hands on the table, making the bread baskets rock alarmingly. A server holding a platter of delicate finger foods gave him a shocked look as if she was scared to put the plate down.
“Language!” Azura shrieked. “How dare you show such disrespect …”
“Martin,” Onyx’s calm tone cut through their voices. He wasn’t particularly offended by swearing, just the boy’s attitude. “You will go to lessons, or you will go back to Earth and wait in a jail cell for your trial. Is that clear?”