3. En’Zal

"We shouldn't have come here," my brother growls.

"This time, I'm inclined to agree with you."

The human servant has brought us to a private booth that overlooks a smoke-filled bar. There's all types of aliens down below in the bar, smoking, drinking, gambling.

That's not the part that troubles me.

No. That is because of the stage.

It is empty now, but my senses are telling me it won't be for long. There's too much nervous energy in this room. The patrons are antsy. Hungry.

"What do you think they're selling here?" Khi'Zal asks.

"I don't want to know. Where's King Ro"Kal?"

I peer through the crowd, looking for his slim blue-frame. I don't spot him. I'm becoming restless, moving around in my seat. I want to strike a peace between our nations and return home — every moment I spend in this den of evil is one too many.

Finally, the door to our booth opens, and King Ro"Kal stands in the doorframe. He's five foot tall, with blue, scaled skin and bright yellow eyes. A gaudy, thick, colorful robe adorns his wiry frame.

I prefer to wear a simple black suit. I do not need flashy robes to prove my wealth or power, but Ro"Kal feels otherwise.

"King Ro"Kal," I say.

"King En'Zal. You came."

"Of course," I said. "I'm a man of my word."

"So you say," Ro"Kal answers. "Khi"Zal, I see you came as well. Uninvited."

"Wherever I go, my brother goes."

"You asked me for a private meeting," Ro"Kal answers. "And yet you brought back-up."

"Yes, and you picked a busy whorehouse as a location for our private meeting, and you made sure everyone can see us," I answer as I gesture at the packed bar down below.

Several people have already noticed us, and I see some fingers pointing our way.

"It seems we've both made some mistakes," I say. "Come, Ro"Kal. Sit. Let's talk business. This war has gone on long enough."

Ro"Kal enters our booth, his long robe fluttering behind him. He sits down next to me. Khi"Zal cautiously moves one hand towards the blade at his side, and I lift a finger to stop him.

"Ah, En'Zal. My boring cousin. Always straight to business. You're no fun. The show is just about to begin!"

"I'm not interested in a show," I growl, my patience wearing thin. "We're here to talk about the war."

"We're here because we're kings, En'Zal. Kings. We can do whatever the fuck we want. You know how many credits I spent to get us this booth? You should be a little more grateful, Your Highness."

He's mocking me now. His people live in poverty, and he spends lavishly on this brothel? It's like he's trying to piss me off.

It's working.

As I clear my throat to speak, the lights suddenly grow dim. King Ro"Kal claps in his hands and leans forward. "Ah, the show is beginning! Good good! You're going to love it, En'Zal! Absolutely love it."