Ryon

What in the seven moons had possessed me to say that?

Luckily Savannah didn't seem to pay any attention to my words, distracted by the garden before us, spread out like a giant, colorful buffet of smells.

Savannah drank it all in with wide, inquisitive eyes, pausing occasionally to lean closer and examine a particularly striking specimen.

"What's this one?" she asked, leaning in so close to a bunch of tiny, bell-shaped flowers that I thought she might inhale them.

I swallowed hard, trying not to get distracted by the way her neck arched. "Uh, those are Zynthian lilies. They can actually change color based on the emotions of the people around them."

Her eyebrow shot up, intrigued. "Seriously? That's kinda cool." As if on cue, the lilies turned a warm crimson, mirroring the heat creeping along my spine

Savannah moved on, totally oblivious to the reaction she'd caused. With every step, she had this effortless grace that made me feel like a clumsy oaf just standing still. It was like she had her own gravitational pull, and I was the planet helplessly orbiting around her.

"This one looks like it"s made of stained glass," she murmured, fingers hovering near the translucent petals. "And that bark has the most intricate patterns."

With each new observation, her face lit up, radiant with genuine fascination. I found myself captivated, unable to tear my gaze away from the way her features animated with curiosity and delight. She shone with an energy I"d never encountered, like a dancing flame beckoning me closer.

"You seem to have an eye for detail," I noted, my voice emerging softer than intended. "Do you have much experience with botany on your world?"

Savannah shook her head, those strange long strands swaying with the motion. "Not really. But I love learning about new things, especially when they"re as beautiful as this."

"Ryon, what's this?" She pointed to a gnarly, thorny vine snaking across the ground.

Before I could say a word, one of the vines whipped out and grazed her arm. She let out a squeak and stumbled backwards. Without thinking, I lunged forward and caught her against my chest as her heel slipped on the smooth path.

Our faces were inches apart, close enough for me to count the faint freckles on her nose. A jolt of electricity shot through me at the contact, raising the fine feathers along my neck and arms. Savannah"s eyes widened, lips parting in a silent "oh". For a heartbeat, we simply stared at each other, the moment stretching taut with possibility.

Then, all at once, the spell shattered. I released her abruptly, taking a hasty step back as heat flooded my face.

"Perhaps we should find something to eat," I managed, struggling to regain my composure. "There are some excellent dining options nearby."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and began striding toward the exit, my mind whirling. What in the seven moons was that strange, electric feeling? The lingering warmth where our bodies had touched? The urge to pull her close once more?

My chest constricted, talons clenching at my sides. This was uncharted territory, unfamiliar sensations stirring within me. And all because of this human female with her bright, curious nature and those captivating eyes that seemed to see straight through to my very core.

I led Savannah through the winding paths of the city"s central district, trying my best to appear casual despite the tumult of emotions swirling within me. My feathers still prickled from the electrifying touch in the gardens, a phantom tingle ghosting across my skin. I flexed my wings in an attempt to regain my composure.

"This way," I gestured, guiding her toward one of the premier dining establishments. "They have an excellent selection that should accommodate your...unique dietary needs."

As we entered, the rich aroma of exotic spices and simmering broths enveloped us. Savannah inhaled deeply, her eyes fluttering closed in obvious delight. "It smells incredible. Like nothing I"ve ever experienced."

Pride bloomed in my chest at her appreciation for my world"s culinary delights. I stepped forward to greet the host, a fellow Draen with vivid crimson plumage. "A table for two, if you please, Krashin."

Krashin"s eyes widened fractionally at the sight of my human companion, but to his credit, he recovered swiftly. "Of course, Ryon. Right this way."

He led us to a secluded alcove, partially shielded from the main dining area by a shimmering privacy barrier. As we settled onto the plush seating, Savannah"s gaze roamed the space with open curiosity.

"I took the liberty of researching human dietary requirements," I began, unable to resist preening just a bit. "Based on my findings, I"d recommend starting with the spiced tuber bisque. It"s a regional delicacy, but the flavors should agree with your palate."

Savannah"s brow furrowed adorably. "You... researched what I can eat?"

A flicker of uncertainty stirred within me. "Was that presumptuous? I merely wished to ensure your comfort and?—"

"No, no!" She waved a hand, lips curving into a warm smile. "That"s incredibly thoughtful. Thank you, Ryon. I appreciate your consideration."

Relief washed over me, and I found myself returning her smile with uncharacteristic ease. "Then the bisque it is. And perhaps the charred greens with roasted kemma nuts?"

"That sounds wonderful. I"m happy to try anything you recommend."

There it was again. That little flicker of warmth at her words. Quickly, I pushed it away. "Have you organized many weddings away from your planet?"

She laughed. "This will be the first. I couldn't resist the challenge."

Ah. Out of loyalty to my family, perhaps I shouldn't say anything more, but this determined little human should know what she was walking into.

"There may be more challenges than you expected," I admitted.

She leaned forward to rest her chin in her hand. "Is the problem with the bride or the groom?"

"Both and neither." I drummed my fingers on the table, the click of my talons a reminder it was time to trim them again. Stupid things. "My brother, Helko, has always been the pragmatic one, level-headed and focused on upholding our legacy," I began, slowly. "Ever since we were fledglings, it was clear he would inherit the mantle of leadership. Our parents saw his potential and groomed him relentlessly."

Savannah listened intently, her eyes locked on my face. Emboldened, I pressed on.

"As for his bride..." My voice trailed off as I considered how little I truly knew of Sharlar Lukrok. Our families had been estranged for so long, their union more of a strategic business merger than a love match. "Truthfully, I haven't laid eyes on Sharlar since she was a mere hatchling. The rift between our bloodlines runs deep."

A trace of surprise crossed Savannah's features.

"Then why marry at all?" she asked, her question hanging in the air, her green eyes searching mine with a curious intensity.

I exhaled slowly, clicking my beak in frustration.

"It's...complicated," I began, choosing my words carefully. "You see, our families have long held positions of power and influence on Teloril. For generations, we've shaped the technological advancements that have propelled our civilization forward."

A slight frown creased Savannah's brow as she processed my explanation. Her earnest attentiveness was endearing, even in the face of such convoluted cultural norms.

Pressing on, I continued, "However, our standing is now threatened by the arrival of a new family: the Kenii. They've amassed considerable wealth and are quickly gaining traction within the highest echelons of our society."

Savannah nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing as the pieces began to fall into place. "So it"s a strategic alliance of sorts? But what of Helko and Sharlar"s feelings on the matter?"

"Irrelevant, I"m afraid." The words tasted bitter on my tongue. "They"ll do their duty, as is expected of them."

An uncomfortable silence stretched between us, thick with unvoiced thoughts and conflicting perspectives. Just as I feared the weight of it might smother us both, our server arrived with steaming bowls of bisque, providing a welcome reprieve.

I watched, rapt, as Savannah sampled her first bite of Teloriln cuisine. Her eyes widened, then drifted closed in evident bliss as the flavors danced across her tongue. A soft hum of appreciation vibrated in her throat, and suddenly, all the lingering tension bled away.

In that moment, she was simply Savannah—not a human, not an offworlder, but a fellow being savoring one of life"s simple pleasures. And I, the jaded soul so accustomed to seeing everything through a lens of duty and obligation, was utterly transfixed.

Perhaps, I mused as I joined her in indulging in the bisque"s rich flavors, this human might just open my eyes to experiences I"d never thought to appreciate before.