Intergalactic conquest with an AI

Rex's posture stiffened, and his hands instinctively reached up to grab hers, stopping her from continuing her wandering touches. "Look," he said, trying to mask his discomfort with an awkward laugh. "I don't think it's that unreasonable, is it? A little help here and there—"

"One time," Xytrallia interrupted with her tone soft but firm, "I can agree to. But the other two times…" She leaned closer, her green eyes glowing faintly as her fingers paused under his hands.

"For those, I'll have to ask for an exchange. You see, I'm a fair queen, and I don't break my own rules, now do I?" Her voice was like velvet, utterly captivating and yet tinged with a dangerous undertone that made Rex's pulse quicken.

Rex let out another nervous chuckle, trying his best to remain composed as Xytrallia's presence enveloped him like a predator toying with its prey. "Well," he began, carefully prying her hands off his chest and stepping forward to put a bit of distance between them.

"I don't think I have anything of too much value to trade for those two favors." He turned back to face her, offering her an awkward but determined grin. "And I definitely don't plan on becoming a slave again. So... how about we just put it on my tab? You know, small payments over the years? I could even pay with interest!"

For the first time, Xytrallia looked genuinely caught off guard. Her glowing eyes widened slightly, and she blinked several times in disbelief, as if she hadn't fully processed what Rex had just said.

Then, after a long pause, her lips curled into a smile so wide that it bordered dangerous. Her melodious laughter filled the chamber, echoing off the organic walls like a haunting symphony.

"Hahaha! Oh, you truly are a bold one, aren't you?" Xytrallia said, her laughter gradually subsiding as she crossed her legs and reclined gracefully back on her throne. "Putting it on your tab, hmm? Small payments, you say? Oh, Rex, you've amused me far more than I expected today."

She leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand as her glowing green eyes studied him with newfound curiosity. "You don't even realize it, do you? Most would cower before me, begging for the smallest crumb of mercy. But you…"

She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head in disbelief. "You dare to negotiate with me as though we're equals. I find that… delightful."

Rex relaxed slightly, though he remained cautious. "So... does that mean we have a deal?"

Xytrallia's smile turned sharper, her glowing eyes narrowing slightly. "Let's call it a partial deal," she said, her voice teasing. "I'll grant you my aid once, without conditions. But for the other two times..."

She tapped her fingers against the armrest of her throne, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "I'll allow you to earn them. Let's say... a favor for a favor. Each time you call upon me, you'll owe me something in return. Something equally valuable."

Rex frowned slightly, weighing her words. "And what exactly would you consider equally valuable?"

Xytrallia grinned, leaning back with a satisfied expression. "Oh, don't worry, darling. I'm sure we can come to an arrangement when the time comes. For now, just know that I won't demand anything unreasonable. I'll simply ask for what I believe is fair. After all, I'm nothing if not reasonable, wouldn't you agree?"

Her words carried a dangerous undertone, but Rex could see no obvious traps in her offer. For now, it seemed like the best he could get out of her.

"Fine," Rex said after a moment, his tone firm. "One unconditional favor, and two... conditional ones. I'll take that deal." Continue your journey on empire

Xytrallia's grin widened, her sharp teeth glinting faintly in the dim light. "Wonderful. Then it's settled."

She extended a hand toward Rex, her long fingers shimmering faintly. "Shall we seal our agreement with a touch? Or are you too shy to take my hand, darling?"

Rex hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping forward and gripping her hand firmly. The moment their hands touched, he felt a strange warmth flow through him, almost like liquid fire coursing through his veins.

The sensation was both comforting and unnerving, as if Xytrallia had left an invisible mark on him.

"There," Xytrallia said softly, her voice carrying an almost lustful tone. "Our deal is sealed. You've earned one favor... and the possibility of two more. Use them wisely, Rex."

As she pulled her hand away, her devilish smile returned. "Now, was there anything else you wanted to ask? Or shall I start asking my questions again?"

"Mmm, no, you go ahead. Give me time to think of a better question," Rex said while waving his hand lazily as if granting her permission, his helmet tilting slightly like a raised eyebrow.

"Well then," Xytrallia began talking with a mischievous glint in her alien eyes. "Why don't you have kids yet? Not to brag or anything, but my daughter, Y'Ssera, is considered a perfect beauty by human standards."

"Or... wait, is it her petite build? Do you prefer someone more... mature and charming?" Her tone was equal parts playful and curious, but the question landed like a brick in Rex's gut.

Rex was dumbfounded; he was ready for weird questions, sure, but this? This was the next-level weird. "Ehem... uh, well... it's not exactly the right time to have kids, y'know? Things are complicated right now. There's a lot going on... like dangerous stuff. Until I can guarantee a safe place for them, I'd rather not bring kids into this mess."

Xytrallia listened in complete silence, but her smile grew wider with every word, like she was savoring his awkward explanation. By the time he finished, her expression could only be described as smug satisfaction.

"So," she said while leaning in slightly, her voice dripping with curiosity, "if you do find a safe place, then you'll have kids."

Rex straightened up. "Hey, hold on. It's my turn to ask a question, isn't it?" He jabbed a gloved finger in her direction, trying to wrestle back control of the conversation.

"Oh! Oops!" Xytrallia gasped while covering her small mouth with both hands; her black skin covered in stars glowed faintly as she feigned surprise. "Hehehe, I got so caught up in our chat that I forgot! Tell you what, to show you how sorry I am, I'll let you call me twice for free. How's that sound?"

She tilted her head, flashing an innocent grin that could've melted the coldest heart or, in Rex's case, his helmet visor.

Rex crossed his arms, pretending to think it over. "Mmm, tempting. But if you're already giving me two free calls, why not just throw in a third? You know, as a sign of true remorse." He shot her a thumbs-up like he'd just struck the best deal of the century.

Xytrallia burst into laughter, throwing her head back. "Hahaha! Nice try, Rex. Your boldness really knows no bounds. Fine, fine, ask your question already!" She wiped an imaginary tear from her eye, her laugh lingering in the air.

"Alright, here's one for you," Rex said while leaning forward slightly, his voice dropping into a mock-serious tone. "What can I say or do right now to convince you to make that third call free too?" Under the helmet, a smirk spread across his face, not that she could see it.

Xytrallia's glowing green eyes widened slightly at Rex's bold question, and for a moment, there was silence in the chamber.

Then, suddenly, she threw her head back and let out a melodic, genuine laugh, the kind that reverberated off the organic walls and sent a faint chill down Rex's spine. It was a laugh filled with both amusement and intrigue, as if she had just discovered a delightful new toy to play with.

"Hahaha! Oh, Rex, you really are something, aren't you?" Xytrallia said while lowering her head and brushing a strand of shimmering hair behind her ear.

Her lips curled into a wicked, teasing smile as her glowing eyes locked onto him. "You're not only bold; you're shameless. Negotiating for free favors from me? How cheeky of you, darling."

She leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand as her smile widened. "Well, I must admit, I am curious to see what you'll come up with. So, go ahead. What do you think you could possibly offer me that would convince me to give you that third free favor? I'm dying to hear it."

Rex crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes hidden behind his helmet. "Well," he said with his voice being calm and confident.

"I don't know you well enough to guess what you truly want, but I've noticed you're a fan of boldness. And if there's one thing I know, it's that sometimes people or queens find value in the unexpected."

Xytrallia raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by his words. "Oh? Go on," she urged, her tone playful but tinged with genuine curiosity.

Rex took a step closer, his posture relaxed but deliberate. "How about this? I'll give you my word. No tricks, no games. The next time you ask me for something that does not attempt against my life or those I love, I'll agree to it without hesitation. That's my offer. One favor, freely given, from me to you."

Xytrallia's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him. For a moment, she said nothing, her glowing gaze piercing into him like a scalpel. It was clear she was weighing the sincerity of his words, testing him in a way only she could.

"You're quite confident, aren't you?" She said finally, her voice soft but laced with amusement. "Offering me your word, as if that alone is enough to sway me. Tell me, Rex, why should I value your word? What makes it worth more than the words of countless others who've knelt before me?"

Rex smirked under his helmet, the sharpness of her question not shaking him in the slightest. "Because unlike the others, I haven't knelt. And I don't plan to."