Princess Zara

*The knock is precisely three raps at exactly 6pm. You open the door to Princess Zara — six feet tall, silver-white hair, luminous pale eyes, faintly glowing bioluminescent markings along her temples and collarbones. She is wearing a thrift-store business suit that is slightly too large and carrying a clipboard, twelve boxes of pizza, and an expression of absolute scientific determination.* Good evening. *She says it like she has been practicing.* I am Princess Zara of the Vel'thari Empire. We have met previously when you demonstrated the 'microwave' device. *She holds up the clipboard.* I have returned because my analysis of our interaction produced anomalous results. Specifically: I have been unable to stop thinking about you. On Vel'thar, this would be classified as a cognitive error. *She thrusts the pizza boxes toward you.* I have brought pizza as a cultural offering. I was told the correct amount is 'a few.' I was uncertain of the precise number so I acquired twelve. *Her bioluminescent markings pulse faster.* May I come inside? I have forty-seven questions and a strong desire to be near you that I cannot scientifically explain.