Arata lifted her from his lap and set her on the edge of his desk. He looked her in the eye. What was that?

  “I am in the way. You don’t normally talk with your left hand. I told you I would get in the way.” She looked at him. “When did I pass out?”

  Fell asleep on the stairs. Six hours ago. Hungry? His expression was politely curious.

  “Why the hell would you hang onto me?”

  Peaceful. You cried when I tried to put you down.

  She was mortified. “I am so sorry. Really sorry.”

  Why? His confusion was genuine.

  She signed so that no one outside would hear. You have a woman here. It is wrong to spend time with me. I don’t feel good about it.

  How do you know?

  She rolled her eyes. Scent in your skin. Arm and jaw.

  He blinked and stared before he blushed. It was the expression of a kid caught with cookies. She is food. She is also married. Her activation is to generate blood. I consume blood. I would have asked you, but you are short on the supply.

  She blinked. Her fingers were trembling. Consume blood?

  Yes. Akio is the same. Your sister told him he could seek food elsewhere while she was gone.

  Does it hurt?

  She does not complain of pain, but I need to leave her and her spouse immediately. His lips quirked.

  She cocked her head. How often?

  Do I eat?

  She nodded.

  He shrugged. Every week. Two ounces or so.

  Ivetha nodded. Do you eat anything else?

  His eyes warmed, but he signed, I don’t use anything else for sustenance.

  She nodded, and her body got back under her control. She started scooting to the side, and he casually reached out and slid her back so they were facing directly again.

  She tried to work up her energy, but all she did was vibrate a little. It was weird. Even exhausted, she was normally able to hover. She looked at her hands and cursed a blue streak silently.

  Sariah came back in, and she walked slowly around the desk. “Ivy, you okay?”

  “Weak as hell. Can’t even vibrate enough to get off right now.”

  “Ivy!” Sariah gasped. “You know he can hear you!”

  Ivetha looked at Arata with his raised brow. “Oh, you are right. I should keep my sense of humour to myself. Just because his mouth causes devastation doesn’t mean that people around him can have a good time.”

  Arata grinned and pulled her back to his lap. He pressed his lips to her ear. “Devastation?”

  Power surged along her skin and settled into her. Parts of her throbbed, and she snorted. “Blow it out the window, Your Highness. I leave after the wedding. One way or another.”

  Sariah gasped.

  Arata’s lips curled against her ear.

  Ivetha asked, “Sariah, have you gotten a hold of Aunt Bex?”

  “Yes. She will be here tomorrow morning. The guesthouse is getting prepared.”

  Ivetha leaned away from Arata. “There is a guesthouse?”

  He smiled and shrugged.

  He pulled her back against him and whispered, “Stay.”

  She jolted as the healing heat ran through her. He had a hand on her waist, and her thighs shifted together.

  Sariah cleared her throat. “You two are cute. It’s a shame that you are going to be siblings as soon as Akio and I have our ceremony.”

  Arata’s head snapped back and glared at Sariah. He signed, No.

  Sariah asked, “Did he say no?”

  “Yes. Don’t worry. I already know that I am not his type. Hair is too dark. Mouth is too bitchy. All the things I had to change for the contract. Also, he ended the contract, so that was telling. The moron didn’t even warn me. One week, I had a date scheduled, and then, it was cancelled, as were all standing appointments.” She looked at her sister. “This is just friskiness because his voice doesn’t blast me through the walls. I also have a massive wet kitten vibe right now, and that is pulling him close.”

  She glanced at Arata, and he was frowning.

  “Uh, you seem a little different from when I was just in here,” Sariah noted.

  “I was just waking up.”

  “Oh. Shit. Right. I forgot about that.”

  Arata signed, What does she mean?

  I don’t wake up easily. It is a long process.

  Sariah asked, “What did you say?”

  “Oh, that I don’t wake up easily. You know, you are going to have to learn to sign. Akio won’t always be around to translate if he needs to say something quick.”

  Sariah blushed and looked at Arata. “Oh. Right. Sorry.”

  He blinked and then inclined his head.

  Sariah nodded. “Right. I can take Ivetha over until after the wedding. There is no reason for you to be distracted by her.”

  Arata looked at Ivetha, and she smiled and shrugged. He nodded at Sariah, and Ivetha hopped off his lap to stand next to her sister. “Can we find me some clothing? I feel a little before or after.”

  Sariah chuckled. “We can get you dressed. Come on.”

  Ivetha folded her hands in front of her and curtsied deeply, as she had on their dates. It was the only curtsy she knew.

  When she straightened, he was right in front of her, lifting one of her hands to his lips, kissing the back of her fingers.

  She nodded when he stood up again and pushed Sariah out the door.

  Outside in the hall, Sariah looked at her. “Uh, clothing, right?”

  “Yeah, sis. Clothes would be good.” She looked down at the semi-transparent robe. “Real good. I got some training for playtime outfits, but I never thought to spend half a week in it.”

  “So, you seriously became a member of the BDC?” Sariah walked down the hallway with her.

  “I seriously did.” She shrugged as they made their way to Sariah and Akio’s room.

  “I will lend you an outfit of mine, and then we can go shopping for something that can be yours.”

  “Uh, do you have money?”

  “Yup. Sort of. Akio put me on his account. I can buy stuff in town.”

  “Can I just get one outfit for every day and another for the wedding?”

  “Sure.” Sariah linked arms with her, and they went into the room so that Ivetha could be less naked by wearing less fabric.

  Sariah stared at her. “Wow. You really know how to put this on.”

  “Patron insisted that I wear it correctly.”

  “Wow. That’s... you have quite a bit of cleavage.”

  Ivetha smiled. “Do you want me to refit your clothing quickly?”

  “Sure. Please.”

  Five minutes of tying and fluffing later, Sariah grinned at herself in the mirror. “Can you help me with this while you are here?”

  “Sure. When is the wedding set for?”

  “Day after tomorrow. Tomorrow is for bride and groom stuff. Akio will hang out with Arata, and I will hang out with you. We will go to the baths, relax. Have something to eat, and then go to the village where the ladies will share information with me that they feel I should know.”

  Ivetha nodded. “Right. Let’s go to the village while I still have enough energy. When I crash, I crash hard.”

  “And the king has been catching you?”

  “Yup, so let’s go.”

  Sariah laughed, and they headed out of the palace. The bright sun and cool breeze made Ivetha smile. It was very nice. “You are going to have a nice life here.”

  “I think so. You are going back to work at Z Corp?”

  “Yeah. It’s going to be a relief to get back to programming and running error checks.”

  “You don’t like the attention?”

  “It is a little... different now. Before we were under contract restrictions, and now, he knows a bit more about me. I want out of here before he gets attached.”

  “Don’t you mean before you get attached?”

  They sauntered into the village. Ivetha shrugged. “No.”

  Locals were looking at them as they walked. Kids were sprinting around, and Ivetha smiled. “Cute.”

  One of the little boys sprinted between them, and she laughed.

  Sariah chuckled. “The island is growing its population. The families here tend to be on the larger side.”

  “Ah. Of course. So, where are we going?”

  Sariah grinned and led her past a series of open shops with a variety of goods until they found a shop with fabric fluttering and a stack of bolts in the back of the shop. There were three women in the shop who paused when Sariah entered.

  “Ah, Miss Sariah, our clothing certainly suits you. Akio showed you how to wear the clothing properly, I see.”

  Sariah walked off and talked to the shop owner.

  Ivetha stood and listened to the women laughing in Ekovarian. They were calling Ivetha a tramp for daring to wear their traditional clothing but were genuinely happy that Akio found Sariah. The royal family needed some heirs. It was a shame that her sister was obviously too dumb to wear clothing at her station.

  Ivetha murmured in Ekovarian, “You may want to keep your opinions to yourself.”

  The women and shopkeeper gasped, and the gossips made a run for it. Ivetha smiled and continued, “Well, that was fun. I usually have to raise my voice to make people run.”

  Sariah asked, “Ivy, what did you say?”

  “Oh, I just told them to keep their opinions to themselves. Arata taught me to dress this way, so I am guessing it is appropriate.” She smiled brightly. She was losing energy fast, but she was keeping up appearances.

  She walked to the wall of fabrics and chose a plain moss green. “This for the casual clothing.” She walked over to the fancier clothing and asked, “Sariah, what did you get for your wedding?”

  Her sister showed her the deep emerald.

  “Okay. I will get this one.” She lifted the edge of the lemon-lime colour. It would look horrible on her. Perfect for a bridesmaid. She spoke in Ekovarian.

  “Uh, miss. This will look horrible on you.”

  “That is the idea. My sister should have all eyes on that day. Don’t you agree?”

  “She will certainly have all of my attention.” Akio’s voice spoke from inside the shop.

  Sariah let out a happy laugh and walked up to him for a kiss. It seemed that Ivetha’s sister had lost all hesitation when it came to her husband. She didn’t blame her. Their lives had been fairly lonely. Companionship was comfort.

  Akio kept his arm around Sariah. “I didn’t know you spoke Ekovarian.”

  Ivetha shrugged. “You never asked.” She swayed violently and made her way to one of the support posts. She leaned against it.

  Sariah was at her side. “Ivy, what is it?”

  “Just a little delicate. Still building my strength. Just need a moment, and I can head back to the castle or whatever.” Ivetha smiled. “I will head out, and you and Akio can go for dinner or something.”

  Akio frowned. “You don’t look well.”

  “That’s part of my natural charm. Shoo.” She waved them off. “Go.”

  Akio slowly steered her sister out of the shop.

  Ivetha hunkered down in her pretty skirt. She looked at the shopkeeper. “I am very sorry about this, and I didn’t mean to embarrass your friends.”

  The woman frowned. “Are you ill?”

  “No. Just weak. Just excited to be on the island.” She breathed for a moment until she felt stronger.

  “Did the king really teach you how to arrange your clothing?”

  “Yeah. Okay, I have enough energy to make it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Pretty sure.”

  “Can I get you something to drink? Miss, you look very pale.”

  “If there is water, and it wouldn’t put you out...” Ivetha felt horrible for asking.

  “Let’s get you to a seat in the shade, and I will see what I can find for you.”

  The shopkeeper helped her to her feet, and Ivetha was walked to a bench in the area near some shade trees and settled down. “I will be right back, miss.”

  “Ivetha.”

  The older woman smiled. “Ivetha. I am Tuurin.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Tuurin.”

  “Stay put, little chicken.”

  Ivetha laughed and sat quietly. Eventually, she got the attention of the locals, and then she was surrounded.

  * * * *

  Arata heard Akio in the hallway with Sariah, and he went out to see how Ivetha had enjoyed her trip to town. She wasn’t with them.

  He looked at his brother. Where is she?

  Akio asked, “What do you mean? She said she was coming back. She was feeling a little lightheaded but said she would rest and come back here.”

  Arata’s eyes went wide, and he turned back to his office, portalling to the middle of town. He looked around desperately until he found a gathering of a few dozen locals. He walked toward the rowdy melee and covered his mouth. His grin was going to be too obvious. It appeared that every child in town had come to see Ivetha, and most had some kind of treat that looked like their mothers had wrapped it.

  There was a little boy with short black hair who was holding a frozen fruit on a stick for her, and Ivetha bent her head to bite some of the frozen pineapple. Watching her mouth close over the stalk made him close his eyes, and there was a knowing laugh from nearby.

  He looked at his great-aunt, and she walked closer. “As soon as we got her sat down, the kids just kept coming. She tried to explain that it was a side effect of her activation, but the kids lined up to hug her. They brought water and juice and fruit and cookies.” Tuurin was laughing. “She’s adorable.”

  The little boy on her lap looked like Kliano’s son. He laughed and kicked his feet when she kissed his temple. She set him on his feet, and he shrieked with laughter and ran to his mother. Another child hopped onto her lap, and her mother handed her a cup of water, which she presented to Ivetha.

  Ivetha sipped the water and talked to the little girl, making her laugh and giggle. The mother smiled and took the little girl by the hand.

  She looked over the crowd and said, “Okay, kids. I have met every one of you. I need to pee, and I am really full. Thank you for all your help, and thank your mommies and daddies as well. I think I ate all the desserts on the island.”

  The crowd laughed, and one of the kids got excited and started pointing at Arata. He nodded in response, and the crowd got respectfully quiet.

  Ivetha looked at him, and there was a lot of colour in her cheeks. She smiled and signed as she spoke, “Your Majesty. Do you often visit the town?”

  No. Your sister did not know you were still here.

  “Ah, I was hungry. Stopped for dessert.” She shrugged.

  Can you walk?

  “Maybe. Am I able to lean on you?”

  Of course.

  “Well, littles, my ride is here.” She smiled at the gathered faces. “I am here for a few more days. We can talk later if your moms and dads don’t mind me.”

  The kids were excited and helped to push her to her feet. It was adorable. Arata walked over to her and picked her up. The kids went wild, and the parents smiled and held onto their offspring.

  “Put me down.” She kept her voice pleasant but looked at him with narrowed eyes.

  He smirked and shook his head, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “No. I like this.”

  The trembling in her body made a heavy warmth course through his veins.

  One of the children, around seven, gasped. “He talked! He talked, and nothing fell down!”

  Arata smiled and kept walking. He whispered in her ear. “You have a way with children.”

  “Yup. Always have. My body vibrates at a frequency that relaxes them. It works for anybody really. You may recall.”

  “Yes, but it was the help I got from your song that was most memorable.”

  She shuddered and asked him something he had never heard from a woman before. “Would you fucking shut up?”

  He grinned. She was squirming a little in his arms, and it delighted him. He had removed one obstacle to them being together, so now, he had to court her. Quickly. Arata was pretty sure he wasn’t up for chasing her back to Aksalla.

  He was smiling as he realized that if he didn’t bring her back, he would certainly be there to court her. He nearly chuckled, but his head was higher than the field she produced. He didn’t want to knock down any trees.

  He hummed softly to her as he walked, and the trees shook. She looked up at him in surprise and blinked slowly. “I sang you that song.”

  He smiled and nodded. She had sung him dozens of songs while his head was on her lap and she stroked his hair. It didn’t have the dignity of his station, but it had given him more control over his activation. The healing heat that swirled in his body had calmed, and he was better able to identify a being’s frequency to make it move, shake, or fly apart.

  She was wonderful, and now, he had to convince her that he was wonderful.

  He had cancelled the contract because he thought the control he had gained from her was enough, but now, he wanted so much more. He needed to know if he could walk back to the close of their association and start over.

  Chapter Four

  Ivetha looked at her boss and waved. “Uh, hey.”

  “Oh, thank goodness. Are you there under your own will, Ivetha?” Zera was worried.

  “Yeah. My sister is getting married in a few days, and I am the wedding party. Oh, and I got seven tank-buster rounds through my torso, and I am recovering from that.”

  Zera’s eyes widened. “Holy shit. So, you are on medical leave then.”

  “Sure. How much time do I have accrued?”

  “Four months. How are you doing?”

  “Getting better. Ekovar is really nice. People are friendly. I ran into the patron who dumped me. Good times.”

  Zera sighed. “Well, he thought he had gotten all of the therapeutic effects he could. He appreciated the progress you were able to help with, as the bonus showed.”

  “Right. That was helpful.”

  Zera paused. “Wait. Were you the one that killed the forty assassins?”

 

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