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“Is it sold as a set?” I ask the vendor, slightly confused about why they have armor at all.
“We would have to create something special just for you,” the vendor tells me. “No disrespect, human female, but our armor will not fit you.”
I hadn’t even considered armor for myself, but… now that he mentions it, that sounds perfect.
“Could you do it?” If the Roth show up, I know only too well how fragile my body is. I need to train with it on. My whole team does. I don’t know how much money I have to spend today, but I’ll need to discuss a budget for me and my team. None of us need to be bored.
Leaving Michelle and Bex bored is a recipe for disaster.
And really, we can’t take much more of those.
My gaze flicks back to the vendor, who’s measuring me up.
“Do you doubt my ability?”
“No, just your willingness.” It’s matter of fact, and the Suevan blinks in surprise.
“You are the warlord’s mate. If you want the armor, you will have the armor. In fact, it will be an interesting diversion to create it for you. The first set will be free.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“It is necessary. You may not like the way it moves. I know nothing of human bodies other than what my eyes are telling me.”
“I’m not going to ask you to work for free,” I argue back. Is this what Cephi meant when she said she would handle the negotiations?
“You aren’t asking me to work for free, I am telling you I will be working for free.”
“Accept the armor,” Cephi says, her hand on my shoulder, her tone brooking no argument.
“I accept the armor,” I say, unsure of what the hell has the vendor so riled up. “But let me buy a few things for Draz.”
I select a shoulder piece, along with a pair of new pants, like the ones that are all but ruined after our trek through the jungle. Cephi haggles with him, bringing the price down to something that satisfies them both, then grins at me when the vendor sighs wearily and hands us a bag stuffed full.
“And that, Ni-Kee, is how it is done.” She wipes her palms against each other, the gesture so human that I can’t help gri
“What else do you want?” she says, a gleam in her eyes, like she’s just getting warmed up for shopping.
“A nap,” I say honestly, exhaustion wearing at me.
“You are not having a good time?” she asks, worry clear on her face. “Was I offensive?”
“No, no, not at all. We hiked all night, though, and I’m completely drained.”
“Drained does not sound good. We can get you some refreshments?”
I crack a small grin at her misunderstanding. “I could do with something to drink, but I really just need sleep.”
“Then we will get you a drink and take you right back to your myza.” She nods at her words, tugging me along as Suevans stop and stare at the sight of us. Me, really, the lone human out and about.
I tug my dress further over my chest, suddenly self-conscious of all the skin I’m showing.
“What are you lot staring at?” Cephi snaps out, waving her hand. “Move along. This human’s mated already.”
There are a few grumbles and a few amused looks, but the flow of Suevans continues around us, and Cephi harrumphs, tugging me along to a stand at the end of the lane. Flower garlands hang heavy across the front of his cart, and my mouth waters at the fragrant smell.
“Two,” Cephi orders, and within seconds, we each have a massive drink in our hands.
It looks so much like a fancy tropical drink I once ordered on a much-needed vacation that a blast of homesickness nearly stuns me. The exterior is reminiscent of a coconut shell, but larger and bright turquoise. A few pink petals bob in the icy slurry, and Cephi watches me from over her own drink.
“It is good, Ni-Kee. You will like it.”
“Thank you,” I tell her. “It was very kind of you to come with me and help introduce me to Edrobaz.”
“What else would I do?” She shrugs, affronted. “You are my daughter now. We will shop together as often as you like. And I will spoil the children you give my son relentlessly, as is traditional.”
I snort, then take a deep swig of the drink to avoid saying anything else. Anything like, I don’t know if I want kids, because let’s face it; I am not ready to have that conversation with my surprise of a mother-in-law.
The icy drink explodes across my tongue, sweet and tangy, somewhere between a lime and a watermelon. It’s really good, and I drink deeply, enjoying it after days of only stale, sulfurous water.
“You like this?” Cephi asks, squinting down at me.
“Definitely.”
“Good. Now let’s take you back to the myza so you may regain your strength and begin making me grandbabies.”
I better pace myself on the drink. If she keeps bringing up babies, I’m going to have to do something to keep my mouth busy or I’m going to get myself in trouble.
Cephi continues to talk, telling me the history of Edrobaz as I follow her through the city. I half-listen, thinking about what she said about babies.
What would it be like to have babies here? On an alien planet, with an alien warlord who ruthlessly stole my heart?
Would they have green, scaly skin like him, or my own soft human skin? Tails?
By the time we make it back to Draz’s myza, my feet are aching, and I’m swaying with exhaustion. Sweat beads along my neck and the small of my back. Thank goodness the dress breathes. It would be unbearably hot in my normal uniform.
I stand at the door, nearly half-dead with the need to sleep, and Cephi opens it easily, then tugs me into a gentle hug.
“It makes an old female like me very happy to finally have a daughter,” she tells me, pulling back to hold me at arms’ length, inspecting my face. Her eyes shine with honesty and emotion, and I’m suddenly overwhelmed with a surge of gratitude.
“Thank you,” I tell her, and her eyes widen with surprise as I tug her into another hug. “I didn’t expect to have another mother, but I’m glad I’ve found one.”
“Tchah, that’s enough of that,” she says, but looks pleased. She pushes me through the door. “Now get some sleep.”
I do as she says, hustling through the bedroom door. The zoleh squeals as she sees me, pouncing and curling up on my chest. I run my fingers through her soft fur, and I pass out as soon as my eyes close.
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CHAPTER FORTY
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DRAZ
The myza is quiet and dark when I get home, a cool respite after the scorching heat of the afternoon sun throughout the streets of Edrobaz. Packages pile high beside the door, proof that Ni-Kee and my mother had a fruitful day of shopping.
It gladdens my heart, to think of the two of them haggling with vendors and laughing as they took the upper hand in negotiations. I can only imagine that the two of them made a fearsome pair in the marketplace.
I ca
I think not.
The door to the mating room sways under my hand, opening easily. The last of the sunshine filters through the round openings, casting beams of light onto the bed.
Ni-Kee sleeps in the same clothes she left the house in this morning. Her hair spreads across the pillows, one arm flopped over her eyes as though she couldn’t even be bothered to get comfortable before falling asleep. The zoleh’s curled up in her hair, and neither stir as I walk into the room.
My poor, sweet mate. A smile curves my lips.
The rise and fall of her chest is slow and even, her mouth slightly parted.
I ca