“Well, just the one time when you offered the room in your hotel suite—and we know how that worked out.”
He chuckled.
She smiled. “Look at us, being all congenial. We haven’t scowled or snapped at each other in at least ten minutes.”
“Now that’s weird,” he said.
They laughed.
“Truce?” he suggested.
“Truce.”
He pointed out the bathing chamber, and then they retreated to the main room. “That’s all there is,” he said self-consciously. No doubt she’d been expecting something grander. “My apartment is much smaller than Jaryk’s.”
“But it’s warmer and cozier. I like it better. I don’t have to worry about getting lost. Your living area reminds me of my apartment on Earth. It’s like a little slice of home. Our dining area was in an alcove, too—only Kismet and I didn’t have the fabulous view.” She moved to the window overlooking the balcony.
That his humble apartment reminded her of home almost felt like a compliment. “You should feel at home here—itisyour home. Would you care for some lunch? I’ll order us something.”
“I would love that. I was too nervous about the wedding to eat breakfast.”
“I was nervous, too,” he said.
“You were, why?”
“Probably for the same reasons you were—I had no control over my fate, I was marrying someone—”I didn’t wish to marry.He shut his mouth before he said the rest. He had no desire to destroy the fledgling peace by insulting her. Besides, he wasn’t sure if his aversion was true anymore.
Her eyes twinkled with humor. “I know what you mean.”
This Karma waspleasant. Not to mention exotically attractive—although she’d always been that. Even when she’d been nasty to him, he’d still thought she was one of the most striking females he’d ever encountered. Now he discovered they had things in common and shared some likes and dislikes. “I’ll order the food. Do you have any preferences?”
“No, you pick. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve eaten. I’ve had a few things I especially liked, but without knowing the names, I can’t ask for them.”
“I’ll help you learn. I’ll tell you what stuff is. How about one of my favorite dishes to start?”
“Great.”
From a comm unit, he messaged Tontu. “It won’t take long. Let’s have a seat.”
They retired to the conversation area, making small talk for a few minutes. Then she asked, “You only have the one servant?”
“I don’t need more. Tontu considers himself underutilized as it is,” he replied, and then the realization hit him. “Oh! You need a personal maid. I’ll get you one.”
“Uh, no. I’ve been dressing myself for quite a few years now. I don’t need a maid—but if I did, asKismet’s former handmaid, I am qualified to serve myself.” Her grin was wry, but he winced with embarrassment.
“I am sorry about the assumptions I made. Please accept my overdue apology.”
“Accepted. I owe you an apology, too. I overreacted.”
“You are very gracious.” He’d never expected to use those words in reference to her.
“Wouldn’t it be funny if we let people think we were still feuding?” She giggled.
It was exactly the sort of prank he might have once played.
“Now that would be a scandal. I can envision the KCN report now. ‘Prince Falkor and his human wife battle it out. Could they be the first divorce in Kaldoran history?’ My father would have a conniption.”
She laughed. “Force us to get married! How’s that working for you?”
