Chapter 14
Kettura’s climate reminded Giss of being wrapped in a hot, wet blanket while in the spa. The humid heat left her skin damp and flushed. She also felt slow-moving and sleepy. The native Ketturans led the way, unaffected by the thick, sticky heat. They passed under a canopy of enormous plant fronds and vines that were barely contained on the edges of the path that led from the landing site to the village.
When the group entered the clearing, Giss found the place was full of life. Open-faced shops displayed all manner of goods and services. Men and women worked or sat in community spaces eating and talking. Children ran and played. Everyone wore very practical outfits of natural, breathable fibers and their long hair was braided or twisted into knots or tails. Their skin was burnished to a rich bronze and their muscle tone was enviable. They looked shiningly healthy and happy, the way the original people of Linzir were reported to have been.
Giss rubbed the back of her neck and her forehead, wishing she had a cool cloth. She knew she must get out of the open area or her skin would turn blazingly red.
“It’s very hot,” she murmured as Varse began to wave some women over.
“Wait,” Princess Lana said, putting a hand on his arm. “She’s hot and exhausted. Let’s let her bathe and rest before introducing her to people.
Varse nodded. “We’ll take her home.”
“No,” Giss said, reaching out in Linc’s direction without realizing it.
His hand closed over hers and drew her a step closer. “She wants to stay with me. I’ll bring her for communal celebrations tomorrow.”
The princess and her warrior husband exchanged glances. “Gissandre, I think when your sister arrives, she’ll be more reassured if you’re staying with me,” Princess Lana said. “And our home will feel more familiar because I’ve had a hand in modifying it with some things I love from Endricane.”
Giss was certain all that was true. “It’s a wonderful, generous offer. Thank you so very much.”
“This way,” Varse said, beckoning her.
She didn’t move. “I appreciate all you’ve done to investigate my situation and ensure my safety…but I’d still rather not be separated from Larsinc. I’ll be able to be myself and relax in his house.” It was the truth. She’d lived in a cramped compartment pretending to be a boy, wedged against Larsinc’s body. There was no need for deep formality between them anymore. They’d also talked at length over days and nights, sometimes arguing to be sure, but she no longer worried about saying something careless that might offend Linc over different political views or cultural values. She no longer worried about violence or cruelty from him either. They knew each other and liked each other for their core selves.
“She’s not yours to command. She can stay where she wants,” Larsinc said, tugging her hand. “Let’s go, Giss. Your skin hasn’t adjusted to Kettura. It’ll burn and blister if you stand here too long.”
She nodded and offered a quick goodbye to the others before Linc pulled her onto a shaded path that wound up a mountain. There were dwellings carved within the mountain’s side, and his was one of them. About halfway up the path, he took her inside. It was cooler and the air lighter than it had been outside.
“It’s easier to breathe in here,” she said.
“Yes, it’s naturally cooler inside the mountain. I also have a filtration system to take the excess heat and wet from the air. It makes the climate feel more like Linzir. Or Orius.”
“Easier to feel at home here then, for both of us,” she said with a smile.
“Come and wash in cool water, then I’ll put some lotion on you that will naturally draw color into your skin to protect it from Kettura’s sun.”
“You don’t need to do that. I can put the lotion—”
“Gissandre, nothing’s changed between us, no matter what lies you tell or how you pretend for other people. You’re still mine, little cat.”
She blinked, feeling the familiar warmth in her cheeks and between her thighs. She swallowed. “We can discuss that.”
He led her by the wrist to the bath cavern. He opened a panel in the ceiling and fresh water gushed down into a tub. “Get in, kitty cat.”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “Your stubbornness isn’t a virtue.”
He shrugged.
She finally relented, stripping down and climbing into the bath.
* * *
Giss loved the view of the jungle’s canopy from his windows. The cool air and soft, natural fabrics on the furnishings made his home feel as fresh and pure as anywhere she’d been. He fed her fruit and fire-roasted raptor skewers that they dipped in a sweet and sour sauce.
She talked animatedly, strangely energized by finally being in an actual home. When he put on music, she convinced him to dance with her. He knew so many of the old dances from the original federation worlds; he’d learned them from his mother who’d learned them from hers.
Several warriors stopped by, to check on them she suspected, but they were friendly so she didn’t mind. She became a lively hostess, compensating for Linc’s relative silence.
