“I have to know. If they did horrible things, then they’ll pay for them. Larsinc will kill them both. I have his promise he’ll do that for me.”
Zawri let out an exasperated sigh. “So much melodramatic talk of death this morning! Am I the only one of the three of us with a level head and a heart without bloodlust in it?”
“Probably,” Giss said, sitting up.
Zaw smirked, then her expression softened. “I love him.”
“And his brother?”
“His brother Wex is my friend.”
“They took you because you covered for my lies.”
“And it was the luckiest thing that could ever have happened. I would never have met him otherwise.” Zawri’s hand slid to her stomach. “We—you and I—are both free. I have gained legal control of our family estate. No one can take it from us. You can build your own house, but we’d rather you lived with us. This first year I’ll really need your help. I want to expand the businesses, but I’ll have a new baby. There will be a lot of work.”
“I don’t understand how you got legal control. I thought it wasn’t possible. And how could the hunter live in the house? Will you say he works for us?”
Zawri laughed. “No. We’re married already. Done in private. I wouldn’t stand up in a public wedding without you there.”
“Married already,” she whispered in horror, but her sister’s smile was genuine. Giss forced her expression to become neutral. “Are you sure you’re happy?”
“Yes, very sure. For the first time since Daddy died, I’m not scared.”
Giss felt like a weight had been lifted from her chest. “Then I’m happy for you. And more relieved than you’ll ever know.”
Zawri hugged her tightly again. “Things are safe for you too. Tok’s an elite hunter with a deadly guild. No one dares to challenge him. Urcolin won’t, I promise you.”
“Deadly men seem to be popular companions,” Giss murmured.
“Yes, your warrior. Are you all right? What’s happened to you?”
“I’m fine. I’ve had an adventure is all.”
Zawri clucked her tongue. “What kind of adventure?”
“Likely not as racy as your own. I’m not pregnant. I’m even still a virgin by Orium standards.”
“Thank goodness! So we’ll look off-world for the right husband for you. Maybe someone from Endricane? Princess Lanamoar will know someone who’ll suit.”
Gissandre held out a hand. “Too fast. I’m not ready to think about it.”
The men appeared in the doorway, one dark, one golden, both breathtakingly handsome.
“We’re fine,” Giss said, swinging her feet to the floor. “Except I’m famished. Are you, Zaw? There’s some excellent food here.”
Linc held out his hand. “Come here, first.”
She didn’t put her hand in his, but she joined him as he ushered her to a corner of the room.
“If I was willing to live on Orius, what of us then?” he asked.
Her heart began to pound. She’d been sure that if she wanted to be with him, she would have to be the one to compromise, by agreeing to live full-time on Kettura. “Then I’d propose we marry,” she said instantly.
He smiled. Without another word, he turned. “What kind of food does your wife like, Tok?”
“From Kettura? Home of the richest soil and most delicious food in the universe? I think she’ll enjoy anything you choose,” Tok said.
Linc nodded. “Wait here.”
