I get started on the second boot, determined to make it nicer than the first one.
Kenz’ox finishes feeding and puts Aker’iz in the rocking cradle we’ve made after my instructions, all wicker-like vines and supple twigs. A big branch full of leaves provides shade for the little inhabitant, as well as protection from big sap drops. I have plans to put wheels on that thing so we can take the baby on longer trips along the beach.
The little ‘chief’ doesn’t fall asleep right away, but whines and complains so much that I lift her out. “Your dad said you’re a loud one, but that’s only when you want to,” I comment as I rock her in my arms. “It’s like you understand that it’s not a great idea to make too much noise in the jungle.”
She peers at me through heavy eyelids. She raises one little hand and puts it right on my face before her eyes close and the fingers sag off me.
Damn, I really shouldn’t get attached to her. But it’s hard not to. She’s incredibly cute, and it’s impossible not to be charmed when a baby’s face brightens like a little sun when she sees you.
And right now, I don’t mind. Thiscouldwork. Even if that saucer never flies again, maybe it won’t be so bad. Maybe Cora was right when she said that life on Xren doesn’t have to be a nightmare, and that it depends on yourself how you see it. And she would know.
I gently place the sleeping Aker’iz back in her crib. Otis looks on and lies down at a small distance, clearly intending to guard her.
I glance over at Kenz’ox. “I wonder if the beach is still there.”
He straightens from his work. “I was thinking the same thing. It would be bad if it were to escape.” He grabs the big leather sheet and throws it over his shoulder.
Tingles start going down my body. I’m becoming insatiable, craving sex with him every day—and getting it, each time better than the last. Well, I have a lot of time to make up for.
I grab his hand, and we saunter toward the beach.
It’s a planet of extremes. Extreme danger, intense loneliness, terrifying wildlife. But then there’s also immense joy as a contrast. If I went home to Earth, I think I would miss those highs. And they are really, really high.
“Oh look,” I exclaim when we’re through the little patch of jungle. “It’s still there.”
Kenz’ox squeezes my hand. “I’m so relieved. I thought maybe the constant sound from the waves was fake. But the beach hasn’t escaped. We can still use it!”
I giggle at our nonsensical conversation. I needed this—someone to joke with, despite the ever-present danger. If you focus too much on danger, you’ll miss the good things.
The ocean is calm and clear, with no blobs in sight and no monsters in the air or on the shore. And if there were any, we’d chase them away. I have my spear, and Kenz’ox has his sword. His bubble of safety is strong and calm, just like him.
I pull my dress over my head, enjoying the sun and breeze on my naked body. Kenz’ox obviously enjoys the sight of me, and I enjoy seeing him so ready.
He’s the most confident person I’ve ever met. And the best part is that he’s right. He has every reason to be this calm and self-assured. He can deal with it all.
It has worn me down. I have no defenses left. I didn’t want to fall for him—but I did. And how.
Oh, I hope this will work.
- - -
“Ipromised we would help you with the Plood ship,” Kenz’ox says one day. “The little chief is asleep, but can you show it to me?”
I put down my new project—a leather bonnet for Aker’iz, almost finished. “Are you sure you want to?”
“I promised.”
I haven’t spent much time on the saucer since my breakdown. The saucer’s blue light is back, thanks to Aker’iz, but nothing else has changed much. “All right.”
The lights on the top panels are different from before, but not in a way that means anything to me.
I show all the weird crystal stuff to Kenz’ox. He reacts like I did the first time, just staring as if in a trance. “It’s very pretty. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It doesn’t remind you of anything?”
He gives me a little smirk. “I think it must be howyoulook inside. Very difficult to understand, but also very beautiful.”
I slap his giant shoulder. “I’mnotdifficult to understand. Just sometimes.”
