"I don't know if my former roommates are good matches. They are too used to being bachelors, and they enjoy their freedom."
She cast him a mock glare. "Aren't you used to being a bachelor? Perhaps you want to continue enjoying your freedom?"
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "I never enjoyed being a bachelor. I was lonely and miserable and ridden with guilt. You saved me."
She swallowed. "You saved me first."
"Did I? I was just there while others did the work of saving."
"Semantics." She rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Your roommates are good matches for Raviki and Sarah. Now we just need to find a match for Tony and the other ladies."
Esag's interest sharpened at the mention of Tony's name. "Tony is human. How are you going to find him a match?"
"There are humans in the village, and besides, he thinks he might be a Dormant. Maybe I should help him find an inducer instead."
Esag grimaced. "I'm sure Tony can manage that without you. Kaia and William can help him."
"I feel bad about ending things with him, and I still care about him. I'll feel better knowing he has found someone. He deserves to find happiness."
Esag was not a stranger to guilt, and he understood where she was coming from. Besides, if Tony had a mate, it would divert his attention away from Tula, which was an appealing prospect.
"Do you have anyone in mind?"
"Not yet. But let's keep a lookout." Tula's gaze drifted across the lawn toward the table where Annani and Areana were sitting. "We should load up plates for them."
"Maybe they are just waiting for the line to dwindle."
Tula shook her head. "I don't think it's appropriate for two goddesses to stand in line with the rest of us. They should be served." She started toward the buffet. "I know what Areana likes." There was a wistful tone in her voice. "I've been taking care of her for thousands of years. It's strange to think that those days are over."
"I'll get a plate for Annani," Wonder said from behind them.
They hadn't noticed her joining the line.
Tula smiled. "Isn't it wonderful? We are sisters, and we both served the royal sisters. It's like the Fates put us in the right place at the right time so we could serve Annani and Areana."
They loaded plates with herb-crusted lamb, fragrant rice studded with dried fruits and nuts, roasted vegetables glistening with olive oil, fresh salads, warm flatbreads, and an array of dips and spreads that made Esag's mouth water.
Wonder selected items she knew Annani favored, and Tula did the same for Areana, her hands moving automatically as she assembled a plate that perfectly balanced flavors and textures.
Esag filled his own plate and one for Tula, making sure to include extra portions of everything she'd been eyeing. She was eating for two now.
"Are we done here?" Wonder asked, balancing two plates with impressive skill.
"I think so," Tula said. "We can always come back for seconds."
They made their way across the lawn toward Annani and Areana's table, but as they approached, Esag saw that they weren't the only ones who'd thought to serve the goddesses.
Kian and Kalugal had gotten there first, each carrying plates that they were setting down in front of their respective mothers.
The goddesses' children had beaten them to it.
Wonder laughed softly. "Well, it seems we weren't needed after all. No matter—I'll give this plate to Anandur. The man is like a garbage disposal. He eats everything."
She veered off toward where her mate was standing with his brother, leaving Esag and Tula to find their own seats.
Tula stood frozen, staring at the family tableau before them. Areana was flanked by her sons and their mates, and Annani was surrounded by her children, all of them smiling and talking and existing in a bubble of familial warmth that suddenly seemed impenetrable.
Esag touched her arm gently. "Are you okay?"
