“Tell her how Sojee threw you across the roof,” Mekos said to Kaley.
Aradella leaned back against the cushion, soaking up the camaraderie of them. They were a family—a real and truefamily. How she’d missed that over the years!
When the carriage finally made it up the steep hill and stopped at the entrance to the Lair, she sighed. She didn’t want the ride to end.
Two women wearing stylish brown uniforms opened the carriage doors and the passengers got out. Tanek held his hands up to help Aradella down the pullout steps.
Their first sight of the Lair took their breath away. It was warm but not hot. The air was moist but not humid. Tall trees, gently swaying in the breeze, and brightly colored flowers were everywhere. It was stunningly beautiful.
The older of the guards said, “Valona is generously lending you a house. Food will be delivered to you, but you may attend the markets. There will be no charge for anything as you are the guests of Valona.”
“Thank you!” Kaley said as she stood beside Tanek.
“Of course you won’t see her as she’s much too busy with official matters, but you can occupy yourselves.”
Too busy for a princess?Kaley wanted to ask but didn’t. Mekos moved closer to Aradella. “I’d like to explore this place,” he said, but Aradella didn’t comment. Freedom was not something she knew about.
They followed the guards down a wide path. Unlike in othercraters, it was well-kept and very clean. It was almost as though the grass had been manicured.
“Looks like they don’t have a queen who steals the tax money,” Mekos said so only Aradella could hear.
She felt the hair on her neck rise. Didn’t he know that Olina had spies everywhere? “I have no idea what you mean,” she said haughtily, then moved away from him.
They came to a bend and saw a dozen females, ranging from children to grandmothers. Two young women were staring at Tanek as though he was an exhibit on display. They appeared to be fascinated and repulsed at the same time.
The others were staring at Aradella. Their eyes were glazed, as though they couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
Kaley looked back at her. “They know you’re a real live royal princess.”
Aradella didn’t smile. She didn’t like the way the women were looking at her.
“Stay close to me.” Mekos was frowning. He didn’t seem to like their stares either.
The guards shouted something in a language the chips didn’t translate and the gawking females hurried away.
Minutes later, they reached the house. It was one story and quite long. The center was open on both sides to the beautiful scenery. The big, breezy room held couches and chairs, with a kitchen on one side.
“There are two bedrooms and a bath on each end,” a guard said. She looked at Kaley, her eyes not so much as glancing at Tanek. “You may stay with him or not.”
Kaley suppressed a laugh. “With him.” She stepped back against Tanek.
The guard turned to Aradella. “If this place does not suit you, you may stay in another of Valona’s houses.” She cut her eyes at Mekos as though he was something vile.
“I’ll stay here,” Aradella said.
“Then come.” The two guards moved so one was on each side of the princess as they walked her toward the enclosed rooms on the far end.
Mekos was left standing with his father and Kaley, and they looked at him in question.
“I’m with her!” Mekos ran after Aradella and the guards.
Kaley and Tanek went to the rooms at the other end of the house. Inside were two bedrooms with a luxurious bath in the middle. When Kaley finished looking about, she found Tanek standing by the doorway. He was looking across the open-air living space to the closed door on the other side.
She went to him and he put his arm around her, but he kept looking at the other bedrooms. “Are you worried about them? Two teens alone? Are you wondering if they can be trusted?”
“Yes,” he said simply.
She pulled back to look at him and there was passion in her voice. “What if they do roll about? Aradellashouldtake all the happiness she can get before her hideous marriage. That poor girl! You know what? I hope Aradella gets pregnant and the baby has pointed ears. Better that than inheriting genes from Nasty Nessa.” When she looked at him, his brow was furrowed. “You don’t like this idea, do you?”
