“We brought all of them with us,” Rita said. “Jobi bellyached about the load, but we insisted.”
Through all this, Sojee had been standing near the far wall, but he stepped forward. He looked at Kaley. “You asked for a wedding.”
Kaley stepped back. “I take it you’ve met Sojee.”
“Oh yes,” Frank said. “Right from the first.” He looked atTanek. “We were told that somebody made a penguin suit for you.”
“A what?” Tanek asked.
“He means a tuxedo,” Kaley said. “Like they have on.” She looked down at herself. “I’m not dressed for this,” she said softly. “I need—”
Sojee clapped her hard on the shoulder. “Think we forgot that? Reena did a little magic and the Beauty Guild put together something they hope you’ll like. There’s a room over there.”
Kaley turned to Aradella. “Would you like to join me? You can be my maid of honor.”
Aradella’s eyes widened. “I would like—”
Mekos cut her off. “We have to go see the Third Crater. They have books there and Aradella really wants to see them.”
Sojee looked amused. “That’s the Fourth Crater. The Third has music and magic.”
Mekos was backing up, Aradella beside him. “That sounds good too. When should we be back here for the uh...?” He wasn’t sure what to call it.
“Four hours,” Sojee said. “I’ll send someone to find you.” He was giving Mekos a look that said he’d better be where he could be found.
“Great! We’ll be here then.” He and Aradella ran out of the room.
Frank looked at Tanek. “I think your son is in love.”
Tanek grimaced. “She’s to marry a prince who is a snake of a human. Not even his dragon wants to live with him.”
“Dragon?” Frank whispered.
Kaley sighed. “It’s true. Aradella was to marry Tanek, but...” She shrugged. “I better get dressed.” She looked at Sojee. “Please tell me you have hair and makeup people to help me.”
“They sent a lot of women.” Sojee nodded toward a door. “They’re waiting for you in there.”
Kaley ran from the room and closed the door behind her.
Frank, Rita, and Jeff were looking at Tanek.
“Young Aradella was to marryyoubut she’s being forced to marry someone else?” Rita asked. “How did that happen?”
Sojee put his hand on Rita’s back. “Why don’t you help Tanek dress while he explains everything? I have to see to my women.” He left the room in a few long strides.
“Does he have multiple wives?” Rita asked.
Tanek smiled. “Worse. He’s head of security for this whole island full of women, and tomorrow the men will come here.”
“Men?” Frank asked. “Come from where?”
Tanek raised an eyebrow. “If you were on the ship with Kaley, where have you been all this time?”
Jeff grimaced. “Isolated. Some officer told us that we couldn’t see you or Kaley or we’d destroy many years of work, so we were hidden away. It was beautiful and the food was good, but we were told hardly anything. It was maddening!”
Rita smiled. “I think you and Kaley were to be given time to reacquaint yourselves.” Her eyes sparkled. “It does seem to have worked.”
Tanek laughed. “It did. Come on, I have a lot to tell you.”
