Ollie let it go, nodding slowly. "While we're getting this sorted, why don't you go see what you can do about convincing the Kyren this is a good idea."
Eva nodded, grateful to excuse herself.
*
Hours later, Eva andAjari stood next to Sebastian at the base of the ramp. The glare Sebastian sent her way didn't need words to decipher. It clearly said he thought she was crazy to think he would allow this indignity.
"Everyone worked hard to make this work since you're being unreasonable and won't let us postpone a few days," she told him. "You're not going to let them down, are you?"
His ears flattened against his head as he showed her his teeth.
She interpreted that to mean, ‘watch me’. Or maybe it was a threat. Who could say?
She knew it. He was going to be difficult.
Now that his presence was known, he drew eyes wherever he went. Which meant they were being watched by pretty much everyone present.
Stakes were high. Eva, whether she liked it or not, was being judged by how well she handled the Kyren. Fail here and it would set the tone for the entire journey.
"Or you could stay on the ground and let everyone watching know you're afraid of that little box," Eva pointed out.
The Kyren narrowed his eyes at her as she affected a nonchalant shrug.
"It's your choice," Eva told him before walking up the ramp and into the wagon.
It appeared sturdily constructed and she'd been assured it would support the Kyren's weight. It had better, or this whole plan was dead before it began.
Ajari tilted his head at the Kyren when it snarled a protest. "You're the one who picked her. If you have a problem with the way she talks to you, take it up with her yourself."
Eva smothered her small chuckle at the exchange. It was good to know some things remained the same even if the species changed.
Ajari moved past the Kyren, shrugging. "I don't know what you should do, but I suggest you figure it out before the mice get anxious."
Ajari joined her at the top of the ramp as they both waited to see what the Kyren would do.
"This will be an interesting trip," Ajari said.
"You're coming with us?"
"How do you think you will maintain communication with him if I don't?" Ajari asked mildly.
"He's been able to express his needs and desires so far without speech," Eva observed, watching as Sebastian put one hoof on the ramp only to step back a second later.
Ajari made a small sound—agreement or disagreement, Eva couldn't tell which.
"Why are you coming really? Is it to learn how the mice react?"
His unsettling eyes focused on her. "How very perceptive of you."
Eva studied him. That wasn't really an answer.
"You said it had to be me. Why?" she asked a question that had been on her mind since the meeting with the Trateri leaders. "What makes me so special? And don't give me your circuitous logic."
"My, how brave the mouse has gotten in such a short time," Ajari mused. "At least when her hunter is at bay."
His gaze shifted to focus on the human male standing to the right of Sebastian.
"Caden isn't hunting me," Eva said.
