"I'm sure being adorable helps with that."
Watching an animal that looked vaguely like a striped mongoose challenge one of the foals and win made that conclusion an easy one. The foal had been so startled his hind legs had stopped working and he'd fallen on his side.
The animal had pounced on his head, chattering loudly before disappearing back into its burrow.
"You're going to be busy. I don't know how you do it. We have enough trouble watching over our foals and they don't fly."
Eva shivered at the thought. No wonder they were so protective of their lands. If the foals were anything like human young, their fear of death would be practically nonexistent until they'd matured a little.
Sebby's other mates and I all help care for the young, but we have a while yet before that becomes a problem. For now, I'm simply grateful to watch my foal grow.
Love radiated from Belle's expression.
"Do you ever get jealous of the other mates?" Eva asked.
Surprise came from Belle before a laugh chimed in Eva's mind.I think you misunderstand. Kyren are not monogamous. We only survive because we stick together in family herds. Any who wish can ask a male if he is willing to participate in creating a child. While they are pregnant and rearing that child, the females are considered the male's mate.
A quiet frown settled on Eva's face as she tried to understand.
Once those children are grown, those females can move on to another family—or ask to remain in Sebby's.
"Is it the same for you? Will you leave once your son is an adult," Eva said.
No. Sebby is more than my mate. He is my partner and friend. I would not wish to join any other family herd.
Silence fell between them as Eva watched the foal and the other Kyren.
Those weeks I spent in captivity—every moment I lived in fear, terrified for his future. It feels surreal to know he's safe. That he'll grow up free.
"You'll make sure of it."
Eva was certain of it. Even if something happened to Belle, there were other Kyren who would step into the void.
The foal's future would be bright.
Belle's sidelong glance told Eva she wasn't fooling anyone. Belle knew the thoughts that plagued her. The regrets.
As will you, I'm certain.
Eva's grin was crooked. "That was never a question."
There was amusement on Belle's face as her attention moved to her foal.Winning over the herd will take time.
"Does everybody know what I spoke about with Orion?"
A laugh sounded in her mind. Just those whose mate is friends with strange little humans.
Eva pursed her lips then shrugged. That was fair.
"Where's this advice coming from?"
I know what you're thinking,Belle said.Don't waste your time worrying about motivations. Accept the help that comes your way. It'll save you a lot of time and sleep.
She had a point. Advice was advice. It didn't matter why she was telling Eva as long as it was real.
Eva bowed her head. "My apologies, Lady."
We share some things in common with our wingless cousins. One of which is that we are herd animals. Win over the strong and influential, and you'll be halfway to your goal.
