“Yeah.”
“She says she wants to live, die, and rot in it.”
Haravin looked over. “I do. I really do.” She ran her hands down her body, and all the males in the area stared. It was a lot of curves to cover. “I need more.”
Rache chuckled. “And that is how you got into this position.”
Eden was smiling softly, but her eyes were blank.
Kekoa smiled and said, “Well, we should get in for dinner.”
He took Haravin’s hand, and Narro followed them in. Krossos and Eden, Rache and her companions, and then finally Moira and the Wyns.
Nelwyn asked, “Why did we go last?”
“Because out of all the ladies, I can take a hit.”
He paused and then nodded as they settled at the small table nearest the door.
The food arrived, and when she took a look at it, Mimi got up and said, “Wash your hands. I will be right back.”
She walked into the kitchen and got replacement trays. The housekeeper hissed. “What are you doing?”
She spoke in the language of Wonder. Moira said in the same language, “You gave us food for herbivores, and I can bet that all of those guys eat meat. In fact, I am counting on it.”
There was a laugh from Borwyn, and Moira blinked. “And they understand the language of the islands as well. Now, excuse me. One would have thought you had gained better manners since you tried to paddle my ass for stealing some pineapple.”
Moira returned to her table and swapped out the foods, returning the bland starches to the kitchen. The housekeeper stared at her and hissed. “Moira Barnes?”
“I know. I have grown. Now, none of the different meals based on placement. If I ask, King Kekoa will swap with me. Do remember that.”
The housekeeper smiled weakly. “Is your grandmother here?”
“No, but I can call her. Do you want me to call her?”
“No, miss. That will not be necessary.”
“Good.” Moira said softly, “You do know that if you hadn’t messed with the birds, the king would already have his heir? I know it, and you know it, and all of Emerald knows it.”
The housekeeper flinched, and she nodded. “It has spread there?”
“Oh, yes. Syar is not one to pull punches. He and the cats told me all about it.”
“Oh. You don’t address him by his honorific?”
“As he put it, he changed my diapers. That wrecked formality for life.”
“What?”
“I was his practice baby, volunteered by my family, when he wanted to learn about childcare. I watched him with his babies with my own eyes. He’s a diaper changing machine.”
The woman was scandalized, but Moira returned to her table, washed her hands, and then dove into her favourites. Nelwyn smiled, and he began to eat as well, mimicking her as he followed the movements of her hands. Borwyn did the same.
Moira felt she was being watched, and she saw Rache and Eden at their tables. She washed her hands again and went to show them what to eat and how to eat it. How to mix flavours on the leaf in front of them, to wad into a ball, and pop into their mouth.
Eden smiled, was a bit more awkward, but when she and Krossos had the hang of it, Moira glanced over at the royal table. “You guys already know how.”
There was laughter, and she went back to the Wyns and settled, washed up, and got back to business. Warm bodies pressed against her thighs, and she looked down at the young panthers pressed against her. “Hello, guys. I met your parents.”
