“My name is Ladee,” it said suddenly, and Lyk started at its cultured, moderated voice. “And I believe I’m lost.”
“I’ll say,” Lyk said, grumbling. Assuming the toy creature wasn’t dangerous, Lyk took a minute to pull on a robe, then tossed an oversized shirt to Ally. “How did you get in here?”
“I’m afraid that’s a rather complicated story,” the creature said. “I’m looking for Dr. Dawn Illya. Could you please direct me to her lab?”
“Dr. Dawn Illya,” Lyk murmured. “You must mean Zelup’s wife.”
“Ah, so she married him? I suppose that’s to be expected.”
Lyk shook his head, feeling absurd talking to a stuffed animal on roller skates. He approached the console mounted on the wall and hit the communications channel, connecting to Zelup’s quarters.
There was no answer, so Lyk tried Nojan. His nerd brother was always in his lab, so he was the most likely brother to catch in a certain place. Maybe he knew something about this well-dressed interloper.
Nojan appeared on the viewscreen, his face confused. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping? I heard from Mother that you and father had a nice little chat. Or should I say your mate gave him a nice little chewing out?”
Lyk rolled his eyes as his brother chuckled. “I’ve got a visitor here that’s looking for Zelup’s wife. Do you know where to find her?”
“A visitor? In your quarters? For Dawn?”
“That’s what I said,” Lyk said, losing patience. “Where can I find her?”
“In her lab. Zelup gave her a large portion of the South Wing, second floor. Can I see this visitor?”
Lyk shrugged and motioned to the creature. “Ladee, if you please? My brother would like to get a look at you.”
The stuffed animal on wheels rolled forward, coming into view for Nojan. His brother’s jaw dropped. “Ladee? That’s Ladee? Oh, man! Dawn is going to freak the fuck out!”
Lyk’s brow furrowed. “I’m clearly not in the loop, but since I want to help this little guy on his way so I can go back to hibernating, I’ll show him to Dawn. Second floor, South Wing?”
Nojan nodded, his mouth still hanging open. “Ask him how he got here.”
“He says it’s complicated,” Lyk said. “Look, you can question him yourself, but I’m getting him the fuck out of my quarters until I’ve gotten more sleep.” Cutting the connection, Lyk turned to Ally.
“I’m going to take him to Dawn’s lab. I’ll be right back.”
“Oh no,” she said, scrambling off the bed again. “You’re not leaving me alone here. You go somewhere, I go with you.”
He looked her up and down. “I think you look phenomenal in my old shirt, but will you feel comfortable walking around the palace in it?”
Ally blushed. “What else am I supposed to wear? You burned my coveralls!”
Lyk laughed. “Even my shirt looks better than they did.”
Ally hit him playfully on the arm. “This is serious.”
“So it is.” He went to his wardrobe and pulled out a serviceable outfit in black for himself. He removed his robe and handed it to her. “Wrap that around yourself. It will serve for now.”
He tried to restrain his smile as he heard Ally grumbling. Once they were both dressed, it was time to show Ladee to his destination. They started out into the corridor, the little creature rolling behind them as they walked.
When they passed a couple attendants, Lyk growled at them when they leered openly at his mate.I’ve got to get her some clothing, and soon.
That thought was reinforced when they passed a large group of school children who were on a public tour of the royal palace. Ally’s cheeks heated as Lyk tried to block her with his body. That didn’t stop the waves of laughter that chased them down the hallway.
CHAPTER 30
ALLY
Ally was mortified.Well, I basically just flashed a group of kids on a field trip. Go, me.
