Kessie took her hand and pulled her toward the house.Sorooth closed the car door.
They walked up the wide stone steps of the manor and into it.Keska heard a rustle and said, “Hey, Hemma.”
“Tea is ready, as is a snack tray.I know you are going out for dinner, but this should help you along.It will be out on the back patio in a minute.”The voice that came around the corner made Keska smile.It was lovely to listen to.
Hemma came around the corner with one tray on her head and another in her hands.
Kessie whispered, “Ooh.I have seen that at the court.”
Hemma walked with a slow sway to her hips.
Sorooth muttered, “Is she registered with the BDC?”
“No.Zera has already interviewed and trained her, but until Ekbert is an adult, Hemma is not going to risk being injured in the line of duty if she is his main provider.”
Hemma moved gracefully, opened the door to the backyard, and moved through it.
Keska smiled.“Apparently, we are having tea.”
Sorooth grinned.“Apparently.”
Kessie darted forward and through the open door, where she shrieked with excitement.
Sorooth said, “What is she excited about?”
“Um, at one point, Hemma was traded to the stronghold with the Uraddan ambassador at the time.She was given all of the etiquette and server training in those six months.So, now, there is always one room in the house that is Sethir formal.In this house, it is the back patio.”
As they got closer, he asked, “Why?”
Hemma’s rich voice said, “Because she always wanted one room where her daughter and partner would be comfortable.A place they can go to, to reset themselves.”
Keska looked at Hemma and grinned.“Hey.How are you doing?”
“Busy, picked up some hostess shifts at the live ranges.Ekbert’s graduation is coming up, and I want to get him something nice.”
Keska looked at the low table with cushions and the tea and pyramid of a variety of cookies.Kessie was hopping from foot to foot.“Dad, can I sit?”
Sorooth held Keska’s hand, seated her at the head of the table, and took his place on her left side.Kessie sat at her right.Keska smiled.“Okay, let’s wash up, and then someone pass me those cookies.”
They washed their hands with the warm water, dried them on a soft towel, and then the cookie tower fell.
Hemma took away the used clothes and retreated to the house.
Keska called out.“Hemma, when you are done with that, come back because I am sure Sorooth will have questions about you.”
“Very well.”
Sorooth said, “These cookies are good.Like my grandma used to make.”
“She’s an excellent baker.Way better than I am.”
Kessie nodded and stopped for some of the lemonade that Hemma had served.
Hemma returned with a fresh cloth and smiled.“Can I get anyone anything?”
Keska smiled.“Sit.”
The housekeeper sat across from her and smiled.“Congratulations on occupying the house.”
