And Roemary was so pissed.
Adryel barked out a loud laugh. “Way to go, Janae!” Someone else let out a whistle, and clapping started to fill the bay.
“At least he didn’t pick her…” someone said, but they all knew who the person was talking about.
Adryel caught a bit of a smile on Sereya’s face before she covered her own expression.
“Thank the stars,” someone else muttered, but Adryel didn't see who it was. She was too busy clapping for her friend. The volume of celebration rose in the room as everyone started to cheer louder.
One of the monitors showed Roemary being walked out of the group with Graecey, and they were having a rather heated conversation.
“She’s probably wanting to get another shot,” Adryel muttered to herself. Out of the corner of her eye, Adryel saw Sereya coming her way.
Adryel sighed.
Before Sereya could speak, Adryel held up her hand. “I don't want to hear it.”
“Not even an apology?”
She glared at her. “Now you apologize? When your queen isn't picked?”
Sereya shook her head. “I came on this mission so I could be a part of something important. I am here because I wanted to be a part of history. What we're doing? This is the beginning for many humanoids, a life that will change their worlds forever. I wanted to be a part of that.”
“You sure didn't act like you were here for history.”
Sereya bowed her head. “I know.”
“You should apologize to her. And to Graecey. And every other female here that you and Roemary made feel bad about themselves.”
Sereya nodded. “Did you ever want to be a part of something so much, that you would do anything to stay in it?”
Adryel raised her eyebrow. “Nothing is ever worth that much desire. That kind of desire will get you killed.”
Sereya seemed to agree. “If I die, then I die being a part of something I loved. I don't see a fault in that.”
“Ladies,” Graecey's voice echoed through the chamber. “Group two, I'm ready for you to come down. Group one is remaining on the platform. Groups three and four? Get yourselves together, and get down on the ramp, ready to go.
Sereya reached over and handed Adryel a clip. “For your hair. It's windy down there. Even Roemary's hair was blowing around, I noticed. Yours might need some restraint.”
Adryel blinked. “A peace offering?”
Sereya nodded. “Whether you believe me or not, I am sorry.”
About that time, Roemary was hauled into the ship, and she was bellowing as the guards moved her toward the cabins.
“Do yourself a favor, though,” Sereya said. “Stay away from her.”
“Not planning on inviting her to dinner or anything.”
Sereya put her hand on Adryel's arm. “No. Seriously. Stay away from her. I don't know what it is, but she hates you. Like hates you.”
Adryel shrugged. “The red hair. It brings it out of people.”
7
STRON
“Ahh, the binding of the mating,” Dhomhes said, his voice clear and annoying loud as Khalzin and his new mate approached them on the side of the landing platform. The female came to just above Khalzin’s shoulder.
