Page 7 of Rings and Wings and Stardust Things

Stunned silence. All eyes were suddenly on me as Helko’s sharp gaze met mine, revealing a weariness that seemed to age him beyond his years.

“You are the professional in such matters, Miss Mendell. What accommodations would you suggest to... honor Sharlar’s desires while still preserving the spirit of our peoples’ traditions?”

Great, now I was on the spot. My throat tightened as I scrambled for a diplomatic response amidst the simmering hostilities. Tradition versus individual desires, power plays lurking in every glance and word.

Could I really navigate these choppy waters and pull off a ceremony that made everyone happy? A flutter of nerves stirred in my chest, but I wasn’t about to back down now.

I was Savannah Mendell, wedding planner extraordinaire.

“I think it’s time to get back to the basics. Let’s go on a date.”

RYON

The kemat’s fur shimmered from deep indigo to vivid turquoise as Ranna stroked its back, giggling at the color change. I watched my little sister play in the garden, trying to ignore the itch of curiosity gnawing at me.

What were they talking about in there?

“Ryon?” Ranna’s bright eyes found mine. “Tell me about the human.”

Leaning back against the ornate bench, I exhaled slowly. “Her name is Savannah. She has brilliant red hair and eyes like polished emeralds.” My mind conjured her image, a vibrant splash of color against the monochrome decor of the estate’s halls.

“Is she nice?” Ranna clutched the kemat close, her gaze eager.

I tilted my head, considering. “Nicer than you’d expect, given the demanding tone of her summons.” I pulled a flower from the vine, plucking at its teal and orange petals. “She seems...curious. Open. Not at all put off by our differences.”

Ranna tilted her head, feathers fluffing. “But I’ve seen vids of Earthlings. They look so strange! No wings, no beak...” She paused, blinking. “How does she eat?”

“With her mouth, little spark. No beak needed.” Stretching my wings, I allowed the afternoon sun rays to warm my feathers. “She struggled with the beverage bowls at first. I had them bring her a more suitable cup.”

“You helped her?” Ranna’s eyes grew wide, and the kemat squirmed in her grasp, shifting to a brilliant shade of teal.

“Of course.” The words slipped out, my tone softer than intended. “She’s our guest.”

But was that all Savannah was? A fleeting visitor to be entertained before returning to her world? The thought left an odd hollowness in my chest, one I couldn’t explain.

Ranna’s voice cut through my musings. “Will she stay for the Starfall Festival? I want to show her the meteor showers!”

“I don’t know, spark.” My gaze drifted towards the estate’s elegant spires. What was happening within those walls? Why had Father dismissed me so curtly?

Ranna pouted, and the kemat shifted hue once more, settling on a deep crimson that matched the ribbons of her dress. “I hope she can stay. I want to be her friend!”

I forced a smile, ruffling her feathers. “We’ll see, little one.”

“Ryon.”

My mother's familiar tone pulled me from my reverie. I turned to see Varie approaching, Savannah trailing slightly behind her. A flush crept up my neck as I realized Savannah must have overheard at least part of my rambling.

Ranna shot me a sly look before rising to greet our mother, the kemat cradled protectively in her arms. With a gentle tug, she guided Varie away, leaving Savannah and I alone amidst the lush foliage.

The human looked pale, her usual vibrant demeanor replaced by a shaky unease. Concern washed over me, and I quickly guided her to a nearby bench.

“Savannah? Are you well?” I asked, my feathers instinctively puffing out in distress.

She exhaled slowly, her shoulders rising and falling with the breath. “I think...I might have bitten off more than I can chew with this wedding.”

I tilted my head, unfamiliar with the odd human phrase. “I don't understand.”

A small, rueful smile played across her lips. “It means I may have taken on more than I can handle.” She met my gaze, her green eyes brimming with a vulnerability that tugged at my heartstrings. “Ryon, I need your help.”

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