Page 41 of Instinct for Disaster

“She is family. When my biological family chose to break the behavioural contract that would have taken us safely through years of waiting, I left them and found people who would accept my help.”

Nessa’s hair was in soft curls. “And me and the girls definitely appreciated Cassandra’s help. We would have been dead without her.”

The stylist said, “Marta and Ginelle are your biological family.”

“Marta is my birth parent. Ginelle is my brother’s partner.”

“Oh.”

Nessa chuckled. “She needed someone who would cherish her animals as much as she did, and we had eggs with our rations for the whole time until the communicator announced that shuttles were coming for us. We got her chickens and horses and headed for the shuttle that was waiting with space for them. They had room for us all, and we were off to safety before a storm hit.”

The manicurist pushed a table toward them and smiled. “Lady Cassandra?”

“Please work on my companion first. I think the braiding will take a while.”

Her stylist chuckled. “True. There will be three of us working on it.”

Nessa said, “Well, I am ready.”

The manicurist smiled and settled in front of her. “Then, off we go. Do you have a preference for colour?”

“Red, please.”

“Easy. Just relax, miss.”

Cassandra watched as Nessa’s fingertips were attended to. When it was her turn, the esthetician just moved over and got to work. Silver nails with blue and black feathers were completed as the hair was braided. The stylists asked her and Nessa how they managed to survive, so Nessa tried to explain horses and chickens.

“Cassandra came to us with all the food for her beasts, and when they ran low, she got more from somewhere.”

The stylist asked, “Lady, how did you know to put it aside?”

“I have always had an instinct for disaster. I knew what was coming and what I would need. When it happened, I was ready.” She smiled. “And then, I was in the mines, and then, I was here with more money than sense, and Yasku won’t let me spend it.”

The stylist chuckled. “Not a bad situation to be in.”

“I guess not, but after paying off what was left of Nessa’s and the girl’s bonds, I want to buy them something. Homes, education, something for their children.”

The manicurist finished. “That is your primary concern?”

“Sure. Once you are free and have a few million credits left over, it is proper to share it with the family you have chosen.” She kept her head still. “I need to know what to buy for a baby here. What is traditional, and have I missed too much of its life to provide a gift?”

Nessa looked toward her. “The baby in question is Andra.”

The stylists paused. “Oh. She’s sweet. She’s in your family?”

Nessa smiled. “Yes, she is. I am Andra’s aunt by blood, and Cassandra is by choice. She named her daughter after Cassandra. We knew she was still out there looking over us.”

The braids were done, and the stylists flexed their fingers. Cassandra and Nessa were walked to the makeup area, and then, it was on.

The masks that were applied to their skin matched their dresses. Yasku had provided clothing for both of them. That was the last step.

Betsy was her makeup artist and did a focused job on the mask. “You are looking amazing, Auntie.”

“Thank you, Betsy. Why are you here today?”

“I did an apprenticeship, and once it was known that the consort was getting her makeup done, they called me.” Betsy grinned. “I am not afraid of what you will do.”

Cassandra didn’t smile while Betsy worked but whispered, “You sure you want to go with that?”

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