Page 10 of Scales of Time

Essan smiled. “You will not take her yourself?”

“I am getting old, Grandfather. Climbing mountains is beyond me now.”

“Who will you send her with?”

“Niassin’s nephew is a good pick. He likes that outdoors stuff and is in her age range. He’s also a professional guide. He’s a good choice.”

Essan thought about the pearly beauty of the alien and the silky soft skin. Her wrist was softer than any of the fabrics he wore. It reminded him of flower petals.

“Tomorrow, she goes on a trail ride with the older granddaughters. I think she will be amused to learn to ride.”

“Does life amuse her?”

“I believe so.”

“When are you showing her the galleries?”

“When she has appreciated the wilderness of this world. She misses walking freely and breathing deeply. Of course, she is allergic to half the food here. It makes things awkward.”

Essan blinked. “What?”

“I learned of her allergies on Frethen. She ate some of the greens and began to have difficulty breathing. Her skin turned red and raw, and she had to be rushed to a medic. I bought her a sensor ring, which she uses on her food and drink. She also has emergency injections if she needs them.”

He frowned. “Isn’t there a medical treatment she can get?”

He heard the footfalls, and Kris emerged from the house and closed the door behind her. Her hair was braided tightly along her scalp and flared loosely into silky locks. The suit she was wearing was thick and a dull grey. “You didn’t have anything that was flattering?”

“Of course I did. This will withstand me overheating because I keep replaying getting called dregs in my mind.”

Essan felt something, and to his shock, it was regret. “I will endeavour not to set off that impulse again.”

Yorness smiled. “Would you like to join us with the family, Kris?”

“Well, I got dressed and everything, so sure.”

Yorness sighed in relief, and they turned toward where the family was gathering.

The human looked at him. “Is Yorness going to be in any trouble because she hid me?”

“I do not believe it will be necessary. She just about fainted when I arrived at the door.”

Essan smiled when he realized Kris was talking to him as an equal. Considering her earlier bow, it was surprising.

Kris nodded. “She thought she had gotten away with it.”

“Yes, I nearly regret coming for my scheduled visit and wrecking her plan.” He chuckled.

“Why would she hide me? I am obviously not suitable.”

He chuckled. “Have any of your kind become bond mates to Hmrain?”

Kris’s body went still while she continued to walk. “One or two.”

He blinked. “How many?”

“Uh, over ten.”

“Any elders?”

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