Page 24 of Scales of Time

She nodded. “So, how long was I resting.”

“A few days. The damage the flood did to the mud flats has just been repaired,” he murmured as they walked.

“Why no body suit?”

“Consorts are accessible, and this is the traditional dress on this world.”

“Accessible. How charming.”

He chuckled. “A temporary seat has been arranged for you. Something more ornate is being offered to the artisans for design bids.”

“Wait. You are taking bids on a chair for me?”

“Well, it is technically a throne. It has to sit next to mine and keep you at a level where I can be in contact with you.”

“So, is that a necessity?”

“No, you are just very soft, and I like touching you.”

“Like a pet.”

“I do not think of you as a pet. I think of you as a consort. Once my needs have been satisfied, you will be able to do anything on this world that catches your interest.”

“Wow. That’s subtle.”

He shrugged. “Please find someone who says that Hmrain are subtle, and I will show you someone lacking brains.”

She snorted.

He smiled. “You make interesting sounds.”

There was a high-backed chair next to Essan’s, and he guided her to it and helped her settle.

She looked up and saw the room full of curious faces who smiled and began to applaud as Essan settled.

He spoke, and the tone reverberated through the room. “This is Lady Kris of the dead world of Terra. She is now a permanent resident of Kifessan.”

Kris blinked. “I am?”

“You are.” He looked at her. “It is the least I can do for your efforts.”

“Thank you.”

“You are most welcome. Now, we are looking to gather exhibits for a distant art gallery. Those petitioning here are displaying holograms of their work. The crowd will decide.”

She smiled. “Oh, good. I just like what I think is pretty. Simple soul.”

“I doubt that.” He turned back to the audience and rapped out, “Next!” with the confidence of a seasoned director.

Kris sat and wished that she had popcorn or at least her ring. She felt naked without it.

The room dimmed, someone stepped forward, and the art show began.

Kris woke up with something warm under her head. She opened her eyes and sat up straight, realizing she had nodded off in front of the entire hall. She checked her mouth for drool and then remembered. “How badly did I snore?”

Essan smiled at her. “No one noticed anything.”

She groaned. “That bad?”

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