Page 32 of Scales of Time

Essan grinned. “Finish your breakfast, or we will couple on the buffet.”

She snorted. “I am a little sore, so you would have a fight on your hands.”

He laughed. “You are perfect for me, after all.”

“How fire-resistant are you?”

He reached over and stroked her hair. “I get the feeling that we will find out eventually.”

Chapter Seven

Kris looked over at Yorness as they walked through the marketplace while under guard. “Sorry that I had to bail as your bodyguard.”

Yorness smiled. “I believe that the circumstances excuse any awkwardness, Lady.”

“Call me Kris.”

“No.” Yorness hissed. She laughed.

“Essan calls me Kris.”

“Essan has put out strict orders to respect his soft, new consort.”

Kris opened her mouth and closed it with a snap. “That sounds like I am all weird and squishy.”

Yorness smirked. “He assured us that you are.”

Kris blinked at her friend and laughed. “You are an ass.”

“Yes, Lady Kris. I know, and so do all of my children and grandchildren.”

“Huh. So, where are we going next, Master Merchant?”

Her friend grinned. “Come this way. The textilers have been working in a frenzy to accommodate you. It has become a matter of national pride to find you something you can use.”

“Wow.”

“Yes, Lord Essan has been busy. He wants you to feel at home here.”

“And he is doing it all in one day?” Kris raised her brows as they walked into a shop where five huge displays of fabric were set up around the room. Essan was there talking with a few of the engineers.

Essan walked to her, his wide trousers flowing and his wings up and framing him. It was a happy look. “You have had fun picking out items for our quarters?”

Yorness snorted. “She picked out fruit and ate it while we walked. I am amazed she isn’t sticky.”

Kris grinned. “I stopped to wash my hands.”

Essan reached down and lifted her, kissing her softly. She looped her arms around his neck and idly kicked her feet.

He leaned back. “Have you been having fun?”

“I have not been hauled to a bed in a few hours, so... yes. Now I have a chance to walk it off.” She wrinkled her nose.

He set her on her feet. “Well, these good people are here with their most flame-retardant clothing, and they are waiting for you to show them that we can make something worthy of you.”

She snorted, and he grinned. “You are laying it on thick. I just need fabric samples and an open space.”

The next hour was spent with taking swatches, wrapping them around her body, and tying some dangling lengths on her arms.

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