Page 34 of Scales of Time

Kris sighed. “That seems awfully involved.”

“Oh, I am planning a mural on the side of my palace.”

Yorness was speaking with the merchants and engineers. A few minutes later, they brought out a prototype. It was a standard assembly of panels, but the shoulder pieces were now thin straps that started a cascade of ten more pieces that ended up draping over her biceps. It was a fancy version of the standard Kifessan clothing.

The sash was brought up, and Essan took it and wrapped it carefully, settling the fabric in the manner he preferred. It was snug and lower on her hips than she liked, but he seemed pleased with the display if his hug was any indicator. His hand settled over the small of her back, and she blinked. Ah, freckle access.

Essan chuckled. “Your first scales appeared here.”

She stared at him. “What? When?”

He chuckled. “Before you woke.”

She leaned into his hand. “We are going to have to discuss your fascination with that spot.”

He smirked. “I look forward to it. For now, what ideas do you have for your clothing?”

“Can I have a tablet?”

“Certainly. We will link your results to the merchants and build your wardrobe from there.”

“Oh. Well then.” She turned to the merchants and engineers. “Thank you for your efforts today. I understand that the tech involved is usually destined for something more important, but my dignity will be intact because of your fabric. Oh, and if you ever think to cut corners... I will be testing these garments when they arrive and after each wash.”

The research teams smiled and bowed. Yorness grinned. “So, Lady, did you want to come over for dinner?”

“I am not sure what Essan has in mind.” That was a blatant lie. Essan’s fingers were trailing over her spine slowly.

Essan chuckled. “Of course, Yorness. We will be there. Life is better for her now that her immune system has been corrected.”

Kris smiled. “I guess we are coming for dinner.”

Yorness squeezed her hand. “See you at sundown.”

Essan pulled her in close and said, “We have another afternoon of court, but we should have some time after lunch.”

“Lunch? I have already eaten.”

He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off her feet. “Good. More for me.”

She clutched at his arms as he hauled her back to the palace.

Her cheeks were still pink when she settled on her throne next to his. He was glowing with good health. Apparently, once she trusted her partner, she could cum fairly easily. If Hmrain could get stronger from absorbing her pleasure output, Essan was going to turn into a superhero or supervillain. It depended on where the teeth were.

Today, there were petitions for land expansions and arable studies as the population was slowly growing and more crops were necessary.

Kris was interested and paid attention as the methods for turning wild land into a cultivated farm were discussed. Her grandfather would have been delighted. He loved farming, and farming on an alien world would have been endlessly fascinating.

“Kris, what is wrong?”

She looked to Essan, and he stroked her cheek. “Oh. Sorry. I was thinking about all the family that is no longer with me. I lost everyone.”

“You have not mentioned that yet.”

“I don’t want to bother you. It is just... what happened. It doesn’t matter. It’s the past. Nothing can change it. I was lucky to end up working cargo with Harwin.”

“I am interested in your story.”

She glanced at the gathered folk. “I think I will save my little tale of woe for later.”

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