Page 24 of The Ranger

“Maybe.” She took Kitty by the hand. “Let’s go find out.”

“Where are we going?” she asked as Shona dragged her along.

“To see my father. I want to know why you’re here, but I’m beginning to think it’s to keep me from blowing up.” She stopped when they reached the door. “That or he’s trying to butter me up.”

“What? Why?”

“That’s what I want to find out.” She turned to her Sarian. “Essie, do you mind giving Kitty and me a ride to my father’s quarters?”

Essie gave her a little bow. “Not at allsssk.”

“Good, let’s go.” Shona ushered them into the long corridor, closed the door, and the two climbed onto Essie’s back. They hurried off, and Kitty chatted about her class schedule for the fall semester. “Yes, I’m still writing novels, but I’m taking a few classes too. It’s a good thing it’s August and school doesn’t start until the end of September.”

Shona, sitting in front, couldn’t turn around to look at her, but knew Kitty was smiling. “You always did like school.”

“Yeah, it gets me out of the house.”

By the time they arrived at her parents’ private quarters, Kitty had regaled her with the classes she was taking, along with what she’d been up to since they’d seen each other last.

They dismounted Essie and told her to wait outside while they spoke with the king.

Shona waved to one of the guards to have them announced, then waited.

“Okay, let me do the talking,” Shona said. “I don’t know what kind of mood he’s in.”

“He can’t be in that bad of a mood if he had me brought here.”

“You’re right, still, this is weird.”

Kitty shrugged. “Are you going out on assignment?”

“No. There’s a match to be taken care of, but Dallan and I weren’t assigned to it.”

Kitty’s eyes widened. “Markhel’s?”

“Yes.” She drew in a shaky breath. “My father sent Vale and Makama.”

“What?!”

“Yes, I’m beginning to think that should have been my initial reaction.”

The massive door opened, and the guard motioned them to enter. Shona swept inside, Kitty on her heels, and stepped into a large room with two huge double doors at one end.

“Wow, is this like their foyer or something?” Kitty asked.

“Yes.” Shona went to the doors and pulled one open. “Come on, follow me.”

She slipped inside and spied her Muiraran parents lounging on a series of colorful cushions set around a low table.

“Shona, what brings you?” her mother Shannell asked. She rose and approached them. Her long blonde hair was piled atop her head with tiny tendrils framing her face. Her silver gown was trimmed it light blue lace, and her blue eyes swept over Shona and Kitty. “Oh, I think I know.”

Shona’s father, King Jaireth, didn’t bother to get up. He watched the three, unblinking. Yep, he knew what was going on.

Shona hugged her mother then approached her father. “So,” she said, her voice dropping in pitch. “You brought Kitty to me.”

He arched an eyebrow at her. “I thought you could use some company.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

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