Page 63 of I Dated a Retired Hero

“Yes, ma’am.” Amber nodded.

“How long have you been able to do that?”

“Since I was thawed a decade ago.”

“I wonder why I haven’t heard about such a magnificent activation?”

Amber swallowed. “I am from the capitol. They don’t have a use for it, so no one knows about it.”

“Would you consider bringing that talent to Aksalla on occasion?”

She swallowed again. “I would like to, but I don’t qualify for a work visa.”

“What?”

“I have been denied twice for a work and occupancy visa. I wanted to move close to Litha.” She shrugged. “Sorry.”

“Why were you denied?”

“They stipulated that since I had no family to sponsor me, I was a risk.”

“I see. Didn’t you mention Litha?”

Amber felt tears well up. “I didn’t have her contact information. I couldn’t ask her.”

The prefect sighed. “I am beginning to understand. You two were separated?”

“I was put in stasis before she was born, and everyone forgot about me. When our parents died, they went through probate and found references to me there. They let me out, but I looked like a toddler. I grew up in care, but they examined me at every opportunity, and this was the final result now that I am all grown up.”

“Wait. How old are you from birth to now?”

“Forty-one, forty-two.” She shrugged. “I am not exactly sure.”

“Would you be willing to take some supplementation to finish your growth?”

“Um, sure, but I have to go home in four hours.” She shrugged.

“You are a fan of the rules?”

“They keep everything understandable.”

“Amber, are you an omega?”

Amber paused and nodded slowly. “That’s what the scans indicated. I have weird glands in strange places.”

“I see. Who knows about that?”

“The crèche.”

“Of course. Let me introduce you to Litha’s boss, Zera. She employs a lot of young actives, and she knows how to do all the paperwork to get them in.”

Amber blushed. “I applied to Z-Tech. I don’t have any qualifications. Denied.”

“Let’s see what we can come up with.”

The prefect put an arm around her and walked her over to where Litha’s boss was congratulating the couple.

Zera and Litha smiled at Amber. Litha said, “That was wonderful, Amber. Thank you.”

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