Page 37 of Saved By the Servali

“My inspector’s uniform reminds me that someone sitting in management can mock everything I worked for—what I thought would be a job that would literally put me on top of the world. I don’t want to work there anymore. I never got to even put my tech training to use, and that was the hardest part, the thing onlya handful of people ever pass the test for. It’s a mockery. A clown suit. I don’t want it.” Nessa sat up and shed her tatters.

“You are in your swimsuit again?” Kamau cocked an eyebrow as she appeared in the smooth white bra and panties.

“These are my underwear, Kamau. They always were.”

“Oh. Ooh!” Kamau turned abruptly away from her.

“You’ve literally licked my coochie. What are you coming over all bashful for?”

“I’m giving my Queen privacy. Just because you shared your body with me once doesn’t mean it is my body to admire.”

Merton hadn’t seemed to understand that. Ever since they slept together the first time, he had no qualms about giving her a leer or brushing against her. She hadn’t thought it was worth complaining about, especially since she wanted that door left open for nights when loneliness and horniness got to her.

And for what? My own hand works a damn sight better than his ever did.“Well, I invite you to turn around—and I love that you truly are a Knight. You stand by your Queen and serve her in every way. But... I want it to be mutual.”

“Ah, maybe, if I am ever allowed to court you properly in the old Servali customs, then—”

“Tell me about the old Servali customs. Tell me anything. I want to forget about today and all the questions I have.”

Kamau faced her. “A robe, perhaps?”

“A long hot bath with a glass of whatever is in that jug, perhaps?” she countered.

“Well... It would let me start off with the customary toast to the Queen I desire.”

“Ooh. No one has ever made a toast to me.Ordesired me,” Nessa shrugged as the realization hit her again.

“I’m sure hundreds did—but they were selfish or cowardly and wouldn’t risk their hearts. I have decided that you are my miracle, and I am willing,” Kamau took two small red glassesand tipped the jug to fill each one. “Borde. It’s a traditional Servali liquor. Only one glass is necessary to relax you. I wouldn’t want you to have too many, or then you might not enjoy the rest of the ritual.”

“Ritual? What ritual?”

KAMAU PERCHED ON THEedge of the tub, trying not to peep below the bubbles as his large paws dangled in the water up to his ankles. Meanwhile, Nessa was submerged up to her neck, grinning at him as he cleared his throat for the tenth time.

“He must sing a song to prove he truly knows her and is worthy of being her King.”

“Oh.” Her face fell.

His faltered.

How can I sing to my sweet Nessa, only having known her for a pawful of days?

Well. Faint heart never won fair Queen.

Words tumbled free, jaunty and purring—happy. His father’s song to his mother had been one of such longing and so sonorous. And his was...

Happy.

Simply happy.

“My Nessa, she is brave and bold,

And soft and sweet, a joy to hold!

Hold you do, a piece of my heart,

A piece of my soul, from the very start.

Smart and sharp, a blade you are,

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