Page 25 of Return of the Nine

Ziggy patted her arm. “I am sure you do, but just wait untilyou get to wear some Wilder formal wear. You will feel all delicate and weird.”

A suspicion filled Tiera. “Is he trying to set me up with someone?”

Zig shook her head, “No. They don’t do that sort of thing. Every male is responsible for his own female. If they are compatible but there is some hesitation on her part, he kisses her in front of witnesses and that is equivalent to an engagement. Since they don’t touch casually, it is a fairly serious thing.”

After some less serious conversation, Ziggy showed her how to find the porn on the entertainment unit by looking at the tiny logo on the left side. A strange squiggly icon was now burned in her mind. The documentaries had an option for Gaian language, and Ziggy blinked in surprise.

“That’s new. It wasn’t there when I got here.”

“They knew you could understand their language. Or they suspected. My guess is that whatever I eat, drink or watch in here is going to be recorded or at least observed.”

Ziggy was about to say something else when there was a knock on the door. She went and opened it, allowing her mate and his parcels inside.

Apparently, it was time to dress for dinner.

Chapter Four

“Okay, I have to admit it. Rothaway has an eye for sizes. Does this look all right?” Tiera turned from side to side and took in the grey gown that set off her dark hair.

“You look lovely. The Wilder clothes suit you.” Ziggy was behind her, wearing a dark rainbow version of the same gown.

“All the races have a different set of clothing?”

“Yup. Just like miners and caterers don’t use the same outfits at weddings.” Ziggy started to fiddle with Tiera’s hair, and in three minutes, her hair was wearing a similar braided arrangement to Ziggy’s.

“What is that for?”

“You are being considered a member of Rothaway’s family, and as such, you have to dress the part.”

“I am part of the family?” Tiera grinned. “I am pretty sure that I would have noticed a shifter at my last event.”

Ziggy smiled, “You are definitely one of my family, and so now, you are his family too.”

Tiera sighed and took in the complete image that she presented in the mirror. Gauzy sleeves flowed down in a grey that held a rich shimmer. Grey had always been her colour, and so, she turned from side to side once again. “Well, my brother-in-law chose well. This is a good dress.”

Ziggy laughed and gave her a quick hug.

Tiera and her friend left her quarters giggling. Rothaway was waiting in the hall. He had wanted them to enjoy absolute privacy when Ziggy explained the closures of the undergarments. It was very thoughtful of him.

“So, why is there a council dinner, and why do I have to bethere?” Tiera was walking to one side of Ziggy, and she asked the question out of the corner of her mouth.

Rothaway answered her. “The rest of the council is curious as to whether or not all Gaian females are as charming as Signy.”

Tiera winced, “They are going to be disappointed.”

Ziggy smiled, “You will be fine. I will be right there in case anything goes wrong.”

Tiera took a deep breath and centred herself. “I really hope so.”

Fate wasn’t kind, but it did have a sense of humour. Tiera was sitting as far away from Ziggy as it was possible to be. The only bright side was that Tonos was next to her on a chair that allowed his wings to extend behind him.

“I am glad to see you again, Miss Tiera.”

She smiled at the way he pronounced her name. He made it sound likeMysteera.It made her want to have him read the alphabet to her over and over.

“It is good to have a friendly face nearby, Tonos. This crowd looks to be a little on the hostile side.” She smiled brightly at him as she spoke in low tones.

“I will protect you, no matter what happens.” He reached out and touched her hand.

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