Page 65 of Return of the Nine

Hiska smiled, “I am sure they will take you there in the morning. For now, baths, clean clothing and hot food.”

The ambassador and his wife were standing in the courtyard, wearing long robes in silky green fabric.

Daphne smiled at Teyha and Hiska. “Come this way, ladies. We will get you sorted and comfortable in no time.”

Teyha smirked. “Were you expecting us?”

“Something like that. We always keep guest quarters ready for whatever representatives from the Nine decide to show up. The servants are arranging a meal for the men, but I will take care ofyou, and I think a bath, clean clothing and a good meal is right in line. Come this way.”

Chapter Seven

Following Daphne’s silk-clad back was difficult when Teyha’s system was trying to flick between her enhanced vision and normal sight due to light.

“This is Hiska’s chamber. There is clothing in the wardrobe, and when you are ready, join us for dinner in the common room.”

“This is your chamber, Teyha. Shower, get dressed and come on out. I have caf for you and three types of tea.”

“Tease.” Laughing, Teyha hauled her kit into the room and smiled at its lush comfort. An inviting bed, a large bath and wide shower all called her with equal voices, but if she was to debrief Daphne, she had better turn to the shower.

She unravelled her braid before she stepped under the hot spray and groaned as the shower pulsed and relaxed all tight muscles, one by one.

The grey puddle of rock dust and grime proved her need for a shower.

Finally clean, she towelled off and checked out the options for clothing. She selected a long black silk shift and a red robe so everything was covered.

The soft carpet under her feet made her toes crinkle in happiness. She joined the ambassador’s wife in the common area and clapped her hands happily at the spread of food before her.

Hiska came in behind her, wearing a deep purple robe. They took their seats, and Daphne smiled, “Eat. You look like you are starving.”

Teyha didn’t need to be told twice. While she was eating,Daphne announced, “We called the watchtower and told them you were safe.”

Clearing her mouth by swallowing, Teyha said, “Thank you.”

She had no desire to be hunted by her friend, but if she had been lost, she trusted no one other than Ioy Lazkiy to find her.

When she had eaten her fill and had three cups of caf, her body announced that she needed sleep.

Her yawn was uncontrollable. “Excuse me.”

“The Shadow Folk Representative would like to speak with you before you retire.”

She blinked at Daphne, “Huh?”

Hiska said softly, “Ekinar Rossing. He is our species representative when we deal with aliens. You qualify.”

She nodded, “Okay. Where?”

Daphne gracefully got to her feet and walked around to Teyha’s chair. “Come this way. There is a study where you can have some privacy.”

Teyha was feeling like a sheep. She would go wherever she was herded.

Daphne opened the door, and within, Ekinar ceased pacing. He looked into Teyha’s eyes and asked. “How much time do I have?”

She smiled blissfully. “I plan to be unconscious in five minutes.”

“Right.” He walked up to her and pressed his hands to her shoulders. “Teyha, in you, I have felt something that my life has been missing. I want to be with you always and have you at my side, but that will take some major manoeuvring, so until then, I will leave you with this.”

The shadows of his body faded away, and she watched, bemused, as he got closer. When his lips caressed hers, her eyes widened as she finally caught on to what was going on. His lips were silky and cool, so she leaned up into his kiss, and he partedhis lips against hers, spurring her mimicry. With their mouths connected and slightly open, he exhaled into her mouth, and the power and cool slip of a piece of his shadow into her was unmistakable.

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