Page 68 of Return of the Nine

Rothaway waved for him to leave. “You are dismissed, Emissary. Enjoy your new posting.”

Confused, he exited the hall and took the rail to his quarters. He could feel Teyha’s emotions go from shocked to confused, then finally pleased, and he was damned if he didn’t want to know what the hell they were talking about.

Facing the representatives of the Nine felt peculiar, but since Teyha was sitting in the embassy back on Gaia, she felt comfortable telling the absolute truth.

When Ekinar was dismissed, she wondered why they still wanted to talk to her, but before she could ask, the Shadow Folk contingent stood up.

“What is your name, miss?”

“Teyha Wynn. What may I call you?” She raised her browsand waited.

A low chuckle came from within the shifting shadows. “Representative Naluriak Rossing-Deenar. I believe you are about to become my sister-in-law.”

Shock rippled through Teyha. “What? I am sorry, but Ekinar never mentioned anything of the kind.” She snorted. “Mind you, I didn’t know he had sister either.”

Naluriak laughed. “We are not a forthcoming folk. You will eventually draw him out, but he is already within you, learning your moods.”

Blinking rapidly, she asked again, “What?”

“He kissed you, yes?”

“Yes.”

“And in doing so, he placed a tiny bit of his shadow, or his soul, within you. He has been using it to monitor your moods.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“In public, even amongst the Nine, we always wear our shadows around us. For our males to keep out of trouble, as the third step in courtship, they place a piece of their shadow inside their female. That tiny piece of him allows him to know your moods and your location. It is a handy thing on wilder planets, and I believe that Gaia counts.”

“Naluriak, I am not sure that that is the case with me.” Teyha bit her lip, though she knew she was lying. Whatever had changed inside her was enhancing her normally impressive echolocation, and she could feel that she was being monitored during her waking hours.

“I am sure that it is. I can see it. My family’s shadow has a distinct pattern. It is flickering behind your eyes every time you look around. I formally greet you, sister, and I welcome you most heartily.” The woman inclined her head.

“How is it that you were allowed in here as councillor to your people with your brother facing charges?” Teyha had to ask.

“I could always be outvoted by the other eight. It is really that simple. I was here as a character witness.”

Teyha nodded her head and sat up straight before she inclined her head in a mimicry of Naluriak’s. “Thank you for your greeting, sister. I look forward to one day meeting you in person.”

There was a concentrated sigh from the eight chairs, and Teyha knew she had done something significant.

“I just sealed my fate, didn’t I?” Her tone was wry.

The shadow laughed. A bright, cheerful sound. “Public acknowledgement of my brother’s claim. In the eyes of the Nine, you are now declared to him and he to you.”

Rothaway wished her luck with Ekinar, and he closed communication, leaving her sitting and facing the Forest Folk ambassador and his Gaian bride.

“I am completely hooped, aren’t I?” She sighed.

Daphne got to her feet. “It isn’t that bad. Living on a spaceship, they mostly clean up after themselves.”

Apolan snorted and he grimaced. “For a woman who can turn invisible, you are around an awful lot lately.”

She smacked her husband in the arm and leaned down to whisper in his ear.

Apolan’s cheeks darkened, and he got to his feet.

He stood in front of Teyha and took her hands in his. “Congratulations, new daughter of shadow. May your souls twine brightly.”

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