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As soon as Jof Ta returned to the kitchen, Vivi focused on her guard. “This isn’t going to work. I can’t have you forming a line of separation between me and whoever it is that I’m trying to speak to. If they’re a threat, that’s one thing, but if they’re just speaking to me, and kindly, trying to meet me and determine if I’m even slightly a decent person, then you need to relax a little.”

“Sirena, we need to establish who is safe and who is no…” Zahn started.

“Zahn. I’m not out in public. I’m in a controlled atmosphere, and I have no doubt that if they work here, most likely live here, Zha Tahl’s security forces have already determined they’re safe to be here. I appreciate you, I really do. But I think you’re going overboard a little. Why don’t you sit and share breakfast with me instead of looming over me like a death threat to anyone who tries to speak to me?”

“We’ve already eaten, Sirena. We’re here…”

“Then please at least don’t stand between me and whoever is working here, trying to do their jobs unless you have some inclination that they’re dangerous to me. I really want to make friends.”

“Very well. We’ll wait there behind you, rather than around you.”

“You’re sure you already ate?”

“Yes,” all four males answered.

Only a couple of seconds later Jof Ta was heading toward her table again, this time carrying a tray with an ornate pitcher of what she assumed was Lita, and a woven gold basket of warm soft bread.

“Oh, Jof Ta, you may be my favorite person today!”

The large male grinned at her. “I would like that very much, Sirena!”

“Vivian. My name is Vivian, and I know you’re going at tell me you wouldn’t hear of not using my title, but at least add Vivian, or Vivi, to it. It makes it more personable.”

“Of course, Sirena Vivian. We are pleased to have you join our household.”

He watched as Vivian poured herself a steaming cup of Litah and tasted it before closing her eyes in appreciation and sipping again before she finally looked at him. “So, good, Jof Ta. This is so very good. And it’s a little sweeter than usual which is exactly as I prefer it! Thank you.”

“You are very welcome. I’m going to prepare your sample tray. I won’t be long.”

“Take your time. I’m content sitting here until you can get it finished,” she said, gesturing to her guards.

Jof Ta glanced toward the four guards standing behind her. “Warriors, may I offer you food or drink?”

“Thank you, we’ve already eaten,” Zahn answered.

“Very well,” he said, smiling at her guards, before turning back to Vivian. “Thank you for being so gracious, Sirena Vivian.”

She smiled at him as he hurried away. Vivian sat back, enjoying the relaxing feel of the main dining hall, and the hospitality of one of the palace’s main chefs. No sooner, had she taken a deep breath and let out all of the morning’s stress, than screeches, and gasps filled the room. As her guard surrounded her table, Vivian stood — albeit haphazardly with her swollen belly throwing her off balance — to try to better see what was happening near the door of the dining room. Then suddenly, she knew. Without being able to see around her guards, or over any of the other Cruestaci people in the dining room, she knew. A plaintive “rowr” drowned out all other sounds.

Vivian chuckled to herself. “Kitty! Here, Kitty!” she called out.

Kitty bounded across the dining room and darted between Rel and Zahn as they tried to intercept him, before rubbing hishead on her, then standing up on his hind legs to demand hugs and scratches.

“Are you being a good boy?” she cooed at him. “I have hardly seen you at all since we arrived. You should at least let me know when you’re going exploring.”

“Ah, so this is the famous beloved pet that I’ve heard so much about,” Jof Ta said as he approached her table once more.

Vivian looked up at Jof Ta as she continued to pet the shraler’s head. “He’s my Kitty. He won’t hurt anyone unless he’s threatened, or I’m threatened.”

“I saw him beside you when you were introduced to our people from the warship. And I’d heard tell that he was exploring the grounds, but I’d not yet had the honor of meeting him.”

Vivian cooed to Kitty once more and rubbed her forehead against him, which caused him to bump his head against hers. “He saved me, Jof Ta. He’s my best friend.”

“Then he shall be treated as the hero he is while in my dining room.” Jof Ta placed Vivi’s food on her table, then gestured to the other people with him, two females, to place the trays they carried on the table beside Vivian’s food. “So that you have plenty to choose from. And I shall return,” he promised, then hurried away.

“Is there anything else we can get for you, Sirena?” one of the females asked.

“No, thank you. This is more than enough,” Vivian answered, smiling warmly at them.

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