Page 18 of Home

“Yes, and I’d like you to help me find the garden on the roof. If it’s as nice as Eula says, I might want to eat there.”

Zahn and Rel took just a few moments to search each room upstairs until they finally located the access for the rooftop garden and sun room.

Vivian in the meantime headed downstairs with Kail and Asl.

Zahn and Rel came down the stairs to find her looking up at them with her hands grasping her heavy belly. “No luck?”

“We found it. It is quite beautiful, and the sun room is very nice, but the sun on the rooftop garden is very intense. Perhaps you should have it shaded, or for the time being only stick to the sun room.”

“Your sun is pretty intense. The last thing I need right now is to get a sunburn. The sun room is better, you said?”

“Yes. It is roofed, and has cool water misting among the plants there.”

“Oh, that sounds like a me kind of place.”

She heard one of their stomachs growl, and her own joined in. “Show me later, though. I think we could all use a good meal. You know, I could just throw something together here. We don’t have to go to the dining room.”

“You should go to the dining room, Sirena. There are many servants who haven’t met you yet and the food is already prepared and waiting. They look forward to your presence.”

Vivian growled a little but thought about it. “Yeah, but you know I’m just going to have to find somewhere to pee as soon as we find the dining room.”

“It will be fine, Sirena. We’ll escort you to the restroom as often as needed,” Kail assured her.

Vivian opened the door to her residence and was immediately gently held back as Asl stepped in front of her. “Have you forgotten all protocol?” he teased her.

“I’m not used to having to worry about it on the ship.”

“It’s different here, Sirena. Please, be more careful,” Zahn asked.

Vivian nodded but didn’t really comment as she allowed Kail and Asl to escort her up the corridor that would ultimately intersect with another and lead them to the main dining room of the palace.

“I really don’t think all this is necessary, but if it makes you guys feel better, I’ll play along,” Vivian said.

“But it is. Not only to establish that you are never left alone, but to show even those that it hasn’t occurred to, that in order to get to you, they have to go through us. It is not only a display of loyalty, but a display of strength and determination,” Zahn said.

“I get it. Lead on, my guard dudes,” Vivi said, chuckling a little.

“Where is Kitty?” Zahn asked, realizing that Kitty wasn’t with them.

“He ran out early this morning. I think he’s enjoying being able to run and play and exercise in the grass and climb the trees,” Asl said. “He has been on the ship since he was a small kit. He is making up for lost time.”

“So, Kitty has deserted me. Quin has deserted me. And I’m just hanging out alone waiting to pop,” she said for her own benefit more than anyone else’s. “I don’t even have Missy to keep me company.”

“You have us, Sirena,” Zahn said. “And we will be sure that you are never alone, you are always protected, and we will provide whatever information you would normally receive from Missy. Just let us know what you need.”

~~~

Vivian’s security team led the way into the large main dining room. There were only a few people already dining, but all of them looked up and stood in deference to her when they realized who she was. Vivian smiled politely and signaled that they should all retake their seats, then gave a little wave as she and her team made their way to a table near the back of the room. As Vivian chose a seat, all four of her guards assumed positions around her table.

Almost immediately a male she assumed was a chef was hurriedly moving toward her table. “Sirena, I am Jof Ta. I am one of the chefs assigned to the palace. Welcome.”

She tried to smile up at the male, but her guards were in the way. “Hello, Jof Ta. I’m happy to be here.”

Rather than become offended at the wall her guards were making of themselves, Jof Ta remained upbeat and unshaken. “Is there anything in particular that I may prepare for you, or wouldyou prefer a sampling of the dishes we’ve prepared for today? Or if you prefer you are more than welcome to enter the kitchen yourself to determine what you’d like to have.”

“You know what, Jof Ta? I trust you. I’d like to sample some of whatever dishes you’ve got planned for today. The only thing I’d really ask for is Litah, and some type of bread. Whatever else you bring I’ll be glad to try.”

“I shall return quickly, Sirena.”

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