Page 10 of Cozy Prisons
Chapter 4
Nataly
As she expected, it wasn’t long after the cake was finished that several people pulled out their instruments and started playing. The Talins weren’t a species with music, so they never joined in, but did seem to enjoy themselves.
Normally she’d jump in and dance with the others, but the day was catching up with her and fatigue kept her leaning against a wall. Of course, Daxus noticed.
“Would you rather sit down to enjoy the music, or I could walk you home? That would allow you to start your evening rest early,” he offered.
“Singing or dancing wasn’t listed in those choices,” she teased.
“I stand by those options because you don’t sing,” he countered and started walking her to another bench at the edge of the impromptu dance floor. “And I think you don’t have the energy to dance. That leaves only the ones I’ve stated.”
She chuckled and eased down on a bench at the edge of the dance floor. Daxus sat close enough that their arms were pressed against each other. Heat radiated off him, and he smelled faintly familiar. It took a few moments for her to place the scent. He smelled like the sweet lemon candy her mother made for special occasions.
The smell was as comforting as his warmth and bulk pressed against her.
“They’re very happy,” Daxus commented. She followed his gaze to see Merrick and Grace laughing with Maeve. They were holding hands and dancing together in a little circle.
“It’s not just them. We’re all happy,” Nataly said. “It’s hard to be sad here.”
Daxus made the rumble that sounded like large wheels bumping slowly over cobblestones. It meant he was questioning her or curious about something. “Why would you say that?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” she asked.
He seemed to think about it then sounded the stocking-feet-running of an affirmative rumble. “Yes, I can understand why sadness is unlikely, but not improbable. Even when one has everything they need, negative feelings or thoughts can intrude.”
It was another attempt to get into her head. She almost laughed. She’d been questioned by her grandmother once when she got home late. That woman was far better at interrogation than him, and a little scarier.
Unlike her grandmother, he wasn’t learning anything from her that she didn’t want to share.
She didn’t respond, so they sat in silence, enjoying the music. He wasn’t purring, probably to keep from disturbing her enjoyment. She’d noticed that most of the Talins stopped rumbling or rattling while the music was playing.
People danced or sang to the music. Some of the songs were newer and the players hadn’t quite gotten them down, so there were mistakes. Absolutely no one minded!
As the night went on, Nataly found it harder and harder to keep her eyes open. She didn’t want to leave, but it was becoming difficult to even focus on anyone.
She hadn’t even realized she was leaning against Daxus until he started purring. Damn, she was half-asleep!
Straightening up, she stifled a yawn and gave up on staying until the players were done. “I guess it’s time for your second option.”
Daxus stood up and held out his hand. She stared at it for a moment.
He’d carried her. She’d held his arm. But for some weird reason, tangling her fingers with his seemed more intimate.
This isn’t some Old Earth novel set in ancient times, she chastised herself.Holding hands doesn’t mean anything!
She put her hand in his and watched it disappear. It was hard to forget how much bigger these Talins were than humans. Her hand looked like a child's compared to his.
Using her hold on him, she got to her feet. They were walking to the door when Healer Falkilm rushed in, paused, then walked over to them. “Good, you’re still here.”
Nataly’s heartbeat kicked up. This was probably the only Talin on Arise she didn’t want to see.
“We were leaving,” she said. That sounded brusque and rude, so she softened her tone. “I’m tired and ready to rest.”
“That’s good,” Falkilm said with a loud rumble of agreement. “But I’m afraid I have bad news.”
Nataly’s legs went rubbery. Bad news? What had Falkilm’s tests found? She was always healthy, even when they didn’t have enough heat, food, or anything on Dandilow II. Had her luck runout and she had an incurable disease? How ironic to die now that everything was so good.
