Page 120 of The Warrior
“No, it’s fine.”
Pearl leaned back in her seat and looked out the window. “I know what we should do. Let’s get our jackets and take a walk and talk in the park. I could use some fresh air.”
A guard followed us at a distance as we strolled through the winter garden.
Linking her arm with mine, Pearl spoke in a concerned tone. “I worry about Khan.”
“Oh?”
“He doesn’t get more than three or four hours of sleep at night. Magni left a large hole to fill. It would be better if he hadn’t left so abruptly. There are rumors among the soldiers.”
I nodded. “Yes, I heard. How could they think that Khan would hurt Magni?”
“The timing of Magni’s disappearance is just very unfortunate. With the eight traitors arrested for trying to make Magni the ruler, it would look to everyone like Magni has gone missing because Khan felt threatened by him.”
“Are things calming down?” I asked.
“No. Khan is busy putting out fires, but to be honest I worry how much longer he can keep up this pace.”
“What are you going to do?”
Pearl’s eyes were on the path in front of us. “I’m going to do everything I can to show the people that positive change is upon them. I’ve arranged for the press to document the first meeting between a Motlander applicant and the five most compatible men that she was paired with.”
“But Shelly said the matching program isn’t ready yet.”
“True. We are working with the beta model, but we have to start somewhere, and everyone is growing impatient.” Pearl turned her head to look at me with eyes full of worry. “I’m afraid if we don’t give them what they want, we could be in danger.”
“You think the people will overthrow Khan?”
“I hope not. But when I ask him about it, he always tries to change the subject.” She sighed. “He misses Magni.”
“We all do. I worry about Mila.”
“Yes, me too. Kya told me that you let her sleep with you last week when you stayed at the school.”
I nodded. “I know what it’s like to lose a mother, and I can’t even imagine how she feels now that Magni left without a goodbye. I’ve told Mila it’s not her fault, but you know how children are. She thinks there’s something wrong with her.”
“Poor girl. And you, how are you holding up?”
“Fine,” I lied.
“I’m grateful for the energy you put into the integration projects. Khan and I were talking about naming the first mixed school after you.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’m so excited that the next generation of Motlander girls will be able to attend normal schools with the boys.”
“I wouldn’t call them normal schools yet; let’s stick with experimental.” Pearl tightened her hold upon my arm. “I like your idea about bumping up the Motlanders from the application list who are bringing their children with them. If there are any teachers on the list, they should be prioritized as well. Once we know which Nman they will be matched up with, we’ll have a geographic place to locate the schools.”
“Pearl, are you still intending to let the public know about the experimental school on Victoria’s Island?”
“Yes, we’re letting one camera crew in to film and shoot interviews and show how well the children are getting along. I’m hoping it will assuage the people when they see the progress that we’re making.”
“But aren’t you worried about the safety of the children? I mean if people get curious and want to go see it for themselves?”
Pearl waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry. The location will remain a secret for now.”
“Good. And what about Erika? She told me you invited her to help out.”
The water fountain in front of us was shut off for the winter. Walking around it, we made a loop and headed back to the mansion. “Working with us helps Erika focus on something else than what happened to Mr. Zobel.” Pearl licked her dry lips. “It hasn’t distracted her as much as I hoped, though. Erika withdrew her request for Khan to show Mr. Zobel mercy.”
