Page 92 of Shifter King
"I'll be right there. Just going to put this somewhere safe." WroOth picked up one of the fallen blankets and wrapped it around the lightly scaled egg.
The cachi gourds still clacked and rattled from the intruder's arrival, slower in their beat now. AaQar stood in the center of the narrow clearing, his silver-blue robes shone in the sunlight, his arms at his side as if he were at ease.
The intruder looked to be a young man with only half the usual tattoos, indicating that he had not yet fully discovered his calling. Indeed, none of them represented animals at all. He might have been one of the unfortunates who had no beasts with which he could speak. He wore simple brown gear with only one colorful sash about his waist to indicate his allegiance, and, in his hands, he held a mirror-like device.
Based on the small blue bit of tra at the base, Naatos suspected it was a communication device. More proof of the Abliato tech they'd managed to bring into their community and which, if not for the fire hazard, he might have turned against them.
Another thought struck him.
Halting, Naatos thrust his hand down the ladder to stop WroOth, catching him on the top of the head. "Wait here but listen."
"For what?" WroOth frowned up at him.
"They said Zorna would have conditions for the attendant. Wait until we know what they are so we know for certain if you can fulfill them."
"How difficult could she make it?" WroOth asked, chuckling. "Not that I intend to challenge her on that point." He leaned his elbow against the ladder. "All right then. I'll wait here until summoned. If she wants me to be blond, I'll be blond. But I may draw the line at chartreuse. Anything but that."
He hoped it wouldn't be too complicated. If she wanted someone with horns or particular tattoos or who knew what else, it would be much more challenging for WroOth to maintain if he was constantly being exposed to venom. But his brother was one of the most skilled shifters he knew. Especially here.
AaQar gestured for him to join them, and the messenger remained standing at attention. "If you are prepared," the messenger said cautiously. "I will connect you to speak with the queen."
"We are," AaQar said.
The messenger pressed a few buttons along the bottom, and then he turned it around to face them.
It was a simple sleek device. Bright lines formed across the surface. Then the queen's visage came into focus. She sat upon a carved throne against a red woven backdrop with shades of darker red, rich brown, and black. Her headdress included rubies as well as jet and perhaps sapphires. Her head lifted high, she studied them with fierce eyes. "You dishonored yourselves and your family the last time we met by failing to give me the honor due. But the Neyeb has spoken well of you. That you are wiser than beasts and might be offered a chance to redeem yourselves."
"Yes. If you are willing to hear it, I will make my apology," Naatos said. If he had not known what was at stake or what they were actually maneuvering toward, he could not have done this.
Zorna sucked her teeth, her expression still suggesting she was suspicious. "Very well. Apologize."
Chiriese had told him precisely what to say. Every word was acid and bile, but he forced each one out. If this was his role, he would play it. Then later he would choose his own. "Most noble queen, I apologize for failing to recognize the great honor you offered to the Mother of the New Neyeb. I apologize for my arrogance and stupidity and for all manner of dishonor that I have placed upon you and your noble family and race. I would be honored if you would take the Neyeb and take her into the service of your family however you should see fit."
"Your apology is accepted," Zorna said with a slight nod. "And you admit that my son is obviously the better choice to be the Father of the New Neyeb. A better choice in every respect. A better man."
"I can say nothing else but that," Naatos said, the words tight.
"Then actually say them." She rested her chin on her fist. "Now."
"Your son is obviously the better choice to be the Father of the New Neyeb. A better choice in every respect…A better man."
"Yes. I am so glad you can see it." She straightened as she placed both hands on the arms of her throne. "You will say this at the wedding? Before all who are assembled? Exactly this?"
"Yes." He fought back the growl that rose within his chest. "Yes, I will."
"Then it is with great magnanimity and graciousness that I bestow upon you and your simple little cadre the honor of attending the wedding of the prince and the Neyeb."
"We are most honored." AaQar bowed his head. "Our thanks indeed. May we send one of our family to serve as an attendant to the bride?"
"Tradition permits it so long as it is in alignment with our requirements," Zorna said slowly.
"We are more than willing to comply," AaQar said. "What are they?"
"You understand, that we will test regularly to ensure there is no skinchanging trickery."
Get to the point. Naatos braced his hands against his belt, resisting the urge to leave or break something.
"That is to be expected," AaQar said. "Though we are far from skilled."
