Page 47 of Untraceable
“That will happen by the time you are twenty-five. The change is under your skin and waiting.”
Mira looked nervous. “What am I going to shift into?”
“A water breather. The exact form is unknown.” He shrugged. “I didn’t know I would be emperor until I shifted. Then, my mother was upset. She wanted me to stay with her and learn the ways of her people, but I was taken away.”
Heyval bit Amori’s hand. She whispered, “Maybe they would like to meet each other in a more private setting?”
Azila snorted. “Thank you for finally noticing. Bailey, Mira, Your Imperial Highness, please follow me.”
Amori looked over. “I was just going to ask you to do that.”
“It’s a sign of strength to hire good people who don’t need micro-managing. Take the unspoken compliment, Your Majesty.”
Amori sighed. “Yes, I believe the family would like to introduce themselves.”
Azila chuckled. “Please come with me.”
The three followed with Khavenot taking Bailey’s hand in his as they left the room.
Heyval gave Bailey and Mira two thumbs-up as they passed. Bailey rolled her eyes, and Mira gave a shy smile in her finery.
When they left the room, no one spoke until Azila returned. “They are fine, and in a minute, Mira will be returning here for the adults to discuss things.”
Rage nodded. “Of course.”
Amori said, “Shall we head to the gardens? It might make it look like we aren’t waiting for them to resurface.”
Everyone agreed, and they got to their feet and headed out to the gardens. Heyval’s hand was firmly held by Amori’s while they chatted with Bastien, Alora, and Rage, while Rage’s father and Ulric were off in a corner discussing things that had happened in the past.
When Mira returned, blinking slowly, she walked up to Heyval. “Um, my mom says that they are going somewhere to wreck some sheets. Just to see if they still get along.”
Azila was standing nearby, and she smirked.
Heyval asked, “Do you know something about that?”
“Yes. I did threaten Khavenot as to the carpets and bedding in the royal residence.” She chuckled. “They will be back. He’s a little backed up, so he’s going to go off like a geyser.”
Mira clamped her hands over her ears.
Alora’s children took her aside and comforted her.
Alora laughed, and Bastien kept an arm around her waist. He muttered, “It’s almost like they are commiserating over having horny parents.”
Alora looked at him. “Nice play on words.”
“Thanks.”
Heyval chuckled. “Heard that joke a lot?”
Alora grinned. “A time or two. So, is Bailey pure human?”
Heyval shook her head. “No. She has brownie blood four or five generations back.”
“How old is she right now?”
“Based on Mira, I would say she’s close to forty.”
Alora chuckled. “I am not going to tell her, but if her parents are this eager, there might be a little imperial sibling on the way in a few days.”
