Page 52 of Untraceable
“Yeah, but who knows how long Azila will be here?”
Amori sighed. “True. Well, we need to accept the fealty of the visitors.”
“And the presents?”
“And the presents.” He chuckled. “They will be scanned for safety, and then tomorrow, we can open them.”
“Safety?”
“Not all of my nearest neighbours are fans. Many believe my mother should still be in power, but I ousted her and now rule where she did. Things are far less unpredictable.”
“What does that mean?”
“No one is tortured because they won’t share my bed.”
“Oh. Oh! So, your mom...”
“Likes companionship, willing or not.”
“Got it.”
“Yes, I plan on defending you when she returns. For now, she is on a five-year sabbatical around the world. She isn’t due back for another year.”
“Oh, delightful. Azila is handling the gifts?”
“Yes. And checking them. She likes you and is rather protective. Why is that?”
“No clue.” Heyval shrugged.
“How long have you known your friend Nex?”
“Oh, since just after I went to the university. She has her own issues.”
“Obviously.” He snorted. “She is very good at finances.”
“Yes, she would be. She has an analytical turn of mind.” Heyval smiled as a telescope was held up for Amori’s assessment. “She always did. I had no idea that she had left university.”
“Apparently, right after you did. She wasn’t fond of them after they tried to find out where you went.”
“Oh, shit. Theyquestionedher.”
“That is my understanding.”
“She doesn’t look mad about it.”
“Does your friend normally get mad and stay mad?”
“No. She rolls with things. She accepts and moves on. Even after her bestie’s accident. She just accepted and moved on.”
Amori smiled and accepted a gift before passing it along to staff. “Levella?”
“Yes. You know about her?”
“She’s Nex’s assistant. She keeps her on time.”
Heyval felt a chill. “Levella is alive?”
“Of course. She’s been here as long as Nex has.”
