CHAPTER 24
M’Pak was feeling lazy one morning and opted to lie in the sun in the backyard instead of following me to the market. I didn’t need much, but we had been cooped up for three days due to rain, and I needed to get out of the house.
It was rare for me to go anywhere without M’Pak. I didn’t realize how much his silent, looming presence comforted me. I guess I had an emotional support animal and never realized it.
I took a deep breath. “It’s not a big deal. You know most of the villagers, and you’ve been to the market a million times. It will be fine.” I told myself.
I made my way to Miravel’s booth to offer her my congratulations. Canticor was also there, and I swear the male was preening, crest fully extended and chest puffed up while accepting well wishes from passing villagers. It was so cute.
“Greetings and congratulations,” I said to them both as I stopped at Miravel’s stall.
“Thank you, Andie.” Miravel enthused. Her gray wings kept fluttering behind her in excitement. “We cannot wait to be mated. You will be there, yes?”
“Of course!” I said, and smiled at Canticor. “You’re a lucky male. Miravel is very kind. I hope you’ll both be very happy together.”
“She is my moon and stars,” he said, eyes glowing purple with emotion. “I am the luckiest of all males that she has agreed to be mine.” Miravel looked like she was going to melt into a puddle. Awww.
Their happiness was infectious, and I kept smiling as I looked through Miravel’s jewelry collection. “Where’s M’Pak?” Miravel asked.
“Feeling lazy today,” I told her. “He’s probably tormenting the ovinas while I’m gone.”
“No protector today?” I turned and saw Markal. He had sold me my wristband. I wouldn’t say he was creepy, but he had asked me out when I first met him, and had tried talking to me a few other times. He just didn’t get that I wasn’t interested.
“M’Pak is never far from me,” I said, hoping he’d take that as a hint.
“Perhaps now I will finally have the chance to talk with you, beautiful Andie.” Annnnd that hope died.
I decided on the direct approach. “Look, Markal, I think you’re a very nice guy, but I’m not interested in any type of romantic relationship.”
“We all know that you are not really mated to the Prince. You should give me a chance,” he said.
“Thank you, but no,” I said firmly.
His eyes flashed red, but he let it go. “Very well.” And he huffed back to his stall.
“That was uncomfortable,” Miravel observed.
“Very,” I said.
“He will not be the only one,” Canticor said.
“What?” I asked.
“I hear the other males talking. You are a lovely and exotic female, Andie, and much desired in the village.” Well, that was news to me. Also, no thank you. My lady bits were firmly closed for business.
“Most of them held off because you are technically mated to the Prince, but now that it is clear that he is out of the picture, and that you never consented to the mating, there are those willing to risk his ire,” he continued.
“That Granthor of yours is the only reason you haven’t been overrun by offers of courtship.
He snarls at any male that looks at you sideways. ”
Again, this was a surprise, and not a welcome one.
“If you have the opportunity, Canticor, you can spread the word that I’m not interested in any courtship or mating,” I said. “I’m happier on my own.”
“I will, but I suspect some of the more persistent ones will not listen,” Canticor said.
“You do not have to worry about your physical person. A Ptexari male would never mate you without your consent. But I expect some of them will be rather aggressive with their courtship. Your refusal will need to be firm and direct.”
“I appreciate the advice,” I said.
I decided to make my way back to my cottage.
Canticor’s prediction held true. Without M’Pak at my side, two other males inquired about my well-being and asked if they could call on me later that week.
I was polite, but direct with my refusal.
They backed away gracefully, but I was in a foul mood when I arrived home.
I loved M’Pak, and I relied on him. I hadn’t known that he was also the only reason I was able to walk around relatively unmolested.
It was an unhappy realization.