Chapter 22 #2
“Mom? I like that. It has a certain warmth to it.”
Macy closed her eyes and leaned back. “What do you call your mother?”
“Mudya.”
“Mm, unusual.”
Ziamee studied Dius’s face. “I know we just met, but I can watch them if you want to sleep.”
Macy sat up straight. “Nope, I’m being a bad host. Come, let’s take a walk.”
Ziamee inched to her feet, cradling the boy with care so as to not wake him. “Where to?” she asked, trailing Macy out the door.
“Along the beach?”
Ziamee grinned. “I’d like that.”
Two males stayed on their heels, their focus vigilant.
“That’s Elite Warrior Azan and Nuos,” Macy said. “Don’t mind them.”
Ziamee raised her gaze to the sky and breathed long and slow, taking in the fresh air. A chance to see the ocean up close? No, she couldn’t turn away from that opportunity. And she got to hold the baby, who snoozed on her shoulder. Every few minutes, he’d gurgle, burp, or sigh.
They ventured deeper into a garden until the floral scents mingled with the tang of salt. A wall ran along the beach, breaking only where steps went down to the sand. Macy didn’t hesitate, leading them to the last possible point.
“Nuos, take Kacera, please.”
The male did so, careful where he placed his fingers as if there was nothing more treasured than that baby.
Free, Macy sat and removed her shoes before padding barefoot across the sand. She spun, facing Ziamee. “Come, join me. Hand Dius to Azan, if you like.” She didn’t wait for Ziamee—simply skipped to the water’s edge.
“If you do join my queen, milady, do not venture deep into the waves.” Azan drew near should she need him. “Carnivorous omeika are why the waters are red.”
Her eyes widened. “Truly? Tell me more, Azan. May I call you that?”
“A Durn such as yourself may call me anything you wish, milady.” He cleared his throat.
“Schools of omeika infest our oceans. It was long decreed that since they were here before us, they should remain. What we did discover was that, despite their toxins, they have a unique flavor—taking on the consumer’s favorite foods or cravings.
It is a sought-after delicacy and Etteria’s primary export. ”
“Schools? Like ceaza?” She transferred Dius to Azan’s shoulder, taking the time to tuck the blanket around his chubby little body.
He frowned. “What language is that?”
She gave him a kind smile, realizing that his O.D.I. wouldn’t know the names for fauna and flora from her home. “On Vora, I used to catch them…to eat.”
He grinned. “Were they good?”
She chuckled. “Not compared to human food. Cheese? Have you tried that?”
“I have.” He chuckled. “And many others.”
“I do like your rehydrator,” she said and left him standing in the shade of a rocky outcrop.
“It’s none of my business, but Illan’s my dearest friend,” Macy whispered as soon as Ziamee joined her. “So, feel free not to answer. Do you love him?”
Understanding that Macy asked from a position of care, Ziamee didn’t let her abruptness bother her. “I do.” She hissed when the cold waves lapped her feet and wet the bottom of her pants.
“And does he love you?”
“He’s only said it once, and that was in the middle of…” Ziamee bit her lip, not wanting to reveal what they’d been doing at the time.
“No, he didn’t.” Macy gasped, cupping her mouth to smother a giggle. “And he’s forgotten?”
Ziamee pursed her lips, then gave in and laughed. “I don’t think he knows he said it.”
“Oh dear,” Macy mumbled. “Go easy on him when he gets around to confessing.”
“Do I have to?” Ziamee asked, playfulness in her tone.
“I suppose you can make him suffer a little. So… Zoo would expect me to ask. What’s your greatest desire, and if at all possible, Etteria will provide it.”
Ziamee blinked, a little stunned. After all, anyone’s ‘greatest desire’ could cost a small fortune. “Why? I’m a stranger and not a citizen of Etteria.”
Macy shrugged. “You’re Durn. There are so few of you left, and I guess, since your people helped Etterians so many centuries ago, Xeus feels honor-bound to offer aid.” She dipped her fingers in the waves and flicked droplets at Ziamee. “So spill. What would you like?”
“Mm, if I had my way… A cabin by a fish-filled lake.”
“That does sound lovely, but choose something else. Illan’s already organized that for you…on Vora.”
“What?” Ziamee whispered, stunned at his thoughtfulness. She sniffed, then wiped away an escaped tear. “When?”
“Just after the discovery of that underground facility.” Macy straightened with her hand at her lower back.
She waved Nuos away when he took a step toward her, concern in his furrowed brow.
“I gave birth days ago, and sure, Etteria’s medical tech is phenomenal.
But my brain keeps reminding my body that I delivered twins.
” She smiled. “And the exhaustion isn’t helping.
Poor Aldur comes by every morning to ‘heal’ us. ”
“We can return…” Ziamee hitched a thumb at the wall.
“No, I’m enjoying the sunlight.” Macy beamed and looped her arm through Ziamee’s, urging them onward.
They strolled along the shore, in and out of the water. Only the distant cries of birds and the susurration of the waves filled the companionable silence between them.
“Are you happy he found you?” Macy asked, then snorted. “I suppose you are when you love him.”
“If you believe in fate, his arrival was perfect timing though I didn’t think so then.
With his help, we rescued my father and found my mother.
” Ziamee ran her fingers along her thigh, cherishing her pants when her garments had been nothing but patches.
She studied her palm and blushed, remembering the first time he’d touched her. “He’s taught me so much.”
“Well, he’s devoted to you. I know that.” Macy twirled on the spot, then stiffened when Azan waved. “Looks like our stroll’s done for today. You can stay if you like?”
Ziamee glanced out to sea and smiled. “Please, for a little while longer.”
“I’ll send Illan your way. And do come for dinner.” Macy headed to Azan, took her son, and left.
Ziamee didn’t watch but trailed their departure by the female’s chatter until only the sounds of nature remained. She drew in a long breath and held it.
This… This was what she wanted. But no longer on her own.
The dead Maloidian had made her realize that she wanted this…with Illan and children of her own. And as soon as she confessed how she felt, the sooner that part of her life could begin.
She only had to claim the male. Easier said than done when she knew next to nothing about dhutyas. She gave herself a curt nod. Then she’d make him do or say whatever was needed. If he didn’t have the courage to leap, she’d do it for them both.