Chapter 22
Amina
Sleeping on the thin pad wasn’t the worst part of having Lorse in the room. Having to be so close to Myrum and not getting to touch him was a special kind of torture.
She had to give Myrum credit, he’d been clever enough to push a bunch of pillows and blankets off his bed, mumbling about being hot. They all dropped on her, and she got to use them to make a slightly more comfortable bed.
She was on the opposite side of Myrum’s bed from where Lorse had set up his. Eventually she fell asleep, but it felt like she only got to close her eyes before Lorse’s loud voice ordering Gis around woke her up again.
Amina stumbled to her feet and bumped into Gis. He helped her get her robe on, and both of them rushed around the bed to present themselves to Lorse where he stood on the other side of the bed, leaning over Myrum who was sitting up and acting groggy.
“I have a fresh set of pants in my luggage; please see if you can find them,” Myrum said to Gis. Then he shifted his gaze to Amina. “I’d like you to warm the cleansing unit for me, I’ll be there in a moment.”
“See to your master!” Lorse barked at them as if they weren’t already moving.
Biting her tongue, Amina tried hard to walk quietly into the cleansing unit instead of stomping like she wanted to. Lorse needed to be careful because he was very close to being the recipient of her notorious temper.
No sooner was she in the cleansing room than Gis followed inside to hand her a bundle of clothing.
“I included what looked like the clothes you wear under your robe,” he murmured. “If I ask you to fetch something, then follow the closest Ossiso to the kitchen. They’ll feed you before sending you back. It’s the only way we’re able to eat while in service to a clear.”
She took the clothes from Gis. “I have new respect for how difficult your life is.”
He dipped his head in a little bow and rushed out. The next time the door opened, Myrum stepped in. She didn’t see Lorse in the bedroom behind him, but she remained still until the door shut.
The clothing in her hands went flying when Myrum grabbed her up in his arms and hugged her tight.
“I’m so sorry!” he said, purring loudly.
“Hey, we’re good,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“I don’t think I slept all night,” he said.
“That’s funny, because I slept great,” Amina said. He must’ve heard the sarcasm because he sounded a rumble of amusement. “It’s going to be tough for a little while, but we’ll figure something out. Remember, Helmen and everyone is out there, ready to help us when we give them the signal.”
“What signal?” he asked.
“The one they’ll figure out when I do,” she said, making him rumble with amusement again. She wiggled in his arms, and he set her down. Before letting her go, he rubbed his face in her hair, reapplying his oil.
She pulled in a deep breath, comforted by the scent as much as he was.
“I wish we had time to enjoy ourselves,” he said.
“Same,” she said. “But maybe tonight.”
“Definitely tonight,” agreed.
After using the sonic setting on the cleansing unit so it only took moments to be clean and dry, Amina tied her hair up in her usual bun to keep it out of her way.
Leaving it down didn’t seem necessary if she was an “it” to Lorse and not a beloved pet like she might be perceived if other Talins were around.
He wouldn’t notice or care about the shaved sides.
Myrum had explained that a Talin might see it as a sign of sickness, but not Lorse.
After dressing, she tucked her arms in her sleeves and gave Myrum a smile. “Okay, I’m ready."
He hesitated. “What if I’m not?”
She stepped close and cupped his cheek, rubbing her fingers over his scent glands. Oil coated her hand.
“There’s an Old Earth saying, fake it till you make it,” she said. “I’m here to help you fake it.”
“I’m not sure that translated correctly,” Myrum said with a purr. “But I’ll work hard on pretending for you.”
“That’s it exactly,” she said. Drawing her hand back, she rubbed the oil over her lips and then went up on her toes. Myrum leaned over, and their lips met. The kiss was more about comfort than anything else. By the time she pulled back, Myrum seemed calm again.
“I’m ready,” he murmured.
“Good,” she said. “I might disappear for a little bit, but don’t get worried.”
He sounded a concerned rumble. “Will Gis be with you?”
“Probably not, but don’t worry. I can take care of myself,” she reminded him.
The dining room was as elaborately set as the dinner before.
“I know Talins only eat one meal a day, not two like us,” Lorse said. “But I thought you could sit and enjoy some tea while I eat first meal.”
“Of course,” Myrum agreed.
“Human, fetch Myrum’s favorite tea and take it to the kitchen,” Gis ordered.
Amina gave him a little dip of her head then looked around. One of the Ossisos moved to the open doorway, and Amina followed her. As they walked, she spoke quietly.
“My name is Sar, and you’re Amina,” she said. “Gis told us your name, and the staff here will use it. We won’t call you it or thing, you’re a soul even if you have a collar around your neck.”
Amina felt touched that Gis had obviously advocated for her to be considered one of them. She was surprised that the staff was receptive, though. They were ready to offer her the same help they gave to each other while serving under someone who didn’t care whether they ever ate or slept.
“I’m honored to know your name,” Amina said. “Thank you for your kindness.”
Sar stopped suddenly and turned to face her. “This shouldn’t be considered kindness; it should be common practice. Gis said you are content with being a pet. Despite his assurances, we talked about it. We’re prepared to help you.”
“Uh, you are?” she asked, shocked by this twist.
“Yes, we have a plan!” Sar said, talking quickly with excitement.
“A Veli supply ship is due in a few cycles. They’re the only ones who sell the really exotic items Lorse likes to buy.
They’d be willing to transport you, and they don’t ask questions.
Just before they leave, we’d get you onboard then cover your absence for as long as possible.
Hisha is having issues with one of her brewers, and she said it would be easy to cause a minor emergency with it.
That would help distract everyone until the ship was too far to call back. ”
It was a good plan. One she or Helmen might’ve thought of themselves.
“I don’t—”
Sar cut her off. “I know the idea of being out there alone is scary, but this Veli ship’s trade route takes them into Delorta territory. That species abhors slavery. Tell them you’re running from a master, and they’ll accept you and find you a job. It’ll be hard work, but you’ll be free.”
Amina gave Sar a respectful bow, one she’d seen the staff give each other. “Your offer is humbling but unnecessary. I’m happy with Myrum, and, uh, what’s between us isn’t all it seems.”
Sar gave her a pitying look. “You don’t have to decide now.
You have two cycles before the ship gets here.
We all know the plan, so when you change your mind, you can talk to any of us.
Except the guards.” Sar shuddered. “Don’t talk to them and try to never be alone with one of them. They aren’t to be trusted.”
“I’ll remember that,” Amina said. She wanted to tell them she wasn’t a real pet, but if Gis hadn’t revealed the truth, then she should probably follow his lead.
“Good, now we need to hurry,” Sar said, and set off at a fast walk. “Gis dropped off your master’s tea right after you arrived. Hisha already brewed some, so you have a little time to eat before you have to rush back to the Talin’s side.”
“I’m starving,” she admitted. Because Lorse spent the night in the room with them, she wasn’t able to get to any of the hidden snacks. She wanted some strong tea to help with the lack of sleep and any kind of hot grain cereal they had.
The room Sar led her into was a combination industrial kitchen and dining room with one large round table. Most of the spots were already taken, and the table was covered in bowls, layered serving trays, and platters full of food.
Everything smelled delicious and made her mouth water.
“Sit here,” Sar said, pointing to an empty place. Then she addressed everyone else at the table and in the kitchen. “She must eat quickly and report back to her master. I’ve told her our offer, but she’s too scared to take it yet. Be gentle, she’s small in a universe that’s unkind.”
There were murmurs of agreement and many sympathetic looks cast Amina's way. The Ossiso to her right set a steaming mug down in front of her.
“Here, this is intle tea. It’s almost exactly like tlash tea, which we’ve been told you can digest.”
“Thank you,” Amina said and took a tentative sip. It was similar to tlash tea but sweeter and creamier, and she loved it. “This is the best tea I’ve ever had.”
The Ossiso who handed her the tea looked pleased. “I’ll make sure there’s some delivered to you at every meal. All the canisters look alike, so as long as you don’t drink it too close to your master or Lorse, they’ll assume you're drinking plain water.”
“That’s kind of you,” she murmured with a little bow of her head. She was starting to understand that the shaded souls survived by banding together.
An Ossiso was suddenly at her side, looming over her. Amina looked up, ready to defend herself, but the Ossiso bowed and put a plate down in front of her.
“I’m Hisha, the chef,” she said. “I deeply regret the meal you suffered through last night. Lorse gave me strict instructions on what to feed you. It was deplorable, and I saw that you weren’t able to stomach any of it.
I spent the night researching what you could eat compared to what I have in stock and would be appetizing instead of scraps that should've gone into the reclamator. "
There was some grumbling from the other Ossisos as Hisha spoke, but it was against Lorse’s order instead of the chef for obeying it.