6
I realize how hungry I am. I’d barely eaten all day for the excitement of coming to the palace.
Food is set down in front of Visha and then the rest of the table are served.
“I won’t be distracted from my question,” Visha says, spearing a bright orange carrot. “What is a thread?”
“You don’t have one, Your Majesty?” Candice asks.
“No, I do not.” She glares accusingly at the king.
He laughs and cuts at his meal. “I will get you one. We’ve had other things to attend to. Would you like me to list what has been keeping us busy?”
“No I would not like you to voice that list.” She frowns and looks at me. “Do you have one, Mel?”
“Yes, right from the beginning.”
“And is it useful?”
“It’s a bit like having a cell. No apps, but makes staying in touch with friends easier.”
“Then I definitely want one, I was never without my cell in my previous life.”
The meal continues and the conversation flows with more ease. Rachel talks about her job at the bank, which she hated, I knew that, and Cy-Ray talks about new developments he’s making in the kitchen. He’s constantly fascinated by our Earth taste buds and keen to please us at every meal.
“Zuri is lucky to have you,” I say.
Zuri laughs. “Until I am his guinea-pig, I’ve had a few yuk moments.”
“What is a guinea-pig, and what yuk moments?” Cy-Ray appears affronted.
She laughs and nudges him with her shoulder. “Mainly because of hormones, I’m sure.” She slides her hand to her belly. “And on that note, I have news.”
“Yes, we have news.” Cy-Ray grins. “Breeding program news.”
“Another pregnancy?” The king sets down his cutlery. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Zuri grins.
Cy-Ray presses a kiss to her cheek. “We saw the medic this morning. Definitely another baby on the way.”
“The breeding program is going well.” Tr-Argan grins. “Congratulations.”
There are smiles and congratulations all round and I have a little pang of jealousy. I’ve wanted a baby for many years, and now, now I am in the perfect position to be a mother. I am in a relationship where I know I will be cherished and cared for and I will have the time to devote to a baby.
I catch Ar-Hagan staring at me.
I wonder if he’s having the same thoughts as me.
That now is our time.
We want what Zuri and Cy-Ray have got, for ourselves—our children running around the farm, full of life and giggles and fun.
I push all thoughts of the Jakarty from my mind and instead think about later. When we get home. When we go to our bedchamber, strip naked and curl up together. No more forked tongue play, no more hesitancy. It is time to open up, let him in, and take his seed.
This meal can’t be over soon enough.