Page 162 of Sky’s Edge

“I know, I just can’t⁠—”

“I know. I get you, babe.”

“I need to take Manny out for some fresh air to give Zyra some alone time. And they’re moving her from a medi-case to a bed, and Manny will want to see she’s settled after they do that. So I can’t talk long.”

“All right. Just as long as you’re okay.”

“I’m fine.”

“Good. Do you want me to tell Gayle and Mon about this?”

This was one of those three-besties problems. You took pains not to show favorites.

“No. After I spend some time with Manny, I’ll give them a comm.”

“Okay, honey. Speak soon.”

“We will. Much love and hugs.”

“Back at you.”

We ended the comm.

I arrived at and exited the north door.

Hurley was already racing back to Manny with a ball in his mouth.

I joined them, we walked the grounds, and for my part, I introduced myself to them.

And found, to no surprise, even in the dead of autumn, they were beautiful.

I was at the queen’s desk in the queen’s study at the lapcomp, replying to email and sorting a work schedule for the next two months so the gals could carry on without me.

I didn’t expect to be there two months, but who knew?

I wasn’t good at my job only because I knew great art.

I was good at it because I was organized and never unprepared.

I’d also had a conversation with Lua, putting her in charge while I was away, and perhaps hinting that she might want to do more than her normal good job because there might be a promotion in her future.

Added to this, I had conversations with Monique and Gayle, letting them know what was going on, and that I was okay.

Last, a convo with Dad and Mom, also letting them know what was going on, and I was okay.

I was surprised Dad didn’t say he was packing Mom in their craft and heading up right away.

But he didn’t.

Zyra was out of the case, in her bed, and with Manny having had some time to come to terms, they were no longer bickering. Instead, I left her napping and him in a chair beside her bed, watching some screen.

Hurley was hanging with me.

I’d lunched at the desk while working, it was coming on time when Tanyn was going to head to Gehenn, and I wanted to catch him before he left so I could say goodbye, when there was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I called.

A member of staff walked in and announced grandly, “Ms. Mira Loreling to speak to you, milady.”