Page 51 of Breaking Ties

Nerigot stared. “You are coming to the academy. I don’t care what the oracle says.”

She shrugged as the machine completed and withdrew from her skin. “You have already seen the tattoo. There isn’t much mystery left.”

“But what there is, I will see it all.”

The medic came in with a dress that looked like it was made from a photo of Nerigot’s skin. “Right. Can I get some privacy?”

Nerigot narrowed his eyes. “No. You are shifty.”

She laughed and slowly got to her feet, taking off her loose tunic and trousers, making both men flinch. The dress went on over her head and would probably be pretty if she had any curves left. As it was, the cold-shoulder sleeves showed off bone under skin, and the slits on either side of her thighs showed very thin legs. She got the matching slippers, and at least they looked good.

“Ready to travel.”

Nerigot looked at her and said, “Follow me. I have to change.”

She gathered her clothes, and he snorted. “You won’t need those.”

“It’s all I have, so it’s coming with me.”

He sighed. “Fine. Follow me.”

She walked with him, but he was moving fast, and she wasn’t able to keep up. To her shock, a glowing hand grabbed her and pulled her along, a few inches off the deck.

She flew through the halls until she was held behind Nerigot’s back, and then they entered his quarters. She remained suspended in his spectral grip as he got naked and then put on his formal wear. Whisper wished for him to turn around, but he put on his trousers before he slipped the vest on and fastened it behind his neck.

“There. If you wish to see me unclothed, we will arrange it for a time when we can both enjoy it.”

She thought, Promise?

He grinned. “I promise.”

“Oh shit. You can hear my thoughts.”

“Yes. I made the link to check on you when I flew to my ship.”

“Flew? Oh, yeah, I passed out.”

He chuckled. “Yes, you did. I am going to fly again, so tuck your head against my shoulder. It will keep you safe.”

“Wait. Now?”

He picked her up, and his invisible hand was dismissed. She clutched her ship clothing to her, and he sent a signal through the ship. His chamber doors opened, and his wings beat. They went up then out.

Whisper couldn’t keep track of their route, and when he did barrel rolls into Vress’s vessel, she held her breath as he continued to fly until they were back in front of the captain’s dining room. He settled, and the crew jolted.

Nerigot took the clothing from her and handed it to one of the crewmen. “Have this returned to Whisper’s quarters.”

“Yes, Overseer. At once.”

Whisper was set on her feet, and Nerigot extended his hand to her. She copied what Aubrey did and put her hand on the back of his wrist. The doors opened, and they walked into the dinner party.

Aubrey and Vress froze when they walked in. Vress started grinning a moment later.

Whisper held up her hand. “Cool your jets, Overlord. I am not in shape to do anything with him. Is that a black eye?”

Aubrey grimaced. “It’s a pewter one. Good thing he heals fast, or I would be in trouble.”

Vress murmured, “You are still in trouble, Oracle. You needed healing for that hand fracture. You are not allowed to injure yourself.”