Page 66 of Alien Burn

“Good night, Dhomhes.”

The screen went dark.

He remained against the railing with his hand lifted for another foolish moment. Then he lowered it and looked up at the sky she had wanted to see.

The door opened behind him.

“You'll be cold,” Sheira said.

“In a minute.”

She came to stand beside him anyway. For once she asked no questions.

Dhomhes moved over to give her room, and they watched the stars until his transport was ready.

10

SEREYA

Sereya had almost finished dressing when her comm chimed.

She caught it off the bed before it could sound again. A message, not a call.

Dhomhes.

Will you be at the reception?

Yes.

She read it twice, then looked down at the blue dress pooled around her knees. Until a moment ago, it had been something she would have to wear while Roemary introduced herself to important people. Now she wanted to know what it looked like from the back.

Ridiculous.

She turned toward the mirror anyway.

A knock came at the door. She put the comm down too quickly, and it bounced once against the blanket.

“Come in.”

Roemary opened the door, already dressed. Silver caught the light at her throat and wrists. She looked at Sereya's reflection, then at the bed.

“Who was that?”

“A message about the reception.”

“Another schedule change?”

“No.”

Sereya waited for the next question. Roemary's attention had moved to the dress.

“The gray would be better.”

“I thought I'd wear this.”

Roemary paused with one hand on the door.

It was a small disagreement. Women disagreed about dresses every day without being frightened of what would follow. Sereya made herself hold still.