Page 107 of Dark Destiny: The Turning Of The Loom

"This has to be coordinated with Kian and Onegus," Syssi said. "They need to start planning the security detail." She turned to Annani. "We need an exact date to put everything in motion."

"Very well. The third Saturday after this one. That gives us three and a half weeks."

Ogidu came out of the kitchen and waited for a lull in the conversation. "Should I serve lunch now, Clan Mother?"

"Please do. Thank you."

"Right on time." Syssi rubbed her stomach. "I'm hungry."

The next hour flew by with good food and conversation, and then Amanda's tablet pinged.

Amanda's eyebrows rose. "No way. He did not just complete four design sketches in less than an hour." She lifted the tablet so they could all see.

Four rough sketches by a talented professional. A gown with a high neck and long fitted sleeves that flared at the wrist. A gown that fell straight from the shoulder, with a single gold cord at the waist. A gown with a fitted bodice and a skirt that moved, the pencil strokes showing how it would swing. A gown with a low back and a train that was a length of fabric trailing a foot behind, easy to pick up in one hand and dance with.

"He did these while we were eating chicken salad," Alena said. "Unbelievable."

"They are beautiful." Annani leaned closer. "Dominique must have a paranormal talent. He might be a Dormant."

Amanda shook her head. "I'll explore the possibility after he finishes your dress." Amanda took back the tablet. "Which one do you like best?"

Annani had already chosen, but she said nothing because she wanted to see what they would choose.

"Let's vote," she said. "A secret vote. Write it on a piece of paper and hand it to me."

When she opened the notes, Annani smiled. They had all chosen the dress she liked most. The one with the low back and a train that trailed a foot behind.

"It is decided," Annani said. "Dress number four."

37

KHIANN

Nine films, in four afternoons, on the bench in Esag's shed, with the earpieces in and the faces of dead people watching him from the shelves.

Khiann had asked Esag six questions, and Esag had answered them without raising his eyes from his carving, flatly and factually, as if they were discussing yesterday's lunch.

It had been educational, it had been arousing, but so far he had not found the courage to do more than gentle touches and caresses. Each night, he had lain beside Annani, his hands learning her body and hers learning his, but he had not acted on the more advanced things he had discovered because he wanted to be sure he could do what was expected of a male and not falter. He had not been sure until this afternoon.

He had it all planned, and he hoped everything would work as it should and that he would not disappoint Annani.

The bath first.

He had filled the large tub while Annani was on the phone with Amanda, discussing wedding details, and he knew from experience that the call would take a long time. He lit small candles that Ogidu had found for him, though the Odu had not asked what he needed them for.

The flowers came from Tula and Esag's garden. Red roses that smelled as wonderful as they looked.

He put them in large wine glasses he found in the dining-room cupboard.

When everything was ready, he went to the living room and waited for Annani to finish her phone call.

She looked up at him and smiled. "Is there a reason you are standing there and looking at me?"

"Yes. Are you done with the phone calls for tonight?"

"I think so. Why?"

He closed the short distance between them and offered her a hand up, leaning on his crutch with the other. "I want to show you something."