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I chew on my lip, agitated, as we walk.
An hour or so into the tour, the heat of the jungle grows unbearable. My dress sticks to my body and the hair at my nape is wet with sweat. Milly no longer looks like she's blooming with good health—she just looks tired and overheated.
Her husband notices this too, frowning as our little group moves to sit on the arena benches. Lord Sir has a few of his gladiators out for a sparring match, and while I'm used to the discomfort of the jungle's damp heat, Milly is not. "My mate needs a respite, I'm afraid."
"Of course," Lord Sir says, and snaps his fingers at me. "Come and show Lord va'Rin's mate where their rooms are."
I hope no one notices the weird way he just stressed “mate” as if the word tasted bad in his mouth. I beam at Milly, best friend mode activated. "Of course. Won't you come with me?"
Milly gets to her feet in a swirl of fabric, joining me, and one of Lord va'Rin's guards falls in behind us. "You must love it here," she gushes. "All this greenery and this damp weather. I hear it's wonderful for the skin. Do you find that to be true?"
I hide my callused hands. "Uh, absolutely. I was just telling Lord Sir today how much I like the weather here," I lie. "We do have some great fruit, though. Very cool and refreshing. Some of the melon even tastes a bit like watermelon from back home."
A wistful look crosses her face. "Really? That'd be lovely."
I guide her through the compound, avoiding the wing where Crulden's cell will be. Lord Sir's guest quarters are in the same hall as his personal quarters, and the air here is cool and refreshing. Their rooms are lovely, the blankets soft and shimmering and nothing like the stuff the slaves are given. "Please let me know if there's anything else you require, and I'll make sure it's brought for you." It sounds pretty good, even to my own ears, though I feel like I'm playing a role. When servants arrive with a tray full of melon and juices, I indicate they should set it down on a table. The kitchen slave gives me an odd look, but says nothing. "So, did you guys have a nice trip here?" I ask, feeling lame and stupid. "Nice…ride?"
"It was exhausting," Milly says, sitting dramatically down onto one of the cushioned stools at the table. She flicks a hand at the servants. "You all can go." After they file out, she picks up a glass of juice and then nods at her guard, who goes to the door, steps out into the hall, and then leaves me alone with Milly. She takes a sip of juice and glances around. Her tone changes to one of dry amusement. "So he pushed you onto me, did he, Rina? Is it one of those 'all humans know each other' scenarios?"
I'm too surprised to respond. This isn't the airheaded, chirpy human that I thought. "Actually it's Mina."
She groans. "He's one of those, huh? I was going to ask if you were fond of each other, but I guess that's my answer." She takes a bite of melon. "How long has he owned you? And do you even want to be owned?"
I blink.
Milly chuckles. "This melon is delightful, by the way. We don't have any like this back on Risda. Sorry if I come on very strong. I've become very passionate about rescuing humans in bad situations ever since I married Varrik. He indulges me far too often, and I figured while we were here, I'd ask about you." She leans forward, her arms on the table. "So tell me about you. Please. I know I'm being pushy, but I also don't know how much time we'll have to speak in private and I want to see if I can help. A lot of human slaves are not treated well by their owners, and I always try to make sure when we visit someone new that they're happy and content with their lot. If they're not, I want to help." She waves a hand. "But if I'm out of line, please tell me so. I'm just trying to look after my fellow human, and like my Varrik tells me, sometimes I get over-enthusiastic."
The small, frightened part of me isn't sure if this is an act or not. If I can trust her. The bigger part of me is screaming with joy. This could be our chance. This could be Crulden's chance. We could escape here together, if Milly will help us. But I remain calm, my face expressionless. "You're not what I expected."
She takes another bite of melon, then grins at me. "I know. I put on the 'dumb human' act whenever we're around Homeworlders. My husband's people are very intelligent, but not when it comes to humans. They think we're all oversexed idiots, so I play the part and let them talk over me. Works like a charm." She flutters her lashes at me, a vapid expression on her face. "Sometimes far too well."
