AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She smiled as Ven stood and followed her. “Because the shipwreck survivors said a king was better than a chief. So, we got a king.” She smiled. “The sea kept invaders at bay, and when it was time for us to join the modern age, our king began travelling and came home with a mate. She advised him, and they were blessed with their son late in life. He’s helped us develop into a technological nation who can choose their way of life.” Kai chuckled. “We just had to pick up the green stones and learn to shape them.”
“Just that?”
“Jewel cutters were hired as tutors. We learned, and here we are. Free health care; free transport to and from the mainland. We get paid for duties outside of just existing. Farmers get bonuses as does anyone working in socially beneficial occupations.”
“Okay. Why are you telling me this?”
Kai chuckled. “Because I don’t think you knew. Also, we all speak English because of our families, but we have to do it to the exclusion of our traditional language because Reynaldo is having a helluva time learning.”
Ven smiled. “I have heard it a bit. It sounds tricky.”
“Where?”
“The salon.”
“Oh. Ohhh. That was you.” Kai cleared her throat. “I apologize for my cousin.”
“What?”
“Your manicurist. It is a relief that Myele is out of the residence. She’s a bully to everyone but the king.”
“Wow. Gossip travels fast around here.” Ven sighed.
“Yup. Small population and a lot of relatives.”
“Well, I am sorry I made her abrade her cuticles.”
“She’ll heal. She knows she was stupid.”
Ven sighed. “That was a stressful day.”
“I can imagine.”
They walked to another office, and Syar was sitting and looking over trays of emeralds and talking seriously to an older man. Reynaldo was standing in the doorway. Ven gripped his arm and went up on her toes. “What’s he doing?”
“He’s picking a present for you.” Reynaldo chuckled.
She hissed loudly, “Why?”
Syar didn’t look up from the tray as he picked a few and set them in a tray to his left. “Because I want to, and I am the king,” he muttered.
She sighed and dropped back to her heels.
Reynaldo murmured, “Not excited?”
“Naw. If I am careful, can I go watch what the cutters are doing?”
Reynaldo nodded.
Kai was waiting when Ven turned and said, “I will introduce you.”
Ven nodded. “Thank you.”
They walked over to an area with a lot of security, and she watched through thick windows as the first gem cutter came out and smiled at Kai. “Kai, who’s your friend?”
“Manu, this is Venetia. She’s Syar’s princess.”
Manu blinked, and then he nodded his head with a smile. “Finally.”
