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“On to other matters. I must congratulate you. I never thought to see you mate, let alone to a person from an alien species. You do surprise me, Kirimor.”
“Taya works in mysterious ways. I too never expected this, but I am so glad that Melinda crossed my path. I hope, Denishar, that you will help expedite matters when it comes to my passing on the duties of sicortar to Melistor.”
“Do not doubt it. As soon as you declare that Melistor is ready, consider it done.”
“Thank you.”
“There is something else. Melinda’s ex-mate and his artistic performers are due to arrive here within three rotations. They will need to be scanned on their arrival. Perhaps you will agree to do it?”
“Ah, that explains her grumpiness this morning. She must have heard that he was coming. Of course I will scan him and his performers, but have Melistor with me in case action is required to neutralize any of the individuals.”
“So you have already begun your vow of fidelity?”
“I fully intend to be, although I know that I cannot make a vow as yet, not until I have been relieved of my duties as sicortar. If something critical were to come up, I would be duty bound to perform a holy ceremony and all that it entails.”
“If so, I trust your Human will be understanding.”
“I hope so, but with Melistor around, I do not foresee the need for me to perform any further holy ceremonies.”
“And of your drashas, what will you do?”
“I have informed them of my plans and they will stay on in my home as before. However, I will make new living arrangements for Melinda and me in the house so we can have a private space for us to live in as mates.”
“I wish you luck with this my friend. You deserve every happiness.”
“Thank you dear friend.”
We come out of our trance. I turn to see Melinda is hard at work on her communicator, totally unaware of the back and forth conversation that has been going on right beside her.
“My love,” I murmur. She looks up at me. “Our discussion is concluded. Shall we go?”
“Oh yes, sorry.” She gets to her feet and smiles at Denishar. “Thank you again Denishar. Go in peace.”
“Go in peace, Melinda, Kirimor.”
Chapter 35
Melinda
Kirimor and I walk out of Denishar’s chamber together. Strange to think that when I walked in over an hour ago, I was still for all intents and purposes single. And now, to coin an old-fashioned phrase, I am betrothed. No more doubts. No more holding back. As Kirimor said, the matter is settled now. It feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I’m free to love him as I want. No more holding back.
As per his usual, Kirimor wraps his tail around me as we head out of the palace grounds. “What are your plans for the rest of the day, my lovely?”
“I’ve been invited to visit the school where Kiristen works, but that’s not for another hour and a half—that’s nine beats from now.”
“Ah yes, I recall Kiristen mentioning something about this. Then there is time, my love, to do something to mark our prospective mating.”
We’ve reached the front entrance to the palace, where I see my escort, Desimar, lounging in wait for me. Kirimor sees him too and frowns. “Why is that male constantly with you?”
I huff. “Maybe it’s to do with the fact your kind still don’t trust us and feel the need to keep an eye on us.”
“As long as I am with you, there is no need for that. I will inform him that he is no longer needed. He can keep an eye on the other Human female from now on.”
I cast him an amused glance. “I’m not too sure he takes his orders from you, Kirimor.”
At this, he draws himself up stiffly and pronounces with a touch of hauteur, “I am sicortar, the highest priest in the land. He will obey me.”
Not for much longer.
