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Peter and Kagra had become an item, but according to Syssi, who had heard it from Amanda, who had heard it from Mey, who had heard it from Yamanu, they were adamant about not making a big deal out of it. They claimed not to be fated to each other, and their fling was about having a good time and nothing more.
"Relax, my son." Annani adjusted the wide-brimmed hat that obscured most of her face and probably made it difficult for her to see. "You are overthinking it again. You will not have any fun if you let your paranoia flare."
"I'm aware of that, Mother. I will be less concerned once we are out on the water, but we have about eight more hours before we can set sail."
As soon as they were inside, she removed her protective sunglasses. "We could have waited until everyone was here, and then you would have had less to worry about, but you wanted me to be the first to board the ship so no one would witness my arrival. You cannot have it both ways, you know."
"You are not the first one to board. The Guardians, crew, and serving staff boarded yesterday, and Syssi's parents arrived early this morning. Besides, most of the immediate family is boarding along with you."
Annani looked over her shoulder at his sisters and smiled. "Indeed. Let us all go to my cabin and have a drink to celebrate." She turned to Syssi. "You probably want to say hello to your parents first."
"I spoke with my mother when they got here, and she said that they were going to sleep. I won't bother them until she calls me, and I know they are awake."
"Awesome." Amanda threaded her arm through Syssi's. "We can have margaritas. I just hope that the cabins are stocked with all the necessities."
"They are stocked," Kian said. "I put Wonder and Callie in charge of ordering supplies. As you know, Callie used to work in Brundar's club, so she knows a lot about cocktails." He also had an expert bartender, but that was a surprise they would discover later.
Pretending not to hear the remark about Brundar's club, his mother hid a smirk.
Only certain people in the clan knew about the Guardian's side hustle, and especially not what type of clientele the club catered to. Kian was absolutely sure that his mother knew all the details. She knew everything that was going on in her clan.
As they entered the elevator, Dalhu stood next to Kian with his hands resting on the handle of Evie's stroller. "Amanda told me that you hired the humans who came with the Kra-ell to be the serving staff."
"I did. Originally, I thought to hire an experienced serving crew and just thrall their memories after the cruise. Still, Eleanor convinced me to take the Kra-ell's former…employees." Kian didn't want to use the word slaves, but the truth was that they hadn't had much choice in what they did for a living and where they lived, so slaves was apt. "She said that they would be thrilled to visit Mexico, and since we managed to get proper paperwork for all of them, they can take turns with shore excursions. They are also very happy about the extra income."
Dalhu listened patiently to Kian's semi-apologetic explanation for his choice. When he was done, he clapped him on the back. "Yamanu said they have a great cook who runs an efficient kitchen. That's good enough for me."
Their group spilled out as the elevator doors opened, and Kian led them to Annani's presidential suite.
"This is beautiful," Alena said. "Is our cabin as nice as this one?"
"It's a little smaller but just as luxurious." Kian walked over to the bar and opened the cabinet. "I think Onidu has everything he needs to make margaritas."
The Odus were coming on a separate elevator with everyone's luggage, and given that Amanda didn't know the meaning of traveling light, it would take Onidu a couple of trips to bring up all of her suitcases.
When the ladies continued to check out the two bedrooms, Orion walked up to Kian. "Did you bring your cigars?" He looked longingly at the balcony doors. "I wouldn't mind a smoke, some good whiskey, and even better company."
"I don't have them on me, but I can pour us drinks." He glanced at Dalhu. "Can I tempt you with a shot?"
It was not even noon, but they were on vacation, and a shot of whiskey was an excellent way to start it off on the right foot.
Dalhu cast a look at his sleeping daughter and nodded. "As long as no one is smoking, I can take her out on the balcony."
A few moments later, the three were seated on lounge chairs outside.
"When is Kalugal arriving?" Dalhu asked.
"Soon. He and Jacki were supposed to leave with us, but he needed a little more time with his men. Some were unhappy about the village being locked down in our absence."
The Kra-ell weren't allowed to leave the village without supervision yet, so they didn't mind. Still, Kalugal's men were free to come and go as they pleased, and they didn't respond well to the news of being locked down for ten days.
"What is he going to do about it?" Orion asked.
"The usual." Kian took another sip of the whiskey. "Give them bonus pay to compensate them for the inconvenience. He already doubled their salaries for staying to guard the village and tripled it for the lockdown."
Dalhu shook his head. "I was surprised to hear that you were willing to leave the village to the Kra-ell and Kalugal's men to protect. I was sure you would leave at least half of the Guardians behind."
"It wouldn't have been fair." Kian wished he had his cigars with him because Dalhu's comment made him nervous. It hadn't been an easy decision, but he had taken all possible precautions. "William has every inch of the village under surveillance, and the lockdown ensures no one can enter. Besides, I invited the three gods to join us on the cruise so I can keep an eye on them here and not have to worry about them being a threat to the village."
