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“And we’re to take it that means we’re desirable?” Louella asked as they entered the elevator.
“Ahn’hudi females are always desirable. Ahn’hudi-human hybrid females are even more so, especially since my Evangeline has proven they are fertile,” Sarus explained.
“But—”
“No matter how much we Ahn’hudin espouse honor, there are always elements of our species or of any culture who act with dishonor.”
“I amsogoing to spend your money,” Evangeline threatened as she tugged at the collar around her neck.
Sarus bent down to press a kiss to the top of her head.
When the elevator reached the ground floor and opened, four warriors greeted them, “Rak hul.”
“Huht taan gi,” Sarus replied.
“Huht taan gi,” each warrior echoed. Bowing in turn, they identified themselves as auxiliary escorts for the vice general’s mate and the emperor’s mate.
“What were they saying?” Louella whispered as she and her friend fell into step alongside Sarus as they proceeded through the hotel’s vast lobby.
“To the best of my knowledge, it’s a ritual greeting among Ahn’hudi warriors,” Evangeline said. She shrugged. “I think it’s a combination of ‘hello’ and ‘I pledge my honor to Ahn’hudin.’”
Louella pondered that and had no response.
Obedient to his mate’s declaration that she was going to cost him a good deal of money, Sarus led the way to a plethora of shops. Boutiques offering fine fabrics, soft and supple leathers, ready-made gowns and footwear, jewelry, confections, baked goods, and more. As the two women perused myriad racks and shelves and displays, they let Sarus handle the transactions and the delivery of their purchases.
“This isamazing,” Louella whispered with a slightly hysterical giggle. “I haveneverbeen able to doanythinglike this. I mean, this is like being a princess or a billionaire’s wife or something like that. It’sunreal!”
“Well, you’re basically a queen now, so enjoy what you can,” Evangeline pointed out as she held up a glittering necklace of large pearls and pale green gemstones while the store’s proprietor practically salivated at the potential for such a lucrative sale. She held it to Louella’s throat and asked, “You don’t think this is too tacky?”
“Oh, hell, no,” Louella replied as she admired the gems against her rich brown skin. “That ismagnificent.”
Evangeline grinned, then turned to the proprietor. “She’ll take it.” She gestured toward Sarus. “He’ll pay for it.”
“But—” Louella protested weakly.
“Consider it a gift,” Evangeline said.
Louella babbled a heartfelt thank-you as Sarus sighed and nodded. The women stepped away from the counter, Louella looking longingly at a case displaying bejeweled bangles.
“Do you see something you want?” Evangeline asked.
Louella pointed to a display of several bangles. “I love all of those.”
Evangeline gave her an evil grin. “Then get them.”
“But they’ve got to be terribly expensive.”
“So what? Show that big oaf you married you mean business.”
Louella hesitated. “Do you really think I should? I mean—”
“Louella, he’s theemperor.Trust me, even if he were still the general superior, he’d have the money to buy you everything in this shop and more.”
“But—”
“I know these ultra-honorable military types, Louella. They spend almost nothing on themselves. They eat, drink, and live the military life while their money piles up in bank accounts. You won’t bankrupt him.”
“It just seems …”
