Page 61 of No Strings Attached

Vi: For the fifth fucking time, Acken, I’m strapped.

Caussus: Affirmative, Master Acken.

Mister Beastly: Yes.

Acken: It’s through this garden plaza, first building on the left.

…

Bahbi looked at Friend and the trawg met his gaze and whined, nervously. Bahbi stroked the top of his head as he had seen Vi do, and the trawg leaned into his touch and said, “Thanks, Bahbi. I’m really nervous for our friends.”

“I am, too, Friend. But I think they’ll be fine.”

…

Unknown Female: Can I help you?

Acken: We’re here to see Honorable Jarxtan Prag. He’s expecting us. This is the King and Queen of Oz. We are their guards.

Unknown Female: I’m afraid you’ll have to remove your face coverings and hoods. Honorable Jarxtan Prag will not meet with anyone he cannot see.

Vi: We’ll be happy to do so within his office, but we will not do so in this public area. Please lead us to him now, as this is the time we arranged.

Unknown Female: I’m sorry, but I must insist.

Vi: Then please give the Ophidians our regrets and let them know that the station manager has refused to receive us, so we will not be present for the royal reception this evening. We’ll speak to Ogobian Broadcasting ourselves, so you won’t need to trouble with that.

Steev said from the corner, “Oh, good play, Vi.”

Friend looked at him, wagging, then back up to Bahbi, “She’s angry! You can hear it in her voice.

Bahbi nodded in agreement. Shewasangry.

…

Unknown Female: This way please, your majesties.

Caussus: Thank you, my dear.

…

Unknown Female: Honorable Jarxtan Prag, may I present the King and Queen of Oz and their guards.

Jarxtan Prag: Thank you. Please bring refreshments for my guests. Your majesties, please have a seat.

…

Bahbi listened to the rustling of fabric, imagining Vi and Caussus seating themselves as everyone removed their face coverings.

…

Jarxtan Prag: Is that…is that…a Garoxian? Standing with an Estranian? As your…your…guards?

Vi: Yes.

….

Jarxtan Prag: Forgive me for staring. How…um…how did that come to be?

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