Page 39 of Warrior Revealed

“That was quick,” Aculus said then started walking back and forth. “See, he’s walking. I’m walking. We both did good.”

“Yes, you did,” she chuckled.

Aculus plucked Tarsus off his thigh and held him up to his face. “Did you hear that, we’re redeemed.”

She reached up and scratched Tarsus’ exposed belly. “You’re a good boy.”

The kitten’s legs churned as he gave her a raspy mewl.

“What about me?” Aculus looked offended.

“You’ll get yours later.” She winked at him.

“Rawr,” he rumbled, making her burst out in laughter again.

Nine

Cat and Mouse

Aculus

It had been a long morning and wasn’t nearly as entertaining as yesterday was.

And it’s just going to drag on.Ugh.

They’d be landing on Osi very soon and the charade would begin where he’d have to smile when he really wanted to growl.

“Aculus,” Carol greeted him as he entered the clinic.

“Premiere Servant.” Cartil nodded.

“Where’s Nadzia?” He glanced around but she wasn’t there as he expected her to be.

“She’s getting some exercise in that fancy hologram room,” Carol replied.

“Ah.” He nodded. “I wanted to talk with you two about today. There will be many people waiting when we land, so it may take a while to get Brennan transported to Fossa Centratus.”

“Don’t worry. That won’t affect anything. His vitals are good,” Cartil reassured them.

“I plan on escorting you there, but may have to leave earlier than I’d like. The Conclave planned a welcome party,” he groaned. “They’re supposed to be making arrangements for accommodations but haven’t informed me yet. It may be at Fossa Centratus or the Sanctuary.”

“If there’s a comfy chair in the room where Brennan’s being treated, I’ll be fine.” Carol shrugged. “But if possible, take Nadzia to this party with you. I don’t want her staying at the hospital. She’ll spend every waking hour with us, stewing about me and what’s going on.”

“She’s a good daughter. She doesn’t want you to be alone during this.”

“Sheisa good daughter.” Carol nodded. “But I won’t have her sitting vigil with me when she has the chance of a lifetime to see and do things out there.” Carol waved toward the door.

“And you are a good matron. Mine balked when I wanted to join the Paladin. She insisted I could be of service at home, that I didn’t need to go off world. But how can one expect to lead any guard from the comfort of their home?” he scoffed.

His conclave didn’t mind him being the Premiere Servant as long as it was on their terms. Thankfully he’d won that argument. A twinge of guilt made him frown, but he quickly dismissed it and the bitter memory.

Iamserving my people, maybe not in the way they’d like, but this is my life.

He groaned as it occurred to him bringing Nadzia to the welcoming party might not be a great idea, but Carol didn’t want her at Fossa Centratus, and he’d respect her wishes. He’d grown very fond of Nadzia’s mother. She bore three amazing strong females, Providence, Abby and Nadzia. That spoke volumes about the kind of female she was.

“I’ll assist Carol as we discussed,” Cartil added.

“Thank you.” He nodded to the medic. “I’ll go find Nadzia.” He headed for the door.

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