Page 27 of Queen Isabella

“Thank you. We have some very talented masons. I know one of my gammas still enjoys adding details here and there, though most of his time is spent making objects like cups or bowls since his skill is admired,” Artifex explained, opening a red wooden door.

“I can imagine.” Isa nodded, recalling the lovely cup she drank from earlier.

The delicious scent of food cooking hit her as they passed through the archway into another palatial room. The five blazing fire pits on the far side of the room instantly caught her attention. From here, it looked like whole cows were being spit roasted on two of the fires, and a dozen fat turkeys were spinning over the third. The last two fires were rigged with a complex assembly of stacked baking dishes. Between here and there were a line of ten butcher block tables, laden with baskets and bowls of foreign produce. Artifex wasn’t joking when he said they were making a feast.

The dozen or more Vorto who were busily washing, chopping, mixing, and cooking all stopped to look at her.

Oh.She’d never been so shy, but she’d never been the center of attention while naked, either.

“Hi,” she said barely above a whisper, giving everyone a slight wave.

Just like when they passed the dining commons, the men started toward her. The way some of them turned into the unusual ooze and scuttled across the floor was disconcerting. She found herself curling toward Artifex, but then forced herself to stop.

“I’m sorry. Besides the nudity I am also getting used to your ability to change forms. It’s actually pretty impressive. My people can’t do it,” she sheepishly explained.

She felt bad when the alien ooze halted and their humanoid form emerged from the purple puddles. They’d obviously heard her.

“Is it something you think you could get used to?” Artifex studied her, concern reflected in his large dark eyes.

“Yes. It’s just new.” She nodded.

“Good. Hatchlings emerge from their amnio sacs in this amorphous flux form. The young don’t learn to retain their bipedal form for three to four lunars.”

Her eyes widened as she tried to imagine her potential babies oozing around in her arms.

But I may not be able to have babies at all. What then?She anxiously nibbled her lip.

“A moment.” Artifex held his hand out, halting the approaching men. He then focused on her. “I know you aren’t intentionally projecting your private thoughts, so I will try to let you have privacy, however I am catching snippets of your worry. I wish I could help allay your fears, but I think you need to communicate with Phara. He has struggled with questions about fulfilling his purpose. Please understand that no matter what happens, you have given us hope.” Artifex caressed her cheek.

Isa pulled a surprised breath. Yet again he’d heard her thoughts. She’d grown practiced at keeping her thoughts to herself. She was the black sheep of her family, and her mouth was the biggest cause of that. She didn’t need her wayward thoughts causing her trouble here. She needed to figure out the trick so she wasn’t projecting her internal monologue. Then again, maybe it was a good thing Artifex had overheard.

No matter what happens, you have given us hope.She took another breath as she repeated his calming words.

“Okay. I’ll try to stop worrying.” She nodded earnestly.

“Good.” He kissed the top of her head.

She smiled, feeling lucky to have found such caring people. It was really starting to put her own people in perspective. Her eyes widened when Artifex unexpectedly set her on the nearby table with her legs dangling over the edge.

He then focused on the cooks. “Bring a selection of what we’re making for our queen to sample.” The cooks then went rushing off to collect the dishes.

This is the reason I should wear clothes. My lady bits on this prep table is the definition of unsanitary.She cringed as she fidgeted on the smooth wood surface.

Artifex turned back toward her, looked at where she was sitting then at her. “I’ll happily clean you off once we’re done.” His long tongue flicked out suggestively.

Isa snorted at the rowdy comment and blushed. Did he actually think she was worried about her fanny getting dirty?No.It was more likely he was just looking for a reason to lick her.Incorrigible!

Artifex’s grin broadened at her assessment. Not only was it clear he was trouble, it was also clear she might as well say everything she was thinking since it was being heard anyway.

Isa shook her head at the randy man, turning her attention to the bowls and platters being set next to her. “Oh my, this looks great and smells even better. Thank you.” She nodded in appreciation to the alien man who just set another dish down.

“My queen.” The cook bowed low, his head nearly touching his knees before stepping back.

Isa’s smile turned awkward and she shuddered. It was going to take a long time to get used to hearing that moniker. It still felt like a farce. She ignored it and focused on the bowl he left instead.

“These remind me of blueberries.” She reached for a piece of the fruit.

Artifex grabbed her hand before she got to the bowl. “Ah, my queen, it is my job to care for you.” He set her hand on her lap, then tapped it while pointedly looking at her, implying it needed to stay put.

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