Page 39 of Queen Isabella

As she pulled away from Bellator, she remembered Phara was watching and tempered her smile. She attempted to have a conversation about the relationship dynamic when they were bathing, but it got totally derailed, and she still wasn’t clear on anything. Except, she need not worry because Phara was equally happy to see Bellator. The happiness on Phara’s face was open and honest. There was truly no jealousy between the three alphas. It was nice and refreshing, since she’d witnessed nothing but jealousy back home when men competed for one woman. It was also confusing. She understood jealousy, but she had no clue what this relationship was. The only thing she was sure of wasthat the alphas were sweet, and loving, and each of them sparked different interests she had.

“Here is the selection.” Diligen pulled her from her thoughts, as he pointed to the material draped over a table along the wall. Also on the table were her tennis shoes. Although the floors were a little cool, they were so smooth she hadn’t missed her shoes, but definitely appreciated they were salvaged from the crash.

“Thank you, Diligen. Bellator, help me pick some clothes and tell me what you were up to,” she encouraged Bellator.

“Clothes?” Bellator asked with a tilt of his head.

“Coverings,” she amended, using their word, as she went over to the table. “Oh, these are lovely.” She admired the array of colorful fabrics. “How do you dye them?” she asked as she felt how silky the gorgeous saffron yellow bundle was.

“Mainly with plants from our territory. That material is also made from different flora,” Diligen replied.

“Like linen or cotton.” She nodded in understanding, running her fingers over the brocade texture of the floral pattern.

“Why do you wish to wear coverings inside the hive?” Bellator asked, his hand following hers, feeling the fine material.

“Yes, why?” Galis seconded.

“If our queen prefers to wear coverings, we will honor her desire,” Phara interceded.

She smiled at him. He was trying to advocate for her, and apparently Artifex was, too, since he must’ve told Phara about their clothing conversation. Her heart swelled in her chest at how sweet that was. The way he came to her rescue was also pretty damn sexy.

“I was going to try to do things your way. I need to be okay with being naked,” she admitted. “But I’m also a girl and there are some things clothes help, like my breasts sometimes jostle around too much and can get sore.”

That was the easier example to give. When she expressed concern about her lady bits sullying the kitchen table, Artifex offered to lick her clean. She was sure this crowd would give a similar randy response so she didn’t bother rehashing that detail.

“We want you to be comfortable.” Phara hugged her against his side before taking a seat next to Bellator.

Isa’s eyes stung, threatening to tear up at the acceptance and affection she’d felt in that hug. The Vorto were too damn sweet and her heart really didn’t know how to take it.

“Thank you.” She quickly turned back toward the fabric, forcing herself to rein in her emotions.

The yellow fabric again caught her eye. It wasn’t something she would’ve chosen back home, but its bright sunny tone created a lovely contrast to the purple cavern. It screamed pick me!

“This doesn’t stand out too much, does it?” She held the fabric up.

“Very nice.” Bellator nodded approvingly.

“I personally prefer it,” Diligen said. “Sobel would be honored if you chose it. I think he spent several months weaving that pattern.”

“Oh wow. Thank you so much.” Isa then grimaced. “What happens if I accidentally get something on it?”

“I can clean anything. Do not fear.” Diligen took the bundle from her and unfurled it, revealing it was three long pieces instead of just one. “Please stand here, if you don’t mind.”

“All right.” She stood in front of Diligen, her hands resting at her sides. It felt odd as he unwrapped her towel and scrutinized her. She’d never been dressed by anyone, at least not since she was a toddler. She focused on Bellator, not sure Diligen needed her gawking back at him as he worked. “What were you busy with?” she asked the legionnaire alpha.

“I was checking in with my ranks and going over assignments. They haven’t located any mechanical eggs in our territory, but their search isn’t complete and I have runners going to the west,” Bellator reported.

“Oh, okay. Thank you.” She appreciated him looking for her friends.

“As I was doing a check of the hive perimeter, I thought you might like to take a walk outside tomorrow, since you weren’t awake when I brought you to the mountain,” the big teddy bear added.

“We could take the eastern path,” Phara suggested.

“There are some nice views on that route,” Bellator agreed.

Isa looked at Diligen, who was nearly done fashioning a wrap-skirt and tying a knot at her hip. “Want to join us?”

“I would be honored. Thank you, my queen.” Diligen gave her a deep bow, before grabbing the next swath of yellow fabric. “Please hold your arms up a little.”

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