Page 47 of Queen Isabella

“They can fall several levels and bounce,” Galis added.

Her eyes widened imagining the gooey baby balls falling and bouncing. It wasn’t any more comforting.

“Some of us bounced more than others,” Gregis teased Galis.

Everyone laughed when Galis made a face at him.

“We always have someone tending the chamber, keeping watch for the little ones. The hatchlings get more active as they get closer to emerging. We form catching parties, so I’ve been told,” Artifex explained.

“But I thought a fall hurts you, even in your flux form?” She looked to Phara, recalling his story of standing at the cliff.

“Oh, it requires a fall from much higher up,” Phara assured her.

“It’s a lesson many of us need to learn,” Bellator explained as they continued walking down the passage.

“I understand, but I still don’t like the idea of babies falling.” Her brow furrowed. “Life is hard enough without the scarylessons starting right off the bat. And you guys didn’t like my story about Little Red Riding Hood,” she grimaced at the irony.

“I—I never thought of it that way.” Phara frowned, his gaze thoughtful as he seemed to be playing out the scenario.

All of her men went from amused to contrite. Her heart plummeted.

“I’m sorry.” Isa cringed. “I didn’t mean to be critical. I have no right to judge.” She shook her head. For all she knew this was just like the trials of baby birds getting booted from the nest.

“Do not apologize.” Artifex shook his head. “We wish to know all of your thoughts.”

“You are right, my queen. The fall must be terrifying when you’ve never known anything else about life.” Phara cupped her cheek.

“Yeah, but I bet breaking out of their sack is, too.” She considered things further. “You guys already said you have more attendants when the time comes for them to emerge. It’s not like you’re neglectfully letting it happen. I just imagined a human baby and freaked out.”

“We attempt to attend to everything, but it is always good to be aware of other ways and perspectives.” Bellator led them up a steep incline away from the unusual nursery.

“We could add bumpers to the individual chambers and ledges. That shouldn’t restrict airflow,” Artifex suggested.

“The chamber walkways need barriers before our queen goes in, too. She couldn’t withstand that fall,” Phara added, looking suddenly worried.

“Well, yeah, you’re right.” Isa nodded. “If I fell from even the second story I’d probably be hurt.”

The Vorto gasped.

“I am glad we are having this discussion!” Bellator worriedly declared. “I’m also reconsidering our tour outside.” He opened a door leading into a brightly lit foyer.

“We are blessed you survived the fall from the ether.” Artifex grimaced.

Isa was instantly fixated on the windows, ignoring the reminder of her brush with death.

Sunlight! That’s sunlight. That’s the outside.

This was the first time she’d seen the sun in over a day, actually over a hundred years, though she’d been in stasis for all that time, so it felt like just a day. For someone accustomed to regularly seeing sunlight, that was a long time to be in a cave, even a fancy one. This was also her first time seeing the alien planet.

“Ooh, let’s go.” She tugged Phara and Artifex toward the window for a peek.

“A moment,” Phara chuckled, resisting her pull.

“Would you like additional coverings?” Artifex gestured to the shelves in the walls holding clothing.

“No.” She adamantly shook her head, chomping at the bit to get outside. She hadn’t realized how eager she was to see the planet before now.

“You may find it cool.” Phara held her hand, resisting her pull toward the door.

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