Page 31 of Temple

Sage swallowed. “I thought I would have more time, but Bailey and I spent the trip talking it out and eating cookies. It felt really good, and she made a few points I hadn’t considered.”

“Like what?”

“Like, I can make demands of Zell, and if he doesn’t want to meet me in fair negotiation, he is free to select someone else.”

Matron sighed. “He can just grab you and take you.”

“And I will escape as soon as I can. I will continue to run as long as I am held against my will. I am very stubborn when I want to be.”

Matron smiled and touched her cheek. “I do recall. The Temple’s contract team will represent you if you need it.”

“No, I think I need to hammer this out with Zell myself.”

Matron hugged her. “So, he didn’t touch you?”

“Not beyond the necessary. He got what he needed and left.”

“Aw, kit. That is a crime.”

“I thought so.”

“Where is your friend?”

“Bosonix is taking her to the pool for a swim. He appreciates the opportunity to see scars.”

Matron chuckled. “Her overseer might not like that.”

“Probably not, but it might edge him out of being so patient.”

“Patient?”

“He has pursued Bailey around for months, but all he needed to do was ask Nebel to disable her ship. Hmrain will do that for others all the time.”

The matron smiled. “Not necessarily. If their consorts asked them not to, they would rather please them than give in to a sibling.”

“Oh. Right. I hadn’t thought of that. So, when they arrive, you will be taking them to the conversation room?”

“Of course. We will have tea and discuss what they are looking for. I will play dumb, and they will play along until they won’t. At that point, you will be on your own.”

“I understand. I think this will make it a little fun.”

Matron quirked her lips. “You have a strange idea of fun.”

“I know.”

They hugged, and Sage crossed the building and looked out from a balcony. Bailey was swimming slowly and getting in a bit of relaxation under Bosonix’s watchful eye. Sage tilted her head. The grey and black striping looked a lot like the way Bailey described Symo. That wasn’t suspicious at all.

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