Page 111 of Grulen

“No, don’t tell us.None of our business.”

The women laughed.

“We get the idea, Emmy.”Natasha sorted through her samples and held up a dark copper silk.“I think this will look stunning against your pale skin and with your hair color.”

“Oh, that’s beautiful.”Talia fingered the cloth.“And it’s incredibly soft.”

Morgan stood there as Natasha held it up to her face.She tilted her head and her tongue stuck out of the corner of her mouth.

“In the stores, I think there was a walnut-colored fabric that would work for accents.”Her eyes glazed over before clearing up.“Yes, I think that will do it.”

Morgan looked at Ava and raised her eyebrows.

“Natasha loves to sew.She’s taken our gowns to the next level, even with staying within the Svesti parameters of acceptable Court attire.She really has a gift for making us look good.”Ava grinned.“Of course, she’s not fond of my rolling pin earrings, but who cares?”

Giggling, Morgan gave up.

“What do you need from me?”

“Let me take some measurements and we’ll do a fitting in the morning so I can finish it in time.”A tape measure appeared in Natasha’s hand.“I’m assuming you want me to build in a bra.”

“If you think I should.”

Natasha took her measurements and Emmy tapped on her tablet.

“Sent to your comm,” Emmy said.

“Thanks.”

“Come on, Traxen’s expecting us in his quarters for evening meal,” Talia said.

“Do I have to change for that?”I’m not used to this.

“If you have dress pants or jeans, they’d be better than the yoga pants.”Rachel smiled.“Your shirt’s fine.”

Morgan rushed to throw on a pair of jeans and quickly brushed her hair and pulled it into a bun.So many changes in my life all at once.I’m not sure I can keep up.

During dinner, Morgan ended up enjoying herself immensely.The sense of family she experienced on theFortitudewas magnified with the larger group.Lots of teasing and humor punctuated some of the more serious conversation.She observed all the couples and how they interacted with each other.They’re all so different, but the depth of caring and emotion is similar.

“Largon tells me you’ll be moving to Phoenix House soon,” Traxen said.

“Yes, next week.I’m looking forward to teaching the younglings.”

“Would you be willing to add teaching human younglings in the future?”I guess the rumors are true.

“Of course.”She looked down at her plate, then took a deep breath.“Largon mentioned you might be willing to add a house for me nearby when you begin building a new village.”

“That’s a good idea.Think about what you’d like, and we’ll make it happen.”He tugged Rachel onto his lap and kissed her.“Belgella, if you have any suggestions about security concerns, please make sure they’re addressed before Morgan moves in.”

Rachel snuggled into her mate and grinned.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Traxen rolled his eyes.I didn’t know kings did that.

Morgan savored her dessert and realized she could handle Grulen’s loss with her friends’ support.She still hurt,but she wouldn’t give up.Survive.I can do that.

Staring in amazement at her reflection in the viewer, Morgan raised her eyes to meet Natasha’s.

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