Page 66 of Grulen

“You can still learn while we’re in orbit.You don’t have to know it all before we arrive.”His tail rested on her back.

She stopped momentarily then continued.

“You’re right.I kept thinking I needed to learn it all by tomorrow.”

Within moments of Lezon injecting her, her shoulders relaxed.She stretched her neck and groaned with relief.

“That’s so much better.Thanks.”

“Not a problem.How are you feeling from earlier?Should we make time to talk?”

“I think I’m okay.Stalad is a good listener.”

“If you change your mind, comm me.I’ll be happy to help.”Lezon patted her forearm.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”Thankfully, no one is looking at me with pity in their eyes.I’d hate that.

Morgan took a deep breath before entering the kitchen.Niksen stood stirring soup in a large pot.The scent of cooking meat filled the room.

“Do you need any help?”

Niksen glanced at her briefly and shrugged.

“You can assemble the salad.I’ve already cut the vegetables.”She gestured toward the large cooling unit.

“Okay.”Morgan pulled out the containers and two large bowls.Dividing the vegetables between the bowls, she quietly said, “I want to apologize for earlier.I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

The Orkite stilled.

“I am the one who should apologize.My words and actions caused you significant distress.”

Surprised, Morgan looked at Niksen.

“Why are you being nice to me?Because you think I’m weak?”

Niksen’s braid swung as she shook her head.

“I’ve been nasty when all of you have been welcoming and helpful.I acted poorly.Your reaction reminded me others have problems, too, not just me.”A darker green spread along her cheekbones.“I have been taking my bad mood out on everyone around me.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?I’m willing to listen.”Morgan tossed the vegetables.“We’ve hypothesized that the assassination attempts may have upset you.”

“Not the attempts themselves.Just everyone’s reaction to them.”Niksen snorted.“My father and guards act like I am weak and unable to defend myself.”

“There’s no shame in having extra protection when it’s clear that you’re in danger from someone unknown.”

“It’s not being consulted beforehand with the plans.I dislike being treated like a child.”Niksen left the soup, picked up potholders, and removed the meat from the heating unit.“You were correct.No means no.I shouldn’t have pushed with the Svesti.”After she transferred the meat to serving platters, her shoulders rolled inward as she leaned on the counter.“Truth is, it wasn’t that I wanted him that badly.I just wanted to be seen as a grown female.”

“Krinir?”Morgan said quietly.

Niksen’s head whipped around, and panic lit her dark eyes.

“Is it obvious?”

“I don’t think so.I noticed you push back against him more than you do anyone else.”Morgan hesitated.“Would either of you get in trouble with your father if you got together?”

“I don’t know that my father would like it, but it’s not his place to choose who I mate.”

“How does Krinir feel?”

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