Page 37 of Home

Vivian took a second to admire the female. Like the rest of the Cruestaci females, the color of her skin was strikingly beautiful. The Cruestaci males had bright, vivid tones to their skin, and came in an array of colors, but the females were paler, almost creamy in color rather than vivid. Mirilla’s skin was a pale peach, and her hair was what would be considered on Earth a very pale strawberry blonde. Her lashes were a couple of shades darker than her hair, and her eyes were almost the same shade as her lashes. Her lips were a peachy pink color. She was absolutely hypnotizing to look at. “Wow. You’re stunning.”

Slightly embarrassed, Mirilla turned her gaze down to the ground again. “Thank you, Sirena. You are as well.”

“Eh, I’m just human. You’re gorgeous.” Vivian looked at Bart hovering near her. “So, this is the someone you met, then?” Vivian asked.

Both Mirilla and Bart answered. “Yes,” they both admitted.

Vivian smiled to herself. She’d only been asking Bart, but the fact that they both answered, showed that they were both interested in the other.

“I am very pleased to meet you, Mirilla.”

“Thank you, Sirena.”

“Vivi. I know all the protocol and you’ll have to call me Sirena in public and all that, but if you’re going to spend time with Bart, and if you’re going to become a friend, then my name is Vivian. Or Vivi will work, too.”

“Thank you, Vivian. I am humbled to refer to you on such a personal basis.”

“Phft, I’m no different than you.”

“Ehlealah, you are a member of the royal family.”

Vivian shrugged and returned her attention to Mirilla. “So, why is it that everyone wants me to allow you to come into my home to take care of my family and my home, when it is my responsibility to do so?”

Mirilla hesitated, looking toward Bart for some sign of guidance, only to find him looking at Vivian with the shocked look she was sure she was wearing.

“I, uh, I don’t believe that she plans for me to… insert myself into a position of prominence with your family, or to remove any importance or responsibility you may feel from your hands. She means only for me to ease your responsibilities as you approach and recover from the birth of your youngling.”

“Why do you say that?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why is that the response you offered?” Vivian asked.

Again Mirilla looked at Bart, who simply watched her, staring deeply into her eyes. If ever she wished she could read minds, this was it, unfortunately, though, she couldn’t. The last thing she wanted was to offend the Sirena by not being honest with her. “I have never minded much when someone I thought was a friend acted in a manner to prove to me that they weren't. What I’ve minded is the insult to my intelligence. The thought on their part that I might not notice, or would be too unaware to send them away if ever they felt they had something to gain in the future by feigning friendship once more. The one thing I will not do, is to intentionally mislead someone, anyone. So, I hope you’ll forgive me if my honesty offends you now.” Taking a deep breath, she took one step toward Vivi. “If I were a female mated to a strong, powerful male, the last thing I’d be comfortable with is another female, a young one at that moving among my family, in my household, with unfettered access to my male. I assume this is the same for you, and if I’m correct, I fully understand your position. If I’m not, forgive my impertinence.”

Vivian smiled at her. “You’re very close. I have no doubt that my Quin will never look at another, nor accept another forany reason. But I have a possessiveness over my home and family that most might not understand. They are the heart of who I am. I resent anyone for any reason thinking they have the right to assume my place and my ability to keep my home and my family taken care of, running smoothly, and functioning happily.”

“And I would not presume to. I am, however, available for anything at all that you may want to instruct me to do. If you have a certain way you like things put away, or a certain meal cooked here in your quarters, or anything at all. Feel free to stand, or sit, and direct me as you over see it if it makes it easier for you to run your household while you are incapacitated and require more rest for yourself than usual.”

“Maybe.”

“I have seen you and your battle gear. I have seen you and your shraler. You are mighty. Our warriors call you the Warrior’s Sirena. I have nothing but admiration for your strength, Sirena. I am not attempting to usurp your position or your place in any manner.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Any woman worth her weight would absolutely understand. Do not trust one that does not.”

“I like you!” Vivian exclaimed. “Bart. I like her!”

“So do I,” Bart agreed.

Mirilla smiled and looked at the floor again.

“I told you you would like her,” Quin said.

“You did. And you were right.”

“Sirena, I would like to come in once or twice a day to remove any used linens and clothes to have them laundered and returned to your quarters. Once I learn your preferred snacks and drinks, I will be sure that they are stocked at all times, and our Sire has already advised that a light is to be left on in each room. Is this something that you might be open to?”

---