Page 36 of I Dated the Lost Song

“Yes, and as the hormones begin to shift, I believe she might need a friend.”

“Ah, or a designated punching bag. Got you.”

“Well, the prefect’s son and daughter-in-law live down the road. You would be encouraged to take her for careful visits.”

“So, babysitter, court jester, transporter, and buddy. Huh. Doable.” Leska smiled. “Just one question, what does the male harmonic think about this?”

A large projection flickered to life. “Hello, Leska.”

“Hello.”

“I am Raek, and I asked Zera to gain your cooperation to become Cadence’s companion.”

“Oh, interesting. I thought I would be in the way.”

He smiled. “There is a guesthouse on the property. Well, two. My sister is in one of them, and you are welcome to the other.”

“Oh. Well, that is less annoying for you than I thought.”

“I have also arranged to have a rig for your pole and ribbon dancing installed. Cadence loves watching you, and I think it would be fun for her to try to learn.”

Leska smiled. “Well, if you don’t mind, I would like to be her companion.”

“You will have to go through the medical scans and a genetic workup. Harmonics can bring out a lot of latent skills in those around them. She will subconsciously be trying to fix your genes, so that is a risk you will take.”

“She will mutate me?”

“She will bring harmony to your body.”

“That sounds like an ad for a massage studio. Well, I am going to try and keep my genes under my control. I like them.”

He grinned. “So, you will come?”

“Sure. Do you have transport?”

“The BDC will arrange transport for you. Once here, I have some vehicles that you can use to drive Cadence around.”

“Nice. Okay. When would you like to see my charming features?”

He nodded. “Clothing and food will be provided. What else do you need?”

“Are you averse to a robotic cat? Cadence has one, and while he won’t suffer long-term from her absence, it might be nice for her to have him with her. His name’s Mortimer.”

“Please bring it along. I hope it gets along with large dogs. We will expect you for dinner. Welcome to the harmony, Leska.”

Zera smiled. “I guess you will be getting that physical.”

“I guess so. Where am I going?”

“We want to keep any results confidential, so we are asking you to head down to the research lab.”

“Okay. I have clearance?”

Zera tapped at her screen. “Now you do.”

“Right. So, I guess I am on leave for how long?”

“Six months. When she’s cleared after post-partum, we will expect you to return.”

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