Page 84 of I Dated the Lost Song

Khytten laughed, stood, and pressed her forehead to Leska’s.

Salat claimed his wife, and they disappeared into the house.

Sarel spoke softly to Leska, and then he grinned at her before he kissed her.

Dr. Torenne walked up and touched Leska, and then she nodded with a smile. Sarel listened, and when the doctor walked away, he spun Leska in a circle.

Raek walked up to her and said, “Cadence, your therapy appointment is in ten minutes. Come on. She will be here when you are done.”

“I just have to tell her.” Cadence walked over to Leska and said, “I will be back in an hour. I have to have family therapy with Arcady.”

Leska smiled and touched her arm. Cadence felt the wave of luck moving through her. “Go, and remember, she was as trapped by her world as you were. Your perspective was different, as was hers. Most older sisters don’t even acknowledge that their younger siblings are people. And remember, she can’t have kids. She has to use an incubator. She hasn’t developed empathy for the young yet.”

“How do you know that?”

“I paid attention at work. Now, go and try and find your sister under the bullshit.”

Cadence smiled. “Thanks. You always know the right thing to say.”

“And it’s usually a curse word.”

Raek nodded to Leska and wrapped his arms around Cadence. “Off we go.”

Cadence saw her friend smile and wave, and then they were back at the house. Raek set her up with a snack and a glass of water, and then he left her in front of the screen as Counsellor Rais appeared and Arcady took up the other side.

“Ladies. Good afternoon. So, today we are going to be sharing childhood experiences.” The counsellor smiled. “Cadence, you will be going first.”

Cadence sat back. “Where would you like me to start?”

“Your first day of school, if you can remember it.”

Cadence took a deep breath and started talking. It was going to be a long hour.

* * * *

Leska looked at Sarel. “Donottell Cadence how far along I am. She needs to be first sometimes, and this is one of those times.”

“I want to celebrate your pregnancy.” He set his hand on the dome of her belly.

“Yeah, well, Khytten got a little worked up and overshot the mark. She got me all the way to a safe zone. As in, I could go into labour today and this little girl would be fine with a little intervention.”

According to Torenne, she was firmly at the twenty-six-week mark.

She stroked Sarel’s cheek. “We can celebrate at home.”

“I think we will visit my sister. I have gotten the word from the leader of the Sethir that you will be able to leave in perfect peace.”

Leska looked at him. “You are sure?”

“I am sure. Aluhara is a national treasure and cannot leave.”

“Ah. Sucks.”

“Yes. I was only allowed to leave when it was obvious that I would not be productive for the Sethir.” He grimaced. “That being said, do not stray too far from Vinul. He can protect us.”

“If I have to protect myself, I will. It will not be pretty.”

He nodded. “Riithan knows and understands.”

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