Page 57 of Warrior's Captive
“Well seasoned,” Agata said. “Your own recipe? I’ve never tasted quite this combination before.”
“Adapted from a family recipe,” Vivian murmured.
“My only family recipes came in dehydrated packets,” Shira said. “I almost want to learn how to cook now.”
“You should,” Abeyya said. “It can be very rewarding, and you’ll have your own child soon.”
Shira’s expression darkened a little, then she shrugged. “Yeah, I guess I don’t want my kid growing up eating the cardboard they passed off as food.”
“We’ll have to order some of your home world spices so you can prepare us something,” Agata said. “And spend some time looking through recipes to see what you like. Family dishes are so important.”
They chatted, Abeyya interjecting questions here and there about Vivian and Shira’s health, the babies. She recognized a subtle but thorough medical assessment taking place.
Shira reached out, grabbing Vivian’s hand. Their gazes met for a moment in understanding. Vivian saw the same echoes of pain, fear, grief and anger in her new friend’s eyes. Shira just seemed to hide her feelings better.
“Our parents won’t be here when we birth,” she said.
Agata’s look was compassionate. “Have either of you asked theBdakhunwhat possibilities there might be to bring them to Yedahn?”
“Somewhat. I haven’t contacted her in some time,” Vivian said.
“She may want to give you space to settle in and regain your strength. But if she gave you an opening to contact her, don’t hesitate to use it. I’m sure a temporary visitation allowance could be made, perhaps even a travel stipend. You should have your parents with you as soon as it can be arranged.”
Vivian sighed. “They would be mortified if they knew they were receiving special treatment.”
“I feel that the sight of a new grandbaby would make them promptly forget such mortification.”
“I think so too.”
Her parents would dote on a new grandchild, even if they would be embarrassed by the undignified method of conception. But maybe she was being unfair. In a moment of clarity Vivian understood that she blamed them, partially, for her kidnapping. She’d wanted to rebel, to be part of a movement that worked against the controlling status quo, fought back against a government so restrictive of every day movement that it was a wonder the total number of breaths of each citizen wasn’t measured and allotted. Part of her desire to rebel had been her parents constant support of the status quo.
Being recruited to take part in an underground movement had excited her, knocked her out of her restless ennui. The fact that the meetings were late Friday night after curfew had only added to the mystique.
It turned out that it was easier for traffickers to nab women who were out, alone, after curfew.
She should have stuck to crafting.
Vivian laughed out loud, then shook her head as the other women looked at her inquiringly. “I was just telling myself I should have stuck to crafting. I’m very good at it.”
“Ha,” Shira said. “The only thing I do well with my hands is eat.”
Abeyya laughed. “I’m positive you’re selling yourself short. You should open a studio, Vivian. Small, with enough room for perhaps ten students per session. You could teach earth crafts, sell your own work, invite local guest artists in for evening lectures and socializing.”
“It’s a wonderful idea,” Vivian said.
“But?” Abeyya prompted.
“I don’t have the finances to open a business.”
Abeyya snorted a quick laugh. “My brother, and our family as a whole—and I do meanour, Vivian—is quite well off enough to front a reasonable start up loan for a small business.”
“Especially with all the alien culture hysteria,” Agata murmured. “Earth crafting could be very lucrative. I don’t think any humans have a shop that caters to that market, at least not in this city.”
Shira’s eyes widened. “Hell, if the locals want aliens, give them aliens, Vivian. I need to find something to do soon, too. I’m positive after the new mom glow wears off I’d go batshit sitting around all day.”
Vivian agreed, though she wouldn’t have used those exact words. She was already beginning to feel restless despite Tai’ri’s thoughtful attempts to keep her occupied.
Vivian struggled with her pride and wondered if she as being foolish. She’d done nothing to earn this family other than get captured and impregnated. It was highly serendipitous that the sperm used to knock her up was from a man of wealth, status and good lineage on this planet. She realized any other woman wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage . . .and was it not her right, after all, even if Tai’ri was an inadvertent father as well?
