Page 63 of Infala: The Bonding Games
“Do not worry. It is just the patronage meetings.”
“The what, now? You didn’t say anything about any of that.”
“Because we are not a favored team. Or, more accurately, wewerenot. Only a few of the more competitive ones enjoy the benefits of patronage. Better clothing, private food reserves, even specialized healing balms and elixirs. They win in their betting pools and spend some of that currency to help their chosen teams.”
“So the teams that make the betting better get goodies, basically?”
“In a simplified manner of speaking, you could say that. But as you have made it your life’s work to make the elites look bad,I can all but guarantee you we will not be partaking in any of that, despite the excitement your shenanigans have brought to the games.”
Ziana’s spirits fell, but only slightly. After all, it was a perk she hadn’t even known she’d be missing out on until just moments ago.
“Too bad. But I guess that’s okay. We’ve been doing fine without any of that.”
“Yes, but patronage is still a good thing to have. It also means the elites will have less opportunity to, as you say,mess with you.”
“More invested eyes watching, you mean.”
“Precisely. But we needn’t worry about that. Just enjoy your meal. We’ll get in some light training later.”
“And after?”
He cracked a sexy-as-hell grin. “I think you already know.”
They sat close, enjoying the rest of their meal at a sane pace now that the initial hunger had been sated. Both felt so much better now, and their bodies were absorbing the nutrients like a sponge.
“Hey, she’s back again,” Ziana noted when the tall woman returned to the dining area.
The woman looked around, her eyes stopping on Ziana and her partner. She pivoted and walked toward them with long yet casual strides.
“Uh, Dorrin?”
“I see. But this cannot be.”
“Dorrin. Ziana. I am Mollia,” the woman said. “If you two will please come with me, you have patrons who wish to meet you.”
“Patrons? Plural?” Ziana asked.
“Yes.”
“But how? From what I understood, since I kinda pissed off the elites I thought we weren’t allowed.”
The woman’s normally expressionless face faltered, the tiniest hint of something tickling the corners of her mouth. Was it amusement? Surprise? Whatever it was, this seemed to be quite out of the ordinary for her as well.
“It is a Nimenni prince,” she replied. “A famous general, no less.”
“A Nimenni?” Ziana asked. “What’s that?”
“A very powerful and respected race,” Dorrin quietly told her.
That was great, but it didn’t really clear things up. “But why us?”
“Because of his mate, I would assume.”
“His mate?”
“Yes. She very much wishes to speak with you.”
“I don’t get it. Why?”
