area is arranged in a circle with two chairs facing a settee. Again, the area is strewn with fluffy squares and colorful covers. Yet another is a short settee with huge squares scattered around. This one I think was created in anticipation of hatchlings, for I cannot envision in my mind’s eye adults sitting upon the floor this way.
I make my way to the comfortable chair that reminds me so much of my favorite one on our old shuttle. When I ease down onto it, Eltran removes the game board and pulls the table closer.
Korak brings food and drink, for we old blood do so love to indulge in fine edibles. Much to my astonishment, Queen Chantel and Queen Pelop drag over cushions and plop down onto them. Eltran turns and pulls another oversized chair over for his bearing queen. She shoves him back into it and sits upon his lap.
Korak drops down onto the floor beside his queen. “Welcome home, my sire.”
His queen smiles up at me, looking so much like her lovely dame that my chest aches.
She perks up when she sees me looking at her, her hand reaching out to cover the spot on Korak’s lower hip where his egg pouch is located. I can’t help but smile at this sweet queen for alerting me that they are even now expecting young. My scion’s hand covers hers, and he nuzzles the side of her face with his. I can guess how they spent the few cycles I was forced to sleep.
Molly speaks up. “I’ll bet you’re glad to be out of the medical unit. We missed you something fierce.” Her hands are caressing her slightly more rounded belly. When humans mate with Draconian males, their time of carrying is greatly accelerated. Therefore, I am not particularly surprised that I can see a difference in just five cycles.
“I am pleased to be among the living once more.” Trying to make light of the situation, I take another swig of my ale before continuing. “Healing units are sparse, foul smelling places. It is good they kept me sedated, for there is nothing to do but lie there and stare endlessly at the ceiling.”
Chantel speaks up. “You could have spent time with visitors and played the games you like so much.”
“Yes. That is very true, but then I would have been disrupting everyone’s life instead of just that of the healers.”
My scions make laughing noises, but the queens do not understand my humor. “The food looks good. What did you make, Korak?”
“It is a dish the humans think of as hearty and appropriate to fill a hungry warrior’s stomach. It is bits of wild beast mixed with Earth style vegetables in a savory sauce.”
I recognize the meat as part of the stock we brought with us. It is my favorite variety.
Inhaling deeply, I decide to give it a try. After one bite, I realize it is possibly the best nourishment that I have ever tasted. I forget about my clade members as I shovel bite after endless bite into my mouth and then wash the last of it down with ale.
Molly blinks at me. “Goodness, you were hungry.”
“Going without food for five cycles leaves much room in my stomach to fill.”
Even the queens laugh at my wayward humor this time. Draining the last of my ale, I look from one to the other. Each face is dear to me, but I must inform them of what is to come. “I have something important to speak with you about this day.” All their eyes are focused on me. Korak leans forward slightly as if he does not wish to miss a word of what I have to say.
“I have selected a mate. Once she joins our clade, I expect her to be respected as our queen mother.”
Both of my scions jump to their feet. Eltran does not get far with his pregnant mate in his lap. Naturally, it is Korak who attempts to reorient my thinking. “Males do not have the right of choosing. You know this, my sire. I fear you will be scourged again for this thinking.”
It is a shame that my scion have such fears on my behalf. “Sit and let me speak.” I don’t wait for him to follow my commands before explaining my thoughts as best I can. “I know that because you have not been near when a male was scourged, you all have strong feelings about my punishment. Warriors make mistakes, and if we