Haven 4 AVOW - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,95

happiest is what will make me happiest. All details can wait until you feel more yourself,” Quin said.

“Good. I hired a nanny,” Vivian said.

“Oh? And how did you do that from our bedroom?” he asked.

“Remember the girl that came with Lo'San’s family to watch their kids? Au’revele? She came to me just after you left to go to the Command Deck, begging me to intercede on her behalf. Apparently Ph’eel sent word to her to prepare for someone else to watch over the kids because she’d have to go to prison with her to tend her needs while she was incarcerated, and the poor girl was terrified.”

“That is impossible. Ph’eel has no idea how her life will play out in prison. She will be just another convict, tending her own needs and praying for survival. She is a horrible excuse for a female,” Quin grumbled.

“Agreed. Anyway, the poor girl has never known anything but servitude and was terrified she’d be held partially responsible for Ph’eel’s actions. She grew up in Ph’eel’s household as a servant and has never known anything else. I assured her she wouldn’t be, but she was still worried about returning home with no position or way to make a living. She was concerned she’d carry the shame of being associated with Ph’eel’s crimes and not be able to find a household to take her in as their servant. So, I told her she wouldn’t be returning home if she chose to stay here, and I offered her a job as our nanny. I did say if we ever have children.”

“I’m glad you were clear on the if,” Quin said. “And she accepted despite the fact you emphasized the if?” he asked.

“Absolutely. I think she was just relieved to have the promise of a position. And if she hadn’t, I’d have come up with something else. I need her to stay here for selfish reasons. I know not all my guard will come with us. But I’d like some of them to, and if she’s with us, it will keep Zahn close. I like Zahn, his grumpy has grown on me,” Vivian said.

“We have no way of knowing who will stay and who will choose to come with us. But regardless, why would it keep Zahn close?”

“Because she’s his Ehlealah,” Vivian said.

Quin burst out laughing, his deep, resonant laugh filling the bedroom. “Now it is all perfectly clear! That is why his behavior has been so out of character!”

“Yep. He stalks around wearing his battle helmet so she can’t see him watching her, thinking that no one is aware of what he’s doing, but we all know — except for Au’revele. He’s more grumbly than usual, and suggests that I go exercise everyday, since that is where she is usually located with the children. Like I wouldn’t notice that.”

Quin laughed again. “He said he would not ever accept an Ehlealah. This will be interesting to watch.”

“It will, but more importantly, I really like Au’revele. She’s sweet, and kind, and humble, and the kids she was charged with obviously adore her, and were raised with love and I know that love didn’t come from their mother. That makes me believe she’s a good person. And I don’t really think I’ll ever need a nanny, but, it kept her here, and Zahn needs more time. So, I hired her.”

“You have a soft heart, my Ehlealah.”

“With you,” she admitted.

“With many,” Quin corrected. “You will be a wonderful Sovereigna to our people.”

“I’ll need help,” she said. “Do you think your mother will stick around and help me once the time comes?”

“She will most likely need to be forcibly removed from your side when the time comes,” Quin said, smiling as he kissed her shoulder.

Vivian smiled as she yawned. “Good. I love her.”

“She loves you,” Quin said. “And I love you, too, my Vivi,” Quin said, closing his eyes and resting his cheek against her head.

“Love you, Quin,” Vivian mumbled as she snuggled into his arms and settled down to go back to sleep.

~~~

Ba Re’ stood on the flight deck as he watched the battle cruisers return to the ship. They both docked, the air locks released and the Elite teams, Rokai, Lo’San and Synclare exited.

As they approached, Lo'San with Synclare in his arms and Rokai beside him, stopped before Ba Re’. “Is all well?” Lo'San asked.

Ba Re’ gave a single nod. “I believe so. And we have a plan to explain away the incident.”

“Where is our Sire? I would appreciate the