Page 85 of Hope Forged
Ziamee studied Dius’s face. “I know we just met, but I can watch them if you want to sleep.”
Macy sat up straight. “Nope, I’m being a bad host. Come, let’s take a walk.”
Ziamee inched to her feet, cradling the boy with care so as to not wake him. “Where to?” she asked, trailing Macy out the door.
“Along the beach?”
Ziamee grinned. “I’d like that.”
Two males stayed on their heels, their focus vigilant.
“That’s Elite Warrior Azan and Nuos,” Macy said. “Don’t mind them.”
Ziamee raised her gaze to the sky and breathed long and slow, taking in the fresh air. A chance to see the ocean up close? No, she couldn’t turn away from that opportunity. And she got to hold the baby, who snoozed on her shoulder. Every few minutes, he’d gurgle, burp, or sigh.
They ventured deeper into a garden until the floral scents mingled with the tang of salt. A wall ran along the beach, breaking only where steps went down to the sand. Macy didn’t hesitate, leading them to the last possible point.
“Nuos, take Kacera, please.”
The male did so, careful where he placed his fingers as if there was nothing more treasured than that baby.
Free, Macy sat and removed her shoes before padding barefoot across the sand. She spun, facing Ziamee. “Come, join me. Hand Dius to Azan, if you like.” She didn’t wait for Ziamee—simply skipped to the water’s edge.
“If you do join my queen, milady, do not venture deep into the waves.” Azan drew near should she need him. “Carnivorous omeika are why the waters are red.”
Her eyes widened. “Truly? Tell me more, Azan. May I call you that?”
“A Durn such as yourself may call me anything you wish, milady.” He cleared his throat. “Schools of omeika infest our oceans. It was long decreed that since they were here before us, they should remain. What we did discover was that, despite their toxins, they have a unique flavor—taking on the consumer’s favorite foods or cravings. It is a sought-after delicacy and Etteria’s primary export.”
“Schools? Like ceaza?” She transferred Dius to Azan’s shoulder, taking the time to tuck the blanket around his chubby little body.
He frowned. “What language is that?”
She gave him a kind smile, realizing that his O.D.I. wouldn’t know the names for fauna and flora from her home. “On Vora, I used to catch them…to eat.”
He grinned. “Were they good?”
She chuckled. “Not compared to human food. Cheese? Have you tried that?”
“I have.” He chuckled. “And many others.”
“I do like your rehydrator,” she said and left him standing in the shade of a rocky outcrop.
“It’s none of my business, but Illan’s my dearest friend,” Macy whispered as soon as Ziamee joined her. “So, feel free not to answer. Do you love him?”
Understanding that Macy asked from a position of care, Ziamee didn’t let her abruptness bother her. “I do.” She hissed when the cold waves lapped her feet and wet the bottom of her pants.
“And does he love you?”
“He’s only said it once, and that was in the middle of…” Ziamee bit her lip, not wanting to reveal what they’d been doing at the time.
“No, he didn’t.” Macy gasped, cupping her mouth to smother a giggle. “And he’s forgotten?”
Ziamee pursed her lips, then gave in and laughed. “I don’t think he knows he said it.”
“Oh dear,” Macy mumbled. “Go easy on him when he gets around to confessing.”
“Do I have to?” Ziamee asked, playfulness in her tone.
