Page 19

Sage blinked.“Can I hug you?”

“Sure.”

She opened her arms, and Sage hugged her.Reem said, “Hello, young human.”

Sage leaned back wearily.“Is that a joke?”

“Probably.If not, it was creepy.”

Sage looked at her and then belted a laugh.“Okay, so you can’t feel it, but you know what it is.”

“Yes.It is a knowing.”

“Huh.And you don’t know what you did before the end of things?”

“No, but if I saw it, I would know it.”

Sage asked, “Can we go through the files to find out what it was?”

“No.You are your Hmrain’s consort, and his energy levels are low.Attending to him is in your contract.”

Sage blinked and blushed.“You can see that?”

“Yes, so can you.His skin is slightly paler than it was a few minutes ago, his wings droop, the claws on the tips are curled, and his tail is limp.He’s physically fine, but his energy levels could use a top-up.”

Sage looked at Zell and blinked.“Oh, wow.I can see it now.”

Zell extended his hand.“Thank you, Comptroller Reem.Your insight is appreciated.I am not good at expressing it myself yet.”

Sage took his hand, and a blush touched her cheeks.

As they were leaving her room, Reem said loudly, “Enjoy the tail.”

There was a squawk and then laughter as the door closed.

She did get humour.

Reem had concluded her day’s business at home and was smug at having figured out how to send communications long distance.

A soft knock at the door and a very relaxed-looking Sage was standing there.“Reem, sorry for just opening the door.Did you want to have a meal in the captain’s dining room?”

“I have a food dispenser here.I am good.”

“Seriously.The food is better there.”

“Better or worse doesn’t matter.Also, I don’t have anything appropriate to wear.”

Sage blinked and looked down at her new, pretty outfit.

“Oh, right.I think it will be waived in this case.”

“Rules are rules, and I do not wish to insult anyone by appearing in my work attire.”

Sage blinked.“Seriously?”

“Seriously.I know my place.I know my uniform.I cannot step out of it without a reason, and dinner is not a reason.I do apologize.”

Sage paused.“Perhaps another time.”