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“Oh, damn. Forgot about that.”

Ranna giggled. “Never underestimate a Hmrain and a contract. We are relentless.”

“Thanks, I am going to remember that.”

Chapter Three

Riley fussed with hercourt outfit. “Are you sure this is appropriate? There seems to be some fabric missing.”

Ranna looked at her and grinned. “You are wearing what is considered appropriate for a companion of your species in a Hmrain court.”

“But I am not that kind of companion.”

“I know that, and you know that, but rules are rules.” Ranna was smug in her full court dress as they waited on the stone out behind the house. Her deep blue skin gleamed where the fabric ended.

There was a dark spot approaching with some shiny skimmers on either side of it.

“How about a cloak? I could really go for a cloak right now.”

Ranna giggled. “No. He will probably want you to report to him on my progress once he meets you.”

Riley fidgeted in the semiopaque outfit made of wrapped bands that supported her breasts, kept her neck warm, and a skirt that was hanging on via friction and not much else. Moving fast was off the list of possibilities for the day.

Ranna was happy. Her father was coming, and he was bringing two of his guards, known as the Daughters of Rath.They were deadly assassins, all female, and all from different worlds. The other thing that they had in common was that they had been betrayed by those they were supposed to trust. There was an entire town of Daughters on the other side of the world, and that is where they trained.

Riley stood back and to the side of Ranna, and as the figures got closer, she inched her way behind the larger woman.

As the three landed, Riley was hidden.

Rath walked toward his daughter and took her hands, kissing her cheek, his eyes bright. She got her night-blue complexion from him. “You are healing.”

“Yes, Father.” She reached behind her and hauled Riley out next to her. “I got a Terran companion, and she has been instrumental in the progress I have made.”

Riley stared at Ranna’s father with shocked eyes. He was beautiful, as all Hmrain were, but he had a dark energy that moved around him.

“I did not think my daughter would choose a female, but I suppose there is always room to invite a male into your union later.”