Page 14

Story: Lost Companion

Riley turned and walked toward the doorway, where Lady Ranna suddenly appeared. “Riley, come in.”

Riley sighed and put her mind into pleasant lines. She smiled and walked to Lady Ranna’s side, feeling the pull on her emotions. As hard as Ranna pulled, Riley just fed her more.

When Ranna settled and relaxed, Riley smiled and stood behind and to the side of her while Rath sat across the table.

Rath looked at her. “It seems my daughter is unsettled without you.”

“That will pass when she’s healed.” She looked past his shoulder.

“You think so?”

Ranna chuckled. “When I am healed and she is settled nearby, I think I will consider relationships or travel.”

He smiled slowly. “Grandchildren?”

Ranna shrugged. “Maybe, if I find the right partner.”

Riley watched as they sat through course after course of food. She remained in place and tried to blank her mind every few seconds.

It was a remarkably torturous event. She was hungry. Riley did what she had done while walking with the kids; she simply inhaled, held her stomach in, and focused on something else.

They ate for two hours, talking and catching up.

Ranna finally said, “Riley, go get your meal. I am in danger of breaking contract terms.”

Riley left without taking her leave.

Horib had a cold lunch waiting for her, and it would have been warm if she had been able to eat it when it was ready.

Riley ate too fast. She knew she ate too fast. She clenched the edge of the counter as she fought to hold onto her meal.

She went to the tablet and flipped through the classifications of the tubers that had been involved in lunch, and she shuddered when she noticed that they were mildly toxic when eaten by her species.

She lunged for the lav, but Lady Ranna was in the way, so she diverted and headed outside to the stone, throwing up in an area where she could clean it up easily.

Horib came out with the tablet. “Riley, I am so sorry. It is a Hmrain favourite.”

Riley threw up again, and then she sat back with a groan. “I’ll get the cleaning supplies. So sorry.”

“You normally don’t eat the things you are sensitive to.”

“I am normally not fasting for eighteen hours.” She leaned against the wall. “I was so hungry.”

A hand gave her a damp towel, and after she had cleaned up, a glass of water was extended. She looked and flinched. “Thank you, Lord Rath.”

“It is no problem. Lady Ranna is inside reading a list of food that is toxic for you.”

“Oh. She shouldn’t worry. I usually eat around any food that upsets me.”

“How do you know?”

“It burns.”

“You didn’t notice this burned?”

“I shoved it all in and swallowed. I was so hungry, I was blind to what was around me.”

He stroked her hair. “Does it happen often?”