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“All places I have seen you and wished that you could stay with me. Places you have shared joy with Ranna and myself.”

“I shared joy with Ranna there. I didn’t know that you would be there.”

He chuckled. “That is as we wished it.”

“So, how long have you been plotting against me, Overseer?”

He stroked her shoulder. “Since the first time I heard my daughter laugh again. The plot continued when I saw what she was doing to you, and I realized you wouldn’t make it to the end of the contract without help. Once I involved myself in your care and survival, I was hooked.”

Riley swallowed. “Right. You are going to take me shopping?”

“Oh, yes. There will be a few alterations to your wardrobe, but you will have some outfits like the one you are wearing.”

She muttered, “Like at the cabin.”

“Yes, though I would prefer you curled up to me for heat.”

A waved of warmth ran through her at the thought.

He pressed a kiss to her shoulder, but she could feel the smirk.

“That was what you were designed for, right?”

He laughed. “Partially. We are designed to spur that response in matching partners. When Ranna mentioned it, I didn’t believe it. She mocked you into a response, and there it was. She also got your actual assessment for our world’s records. That was illuminating.”

She swallowed and saw the notation that Ranna had added. Any children would have to call her Sis Ranna, and she would take them for any birthday where she was on the same world. She would teach them to fly and laugh and bargain for treats in the kitchen, just like their mother had taught Ranna.

Tears dripped onto Rath’s arm. He pressed kisses to her temple and cheek. He whispered, “Sign it.”

She giggled and closed her eyes to feel his heat surrounding her.

He chuckled. “You can wear me anytime you want. Sign. It.”

She opened her eyes and signed the contract. The blood prick and ocular scan were done. The pad lit up, and Rath gently took it, signed it, and set it aside. “There. Now I can call a few seamstresses who have your measurements on file. I am going to dress you up as my little princess.”

She gasped at the betrayal. “How could you?”

He turned and set her on the desk and leaned over her. “Convince me not to, Consort.”

She looked up into his amused features and blinked. “Now?”

“Now.”

“How long until we get to Arro?”

“Three weeks. Are you planning to talk the whole way?”

“I thought you had met me before.”

“Convince me that you can be trusted with choosing your own clothing.”

“How?”

He caressed her cheek and tapped her lips. “Convince me.”

She leaned up and was about to touch him when she said, “I can’t. Not allowed to touch you.”

Rath smiled. “You are the one female outside of family who is allowed to. Riley, Consort of Rath.”