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“Uh, thanks. As you were.” She looked at the table that was set for six. Six.Oh, no.She asked sweetly, “Rath, please tell me that we aren’t using traditional seating.”

He grinned. “I feel it is only fair that you get used to it. I am not letting you out of my sight.”

The Daughters grinned. Welowik nodded wisely. “It is good to get used to what is expected.”

Riley made a face.

One of the crew whispered to the captain, and he grinned. “Dinner is ready.”

Rath led her to the Hmrain chair and settled before pulling her onto his lap. The size difference was apparent.

Katura giggled. “My lady, you look... petite.”

Riley shielded herself and made an exceptionally rude gesture to the Arro.

There was a tap on the top of her head, and she looked up to Rath looking down. “That is not used in polite company.”

“I hadn’t taken into account the difference in your size from your daughter’s. When she hauled me onto her lap, there was only a slight difference in size. Like—” She held her hands a foot apart. “—that much.”

“You will grow, Riley. All consorts do.” He paused. “Ranna pulled you onto her lap?”

“When we watched scary vids. She used me as a living shield.”

He snorted. “She does not like those vids. Why was she watching?”

“I was curious, and she was trying to be a good friend. It was on the list.”

The Daughters grinned. They knew about the list. Everyone in contact with Ranna knew about the list as they were asked for contributions to the occupations, events, or hobbies that Ranna tried to get Riley to try.

He wrapped an arm around her as the food was carried to the table.

Teddy grinned. “You look like a doll.”

“Imagine the earlier gesture.” She smiled. “How was the visit with your cousin?”

“It was fun. Went to Kifessan, travelled with them to Aten. Met Ra and his consort, Harwin. There were a bunch of other Terrans with their Hmrain as well. They looked... different from a standard human.”

“Wow. What do their consorts wear?”

Teddy smirked. “A lot less.”

Riley blinked, and Rath hugged her tight. “I told you I was easing you into things.”

“From what I am sitting on, easing is going to be necessary.”

He sighed, took some food, and shoved it into her mouth. She took the hint and started chewing. The group at large laughed at her, and when the meal was done, she sat back with Rath holding her.

She leaned her head against his chest and listened to the conversation about the circumstances of the mine and the escorts.

When Teddy asked, “Consort Riley, what happened after you woke?”

“Oh, when they said y’all were there, I thought I would try and let you know I was there. From there, I had some water, and then I went to fix the disabled mechs. I am guessing that purging their systems was a way to spend more time at the brothel, but I got them reprogrammed for the ladies and myself to move in, and then we napped for a few hours. After that, it was up and out.”

Katura asked, “Why did you walk that way?”

“Because I remembered my lessons. Only guard what you can cover. I am regretting putting that on the list.”

The Daughters laughed.