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“Are you sure?” Tasha had asked me. But the warden had just smirked, tossed the sonic recalibrater back into his slicer’s storage compartment and said, “She’s sure.”

“Thanks,” Magnolia said gratefully, heading into the Lavariya to use the washing machine. “I don’t mind hand-washing clothes from time to time. But you would not believe how filthy Killian’s stuff gets!”

“Oh, I believe it,” I replied with a laugh, rinsing dark pink berries that grew on bushes not far from here. Lala and Nali wandered around on the floor between my legs. “Do you want any food, Magnolia?”

“No thanks!”

I fetched a basket of my own, heaping the fruit, cheese, and dried meat inside.

“You two go hang out with Magnolia. Make sure she doesn’t run into issues with the laundry machine,” I told Lala and Nali. Nali, who was growing at a rapid pace, her head nearly reaching to my hips now, had absolutely no interest in listening to me until Lala scuttled away. At once, she was trotting along behind my bot, heading for theLavariya.

Taking my basket outside, I headed for the pasture by the shuldu stalls, opening the brand-new gate I’d helped Oaken build and install. Fiora was off with Oaken, but the other three shuldu were here grazing. Jilly, the shuldu I rode most often, whinnied happily at my approach.

“Hey, Jilly Bean,” I said, petting her neck. I called her that because of the various pink splotches on her velvety grey hide. Like little pink jelly beans all over her. I put down my basket, then grabbed her saddle and tack from the nearby stalls.

It turned out, I loved shulduback-riding. I had gotten a lot more skilled and confident at it lately. I could go faster and further.

It made me feel free.

It almost felt like flying.

Once I had Jilly all ready to go, I hoisted up my basket and got into the saddle. I didn’t go too fast today. I didn’t want the lunch lurching around and getting all squished and bruised.

As we made our leisurely way to the area of fencing Oaken was working on, I let gratitude for the fresh air, hot sun, and shade from my hat roll through me in lapping waves.

My husband came into view in the distance, his strong body stretching to bang a nail into place with a hammer. My hammer. The very one that had once split his poor head open.

I urged Jilly on a little faster now. I’d only just seen him this morning – I’dmade loveto him this morning – and I was already desperate to get back to him.

“Oaken!”

He turned, smiling, at the sound of his name.

But it was more than just a name to me now.

Oaken meant husband.

Oaken meant home.

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