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R achel arranged for Morgan to meet with Largon at Phoenix House. All the women went with her. She suppressed a laugh when Rachel rolled her eyes when several royal guards accompanied them.

Even though she still hurt from Grulen’s stance, her heart lifted when she entered the building. The sounds of happy children soothed her rough edges. Largon smiled at them.

“Welcome, ladies.”

“Hey, Largon, how’s it hanging?” Emmy smirked.

“The same as always, Emmy.” Largon grinned at her. “Don’t let Devik hear you ask another male that question.”

“Pfft. I know how to handle him.”

“Yeah. Let us know how that works out for you,” Natasha said. “I’m going to head to the infirmary. If anyone needs medical care, I’m available for a bit.”

“I’m off to the kitchen.” Ava followed Natasha down the hall.

The other women split off to pursue their own interests.

“I can stay with you if you want,” Talia said.

“I think I can handle it, but thanks.” Morgan appreciated the offer of support.

“Okay, comm if you need me.” Talia walked confidently toward the library.

“Walk with me, Morgan.”

She fell into step beside the Zuvgran.

“I don’t know if anyone told you, but I earned a degree in education on Earth.” Morgan kept her gaze forward.

“I heard that. Do you have suggestions for Phoenix House?”

“Actually, I was hoping to hear more details about what you have in place, your goals, and where I might fit into all of that.”

“What a relief. Talos has been hounding me to offer you a position. He’s excited to have another teacher to help.” Largon let out an exaggerated sigh.

Morgan laughed. Well, that was easier than I thought.

“Would you need me to live on site?”

“Not necessarily. Rumor has it Traxen may build a small village nearby. I’m sure we can request a domicile for you so you’re close but not always in the thick of things.”

“I think I’d like that.”

“Will Jevax be joining you?”

Her breath caught in her throat. She swallowed hard.

“I’m not sure what Grulen’s plans are. I’m making my own without him. If he chooses to re-enter my life, I’ll address it then.”

Largon halted and turned to face her.

“I’m sorry, Morgan. I had the impression you were mates.”

Her eyes filled. She blinked rapidly.

“No, it’s okay. He took me by surprise by severing our relationship. I have to do what’s best for me now.”

He patted her forearm. His skin is cool.

“If you need to talk, I’m willing to listen.”

“Thank you. For now, I’d rather talk about helping with your mission here.”

After a productive meeting with Largon where they decided she would move into Phoenix House in a week and begin her duties then, she wandered into the kitchen. Ava pulled a fresh batch of cookies from the oven. She pulled off the high-tech potholder and motioned for Morgan to sit.

Grabbing a plate of cooled cookies and some milk, Ava joined Morgan at the small table in the corner.

“Have some.”

Morgan groaned.

“Oh, snickerdoodle. Where did you find the flour?”

They discussed ingredients and various food and spice combinations each had discovered.

“How’d it go with Largon?”

“I move in next week.”

“Wonderful. The kids here are great. You’ll find several Svesti come by regularly to help, too.”

“Grulen will come to his senses eventually.”

“Maybe. I’m not sure I can trust him after this, though.” Morgan glared at her cookie.

“He’s male, Morgan. It doesn’t matter what species they are.

All of them make stupid decisions thinking they’re being noble or something.

It’s our job to make them see the error of their ways and forgive their idiocy.

” Ava grabbed the cookie from Morgan’s hand.

“She didn’t mean it, sweetie. She’s just pissed at her male. ”

Morgan giggled.

“You’re talking to a cookie?”

“Made you laugh, didn’t I?” Ava winked.

“You women are insane.”

“Maybe, but we’re loyal.” The redhead pursed her lips.

“We’ve been lucky. Not a mean bitch in the mix so far.

As more humans relocate here, we’re bound to see that change.

We need to set the example. Most of us have experienced some sort of trauma or hardship, either on Earth or out here.

I think it makes the bonding tighter between us. ”

“I haven’t really heard the stories about how you guys ended up on the Invictus .”

“Oh, girl, let me fill you in.”

When Ava finished, Morgan blinked.

“Holy shit. All of that happened?”

“I’m sure I probably forgot a thing or two, but for the most part, it’s pretty much how it went.”

“No wonder you guys are close.”

“You’re part of our ride or die group now. We’re equal opportunity here.”

Morgan laughed at Ava’s outrageousness.

“I’m glad I came back to Costonia.”

“We’re happy you’re here.” Ava clinked her milk glass to Morgan’s.

Back at the palace, Morgan made a face at the women in her living area.

“Really? A Court dinner tomorrow?”

“Yes, Traxen insists all of us are there.” Rachel waved a hand.

“I don’t have anything to wear.” I don’t want males touching me like Ava mentioned.

“That’s why we’re here.” Natasha held up some samples of fabric. “I can whip up something quickly. Or we can synthesize something.”

“Kara’s synthesizer is working now on our gowns,” Rain said.

“I really have to go?” Morgan whined.

“If I have to dress up, so do you.” Emmy’s foot tapped. “I hate getting all dolled up.”

“But Devik loves it,” Lin said with a smile.

“True.” Emmy sighed. “The last time we almost didn’t make it back to our quarters before he…”

Lin covered her ears.

“No, don’t tell us. None of our business.”

The women laughed.

“We get the idea, Emmy.” Natasha sorted through her samples and held up a dark copper silk. “I think this will look stunning against your pale skin and with your hair color.”

“Oh, that’s beautiful.” Talia fingered the cloth. “And it’s incredibly soft.”

Morgan stood there as Natasha held it up to her face. She tilted her head and her tongue stuck out of the corner of her mouth.

“In the stores, I think there was a walnut-colored fabric that would work for accents.” Her eyes glazed over before clearing up. “Yes, I think that will do it.”

Morgan looked at Ava and raised her eyebrows.

“Natasha loves to sew. She’s taken our gowns to the next level, even with staying within the Svesti parameters of acceptable Court attire. She really has a gift for making us look good.” Ava grinned. “Of course, she’s not fond of my rolling pin earrings, but who cares?”

Giggling, Morgan gave up.

“What do you need from me?”

“Let me take some measurements and we’ll do a fitting in the morning so I can finish it in time.” A tape measure appeared in Natasha’s hand. “I’m assuming you want me to build in a bra.”

“If you think I should.”

Natasha took her measurements and Emmy tapped on her tablet.

“Sent to your comm,” Emmy said.

“Thanks.”

“Come on, Traxen’s expecting us in his quarters for evening meal,” Talia said.

“Do I have to change for that?” I’m not used to this.

“If you have dress pants or jeans, they’d be better than the yoga pants.” Rachel smiled. “Your shirt’s fine.”

Morgan rushed to throw on a pair of jeans and quickly brushed her hair and pulled it into a bun. So many changes in my life all at once. I’m not sure I can keep up.

During dinner, Morgan ended up enjoying herself immensely.

The sense of family she experienced on the Fortitude was magnified with the larger group.

Lots of teasing and humor punctuated some of the more serious conversation.

She observed all the couples and how they interacted with each other.

They’re all so different, but the depth of caring and emotion is similar.

“Largon tells me you’ll be moving to Phoenix House soon,” Traxen said.

“Yes, next week. I’m looking forward to teaching the younglings.”

“Would you be willing to add teaching human younglings in the future?” I guess the rumors are true.

“Of course.” She looked down at her plate, then took a deep breath. “Largon mentioned you might be willing to add a house for me nearby when you begin building a new village.”

“That’s a good idea. Think about what you’d like, and we’ll make it happen.” He tugged Rachel onto his lap and kissed her. “ Belgella , if you have any suggestions about security concerns, please make sure they’re addressed before Morgan moves in.”

Rachel snuggled into her mate and grinned.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Traxen rolled his eyes. I didn’t know kings did that.

Morgan savored her dessert and realized she could handle Grulen’s loss with her friends’ support. She still hurt , but she wouldn’t give up. Survive. I can do that.

Staring in amazement at her reflection in the viewer, Morgan raised her eyes to meet Natasha’s.

“I can’t believe you made this in a day. It’s a work of art.”

The gown appeared deceptively simple at first glance.

The basic design followed the usual single shoulder and floor length pattern preferred by the Svesti.

The copper fabric comprised the majority of it.

Natasha added a narrow dark brown metallic trim for the shoulder and outlining the sweetheart neckline and low back.

A wider band circled the waist. But the true beauty was the skirt.

Small pleats widening as they reached the floor were hidden in the copper.

When Morgan moved, flashes of the shiny brown emphasized her legs, then tucked away when she stood still.

Even with the pleats, Natasha incorporated a high slit along her left thigh to tease with a hint of skin.

Morgan raised her arms and realized there were tiny brown pleats underneath her breasts in the bodice.

“I really enjoyed this one. I knew that walnut fabric would work.” Natasha wore a self-satisfied look. “Let me fix your hair.”

Brown high heels and jewelry completed Morgan’s outfit. Natasha had pulled Morgan’s hair up in a messy bun with wisps of curls near her face. A copper scroll bracelet and a matching necklace accompanied long, dangling copper earrings that swung as Morgan turned to hug the doctor.

“Thank you, Natasha. I was hesitant about attending, but this gown screams self-confidence.”

Natasha hugged her back. She looks awesome in that navy silk, too.

“Let’s go wow some males.”

Morgan paused at the doors leading to the main dining area. Ronan and Largon waited for them. Ronan held out his arm to his mate and she elegantly slid into position next to him.

“May I escort you, Lady Morgan?” Largon offered her his arm.

“Please, Largon. Don’t let me trip and embarrass myself.” She took a deep breath.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

They entered the room and faces swiveled in her direction when people realized someone new was in their midst. Her stomach roiled briefly, then she lifted her chin and walked confidently with Largon.

“That’s it, don’t let them intimidate you.”

Loud whispers followed her progress. Guess there’s not much difference between crowds no matter the species.

Largon led her to table where several seats were open near Karid and Ava. He pulled out her chair and as she stepped forward to sit, the scent of caramel and cinnamon made her dizzy. Hastily, she sat and her chair was pushed forward. Hot breath stirred her hair and earring.

“You look stunning, ciebala . You take my breath away.”

Her eyes widened as Largon took the chair to her right. She turned slightly to see Grulen sit on her left. Oh my god, he’s here. Shit. He looks edible in Court attire.

Why is he here?