Page 41 of Guiding Reason

“Ah, you’re doing it,” the hospitality guide said. He brightened, though with effort. “I just complimented your Guardian on that public kiss. And of course your comments were nicely thought out.”

Orrey gasped. “I didn’t even know he was recording. I just said the first thing that came to mind.”

“We’ll let you talk for us from now on then,” Taros said and walked up to Orrey with a package. “Here. Open this. Kashana sent it. I need to know if you got a neck robe as well.”

“A what now?”

Vin glanced at them. “A neck robe. So that he can wear it and combat pants instead of walking around my place with his bare ass on display.”

Taros broke out in blades. “My ass is wonderful. Tell him, Orrey.”

Senlas walked over to stand on Orrey’s other side. “Orrey has no opinion about your naked ass, Taros.”

“No, it’s shapely,” Orrey said. “Not as shapely as Sen’s. What does the neck robe thing have to do with your ass?”

“They argued about sitting naked on each other’s furniture,” Yamara said.

The pretty little Conduit stuck close to Orrey and Lapatea. As a result, Vin had gotten to his feet as well so he could keep him in his line of sight.

“Oh, that’s an ongoing thing,” Orrey said. “It confused me at first, but they always seem to discuss when it’s appropriate to wear pants and when it isn’t.”

“He sounds judgmental. Sen, your Conduit sounds judgmental,” Taros said. “And everyone, follow my words, you are all welcome to sit on my furniture in whatever state of dress you want.”

Lapatea blinked. “These are strange Argentea habits, I have to say. It is not the way we extend an invitation here in Ferrea.”

Karmine chuckled. “I don’t think that was an invitation but rather a challenge.”

“Exactly, and my Conduit can pass all the judgment he likes,” Senlas said and reached out with his powers toCaressOrrey all over. By the slight shiver, he felt it.

“I judge we should eat. Yamara said he was hungry.”

“So am I,” Karmine said. “I hope you brought enough for all of us.”

“There’s plenty. I saw them put in extra too.” SenlasOpenedthe bags with the dumplings. “Bot?”

“Yes, Conduits and Guardians. I am happy to provide you with dessert or any extra main or side dish you might desire.”

“Just plates and drinks for now,” Senlas said.

Orrey leaned forward. “And some tara leaves. And sorono hummus with crackers.” He tore the seal on the Kashana box while the bot went into the kitchen.

“Right. Good thinking.” Taros was watching Orrey peel the silky paper wrappers back. “Wow. You got a fucking blouse. Hmm. You’ll look good in that.”

“Isn’t it very…” Orrey ran a hand over the fabric.

“It’s very Kashana. And that shade of blue is a great color for you.”

“But it’s see-through.”

Taros shrugged. “Nothing there you should be afraid of showing.”

“Trust Taros, kitten. He’s right.” Senlas leaned forward to whisper the words in Orrey’s ear, but really, he just wanted the chance to kiss the top of Orrey’s head.

He’s mine, forever, and I’m his.

15

HYRAN