Page 26
Chapter Twenty-Five
LEX
I have not been gone a tic when I come back to find my rooms in shambles. Maintenance and cargo bots are swarming in and out of my door, carrying multiple items each way. The sound of laughter has me sliding past a particularly large box only to find SAGE and Rylie talking animatedly.
“ Medic LeX , we will be done here shortly. What do you think of the changes so far?”
Looking around, I do not even recognize the place. “ How did you do this so quickly, SAGE ?”
“ Rotations of practice, to be honest, and a huge file on decorating doesn’t hurt either. Mistress Rylie gave me permission and free rein to make the changes, and I think it will turn out quite beautifully when the bots get finished.”
Rylie is walking around with a small smile on her face as her fingers trace each new piece.
My … our rooms have now been separated into comfortable sitting and eating areas. The one chair I have used for rotations is now gone, replaced by a huge lounger covered in multiple colored pillows, and thin throws. The sleeping platform has been moved to another wall that faces the outer viewers of Destiny’s hull, so that you feel like you are sleeping under the stars.
“ SAGE , I do believe you have missed your calling. It is spectacular, but my approval is not needed, you should ask for Rylie’s .”
“ Mistress Rylie , is there anything you would like to add or change? We cannot leave these types of decisions to the males, or we would never have an ounce of color in our lives.”
“ I love it SAGE , I swear it was like you were in my head. A hobby of mine back home was helping others decorate.”
“ Well , now that you have shared your thoughts, and I know you also enjoy the refreshing of old spaces, would you permit me to request your help on some future projects? A fresh eye is always appreciated.”
“ I would love to SAGE ! Please call on me in the future anytime you’d like to toss around some ideas.”
SAGE literally jumps up and down while clapping her hands. “ Ohh , I am so excited. Destiny has two lower floors that need a complete overhaul and while I know you have just returned, may I call on you … let’s say, in three rotations for a walk through?”
“ Absolutely SAGE , and thanks for including me.”
Smiling , I watch them talk like they are old friends. When the last maintenance bot leaves the room, everything is clean, and the room smells fresh, like a new start.
“ Well , I will leave you two to enjoy the rest of this evening.” SAGE throws a kiss at Rylie and then pops out. Both of us just stand there looking around at the place until Rylie starts laughing.
“ Damn , now that is service with a smile! Look at this whole area LeX , you would never know we’re even in the same rooms.”
“ SAGE is very thorough no matter what project she is working on, and I think that new lounger has our names all over it.” Shaking the holo pad back and forth, I kick off my shoes as Rylie grabs one of the light coverings off the back, then motions me forward.
“ Come on, let’s snuggle. I can’t wait to hear what’s next.”
My heart practically leaps in my chest when I sit down, and she throws the blanket over us both before curling up on my side. Draping my arm over her shoulder, I pull her close, kissing the top of her head before turning the holo reader on picking up right where I had left off.
“ Did I tell you that Ragon came in and took a look at my wing this morning? He thinks it will be a couple more days before it comes loose. He told me to just rest and to enjoy my time with the humans.”
“ Is he some sort of doctor for you guys?”
“ No , he is the oldest of his kind and he is the Dragonfly King . Ragon is the most powerful of them all against our enemies. Most of the dragonflies you see in the wildflower fields are his children, but he is the wisest of them all. It will be a very sad spring the year his spirit isn’t reborn. Tagon is the next oldest in his line. He listens closely to his father’s wisdom because he’s his heir and knows he will have to lead us when Ragon is gone.”
“ How do you know they’re his children?”
“ Well , they all have the same mark on their bodies. It’s no different from the one I have on my arm.” She reaches her hand out to me and turns her wrist over where I see a birthmark on the underside.
“ Is it ok if I touch your arm? I will be gentle, I promise.”
She nods her head yes. I put a single finger under her arm, and I pull myself closer. On the inside of her wrist is a birthmark. “ My sister has worn pendants like this for years now. Is this a life tree?”
“ It’s the mark of my Spirit Mother .”
I gently lay her arm back down and scoot back. “ It’s beautiful, and the dragonflies all have the same markings?”
“ Only the protectors have the mark.”
“ Wow , your world is absolutely amazing. We could probably talk for days, and I would still be fascinated.”
“ And I have always felt that way about your world with all your freedoms. Like you can go wherever you choose, travel to faraway lands, have a family, a job you choose, and a purpose. Humans have the free will to make their own decisions. You make your destinies and futures. Whether it’s good or bad, you have choices. Fairies are born with a purpose and nothing more.” Petal looks away from me quickly, but not before I see the tears in her eyes.
“ Do you want more, Petal ?”
I was just flipping the page on the holo pad when Rylie’s breathing evens out and I realize she has fallen asleep. Turning the reader off, I contemplate moving both of us to the bed, but technically we have never truly slept together yet. So instead, I pull the covers over both of us more securely and close my eyes, simply enjoying holding her next to me. Even though my thoughts are troubled because I have no idea how to move forward, sleep still finds me quickly.