“I wasn’t.Nasty infection.Raiders don’t wash their hands.”
Harwin curled her lip.“Eww.How long is he going to do this?”
“Twenty to thirty minutes a pop.If you get annoyed, pop him off or switch from left to right.On the plus side, you are a Hmrain consort, you can walk around with your tits out all day every day.Anyone who complains deals with Ra.”
Ra’s voice came around the corner.“And I will be delighted to deal with them.How is he?”
Harwin disengaged the infant and blinked as he fell asleep.“Great.Just like you.Drinks and passes out.”
Ra walked into the study, and he took up a lot of the room.“Harran Harwin is a good name.”He looked at Zelda, “I have asked Orex to remain here for a few days so that you may speak with your sister, and then he can bring all of you to Sanctuary Base in Birun’s sector.”
“Uh, I don’t have extra clothes.”
Ra looked at her in astonishment.“I have fabricators.Your daughter very helpfully let Orex know that you had a hobby and part-time job.”
“Oh, no.”
Ra grinned.“I am looking forward to seeing it.”
Zelda made a face.
Harwin checked the baby.“What is he talking about?”
“I danced a bit for extra money at ren faires and other events.”
Harwin grinned.“Did you jingle?”
“I jingled a lot.”
“Cool.Will you dance tonight?”
“Yeah, about that.Orex really likes looking at me, and we haven’t finished our acclimation.I need someone to watch out for Aretta.”
Harwin frowned.“Why?”
Ra chuckled.“He’s in the phase where we normally would spend a week with our new consort.He might grab her and haul her away, so she wishes to make sure her child is safe.We have another guest arriving, and I believe she may be of assistance.”
Zelda smiled.“Well, I will apparently be here for a few days, so I should go find somewhere to hide.”
Harwin grinned.“No hiding on Aten.Do you need any particular style of clothing?I can show you the catalogue.”
“Spend some time with your mate and baby.Make sure that you eat and drink a lot of water.What you consume becomes his meal, and he looks like a hungry little dude.”
Harwin glanced toward the door.“So does he.”
Zelda turned and saw Orex.“Ah, Hello, Overseer.”
“Have you finished your tutorial?Cori is offering to take Aretta to the new village, and I think she would enjoy it.”
Zelda’s heart melted when she realized that he hadn’t just said yes.He was respecting her as a mom.
She walked out to where Cori was standing with Aretta.
“Mom, can I go with Cori to the new village?There are other kids and teens and families there.”
“Okay.Go.Cori will have you back in...”
“Three hours.”Cori grinned.“Ra or Harwin can send a signal, and I will bring her right back.”