Remy
Lack of concentration and shot nerves had become a way of life while I worked with the children. It was the day before the “mating celebration”—gag—and I had no idea what was going to happen. I hadn’t talked to the Senator one-on-one since the day the prisoners were killed. All of the Baelese were tense, rushing around, whispering, shutting themselves inside of offices and board rooms.
“My goodness,” I said to little Milna when she turned in her timed Algebra worksheet. “There seems to be a lot of excitement in the palace today!”
“Yes,” she said, jerking her head toward the doorway where two soldiers ran past. “The Master Vessels are coming early.”
My heart slammed, and I leaned both palms on the desk to steady myself. She had no idea not to tell me that. I think the Baelese often forgot that the children had access to a human. If someone had told her not to tell me, she wouldn’t have. This is exactly the dumb luck I’d been hoping for.
“That is exciting,” I said. “Do you know when?”
“Three days,” she told me, making my heart slam even harder.
“Will the . . . celebrations still continue?”
“Oh, yes. They must. The remaining adults have formed greeting committees. Even us children will help.”
“How wonderful,” I said. “Enjoy your lunch.”
Milna left me, and my skin tingled head to toe. I had to find a way to get this information to Linette. Three days? I pressed a hand to my abdomen and forced myself to stand straight. In three days, the United States would be overrun with aliens. Once they arrived, our chances of ever getting this place back was slim. In two days, we would have no hope.
I jumped, startled at the sound of the Senator’s voice, calling my name as his dress shoes clacked against the tiles.
“Sir, hello.” I stood taller, but one of my hands still held the desk.
He looked preoccupied, in a rush.
“We have decided to give you and the children a small break for the next four days. No school.” He cleared his throat. “Things will be busy here. It might even be best for you to temporarily return to Primo Town, at least for a couple days.”
Dumb-freaking-luck.
“Oh,” I said. “Of course. Whatever you need. Will I go today?”
“Um . . .” His eyes darted around, in thought. It was the most frazzled I’d ever seen him. Even his hair was mussed. “No. You will remain one more day. Tomorrow evening you return to Primo Town.”
Crap! I tried keep the panic I felt from reflecting on my face. I need to warn LinetteASAP. And that meant I’d be stuck in the palace on the first day of mating. Gross. I wanted to be far away from there.
“You have nothing to worry about,” he assured me.
I stood straighter and gave him a small smile. “Of course not. Will I be working tomorrow?”
“No. The children will be in a special lesson with a Baelese teacher.”“Okay.” I twined my fingers and tilted my head. “What will I be doing, then? If I’m staying here?”
He tugged the collar of his shirt and cleared his throat. “Your presence calms me, Ms. Haines, so I’ll have need of you in my office.”
My eyebrows went up, and he swallowed, looking away.
“We will share meals, and talk.”
“Of course,” I repeated, suddenly nervous.
He lifted his chin, taking a breath. “Good. I’ll retrieve you from your room in the morning.”
He left me wondering what the hell I’d gotten myself into, and how I could possibly fix it.
