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bathroom
and change. But you still did not answer my question.”
    “Right. I was inquiring about
breakfast. Care to join me?”
    Sarai grabbed a pair of jeans that had appeared out of
‘thin air’ like the under-garments, an undershirt and a heavy cashmere sweater,
all of which were miraculously her size, and headed to the bathroom, “That
sounds lovely. Give me just a moment.” She dressed in record time and hung the
towel over the bar in the shower. Should be dry by the time she needs a shower.
    Conri escorted her to the dining hall and to her
surprise it was filled with men and some women, dressed in modern warrior
attire. When she and Conri entered the entire dining room stilled and then as a
group everyone stood. Startled by the movement Sarai hesitated, but then
stumbled, as Conri led her forward.
    “Sit down,” Conri growled and the group settled with
small grumbles and snickers. Conri led her to a seat that was next to his- at
the head of the table. Stella waved and Sarai smiled warmly. There was a seat
open across from Stella and Sarai desperately wanted to sit there so they could
talk. But Sarai had a feeling that the King wanted her right where she was- the
first seat to his right.
    No one so much as picked up a fork, spoon or cup.
Everyone waited in silence as the King was served his food. A moment later food
was placed before Sarai. She reached for her fork but stopped. Looking up at
the King, not sure what everyone else was waiting on.
    “Eat.” He demanded. This new tone was so much
different than the one he had just used in her room. She was confused but
decided she would ask about it later. She clasped her hands under chin and
closed her eyes. She mumbled a quick thank you to the master of gifts and then
grabbed a fork.
    Everyone was staring at her and she squirmed under
their scrutiny.
    “Shall we give thanks for our meal as well my King?”
Someone at the other end of the table asked, Sarai couldn’t tell if they were
genuinely asking or if they were poking fun.
    “Do whatever you please.” Conri was only looking at her,
watching as she brought the first forkful to her mouth. The moment the fork touched
her lips Conri dug in and after his first bite the rest of the group started
eating. By God were they all waiting on her? The thought made her nervous and
exhilarated. It was only a few tense moments until conversation started up
again. She watched the warriors banter and exchange conversation.
    For some strange reason it felt homey, almost like
these people, in one week, had become her family. It was asinine to think she
could bond on such short notice but when Kellen waved and winked at her she
giggled. Conri made a noise that made her flinch but he quickly covered it up
with a throat clear.
    “Sarai!” Someone at the end
of the table hollered above the din of voices. No one paid any attention to the
speaker but Sarai looked at the woman with silver blond hair. She looked
younger than her, no way could she be older than twenty-one.
    “Um, Yes?”
    “My name is Leigha and I am new to the guards, a
huntress. It is nice to meet you finally.” She raised her glass to me. Meet me- finally? Do what ? A few others
raised their glasses and Sarai noticed some of the more seasoned warriors
looked to the king for approval before following suit.
    Sarai cleared her throat, set her fork down and raised
her glass to Leigha, “The pleasure is mine and may your hunt today be met with
good fortune.”
    Sarai didn’t know what made her say it but she just
felt something stir inside her. Leigha beamed back at her and Flynn barked a
cheer. Everyone slammed their glasses down, the bottoms making a hard thunk before they all drank heavily. Sarai mimicked their
motions, albeit a little more gently.
    “That was a kind blessing.” Conri whispered to her
after she set her drink down.
    “Was it? Is it? I’m not really sure why I said it.”
    “Because you are the proper female I thought you would
be-