Read Dance of Time for Free Online Page B

smiled and patted her belly.
    “I didn’t manage it. I...” she looked at Korlin. “Mikki, this is my partner, Korlin. Korlin, this is my sister, Mikki.”
    Korlin stepped forward, and he bowed low, taking Mikki’s hand and pressing it to his forehead. “Your servant, little mother.”
    “So, have you managed to crack my sister’s exterior?” Mikki’s smiled was full of mischief.
    “She has done the work on her own. I have not chipped away at her self-possession.” He straightened and went to stand next to Zez, his hand on her back.
    She looked at him. “Do you know about all of this?”
    He shrugged. “I may have communicated with those who summoned us that the talent who was saving them was expecting a small relation to arrive soon and her time was being spent with them instead of her family.”
    “They sent all this?”
    Mikki smiled. “They did. Some are from scientists, others from kings and magistrates. Many included an update on the situation that you fixed for them. Congratulations, Zez. You are finally doing what you were born to do. I hope that sprout is so lucky.”
    Penross brought out the tea and set it on a low table. He was a building tech, and he kept the electronics of the Citadel functioning. Right now, it seemed he had other upkeep to worry about.
    Zez and Korlin sat and withdrew the presents from the packages. Mikki had wanted to wait until Zez got home to open the parcels that had come with the letters.
    Every place she had frozen time had sent something. A cradle made of Lecidia turtle shell was iridescent, and Mikki’s eyes teared up.
    The couple with homicide on their minds had sent the silken wrappings for the infant. They had apparently made up and found that they enjoyed each other as spouses. The gift didn’t include any toxic items and was made of the green and yellow silk of the wedding garments.
    Zez smiled as Mikki bawled at the beauty of the items. Zez was humbled. She had done the work to gain her freedom from the Citadel but never considered that she was changing lives.
    They went through all the gifts until Penross was relieved to see the end of the parcels. Mikki yawned and he smiled.
    “I am sorry, Zez, but Mikki needs to rest.”
    “Of course.” Zez got to her feet and hugged her sister one more time. “We are going to be at the Citadel, so call me anytime you like.”
    Penross nodded. “It won’t be long now. We are very glad you are home.”
    Zez watched him lead Mikki off. “Me too.”
    Zez took Korlin by the hand and led him to the Citadel and up to her quarters. She had been assured that everything was just as she left it.
    She yawned and opened her suit, peeling it down to her hips as she crossed the room. When she turned, Korlin was staring.
    She chuckled. “Don’t get any ideas, I just like to feel the air on my skin, and this is the only place I have ever had any true privacy.”
    His body shimmered, and he was standing perfectly naked in front of her. She paused and removed the rest of her suit before yawning with jaw-cracking force.
    He laughed. “I think a good night’s rest is all we are up for.”
    She chuckled and walked up to him, pressing against his body and enjoying the effort he made to be warm.
    “I think that is very smart. You don’t age, and from what the medics say, neither do I. I would rather start with one night in your arms than rush into anything that would alter our partnership before I am ready.”
    He let out a shuddering exhalation. “I appreciate your awareness of self, as much as I wish you were willing to throw caution to the wind. I never thought I would have to bow to your being the sensible and mature one.”
    She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him before tugging him to the bed and pushing him onto the sheets. He settled, and she crawled into his arms. It was definitely safer than rushing. She just wasn’t ready yet.
     
    Dawn hadn’t started when Zez woke up. She rolled out of bed and pulled her