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the bustier.
    Arbor was watching from the edge of the bed. “You are leaving your upper clothing for last?”
    “Have you seen how tight this is? Once it is on, I can’t do much bending.”
    He smiled. “I do admire the fit.”
    She chuckled and laced up the front before reaching to the back and tightening the structural lacing. A quick bow and tucked laces and she was ready for her tour.
    “You seem to have practised that.”
    Myra smiled and headed for the door. “I have worn one or two in my life. It is something you get used to.”
    He didn’t put his cloak on, but his breastplate was on, front and back.
    Arbor offered her his hand. “Wearing this is also something you get used to.”
    Just the act of holding hands seemed to be more intimate than having sex, or that was Myra’s impression. Sex had been heat and instinct. Putting her hand in his was trust.
    They left the bedroom and headed down the hall.
    “Why were you chosen?” She could have kicked herself for blurting it out.
    Fortunately, he seemed to know what she meant. “We volunteered and were selected out of those available to travel immediately. Each of us represented one of the noble houses of the Night clan, and if we had remained in our positions, we would have been in line to inherit the control of our own families or the Night clan itself.”
    “Instead, you are stuck with me.”
    Arbor lifted her hand to his lips before resuming its position between them. “I consider it an honour and a privilege to be your consort. It will be tiring; I have no doubt. No one from the Night clan has ever been chosen before. The Day clan kept to themselves as much as they could.”
    Myra remembered her grandparents. “You have no idea. It goes into the blood. Day is pulled by Day, I can tell you that much.”
    He cocked his head as they made their way down the stairs. “What do you mean?”
    “My family tree looks more like a chain. They part for a few generations and then smack together again. It is always legal, but when viewed all at once, it is a little peculiar.”
    He chuckled. “It is the way of the Kameraet. The bloodlines want to remain strong, so every four generations, they rejoin if there is an available possibility.”
    “That is exceedingly creepy, but I suppose that is what happens in small towns back home.” She mulled it over in her mind. “How large is the population?”
    They made it to the main floor and headed back to the throne room where Sek-Rah was twirling her staff like an oversized baton.
    Myra’s hands itched to try twirling the staff like her ancestor was doing. Her urge to learn martial skills surprised her.
    “So, all Day clan members are completely passive?”
    Arbor raised his eyebrows. “In what sense?”
    “The physical-defence sense, because I can tell you, anyone coming at me is going to get a swift kick to the balls.”
    Her consort’s burst of laughter made Sek-Rah turn around.
    Myra was suddenly engulfed in a hug.
    The Avatar gripped her and pressed quick kisses to her cheeks and forehead. “More strength than my dear Lamyria. I can almost feel the little girls returning to this world. The plants are budding and the insects are getting ready for the opening.”
    “What has to happen for the plants to open?” Myra was wary.
    Sek-Rah blinked. “Why, the consummation in the throne room. Well, the throne to be precise. Didn’t your new consort mention it?”
    Myra blushed. “Arbor and I have not discussed it. Does it have to be now?”
    The Avatar raised her hands. “Oh, no, but you should do it in the next four days to keep everything moving along and so we can make the most of the growing season.”
    Arbor stepped to Myra’s side and eased her away from her ancestor. “Myra was wishing to see the grounds and then the city. I have agreed to escort her while she explores.”
    Sek-Rah paused, “You will take care of her?”
    “It is my duty and a pleasure to keep her safe.”
    “Do so, or I will stake