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responded to their emotions. A bead of sweat broke out on Noeh’s lip. He wiped the perspiration away with the back of his hand.
    He glanced toward the door, calculating how to exit the room without another confrontation.
    “Leaving already?” Mauree puckered her mouth in a feigned pout. “I thought we’d have more time.”
    He scooped his woven vest off the back of the chair and pulled it on. Securing the wooden buttons, his back toward her, he stiffened. “Time for what?”
    She didn’t answer, so he looked back at her.  
    “To discuss our relationship.” Mauree strategically placed the tip of her high-heeled shoe on one of the chairs at the edge of the room. Her taut muscles and perfect skin could make many a male weep.  
    “What is there to discuss? Our relationship ended years ago.”  
    She glanced at him and laughed. “Is it just me or are you afraid of all the females?”
    Noeh turned. He came over and touched a finger to her cheek. Such a pretty face and such a scheming mind. “I don’t have time to play games with you.”  
    She put her foot back on the stone floor, a sigh escaping her lips. “You’re king—you could make time. You can do as you wish.”
    If only that were true. “You are a fine female, even when you’re pouting.”
    “Why do you resist?” She blinked, her lashes beating like a bird’s wings, as if she were holding back tears. “You dare to defy the ancient scriptures that state you must take a queen. All the past kings have had a queen. It’s what’s done. Someday, that will come back to haunt you.”
    Not if I can avoid it, even if you are my best option. Taking a queen would mean opening his heart, and he wouldn’t go there.
    He’d closed the Hall of Scriptures soon after the scourge devastated his kind. His anger at the gods made the decision easy. Any references to the scriptures now were based on memories.  
    He turned from her and stared at the carved wooden statues of warriors long lost that guarded the entrance like ancient sentinels. He couldn’t face her tears, not again. She was a master of manipulation, and he’d be damned if he’d get caught in her web. He ran his hand over his hair. The stubble tingled his fingers.
    Noeh pursed his lips. When he spoke, his words came out low. “I don’t believe in the ancient scriptures, not anymore.”  
    Not since the gods let my parents die. An old, familiar pain hit him in the chest, and he rubbed the spot. I’ve as much use for a queen as I do those damned scriptures.  
    He headed for the door. Pulling it open, he paused. “Take care, Mauree, keep scheming.”
    *****
    A sharp knock on the door startled Melissa. “Come in.”
    The infirmary’s massive wood door creaked on rusty hinges as it swung open. A short female, not more than three feet tall entered the room. She wore a green dress with a stained white apron. Her shoulder-length brown hair cascaded around her neck and matched her soft brown eyes.
    “Hello. I’m Bet.” Her soft-spoken voice had a unique lilt that calmed Melissa’s nerves. “You must be Melissa. It’s nice to meet you, dearie.”
    The female bowed. Her plump body hindered her movement, but when she covered the distance of the room to stand next to Melissa, her speed defied her size and stature. She grasped Melissa’s hands.
    A sense of well-being and peace radiated up Melissa’s arms and into her chest. She couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her lips. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Bet. If you don’t mind me asking, what are you?”
    “I’m a Jixie, one of the little Lemurians. We keep the Keep going, so to say.” The pleasant female chuckled. “We help the Stiyaha with the everyday tasks. They protect us. It’s been that way for thousands of years.”
    Bet appeared to study Melissa from head to foot. She pursed her lips. “This won’t do, sweetie. You look like one of my sisters after a time in the garden. You need a good cleaning and some new clothes to cover