35. Kian

Kian glanced at his watch and then surveyed the party, the dim lights casting long shadows across the faces of the dwindling number of guests. It was only a few minutes past midnight, and the dance floor was not as packed as it had been an hour ago, but it was still quite lively, and laughter bubbled from a few clusters of seated guests. If he could wait another half an hour, his and Syssis departure wouldnt arouse suspicion, but the clock was marching relentlessly toward half-past twelve, which was the latest they could afford to stay.

He caught Syssis eye across the table and gestured with his head toward the exit.

Nodding, she pulled her phone from her clutch and affected a concerned frown. Allegra is fussy, she said out loud and looked at Kian. We need to go.

Amanda quirked a perfectly arched brow. Isnt Parker babysitting her with Okidu?

Shes asking for Mommy and Daddy. Syssi smiled. She wont go back to sleep unless we show up. She stood, smoothing the folds of her purple gown.

Kian rose to his feet and took Syssis hand. Good night, everyone. Continue to enjoy the party.

A small chorus of good nights followed them as they made their way out of the dining hall and into the blessedly quiet corridor.

Kian let out a breath once they were alone. Well played, my love. He pressed a quick kiss to Syssis temple.

As they entered their cabin, Parker looked up at them with surprise in his eyes. Why did you come back so early? he asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice, perhaps at the evening ending sooner than expected and his babysitting fee shrinking.

Syssi had a feeling Allegra was going to wake up and ask for us, Kian said, hoping the explanation sounded plausible given Syssis psychic abilities.

He also pulled a crisp hundred-dollar bill from his wallet and handed it over with a conspiratorial wink.

Parkers eyes lit up at the sight of the bill, his disappointment quickly forgotten. No problem, Mr. Kian. Allegra was great, he said with a broad smile. Good night! He waved cheerfully as he exited.

Once the boy was gone, they hurried to trade their elegant evening wear for comfortable clothing, and Syssi gently transferred their sleeping daughter from the portable crib into her stroller, covering her in a soft blue blanket.

Allegra didnt so much as stir throughout the transfer.

Kian swept his gaze over his two favorite girls, his heart swelling with love. He would walk through fire a thousand times over for them.

A glance at his watch had him tensing again. They had ten minutes to get to his mothers cabin and get ready for the session.

We should get moving, he said in a hushed tone. Aru will meet us there.

Im ready. Syssi put a yellow paper pad into a compartment of the stroller and pushed it toward the door.

Where did you get that from? Kian opened the door for her.

Turner, of course. I asked him if he had a spare one, and he did. He didnt even ask what I needed it for.

Naturally. Kian took command of the stroller.

As they made their way down the corridor to Annanis cabin, the short walk was done in silence, each lost in their own thoughts about what was to come.

Kian was nervous.

His mother had been waiting for this first meeting with her grandmother with such great excitement that he was worried she would be disappointed.

What if the queen of Anumati turned out to be a condescending monarch who would belittle her granddaughter?

Annani was the Clan Mother, the most superior being on Earth, and she wouldnt take well to being regarded with anything other than the utmost respect.

Syssi stopped in front of Annanis door. Why are you so stressed? she asked. I know its a monumental event, but you look like you are about to enter the lions den, or the lionesses as the case may be.

I dont want my mother to be disappointed. Shes been looking forward to this meeting with her grandmother, expecting to learn about the planet of the gods, their culture, their politics, but that is not whats going to happen during this initial meeting, and if the queen doesnt get what she wants, there might not be another one.

Syssi frowned. What do you mean?

The queen needs to assess my mother, and she will be asking more questions than answering them. If shes impressed with my mother, she will schedule another meeting. If shes not, she might decide that its not worth the risk shes taking.

Smiling, Syssi lifted her hand and cupped his cheek. You have nothing to worry about. Your mother is the most impressive person Ive ever met, heard of, or read about. There is no way the shrewd queen of Anumati wouldnt recognize her greatness.

He let out a breath. I hope you are right. To me, my mother is second only to my wife, but the queen of the gods might not share my opinion.

Syssi laughed. Im sure she wont share your opinion about me, but Im just as sure that she will agree that your mother is the most important person on Earth.