8. Kian

Syssi took off her shoes as soon as they reached the door to their cabin. I know that I say this about every wedding, but tonight was magical.

Kian smiled. I agree. I love weddings. He opened the door.

Parker rose to his feet as they walked in.

Allegra slept the entire time. He sounded disappointed.

Good. Syssi put a hand on the boys shoulder. It means that you have a peaceful aura, and she felt safe with you.

He pursed his lips. Is that a real thing? I mean, auras?

Of course. Babies and animals are more attuned to them than adults. If you were emitting nervous energy, Allegra would have been restless or fussy.

I was a little nervous, Parker admitted. I watched over Cheryls brothers, but they are older, and she was there to help.

You would have been fine. Kian pulled out his wallet, took out a hundred-dollar bill, folded it, and put it in Parkers hand. Okidu was here in case you needed help, so there was no reason to be anxious.

Hearing his name, Okidu poked his head out of his bedroom. Is there anything I can do for you, master?

No, thank you. You can close the door now.

As you wish, master. Okidu dipped his head before doing as Kian instructed.

Thank you. Parker put the folded bill in his pocket. Im available whenever you need a babysitter.

Good. We will probably be using your services again tomorrow. Kian opened the door for him. Good night, Parker.

Awesome. The kid flashed them one last smile before walking out. Good night.

Syssi shook her head as Kian closed the door. You practically threw Parker out.

Its almost morning, and I want to get in bed. He pulled her into his arms.

She laughed. I guessed as much. She unbuttoned his tuxedo jacket and put her hands on his chest. You look devastatingly handsome in the tux but even better with nothing at all.

Ditto, my ravishing beauty.

Perhaps telling Syssi about his problem with Aru could wait for the morning?

Narrowing her eyes, she patted his chest before removing her hands. Okay, big guy. Out with it.

Out with what?

You were frowning throughout the evening, so I know something is troubling you. She walked over to the kitchenette and popped a pod into the coffeemaker. Talk to me.

With a sigh, he pulled out a stool and sat down. Its about my mother speaking with the queen through Aru and his sister. The queen scheduled the first telepathic meeting for tomorrow night after Kri and Michaels wedding, and the following sessions will be at the same time each night, or rather at one oclock in the morning of the following day.

Syssi tilted her head. Your mother leaves right after the ceremonies conclude, so thats not a problem.

Right, but Aru and I will need to be there, and people will notice that we are leaving. My mother offered to invoke her diva status and demand that Aru show up at her cabin each night to tell her about Anumatis history before she goes to bed, and naturally, I would need to be there as well, but thats not a good enough excuse. My mother never issues such unreasonable demands, and people will get suspicious, and by people, I mean my sisters.

Syssi removed the two cups from under the twin spouts of the coffeemaker and put them on the counter. Maybe we can use Allegra as your excuse. We can transfer her to your mothers cabin and have Parker babysit while shes presiding over the ceremony, and then when the time comes, your mother can call you and say that Allegra is fussy. I will come with you because everyone knows that I wouldnt send you alone to deal with our daughter.

He frowned. Im perfectly capable of calming Allegra without your help.

I know, love. Syssi sat next to him and cradled the coffee mug in her hands. But someone needs to transcribe what the queen is telling your mother. Its too important to just commit to memory.

He hadnt thought about that, but Syssi was absolutely right. They needed to record the sessions and keep the recordings safe, using the same security protocol as they had for Okidus journals.

You are right. I can use my phone to record everything Aru says, and we can transcribe it later. But the excuse of a fussy baby might work once, not every night, and it doesnt solve the problem of Aru leaving at the same time as we do.

Syssi sighed. I still think that I should be there, taking notes in real time. There is no substitute for that. Transcribing recorded audio is time-consuming, often requiring several hours to transcribe one hour of speech. Live transcribing will eliminate the delay, allowing us to discuss what was learned immediately following the conversation and enabling better absorption of the material and deeper understanding. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Its like taking notes during class and reviewing them right after as compared to copying the notes someone else made. Its not the same, and the first method is much better.

Kian nodded. In a way, it will be like attending a lecture, and the information dump will not be easy to absorb. That still leaves the problem of secrecy. How are we going to excuse our early departure?

The easiest solution is to tell the family whats going on. Its not like any of us can tell anyone from Anumati about the communication, but if Aru is so concerned, you can ask your mother or Toven to compel everyone to keep Aria and Arus telepathic connection a secret.

Kian shook his head. Negal and Dagor dont know about it, and its crucial to Aru that they dont find out. He doesnt even know that I told you, and he will be furious when he finds out. He didnt even tell Gabi.

Im sure he told her.

He did not. His sisters life is on the line. He wouldnt risk it for anything other than a direct command from his queen.