“What’s on those floors?” Lily asked after seeing at least four floors go by that were blocked from view.
“Those are our schools. Early education for all young Swadaeth is near the top, then trade schools are next, and the secondary schools are below.”
Husbandry school, Lily recalled. “What did you learn in your school?” she asked while studying a recreation floor with a gym, a large portion of which was dedicated to people hurling spears at distant targets.
They reached their floor, and Ziri stepped into a large conservatory filled with exotic flowers, bushy trees, and familiar hanging saplings. Lily felt an odd sense of joy at finally recognizing something.
“Emotional professionalism, sexual education, advanced reproductive education, things of that nature.”
Small birds flitted around the towering light-filled space, but Lily’s attention was drawn back to Ziri. Her voice had shifted, becoming tighter and reserved. Her features had hardened once again as well. Was that what she meant by emotional professionalism? Why? What was the point in hiding her sweet personality?
Lily became momentarily distracted when a handsome man clothed in a translucent fitted shirt approached them.
“Hello. Which floor is your appointment on today?”
“We’ve reserved pool seven and have rooms booked on each floor, but we may not be using them all. My companion would like to see a menu. She’s a newly immigrated off-worlder.”
The man grinned at Lily and bowed. “It’s my honor to assist such a lovely off-worlder. Welcome to Mithrandir.”
Lily smiled back. “Thank you.”
The man’s green brows rose.
“Her language is rare and not among the typical uploads.”
“Ah.” The man produced a small white pad from behind him and handed it to Ziri.
He eyed Lily up and down with more interest than she was comfortable with after learning about some of the services provided at the spa.
“Lead on,” Ziri demanded.
The man glanced to Ziri. His grin remained in place, but Lily could tell it had transformed from something genuine to something forced. She’d used smiles like that many times over when speaking to unhappy customers.
He nodded and led them through the artfully planted garden to the large green balcony she’d seen from above, only now Lily realized it wasn’t just green—it was in fact soft, spongy moss. This city sure liked to show off how much plant life it could grow in the desert. She remembered what Verakko had said about his people having a penchant for extravagance.
The man leading them opened his mouth to speak, but Ziri spoke first. “Two turys, please. Also, can you see if Hetta is available? Tell her Ziritha is asking for her.”
A surge of annoyance at the way Ziritha was treating this guy flared. Sure, he’d made her a little uncomfortable before when he’d ogled her, but he didn’t deserve the blunt tone. She shot him an apologetic smile, thinking he’d return it and leave, but he lingered, eyes glued to her.
Ziri looked over her shoulder and caught his stare. She stepped between them while Lily tried to work out what exactly was happening. “She’s new to this city, and her home culture is very different. She’s not interested in you.”
Lily held in a gasp, her cheeks growing hot. Was that what she’d made him think?
Disappointment dimmed his bright gaze as he nodded and turned to leave.
“What did I do? I don’t understand?”
Ziri motioned to a set of chairs, and her features softened into a smile. “You’ll learn. Smiling like that at an unfamiliar unmarried male, as an unmarried female, will give the impression you’re interested in him opening negotiations with you.”
Lily sunk into her chair, weighing her next words carefully so as not to offend. “The way you spoke to him seemed so cold. I was just trying to be nice.” She scrutinized Ziri’s warm, unguarded gaze. “Is that why you…change…when we’re not alone? Your personality, I mean?”
Ziri frowned in thought for a moment. “It’s how most females are taught to act with unfamiliar males. I’m more relaxed around males who know me, but when it comes to strangers, it’s better to be reserved. Lessens the chances of giving anyone false hope.”
Lily studied Ziri’s pinched expression and wondered if she didn’t dislike being “reserved.”
After the spa attendant had returned with two glasses of what Lily learned was the alcoholic wanget beverage Verakko had told her about, Ziri explained all the treatments she could choose from.
When their spa schedule was settled and full of couple’s treatments, since thankfully Ziri didn’t want to stray too far from her side, Lily began her interrogation. Questioning Ziri about marriage contracts, laws concerning broken contracts, the humans already found in Tremanta, and what Ziri expected to happen during her marriage to Verakko, if it occurred.
Lily made sure to keep her queries curious, as if she simply wanted to know what would happen if Verakko recognized her. Ziri’s enthusiastic responses made it clear to Lily that if she found out Verakko had already recognized her, Ziri would report his marks herself. Lily got the feeling Ziri would even consider revealing Verakko’s marks without their permission a favor.
Whenever Lily had hinted that not all humans would find the idea of being bound to a person they barely knew favorable, Ziri had repeated some variation of the phrase “But they’d be mated.” The idea of a human denying the bond appeared to be unthinkable to the future queen.
They talked until Lily had run out of questions to ask. As it turned out, Verakko had told her the truth about everything, including that he and Ziri barely knew each other. To Lily’s frustration, every question about Verakko she asked was met with
