Page 38 of Breaking Ties

He grinned. “I did.”

“So, as you chose the clothing, what is your penalty?”

“I will think on it.”

“Well, you are ancient and wise; I am sure you will think of something.”

He grinned. “That was an interesting sentence.”

“I thought so.”

They walked to where two guards were flanking a door. Vress said, “The captain’s private dining room.”

The guards stood tense, and the door opened. Aubrey walked in with Vress, and everyone turned to look. She sighed. “How late are we?”

“An hour.”

She smacked a hand over her face. “You could have woken me up.”

“I exhausted you. You needed rest.”

The human ladies were all in pretty gowns, and Alyssa’s male was next to her, speaking softly.

The captain got up and grinned. “Welcome, Overlord, Oracle.”

“I apologize for the delay.” She didn’t give reasons.

They walked to the seat nearest the captain with the back arranged for Vress. Hmrain chairs were unmistakable. Vress held her hand as he settled and then pulled her onto his lap. He whispered, “Traditional seating.”

She blushed scarlet. “Right.”

The serving crew came out with bowls and towels to wash hands before the meal. Aubrey asked, “Are we using hands?”

The captain smiled. “Overlord Vress thought it would be best to begin with the basics. His people work with our hands, and we eat with our hands. It is best you practice here before you do it in public.”

Aubrey looked at Vress. “Demonstrate.”

He grinned. “Clever. Manners?”

“Demonstrate, please, Overlord Vress.”

He laughed, and after his hands were clean and she blotted his fingers dry, she washed her own hands, and he returned the favour.

“Is that a tradition, too?”

He grinned. “We are starting a trend.”

“Oh, good lord. Just what I need, people watching me eat.”

He kissed her temple and chuckled, reaching for a scoopful of something and putting it in his bowl. She reached for a flatbread and used her right hand only.

He tapped it. “Other hand for food. This hand makes your living.”

She nodded and switched to her left hand. It was awkward, but she got it done. She broke off a piece and held it to his lip. “Come on, open up. Here comes the choo-choo.”

The humans were shocked, but Vress ate the bread, and now she was free to try some of the things on the table.

Vress grabbed her wrist and held both of her hands together as he fed her. She felt her cheeks heat but ate and sucked on his fingertips after each bite. Vress was focused but smug.