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Aya was laughing with Tiffany when they walked back to the shop. Devran was smiling, and his sparkling eyes looked delighted with the day.

After a flurry of dressing, Aya was standing in a gown with a cold-shoulder style, and embroidery was on her shoulder bands and around the edge of the wide sleeves and hem. The grey suited her, and Devran was handed folded fabric. He paid, and the shopkeeper smiled brightly. “Thank you, Lord Devran.”

“She looks as I have imagined her when she curls against me.”

Aya blushed hot pink but remained still while the shopkeeper settled the hem of the silver gown.

Tiffany smiled. “We are ready. Kazi is on the lesser moon. We can take your shuttle or mine.”

Devran smiled. “Yours, please. Ours returned to the ship.”

Tiffany nodded. “Okay. Since payment has occurred and Devran has his Christmas shopping done, we should go. Kazi is curious as hell to find out what your petition is.”

“Didn’t Devran tell him?”

They had started walking toward the spaceport. Tiffany chuckled. “He wouldn’t hear it from Devran. He needs to hear it from you, and when it is being heard, he will read the truth of things.”

“Okay, so you have seen this before.”

“A few times. Some want judgment for slights, others for negligence, more are just stupid and don’t understand the process. Boy, do they get a surprise.”

“A surprise?”

“Judgment doesn’t always favour the petitioner. That comes as a shock to them.” Tiffany smiled and showed a lot of teeth.

Aya said, “Nice dentition.”

“Thanks. The fangs came with the extra foot of height.”

“Nice bonus. Free gift with purchase.”

“Indeed.”

They giggled together, and when they were settled in the shuttle, Tiffany gave the pilot orders to lift off. Her eyes flickered silver and white, and she nodded. “We have clearance for the third moon.”

The pilot smiled in relief, and Devran looked at a tablet. He was getting something ready.

Tiffany smiled as they got closer to what was apparently her home.

“So, you and Kazi are ... partners?”

“In as much as anyone could partner an ancient.”

Devran didn’t look up. “He’s devoted, Tiffany, as you well know. You embody all he wishes to be represented, and your occasional blood thirst is fascinating for him.”

Tiffany’s paler central features blushed. “Oh, that. Right. I forgot you know all about it.”

“I see all. I am just not allowed to judge the past or future. That is not my purpose.”

Tiffany glanced at him. “Your purpose saved me.”

He shrugged. “Kazi asked for assistance. I was nearby and was able to offer my skills.”

Tiffany shook her head in amusement. “If that is what you want to call it.”

Aya was curious. “Will I get the story?”

Tiffany chuckled. “You will once your case has been heard.”