The Hunt for Tanpres #6

How was he supposed to explain to her what she was about to face once they got to the Northern Kingdom? He practiced this speech a million times before, however, now that the time was here, words seemed to minimize the reality of it and her experience. Hence, he calculated what would be most appropriate.

Before he could say anything, she added, “How long of a flight do we have, pilot?”

He turned his face toward her for a second as his massive wings expanded across the crystal blue sky. “As long as we desire.” Was he coy or serious? She wasn’t sure. She shivered. It was January in Denver and that typically meant cold. This year was no exception. “Queen Megan, are you chilled?”

She was frigid, but had too much fun at the same time. “Yes.” Her teeth chattered.

“I’m sorry about that. I wasn’t thinking. I was too excited to have you with me again. You should have hollered. I can produce fire and can warm my skin for you. Let me know if I need to warm up more or cool off, please, ma’am. I’m your heater or air conditioner.”

She felt warmth under her legs and hindquarters like bun warmers in a car. She felt better almost instantly. “Thank you. That’s much better. It’s a good temperature.” She tried to pay him a compliment since he seemed to care for her and adore her. She didn’t want to be rude if he wanted to take care of her.

“I’ve saved the hardest conversation for now, while we were in the air so that it would be harder for you to get upset, which I know you will.” Bakari warned her. “Just remember that what I’m about to tell you wasn’t my choice, but it’s a matter of tradition.”

Uh-oh. From her experience, tradition usually meant something unpleasant that a person was forced to endure whether they cared for it or not. Thus, it didn’t sound good to her. What did he mean? “Then, tell it to me very quickly and forgive me if I scream. It wouldn’t be directed toward you, though.”

Yes. That was what he was afraid of. Would she accept things as they are? She had no other choice. But, the question in his mind was how hard she would make it on herself and everyone else involved. “You weren’t the only one that was voted on yesterday, my queen.”