Star's Storm(16)
“You don’t really mean that, do you?” River asked looking deeply into Star’s eyes. “I don’t want to be here alone. If it wasn’t for you and Jo,” River’s voice faded as tears filled her own eyes. “Damn, now I’m getting emotional.”
Star sighed. “No, I don’t really mean it. It’s just…. I love the big oaf and he treats me like I’m this fragile piece of glass. It is driving me nuts,” Star said sitting down on the couch.
River gave her a watery grin. “I know what you mean. I think I butt heads with Torak daily. He thinks I should just be sitting around and planning how the servants should clean the North House. Personally, I could care less.” A mischievous grin suddenly curved her lips. “How about we break out of this joint and go explore the city?”
Star’s eyes widened in excitement before they dropped to the small rounded bump in River’s stomach. “What about boogerbutt?” She asked, nodding to River.
River laid a protective hand over her stomach before she grinned really big. “He likes high places. I’ve been taking him up almost daily. How do you think I get here?”
Star’s lips formed an ‘O’. She giggled in excitement. “I just need to change into something more appropriate.”
*.*.*
Three hours later, Star leaned back in the chair at the small restaurant they had discovered. They had escaped by going out the third floor window to the roof. Long, decorative beams connected the four Houses. It had been a piece of cake to walk them. They had then scaled one of the columns that had the fragrant vines climbing all over it near the South House. Once inside, they simply blended in with a group of visitors leaving.
They had visited the market place where they purchased different types of fruits, breads, and jams and several clothing shops. Star was excited about several sets of pants and shirts she had found. She casually rested her newly purchased boots onto the railing overlooking the crystal clear water slapping up against the seawall.
“Now, this is the life,” Star giggled as she took a long drink of the fruity ice drink the waitress had brought her. “I am so glad Jazin has a credit line everywhere. Just mentioning his name was better than having a Visa Black card.”
River leaned back and propped her feet up next to Star’s. “I agree,” she said sleepily. “I love those shirts you bought and those boots you are wearing are gorgeous.”
“The man in the shop said yours should be ready in a couple of days,” Star said with a yawn.
She hadn’t been sleeping well since Jazin had left. Right now, she felt like she could curl up in a happy little ball and doze like a cat in a window box. River’s yawn drew a chuckle from her. River looked like she felt. Her friend’s eyes were drooping even as she took another sip of her drink.
“What do you think my folks are going to think when Jo tells them what happened to us?” Star asked quietly looking at the sparkles reflecting off the water.
“Knowing your folks, they will welcome Manota, Jazin, and Torak with open arms,” River said with a sleepy grin. “They love everyone and everyone loves them.”
Star’s lips curved into a smile. River was right. Alan and Tami Strauss opened their hearts and their homes to anyone and everyone. Both of them were very active in the community, sharing their skills and love of aerial acrobatics at the local community center and working with disabled children. They were both accomplished photographers as well and worked freelance selling their pictures to magazines and other online sites.
“Lady Star,” Armet’s harsh voice broke through her musings.
Star groaned out loud in frustration. Busted! He would probably put her in the dungeon until Jazin returned now. River’s groan echoed Star’s when she heard Dakar’s voice.
“Kev’s replacement is as bad as he is,” River whispered as she put a bright smile on her face. “I have to admit that I love driving him nuts, though.”
Star watched as Armet and Dakar wove their way through the tables toward them. Both men had a deep scowl of worry on their face. Star rolled her eyes at River and stood up.
“Hi Armet,” Star said cheerfully. “What brings you here?”
Armet’s mouth tightened in frustration. When the servant who cleaned Jazin and Star's living area didn't receive an answer to her request for entrance she became concerned and notified the guard. A quick search revealed the apartment was empty. The guard on duty swore that only Lady River had entered and neither she nor Lady Star had left. Armet contacted Dakar and discovered neither he nor any of Torak's guards were aware that Lady River had left the North House. That left one conclusion, they had snuck out.