Flicker by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online Page A

his sense of humour.
    “I am not worthy of her, Mother. I am honoured that she will accept me.” He dropped to his knees and pulled Seval to face him. “Thank you for your life, your honour and your body.”
    She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed his forehead, both cheekbones and finally his lips. “I accept you, your heart, your life and your family. The jury is still out on your body.”
    The burst of laughter from all spectators lightened the seriousness of the mood set by the formalities. The glint in Ben’s eyes promised retribution, but he had to wait until she said, “Now rise and join your mate by standing at her side.” He did indeed come to his feet to take his place at her side, but the pinch that he landed on her tush was less playful and more a subtle punishment.
    The small flash of pain made her flicker and his parents looked at her in surprise and then blinked. She read the disbelief in their faces. They did not believe what they had seen. Kyra piped up, “Anyone for tea?”
    They were all seated around the table, sipping tea with the two children of Kyra and Tiergar scampering around them. Ben decided to come clean with his parents about what they had seen, “Mother, Father, Seval is an Agent with the Alliance. She has the talent of invisibility.”
    “Oh. So that is why…” Rabeni trailed off. Then she turned to Seval, “Do you think that the talent will extend to your children?”
    Shock took over her. “I hadn’t thought about it. What if I had a baby that could turn invisible?” Her mind reeled and Ben’s warm hand on hers brought her back to the moment.
    “We haven’t really spoken about the genetic possibilities of our offspring, provided that we will be blessed.”
    The table was stunned to silence. Tiergar broke it up with the most important question, “When do you want to hold the ceremony?”
    That was a no brainer, they answered as one, “Now!” Her hormones flared at the thought, and his did too as a sharp musk assailed her senses.
    The rest of the table erupted in laughter. Kyra held up her hands to quiet the crowd. “Is tomorrow soon enough? Everyone has been invited and we will have the initial ceremony here, with the rest continuing at your family home.”
    “Done.” Ben stood and offered his hand to Seval. “Would you care to see some of Azon?”
    “Not without me, you don’t.” She had almost forgotten about Kennek until he spoke. “We need to have Seval back in time for a fitting, but you have four hours to show her some of the sights of the city, with me in tow, of course.”
    She shrugged and followed her fiancé and her chaperone, bemused by the whole formality of it.
    The city was gorgeous. Spires reached to the sky, fountains sparkled and robes of rainbow tones covered the populace. Kennek actually had to act in his capacity as chaperone twice when they crossed through crowds of a mixed gender. Two unattached males decided that she was fair game and tried flirting with her. Ben was displeased, but Kennek delivered two sharp blows that drove off the young courtiers.
    It effectively killed her mood for sightseeing so they returned to Kyra and Tiergar’s home.
    “You are back early!” Kyra could not help herself, it just came out.
    “Don’t ask.” She sighed and made a note to herself to try to see the sights again one day. “There was mention of a fitting?”
    “Sure, this way. We got most of your measurements from the station. Uniform sizes and such so there will only need to be some fine adjustments for your bust.”
    “I use a flattener at work. It keeps them out of the way.”
    “Yeah. I used to bind myself with leather in the arena. It was easier to manoeuvre.” She led the way, her hair trailing down her back. “Here is your new victim, Darven. Have at her.”
    A small Azon woman strode forward with the bearing of an empress. “Arms out, head up, chest out and hold still.” In seconds, she was draped, pinned, prodded, tucked,