9781631055577NiKohsChosenMichaelsNC Read Online Free Page A

time.”
    ViShe
visibly relaxed. “Thank you. I was worried I would have to appear before the Council or drag her back. You have no
objections to her staying here, then?”
    “Why
should I? ViShe, as long as you are here, she is most welcome.” NiKoh picked up
his coffee and drank the last of it, grimacing at the chilled temperature.
    V iShe picked it up. “I know she interrupted a private moment
last night.” She avoided his eyes, moving toward the kitchen door. “I did not
know if you would forbid her presence.”
    NiKoh
cleared his throat and shifted in his seat as GiNae’s dream flashed thro ugh his mind. “I will be more careful in the future. You
know me better than that, ViShe.”
    She
entered the kitchen and reappeared with another steaming cup of coffee. “Given
the stress you are under, with BeSai and having to deceive your brother, I did
not wish to add further discord.” She cocked her head
for a moment. “AnKie is on her way down for BeSai’s breakfast. Excuse me.”
ViShe moved into the kitchen.
    NiKoh
resumed reading the morning report and looked up when AnKie seated herself at
the table.
    “Gree tings, NiKoh. I trust you slept well?”
    “I
did indeed. How is BeSai this morning?” NiKoh slid the platter of eggs closer
to her.
    AnKie
shook her head. “She had trouble sleeping last night and I had to give her
medication. She is asking to go to the Council Gardens today, and I am hoping the outing cheers her up.” She
looked up as ViShe entered with a tray. “Thank you, ViShe.” AnKie spooned some
of the eggs onto one of the plates on the tray and stood. “Would you like to
accompany us, NiKoh?”
    “Let
me know whe n you decide to leave. I have a few things
to attend to, and think an outing would be good.” NiKoh nodded his head and
sipped his coffee.
    “Blessings
then. I will inform you when we are ready.” AnKie picked up the tray and exited
the room.
    NiKoh
heaped his plate with food and enjoyed his solitary
meal as he finished reading the document. He eyed the ne’chei eggs
and spooned a few more onto his plate. ViShe returned and set down a mound of po’che’fri and
strips of rupke , then left again. NiKoh patted his stom ach, then selected a few of each to enjoy.
    The
panel chirped. He touched the screen and his mother’s face appeared.
    “Greetings,
Mother. How are you today?”
    “I
am well, NiKoh. I was wondering how BeSai is this morning. It was so good to
see her at the cerem ony yesterday.” ReNei smiled.
    NiKoh
stroked the stubble on his jaw. “She had a difficult night but has asked for an
outing today, which is a good sign.”
    “That
is good news. Have you spoken to TiGra lately?”
    NiKoh
frowned. “I read the report and nothing see ms out of
the ordinary. Why?”
    “Some
people are saying JeWal’s ship is still at the space dock. We thought he would
return to Xaxa after the ceremony, not stick around.”
    “Mother,
maybe he is extending his stay. We imposed on him a great deal last season, ma ybe he is simply taking in our culture a bit. I think it
would be rude to insist he return at once.”
    ReNei
dipped her head in acknowledgement. “TiGra thinks his whereabouts need to be
monitored.”
    “The
security monitors should be in place, and if he attempts
anything out of the ordinary, then the officials will be notified. I hardly
think Military needs to be involved yet.” NiKoh mentally counted to ten. “I
will contact TiGra if it will make you happy.”
    “Thank
you. Blessings, my son.” The panel went d ark.
    NiKoh
shook his head and finished his breakfast. His late father had consulted with
ReNei on nearly everything Council-related, and since his death, ReNei enjoyed
special favor with Council members. It is almost as if
Mother were Emeritus Elder. I kno w she feels close to
Father by keeping in touch with the daily reports, but it is getting out of
hand. NiKoh pushed his plate away and stood up, patting his stomach.
    He
went upstairs to his chamber