The Queens Move

AFENA

Irimena returned with Krenen, who was followed, of course, by a considerable group of alevs. To his credit, the man did not seem out of sorts, nor did his speech seem hindered, or his gaze go from here to there continuously. The smile on his face, however, was telling of the fun he was having.

He stood next to Afena, and Alis immediately stepped closer to him, unconsciously moving in front of Afena to block her.

"Welcome, dear guest," she said with shoulders slightly pulled back. "Have you been treated well so far."

Krenen laughed sarcastically. "No offense, dear," he told Afena, then turned to Alis, "but how could it be otherwise?"

"Good. How may I please you?"

"Are we going to try it?" he asked Afena.

"Yes," said the Inarenta, "but I think it wold be better if you and Irimena practiced."

"No," Irimena replied immediately. "No. I don't want to mess it up."