Waymakers (Champions of the Crystal Book 9)

Chapter 14.2

Sabrina went back to their bedroom, but Ford wasn't there. That probably meant he didn't want to talk about it, she knew. She decided to have breakfast and give him some time to sort out his thoughts. But after breakfast she got caught up in things various staff members needed, and it wasn't until her stomach growled that she realized it was nearly lunchtime.

Liara knocked on her office door. "Ma'am, Ranja's here. You invited her for lunch, I believe?"

"Oh, yes, I did. Thanks, Liara. Does she have the kids with her?"

"No, it's just her."

"All right, then please set us a table on the terrace, and let Asdis know I won't be joining Lily."

"Right. Shall I send her in?"

"No, I'll go to meet her," Sabrina decided, getting up from her chair. Although Rose's growth seemed to have slowed a bit, she still felt like she got more unwieldy by the hour. "I need some exercise."

Liara smiled and left. Sabrina went out, closing the door firmly behind her and heading down the corridor to the entrance hall. "Ranja!"

Ranja was sitting on one of the upholstered benches around the entry, but she got up as Sabrina approached. "Thanks for inviting me."

"It's so good to see you. I was sorry I missed you the other day. How are you?"

"Almost back to normal, now. And you? How are you and the baby?"

"Both fine. She's growing, and I'm eating for about four normal people," Sabrina sighed. "So don't be shocked at lunch."

"It will be a nice change to have you eat more than me," Ranja chuckled. "I felt like the biggest part of my job was getting food into you when you didn't want to eat."

"I was a sad trial to you, wasn't I?" Sabrina grinned as they walked back down the corridor toward the back of the palace.

"You weren't. I was proud to serve you," Ranja said firmly. She took a deep breath. "And I'd like to again, if you'll have me."

"Ranja! Of course—it's not even a question. But are you sure? You know...you know what we're up against."

"I do. And that's part of why. You and the prince, you're going to be important in the next fight. I know that. And I want to be part of it. To protect my children, but also." She swallowed hard. "Also because Nerrill can't be."

"I'm sorry, Ranja." Sabrina reached for her hand and squeezed it.

"Thank you. No one seems to know what happened to him. Or won't tell me."

"It's the former, I'm afraid. The same with Kendara. It haunts me still, what might have happened to her," Sabrina admitted. "But it's all speculation. We will probably never know, at this point."

"Nerrill thought it was important to fight, so important that he went out and did it even though he knew it might have orphaned our children. I want to honor that. Not necessarily to be in the fight, but to be your support. And I know the children will be taken care of, no matter what. They regard this as their home."

"And it is," Sabrina said. "Whenever they need it. That will always be true." They sat down at the table that was set for them. "I'm thrilled you're coming back, but has your doctor cleared you for full-time work? Or do you want to ease in?"

Ranja laughed. "I remember this job pretty accurately, enough to know there's no 'easing in'! Yes, I've been cleared for full-time, but nothing strenuous. So if there are going to be any pitched battles or hikes into the mountains, I'm out."

"I'm not even capable of strenuous," Sabrina said, looking down at her protruding abdomen. "So I think you're safe. And Ford has promised, no hiding out on a farm or having this baby in a mine."