Free EscapingLightning by Viola Grace Page A

places that a woman like her could hide.
    As she continued on that train of thought, she started to smile. In fact, she only knew of one place where a female shapeshifter would be completely unnoticed by all around her.
    Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day.
    The trip on the shuttle to Regav was direct and silent. Lira tried to keep Sehra’s mood up, but she was far too tense to relax. If this worked, she would be able to run, and if not, a lifetime with the man she hated waited for her.
    Her plan was clear. As soon as Lira gave her the signal, she was going to run.
    As they disembarked the shuttle, a royal greeter from the Regav family was standing on the tarmac. Sehra pulled her veil across her features and tugged her hood down. This would be easiest if no one saw her as she arrived. Her height was her greatest disadvantage, she was the perfect example of Lanar womanhood, tall, golden, and lithe. Fortunately, those were not characteristics desired by the Regav.
    “Your Royal Highness, thank you for visiting us on the eve of your nuptials. I am here to escort you around the city.” He didn’t even make eye contact, simply bowed low.
    “Thank you for greeting me, but I have no need of an escort. I have been shopping on your world before, and will stop in to pay my respects at the palace before I leave. Is the king in residence?”
    “He is. He looks forward to your visit. Are you sure that you do not need an escort in the city?”
    “I am sure. Thank you for your offer.” She dismissed him and walked down the tarmac toward the conveyance that had been arranged.
    Hours of shopping for clothing and useless items passed and finally, Lira gave the signal. She knocked over a display and Sehra skimmed out of her concealing clothing and out the back door of the shop. A one person cycle was waiting in the alley, and Sehra geared it up with her palm print and took off. She had an appointment at three o’clock and it wouldn’t do to miss it. She wove through pedestrian and small vehicle traffic in a deliberate pattern.
    Her goal was ahead and as she approached the palace, she knew that it was her only chance, to hide in plain sight.
    She screeched to a halt in front of the gates, handing the guards her false identification. “Onari Bekwin, here to see Fortuna Welks. I have an appointment.”
    “The third building on the right, keep the speed to a minimum, miss.” The tiger shifter sniffed lightly.
    Two hours of scrubbing off her scent had done the job. He didn’t seem to recognize her potent pheromones and simply waved her through the gates.
    After dismounting her cycle, she removed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. It contained enough supplements to hide her scent for weeks and if everything went well, the search would move on from Regav by then.
    The side door opened and a Regav woman exited smiling. “Onari Bekwin, I presume?”
    “Yes, Mistress Welks. My cousin called ahead?”
    “Yes, and told me you needed immediate work. It’s a good thing that she called, I am rather shorthanded. Please, come in.” The woman’s black hair was braided tightly to her skull and her bright blue eyes were inviting.
    “Thank you. I am competent at most household tasks and can be trained for anything else.” She was eager to get situated and it probably showed.
    “Excellent, but I think we will handle one little thing before you get started.” Mistress Welks led her into a small bathroom with a chair and a bottle of dye sitting on the counter. “Let’s take care of that hair, Your Highness. It stands out amongst all of us brunettes.”
    With eyes wide, Sehra took the chair and let Mistress Welks unpin her hair. With smooth competence, she worked the dye into Sehra’s golden locks and soon they were waiting.
    “So, you knew from the moment you were called?”
    “Well, Lira and I go way back. We have been friends since your first visit here twelve years ago. She called me and told me that I was to prepare for