Free Fade by Viola Grace Page B

Japan would have been like if it were run by elves. Everyone was taller than she was, and the women moved with a smooth predatory grace. She had yet to meet any of the men but with the force of the women’s personalities she was a little afraid of what the men would be like.
    Teriki stripped the bodysuit off her in seconds, tsking as she worked. When she finished, she eyed Amy’s body with surprise. “You are fit. Very impressive.”
    Amy blushed and fought the urge to cover herself, stiffening her arms at her sides. “I work for a living, or I did.”
    Teriki waved that off and took her hand. “Come to the bathing room. Your history is not my concern, only your present state.”
    Amy was doused, scrubbed, her hair let down and given the same treatment before she was bullied into a tub full of hot water. She gasped at the heat and then smiled. Her shivering finally stopped. Cold had never been her friend, and the heat of the water unknotted muscles while Teriki brushed out her long black locks with efficient strokes.
    “Does Blade drop women off here often?”
    Teriki laughed. “You are a first.”
    The door to the bathing chamber slid open, and one of the maids brought in a pile of carefully folded cloth.
    Teriki tapped Amy on the shoulder. “You can have another soak tomorrow. For now, we must attend Lady Blade.”
    After being thoroughly dried by the maid, Amy stood with her arms out while robe after robe was slipped over her shoulders. She counted five layers of silk ranging from whisper thin to heavily embroidered and stiff. Each layer was held in place with a widening range of sashes except the final outer robe, which swung loose to show the intricate detail of the robes beneath.
    Her hair was brushed smooth and left to range down to her knees. It was her one vanity aside from her pansy purple eyes. Soft slippers on her feet made no sound as she followed Teriki through the halls.
    Blade got to her feet, and her mouth hung open. “Oh my. Well, destiny works in very funny ways. Amethyst, I had no idea you had such hair.”
    Amy blushed and kept her words quiet. “It is fine, so it doesn’t look like much all tied up. Thank you for extracting me.”
    Blade laughed and sat back. “Join me, and I will explain how you came to be here.”
    Amy had been forced to get used to a number of different clothing options while in basic training, so she moved carefully, bent her knees and knelt somewhat gracefully.
    Because Blade was wearing masculine clothing, she could sit at ease while Amy worked to not snag her robes on anything.
    Blade graciously poured her a cup of tea.
    “One of your people notified the Guardians that you were being held without charges and without record of a crime. She was very concerned and asked if anyone in the area could look into it. I looked into it and here you are.”
    Amy cleared her throat. “Why am I here ?”
    Blade grinned. “You are on my home world and in Lord Akutan’s care because he can protect you. I will make sure to notify him that you are here before I leave. You will be his honoured guest and it would be good if you learned the ways of Rai.”
    “You are serious? How long do I need to be here?”
    “Until we are sure you are safe. At that point, we can look into relocating you.” Blade sipped at her tea and put her cup down.
    When the Guardian rose to her feet, Amy did the same with only two false starts.
    Teriki was looking impressed despite herself.
    They walked to the entry hall where Raucous was standing with a stack of shopping. “Oh, that is where you went.” Amy laughed.
    He looked at her and then stared. “You are kidding. I cannot believe that you are the same creature we scooped up.”
    Amy twisted her lips. “Believe it or not. Thank you for your help, it is most appreciated.”
    Raucous looked to Blade. “Are you sure it wasn’t me in that picture?”
    She elbowed him sharply. “Quiet, fool. Be well, know you are safe and get some rest, Amethyst. You