Elara followed Mr. Galen into a small private room where they could talk privately and the surroundings were comfortable.
Elara moved to one of the chairs and sat. Mr. Galen moved around to stand behind her and inclined his head politely.
Elara took in the room at a glance, then focused on Galen.
"Please have a seat."
Galen remained unmoving. "I don't need to sit, Ms. Kincaid," he murmured as Elara ducked her head. You are welcome to provide me with any series you desire. I didn't walk out to greet you because I was not given notice of your arrival today. Also, you stumbled on something rather unpleasant here. That is my fault alone.
Elara smiled. Little did she know Galen was worried he had upset her. "It's ok," She told him, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. No one in the world out there knew what I faced here. You are home amongst friends. I am a guest, So sit with me."
Mr. Galen knew her well enough. He wouldn't dream of questioning Elara, and so he sat when she asked him to; because he knew she wouldn't ask again.
But he kept his back straighter than the others. He was older.
Requesting the maid to bring him rose tea, which he had collected and valued. It was made from the petals of the world's best kind of roses.
Each one of them is rare and worth millions. And lastly, the experts that could make such good tea with flowers existed only in this last shop on Earth.
After one of the servants brought the tea to the door and informed Galen, he went himself to get it, then handed it to Elara.
"Miss Kincaid, would you please taste this?"
Elara accepted it and took a drink, and though it still wasn't as good as the one Tiernan had made for her, or even nearly as good as this, it was much better than the previous tea she had just tasted in the garden.
When Galen saw Elara tasting his tea, a smile of contentment creased the age-lines on thee stranger's face. It was an honor that his guest had even sampled a beverage he had presented.
Elara placed the teacup down after emptying it of tea. Except for a dull indifference, her delicate face gave nothing away. She glanced at Galen.
"You haven't selected the volunteer with who you will be sharing this chip?"
A beat skipped in Galen's heart. He knew if he said the wrong thing then Elara could destroy his family but he didn't understand what she meant.
He furrowed his brows before answering cautiously, "Not yet but I have some potential options picked out."
"Suit yourself," Elara replied lightly.
Phrases like that sent a chill down Galen's back. He had the sensation of being paralyzed with fear, his face cold and wet with sweat.
But Elara never thought twice. She was autonomous in every way and free to pursue anything she found pleasure in.
"Galen, you mind partner with me?"
With a flash of surprise in his face, Galen jerked his gaze back up to her at the sound of her thought. He seemed to think he had missed what she meant.
Elara rose slowly, gave him another fact, and left the room.
I'll get into the details of that contract in three days time. Just hold out for me.
Galen watched Elara leave with an appreciative shake of his head, being himself and doing as you please always meant two things, losing your job and probably your life.
He wondered why Elara had to take a round about way to pick the chip's partner. It was her chip after all, she could choose who she wanted to.
But people like Elara were never in reach for people like him. Probably best not to wonder what else she might be saying. He didn't want any trouble.
He was flattery by the people who said he was mighty and asked him to their party today.
They referred to him as powerful man who went back home as tech tycoon.
If Elara hadn't arrived, he probably would have believed the compliments. Except those compliments on him had turned to ashes in her presence.
This one, this Miss Kincaid alias Sugar, was the real deal!
Galen was one of the few that knew what Elara really was, it was his most proud thing in life and his honor.
Mr. Galen ended the party quick after Elara left saying it is cancelled for health issues.
Nobody knew what had happened. It was all very secretive. Elara was known to be a bit of a "troublemaker" as it were so people were already interested in her, but when this happened it made them even more curious.
Everybody was interested in the Kincaid and wanted him to call a meeting so that he could answer their questions and put right any worries they had.
Tamsin got in the car with Maris and the others. For a while she smiled at everyone, but then the door closed and her face became serious.
We sure made an impression today, Mom. They say we've got a special new member. It's supposed Mr riverwind ordered it for us. Are we really special, Mom? Elara said that's why everybody looking at us.
Tamsin's face darkened with a scowl and she couldn't help but throw a look of total disdain Maris' way. It seemed like nobody else was put out by her voice, or the implication in her little jibe.
Elara had taken up position at the back right corner of the RV.
Her hat hid her expression, except that she cocked her head as if Tamsin was complaining about something unreasonable.
Tamsin felt even angrier that Elara was being so cold. She glared at her and stamped a foot.
Tamsin was incredulous. Not only had Elara stolen all her thunder, but now she had to endure her humiliation as well.
Tamsin gave Caius a withering look and motioned for him to continue.
Normally strained, the relationship between siblings had become easier. Now, Elara was their shared enemy. Tamsin glanced at Caius and his sneer widened. Then he looked at Elara and said,
Taking center stage? It's so embarrassing. I can already hear everyone laughing at us because we didn't get Mr. Galen's chip. She always was the unlucky sort!
Maris said nothing as her children accused Elara. She was rather embarrassed.
No matter how beautifully Maris had dressed, Elara was definitely all anyone wanted to talk about.
Elara had been a disaster. The Kincaid hadn't known a moment's peace since she'd stepped on board. Truly, Maris wanted to send her back to the country.
"troublemaker" and the word "jinx" was what caused Elara to take off her hat slow, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful face.
Her pale eyes dark and sparkling met Caius slowly.
Caius had been furious a moment before, but something switched in him as he looked at Elara and he dove behind Tamsin quick.