“But there’s a segment of the population that doesn’t trust Thyphians,” he said. “You understand what makes Thyphians different, right?”
“We’re all different physically,” Yasmine said. “But you mean their psionic powers?”
“Yes,” he nodded, a curious expression on his shaggy face. “I don’t know about Terrans, but for most of us, there’s something a little intimidating about interacting with someone who can read your thoughts and emotions.”
She nodded slowly. He was one hundred percent right. It had frightened her a lot when she first met the Ruler.
“Of course, now that I know the family, I feel better about it,” he said. “And they’re very disciplined about always wearing their circlets.”
Yasmine glanced over at Pia, seeing the gigantic straw hat with the plastic flowers differently. Did she like it because it was pretty and colorful, or because it hid her circlet, so she didn’t have to look different?
“By the way, I like her get-up,” Thomm said, winking. “The other nanny never let her wear her costumes. She was miserable every morning.”
Yasmine smiled gratefully just as the hovercar pulled over and lowered again.
“Last stop,” Pesh called out in a funny hush rail conductor’s voice. “Everybody out.”
Pia laughed and they all piled out of the limo, except for Pesh. When they reached the sidewalk, Pia took Yasmine’s hand again.
A wrought-iron fence encircled a pretty playground and what looked like an ancient Kriftiord chapel. A sign floated in front of the fence.
* * *
Country Village Co-op Playgroup
* * *
Other kidswho seemed about Pia’s age were already outside playing with their dads, grandparents, and caregivers. Like everywhere else on Ulfgard, they were from varied races, but they all seemed to know just how to play together.
Before Yasmine’s horrified eyes, Thomm began a sweep of the play yard with his hand on his blaster, while Astyr remained behind them, presumably ready to whisk them away if Thomm found anything dangerous among the children and plastic toys.
Pia looked utterly unconcerned. And the various kids and caregivers appeared to be used to the high-security visit from a massive Bergalian with a blaster.
But Yasmine felt herself begin to tremble.
Breathe. Find your center. Bring order to your thoughts.
But she could see those haunted yellow eyes again…
“Yasmine, are you okay?” Pia’s voice seemed to come from so far away.
She needs you.
Somehow, Yasmine pulled herself out of her waking nightmare and focused directly on Pia.
The little girl looked worried, and that wasn’t okay.
“I’m fine, Pia,” Yasmine said with the warmest smile she could muster. “I guess I’m just a little nervous about meeting all the new people.”
“That’s okay, because I already know everyone,” Pia told her, beaming. “I will help you make friends, Yasmine.”
Yasmine felt her pulse slow and her shoulders go down as some of the tension flowed out of her. It was going to be okay.
“Thank you so much, Pia,” she told her. “You are a real lifesaver.”