“What a sweet, sweet thing you are, Princess,” his grandmother said in a high falsetto. “I was never blessed with a daughter, only exquisite sons. But had I been so honored by the gods, I cannot imagine she would have been lovelier than you.” She placed her hand on Fadima’s cheek. “But the gods were kind and made it up to me with the strong, beautiful granddaughters who well complement my strong, handsome grandsons.”

Her kindness brought tears to Sumi’s eyes. No wonder Dancer loved his grandmother so.

Fadima inclined her head to her grandmother. “Thank you, Yaya.”

“And as much as I hate to set this precious child aside, I fear we have serious business to attend.”

“I understand. Thank you for honoring my daughter.” Kiara took Zarina back. “Shahara and Desideria would also like to help Sumi train. Desideria is Qillaq, and Shahara is a Gondarion Seax. While they are human, they are some of the best fighters of our species.”

Fadima grinned. “I gladly accept their aid. The Qills have tactics very similar to ours, and a Seax has special sword maneuvers Dariana won’t see coming. I’ve trained with them before. They are quite accomplished… for humans.” Her eyes danced with humor to let Sumi and Kiara know it wasn’t a real dig at their species.

She turned to Dancer and reached out her hand.

Fury darkened his eyes as he visibly tensed.

But instead of pinching his cheek, she brushed her thumb against his temple.

“I am glad to see you well settled, cousin. Out of all our rowdy kin, you were always the one closest to my heart.”

Dancer placed his hand over hers. “You shame me, Dimie.”

“How so? I meant no insult.”

He pulled her hand to place it over his heart. “The shame isn’t on your actions, but mine. I spoke ill of you on your arrival. For that I sincerely apologize.”

She laughed good-naturedly. “I am sure, given the way I’ve shown my affections toward you in the past, that whatever you said was highly warranted and fully deserved. No offense is taken by me.” She touched her forehead to his. “And have no fear, even though the beauty of your face tempts me terribly, I won’t pinch your cheeks.”

He growled low in his throat. “I hate that so much.”

Stepping back, Fadima winked at Sumi. “It’s not just that he’s so handsome that made me do that growing up. His name means of beautiful cheeks in Andarion. It seemed fitting that I should pinch them to remind him.”

Sumi smiled. “He didn’t tell me that.”

When his grandmother started to lead them to train, Dancer stopped them.

“Yaya, before you take her to the gym, may I show her to the conservatory? She hasn’t been there yet, and I would like the pleasure of seeing her face the first time she views it.”