As we get there, we successfully snag four tickets to Jinan, but the only available ones were in the economy class. With Thea's charm, we manage to get through airport security by only showing a blank agenda that they think is a passport. The staff doesn't even scan it, merely glancing at it and letting us move forward.

It's only when we're ushered into the airplane that the problems start to arise.

Thea is marveling at everything around while Cer and Ze look downright uncomfortable.

"Damn it," I mutter softly as I realize with their size, they won't have an easy time fitting in their seats. And this is such a long journey, too...

We're pointed to our seats by one of the air stewardesses, and though I'd planned to sit with Thea, I decide to ask her to switch places with one of the guys. It would be too torturous to have them both crammed in one place when they will barely be able to fit in a seat.

"But, Luce." She sighs, not too happy with the idea.

"You can sit with Ze if you don't want to argue with your brother," I offer, knowing how easy it is for them to squabble.

"No way! I'd rather fight with Cer a hundred times over than have"—she leans in to whisper—"that surly man next to me. No, thank you. You can endure his company for the flight."

"Fine." I chuckle. "I'll just ignore him and it will be fine."

Reaching our seats, I inform the guys of the changes. Cer rolls his eyes while Ze merely stares at me unblinkingly—as is his habit.

While Thea and Cer make themselves comfortable in their seats behind us, I turn to Ze.

"You can have the window seat," I tell him. He should have a bit more freedom there than in the middle seat. And we don't know who's going to sit next to us either... Yes, the window seat is best for him.

He regards me for a moment before he gives me a brisk nod, folding his big frame in the seat. As I slide next to him, I lift up the armrest so that he can have a little more room.

"I'm sorry about this. You'll have to bear with it for a few hours." I give him a tight smile.

"Are all humans as small as you?"

"What?" I frown. "Not really. I'm on the smaller side for a woman. But the men are much larger. A lot have problems with these seats too."

He nods to himself.

"Was your dead husband small, too?"

My lashes flutter in surprise. He's staring forward, his back straight, his hands resting on his thighs.