Plans made and aliases ironed it is time to return to the group.
"Let's go 'finish' our 'tour'." Mitch says, standing and offering me a hand up.
I gratefully accept his offered hand but still almost stumble a step feeling the building weight of exhaustion. Mitch raises an eyebrow in question catching the stumble. I shake my head,
"Just a little hungry. More importantly what story do you want to use?" I redirect Mitch knowing we should chat about something on our way back and not wanting him to know how close to complete exhaustion I am.
"How about that time Boomer banished me to the dungeon as my bedroom because he was mad at me," Mitch responds, "That would also be a good place to train later and an excuse as to why we are down there if we get caught." I nod agreeing with him.
"No, WAY! I don't believe you!" I exclaim a moment later forcing my voice to come out higher pitched to match the carefree vocals of the girls who were passengers on the cruises.
"It is completely true I swear," Brady insists matching my enthusiasm in our performance. Glancing ahead of us he sees Mykayla coming towards us and continues, "Just ask Mykayla, she'll tell you I am telling the absolute truth."
"Mykayla is it really true that when Boomer found out Brady had lied to him about both of their singing capabilities Boomer banished Brady to using the dungeon as a bedroom?" I ask with a slight giggle
"Actually, yeah that is true, I am surprised that Brady told you that or that he even remembered it." Mykayla sounds more annoyed that Brady shared the story with me than surprised he remembered it but as any polite person would I ignore that detail.
"Of course, I remember it!" Brady jumps in totally missing the real point, "That was one of the worst fights Boomer and I ever got into! AND, the best night I ever had. That was the first time I got to perform in front of a crowd. It was awesome!"
I can't help but smile at Brady, it is obvious how much he still loves preforming and I am glad that even after the suboptimal preforming conditions on the cruises he still feels the same excitement about it. Out of the corner of my eye I see Mykayla catch my smile and take it all wrong
"Bella," Mykayla pulls my attention with barely concealed annoyance, "Would you like to see where you can sleep now?"
"That sounds wonderful!" I half squeal earning me a grimace from Mykayla and I half-wonder if she is going to find a way to make the dungeon my new room.
Mykayla leads us into a room not far from the front doors just down the hallway from the openair throne room we initially passed through. I should have known Mykayla is more professional than to let a little jealousy get in the way of true Kongkean hospitality. It isn't a huge room but is definitely larger than our cabin on the cruise ship. With only a quick cursory glance it looks as though this might have been where they relocated the twin beds that used to be in the kings' room which they have quickly cleared to turn it into a guest room. I figure this would make sense as I know guests are typically housed in buildings separate from the kings' living spaces. Compared to the ship cabins this place is awesome not only is it bigger, but the stone walls and floor will make finding hiding places so much easier.
"Oh! Mykayla this is wonderful!" I gush like a total airhead while throwing my arms around her, "I love it! Thank you soooo much! This place is awesome" I continue refusing to let go even as I can feel her skin prickling at the unexpected contact.
"Oh!" She exclaims surprised, "You're welcome, I mean it really wasn't too big of a deal... I just told the servants to clean it out..." She seems to hesitate a minute; and I feel through our contact that she warms up to me just a little
"Well, it is amazing!" I declare finally letting go of her severely uncomfortable with the contact. "Give me a minute to unpack and then I can join you guys in the courtyard. Okay?!" I suggest trying to subtly usure them out.
"Okay, take your time," Mykayla agrees with a faint smile
"Are you sure you don't need help?" Mitch fusses taking a step farther into the room
"Brady!" I snap unhappy as I see Mykayla's smile falter, "Get out!"
"Okay, Okay, jeez see you in a minute. Shout if you get lost" he says quickly stashing his guitar under one of the beds before following Mykayla out.
Once they are out of the room, I turn my attention to the old stone walls and floor working to find a lose stone where I can hide our first aid kit, fake ID's, book of profiles, and most of our weapons. Luckily as I expected there are several stones that are perfect so, I quickly stash everything except for Kebakaran, my sword, which I shift from the pocketknife I have been carrying into a necklace I clip around my neck.
Picking up my clothing pack intending to put it away I suddenly realize this room doesn't have a dresser, so instead I slide it under the bed without Mitch's guitar. Finally, before leaving I pull out Mitch's guitar to double check that it is still dry worried the waterproofing may have failed. I breathe a sigh of relief upon seeing it in pristine condition just as it was before we jumped into the ocean and lean it against the headboard, tucking the case back under the bed. I slip out towards the courtyard quietly trying not to look suspicious but still hoping to spy on Brady and Mykayla's reunion. However, as I approach, I find them awkwardly standing silently nearby each other in the courtyard. I sigh heavily and walk out to them loudly gushing.
"This place is like totally awesome! It's all like stone and round and maze like!" I begin startling them, "Although I have to admit I am kinda curious about when that dinner is going to be" I hint trying to at least pretend to be polite.
Mykayla is about to respond when Mason and the other two kings walk in.
"Daddy," she calls, "Perfect timing Bella was just asking when dinner will be."
"What a coincidence, we were coming out, to tell you that dinner is served." Mason laughs, "Come on let's eat."