Kinky let out a sharp,delighted squawk the moment I stepped into the shelter.
"Spank me! Spank me, Master!" He screeched, hopping along his perch like the chaos demon he was.
I bit back a laugh as Mark Stevens, my por bird hating bodyguard flinched.
'Kinks' was what I called him on good days. Today, he was very much kinky though.
Mark shot the parrot a look that could curdle milk. "One day, that feathered menace is going to what's coming to him."
Tania, the shelter director and one of the kindest women alive, tutted loudly.
"Oh let him be. He's harmless."
"Harmless," Mark muttered under his breath, "says the woman who doesn't have to stand near him."
I smiled, though the small ache in my chest reminded me change was coming.
Mark was leaving for paternity leave first, then permanently settling back in Country Y.
Mark had been by my side for four years, and now I was preparing to sya goodbye.
And as if life wanted to taste me, Tanya had chosen this month to announce her retirement too.
I hated goodbyes.
"You will survive," Linda said gently, giving my arm a squeeze. "New chapters can be good for you, Bridget."
I wasn't so sure about that.
We walked past rows of cages, the scent of disinfectant mixing with soft purs and whimpers of animals waiting for homes. This place was my refuge.
It was one of the few places where no one cared about titles, last names or the weight of duties coming with my last name.
"Ready to go, your Highness?" Mark said pointedly, eyeing Kinky like the bird would attack any second.
"Yes," I said, pulling my coat tighter around me as we stepped into the crisp autumn air.
"Let's go!" Kinky shrieked.
"Harder!"
I groaned, Mark nearly tripped, and Linda laughed so hard she snorted.
God, I was going to miss them.