Page 50 of Free for Adventure
She moved to where he indicated, got out her tripod, set it up, and got the camera recording.
Exoval smiled. “Are you good?”
“It is recording.”
“Excellent. Is that a gimbal?”
“Yeah, it reduces the wiggling of the image. Are you up for being interviewed after I get a tour?”
“Of course. You don’t seem upset that the butterflies are landing on you.”
“I am used to having butterflies on me.” She smiled.
He nodded. “Let’s take that tour. We will start in the main building and go from there.”
Amby inclined her head. “Lead the way.”
The first hour was learning about the life cycles, looking at the cocoons, and then the hatching area where the butterflies could get their body’s moisture into their wings where it belonged.
Once they were through the building, they walked out into a space where the air was filled with colour. Exoval brushed a flower petal from her cheek and paused. He drew his finger down her cheek, and his eyes went wide.
“You... are you an omega?”
She wrinkled her nose. “No, and yes. I am an altered beta. We kind of act as omegas with a more reliable reproductive system.”
“They let you walk around alone?”
“Sure. Betas like me are occurring in one city only, and no one is looking for me here.” She smiled. “Well, almost no one. I have two that have figured me out, but there are giant clues on my back. So, nice to know they aren’t blind.”
“You have a mark?”
“I have a few.”
He smiled. “It would have been convenient to have that knowledge. The uncertainty is insane.”
“Ah, which is why you are on a hillside covered with butterflies.”
“Yes. Would you like some refreshments before we wander through the gardens?”
“That would be nice. Thank you.”
He smiled. “This way. My home is slightly less covered in wings.”
“Good. I was paying attention, and they like sugar. So do I.”
Exoval smiled and led the way out of the cloud of brilliant wings and out through a gate. They walked into his home, and she smiled. “Does your brother visit often?”
“Why? Are you interested in him?”
“No. My dance card is full. The last symbol on me is why I am here, but I am not really sure how to bring this up with an omega.”
He smiled. “Wait for tea.”
He moved around his quiet home and soon brought a tray to the table with tea, cookies, and cups. He moved to the counter and got some sugar.
He poured a cup of tea for her and set a cookie on the edge of the plate. “Now, Amby, tell me why you are here.”
His huge blue eyes were so pretty that she grimaced for a moment and then said, “I can explain by showing you. Do you mind if I open my dress?”