Page 26 of The Ranger
“We’ll drive out to the ranch and deliver the letters Vale’s parents wrote to the Cookes. Maida is sure to be there. And, since you’ve been gone a long time, everyone will want to visit you and get caught up.”
“And you’ll suggest another visit of course,” Vale said.
“Good idea your high…, that is, Vale.” They had him drop the royal title to draw less attention to them, but he still cringed not addressing the prince properly.
“Of course.” Makama grinned. “Once the visits get going, and we spend more and more time on the ranch, things are sure to kick in and voila! Bonding!”
“Are you sure?” Markhel asked.
“Of course,” she said, her voice laced with reassurance. “That’s how it works.”
“Not always. She must accept me. But I fear, she will not like what she sees.”
Makama’s eyebrows shot to the ceiling. “What’s not to like? You’re tall, handsome, and pointy-eared.” She looked him over. “Most of the time, anyway.”
“He is now,” Vale pointed out.
“That’s because I’m here,” Makama said. “I guess I’m enough for his camouflage instinct to relax and let his true appearance show. There must not be anyone else here on the second floor.”
Markhel leaned forward enough to catch his reflection in the mirror on the wall. “Hmmm.”
“Yes, hmmm,” she breathed. “Markhel, you’re kind of like a Vulcan.”
He straightened. “What is a Vulcan?”
“A character off a popular sci-fi show in my time. They are very stoic and logical and display little emotion.”
He arched a single eyebrow.
She rolled her eyes and looked at Vale. “I rest my case.”
Vale studied him. “I see your point.” He left the bed he was sitting on. They were in Markhel’s room, trying to prepare him for the afternoon. With any luck, he could at least be in the same room with Maida, and the two could get their first good look at one another.
“Markhel, do you ever smile?” Vale asked.
“When an occasion calls for it.” He stared at them. What were they trying to do?
Makama blew out a breath. “This might be harder than we thought. Markhel, do you express emotions at all?”
He frowned. “Of course.”
“When?” Vale quipped. “On Christmas?”
His frown deepened.
“There’s one!” Makama said and pointed at him.
He arched an eyebrow again.
“Look, there’s another!” At least Vale didn’t point.
Markhel sighed. “I am capable of expressing emotion. Humans think they must express them at all times. I do so when the situation calls for it.”
They gaped at him. “You’re right, darling,” Vale said. “This isn’t going to be so easy.”
Makama paced. “Okay, nobody panic. We got this.” She kept pacing, her hands clasped behind her back, brow furrowed in thought.
“You require me to smile?” Markhel asked.