21
“Oh my, oh my. So much to do.” Jally Cook shook Jakira awake. “Come on! The new ruler is paying us a visit today. Shaan’s first official son, the Crown Prince Mastiq has been sworn in and is visiting all the important families. And Master wants a feast like never before. What an honour to cook for him.”
The cook dashed out of her hut and into the kitchen. Jakira felt for the scuttler in her hair and pulled it out. It snored deeply. She placed it under the top of her floor mat and pulled at a leg. One of the creature’s four eyes opened and the stalk angled itself towards her.
She whispered, “Stay here, don’t move.”
The Sand Scuttler grunted at her and went back to snoring.
She set to work with Jally Cook. They prepared the slave breakfast and set it out in the slave quarters and
