Ether was on top of me.

  I wasn’t sure how she found it comfortable. I wasn’t bony by any means, but I still didn’t understand how that was comfortable. I usually tried to slide a pillow over my shoulder for her to rest her head on. The pillow that I had placed there before falling asleep was wedged between her back and the side of the RV. Which was strange because Ether didn’t move much in her sleep.

  I slid my arm under her and grabbed the pillow, then dragged it under her head as I slid out of the bunk. As much as I enjoyed cuddling, I was curious about what was on the agenda for today and I knew Trent would at least be up.

  The man who was passing as my father was seated at the booth with his back to the front of the RV. I could smell coffee, but there was another scent coming from his steaming cup that I couldn’t place. It wasn’t bad, but it reminded me of wood, and I wasn’t sure how that would be pleasant to drink.

  “You’re awake.” Trent motioned at the other side of the booth. “Want something to drink?”

  “I’m good.” I wasn’t sure that he wouldn’t offer me a glass of whatever he was having and I would rather not taste something bitter that early in the morning.

  “So…” Trent waited for me to sit down. “What do you think about what happened yesterday?”

  “Which part?” I tilted my head. “Getting attacked by the Primus, having the daughter of one of the Primus forced into my harem, or meeting Nevah and learning he isn’t my father?”

  “Nevah was just the most logical option since he only procreates with Goddesses and the occasional Nephilim.” Trent sighed. “But that means he’s got a lot of children who fit the profile.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.” I glanced back at the bunks. “Are you sure they’re asleep?”

  “Fray is awake, but she’s waiting for more people to get up. Miel left to go talk to Bethy Numor and the others can’t hear us.” Trent eyed me. “What?”

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  “That name, Numor. Why do I know it?”

  Trent laughed. “You really don’t pay much attention!” He slapped his leg.

  “I’m glad you think this is funny.” I folded my arms. “But seriously, why do I know that name?”

  “Because you just agreed to add her daughter to your harem!” Trent smirked.

  “Nakten said her last name was Saisol.” I took a deep breath. “Jovena is Bothua, so who…” My voice trailed off as I realized who he had to be talking about. “Seriously?”

  “Bridget is a Numor, but she’s illegitimate.” Trent’s voice filled with a hint of pain as his earlier humor vanished. “Her dad was a Mundane who worked with Bethy on her ship. He died before Bridget made it to her first birthday.”

  “That’s…” I leaned my head back. “I didn’t know.”

  “It happens.” Trent shrugged. “Heirs tend to have a lot of partners in case something happens to one of their partners or one of the kids.” He bobbed his head. “You’re lucky that you lived your whole life in a city, but those who have to travel outside the city live that risk on a daily basis.”

  I thought for a moment. “Wouldn’t it be safer if a godsired traveled with them?”

  Trent’s eyes widened, then he smiled. “Explain.”

  “Well, the monsters match the strength of the person’s level…” I tried thinking about why this amused him. “Wouldn’t a team of like myself, Ether, Rix, Pixie and Nakten be able protect a cargo ship or caravan better than a team of level fifty Adventurers?”

  “Minus the experience from knowing how to effectively fight a wide variety of monsters, you would. But can you think about why that will never happen?” Trent leaned back in his seat.

  There was more uncertainty in my voice than I wanted there to be. “The Primus?”

  “Of a sort, but who else wouldn’t want there to be a band of godsired walking into their city once a week or a month?” Trent sighed. “The Gods themselves are able to go out and deal with major threats to the city when the population of monsters in their territory gets too large.” He tapped his finger on the table. “That’s actually what a lot of their personal guard do. And the other Gods are okay with that because the guards are attached to a city and aren’t capable of taking a Mantle of the Gods themselves.” He pointed at me. “But for an unaligned group to be out learning how to fight better and just walking into their cities?”

  “They’re afraid groups like that will eventually try to take over.” I finished for him. “But why would we be a threat? It’s not like you get experience from the wild monsters.”

  “That takes me to what I wanted to talk to you about.” Trent cleared his throat. “Networking.”

  Rating, Review, Follow, Favorite, or Comment does wonders to boost my morale. If you want to help support my writing or check out advanced chapters, head over to my .

  RR Writer's Guild