“On a scale of one to ten, how upset is your dad?” Andy asked. “At first he was a forty-two, but once I explained he dropped to about a six. No beheadings today,” Ann said. “Forty-two isn’t between one and ten,” Nim said, confused. “That’s the point. It means his anger was way off the scale,” Andy explained. “But truthfully, he does understand. He said he probably would’ve done the same thing.” Ann assured him. It’d taken almost all of the energy from all four of them to transport the box. They were all bordering on trances when they finished. The king had been furious to find out about this until Ann explained why. He was still upset because it meant a delay in going to Lerjao and then to Andy’s world. “Does Sapphire look like she’s glowing?” Andy asked, watching the two across the room. “Oh, Pt’this would be thrilled if she was,” Ann said, misunderstanding. “No, I mean a magical glow,” Andy clarified. “What other glow is there?” Nim asked. “Sometimes, when a woman gets pregnant, they’ll say she glows,” Ann explained. “I can’t see it. Can you, Nim?” “Maybe. Is it a spell?” “It looks more like potential magic,” Andy said. “That’s not possible,” Ann said. “Sapphire doesn’t have magic.” “Could she develop it?” “No.” Nim shook his head. “Either you’re born with it, or you’re not.” “What have you two been up to?” Ann asked as they sat down. “Why?” Sapphire asked, turning red. “Andy says he sees magic in you.” Sapphire turned to Pt’this. “Did you cast that spell on me?” “No, you said you wanted to wait. Sweetie, I swear,” Pt’this insisted. “I don’t see anything.” “It’s not a spell,” Andy said. “It’s potential magic.” “That’s not possible.” Pt’this shook his head. “What if it’s not her?” Ann said. “Who else would she be?” Pt’this asked, not understanding. “Who else have you been sleeping with?” Andy teased. “Hey!” Sapphire protested. “No, that’s not what I meant,” Ann said. “Then what did you mean?” Sapphire asked. “She means, maybe you’re pregnant. Even I can figure that one out,” Nim burst out. “Pregnant?” Pt’this's face lit up. He’d always wanted children, but Mirimar couldn’t have any. The one time she got pregnant, she had a miscarriage. “Pregnant?” Sapphire echoed less enthusiastically. She’d had such a terrible childhood, she was hesitant to have children, though she said she wanted them. Pt’this feeling her concern put his arm around her. “It’s just a theory. Talk with Mila, see if it’s true.” She nodded. “I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised if we are after this past couple of weeks,” she said and then turned bright red as she realized what she had just said. “You married Pt’this, you’re lucky you don’t have two or three kids by now,” Andy teased. “In two weeks?” “Hey, what I hear you two aren’t far behind us,” Pt’this said. “Is she glowing too?” Sapphire asked. “Ann always glows,” Andy said. “I’m not pregnant,” Ann said. “Are you sure?” Sapphire asked. “Yes,” Ann nodded. “Positive,” Andy said. “Longest week of my life,” he muttered. Ann turned red and elbowed him. Sapphire nodded in understanding. Nim was confused, but Pt’this whispered an explanation to him. “It’s going to be a long week for us coming up too,” Pt’this said. He held out his hand and rubbed his fingers together. Something that looked like green glitter fell from them. “What is that?” Andy asked. “Scales. He’s starting to shed,” Ann explained. “When are you leaving?” Nim asked. “Not until after Sapphire talks to Mila. I’m not waiting a week for news like that.” “Pushing it aren’t you?” Nim asked. Delays in starting the shedding process could cause complications. Since it was happening while he wasn’t in true form, that indicated he had already delayed at least a couple of days. “It’s been twelve years. A couple more hours shouldn’t make a difference.” Pt’this shrugged. “Why don’t you see if you can find Mila now? Then you can get going and get it over with,” Ann suggested. Sapphire nodded. “I think she’s right. Besides, if we cause any more delays, King Emeton will skin us both.” “Agreed. One skinning is enough.” Pt’this smiled. He turned to Nim. “You be careful scrying Jo while I’m gone. Let Andy or Ann know when you are so they can keep an eye on you.” Nim nodded. “I’ll be careful. I’m going to wait an extra day or so before contacting her. I let her know in the letter we sent with the box.” “Good. Take care.” He patted the man on the shoulder and waved to the others. “See you in a week.”