Ojbect Read Free

minutes through scented and bright hallways until they passed into a room that held long racks of gowns, vanity tables and a gathering of friendly women.
    Her guide removed the drape on her head, and Bella was staring into vivid blue eyes.
    “Welcome to the Face-to-Face Club. You are the guest of Lord Korkham?”
    Bella inclined her head. “Yes and no. I am a court auditor, and I am investigating the work value of this facility.”
    Her guide frowned. “Just a moment, please.”
    The woman walked off, and the others milled around in mild confusion. Unable to stop herself, Bella walked to the dress racks and flicked through the designs, seeking one that would be flattering. She sighed longingly at the deep purple gown with emerald accents.
    The blue-eyed woman returned, and Bella jerked her hand away from the gown. “The manager invites you to enjoy full access to the facilities. I am Yimra, I will be your guide through the property.”
    “Thank you.”
    “You must change clothing so as not to distress the other guests. Is there a gown that you liked?”
    One of the quiet women came up and whispered in Yimra’s ear.
    Yimra smiled and flicked through the racks until she pulled out the amethyst gown. “If you like it, we will try this one first. Once you have a gown, it will be yours anytime you visit here.”
    Bella blinked and leaned away. “I do not plan on returning.”
    “That will be your decision. Many become addicted to being able to speak face to face once again. Off-worlders are especially good members here.”
    Bella sighed and followed the woman to a small changing area—folding screens that cut her off from prying eyes. With more curiosity than dedication to her job, she removed her headgear and the mask.
    The world around her sprang back into sharp relief as she slowly removed all of her uniform and handed it over to the women on the other side of the screen. She slipped the gown on and it hung in place, hugging her curves with the biased-cut silk showing her off to full advantage.
    “Are shoes available?” She stepped out, holding the gown up slightly so she could walk without tripping.
    The women stared at her and smiled. One left to get some shoes while another beckoned her to sit.
    Yimra watched with a delighted expression. “Tima will arrange your hair, and then, you will be able to join the gathering. Yinsa is getting you some shoes. We needed to get your boots to match the size.”
    The woman in question came in wielding a pair of slightly heeled sandals. While Tima brushed out her hair, Yinsa put her shoes on.
    It was startling to see her own face in a mirror. Mirrors were not used in the court. Even in the private chambers, she was dependant on her reflection in trays and pitchers. Her photo identification on Kloa was a picture of her genetic signature; she hadn’t realized how much she missed the sight of her own features until now.
    When Tima was done arranging her hair, Bella got to her feet. She wavered in the heels, but managed a few steps without tripping on the gown before she was able to stand with her shoulders back and smile at Yimra. “Ready when you are.”
    “This way, please.”
    Yimra led the way down a hall painted with trees and flowers. The door at the end was abrupt as it disgorged them into a large space where a number of people were sitting in conversational groups and enjoying cocktails.
    Bella identified nine different species in play, including the Kloa. The foreigners were relaxed and enjoying a polite social moment.
    To her surprise, Yimra tugged her forward and introduced her around as Madame Banks.
    The people she met were ambassadors, trade masters, lords, ladies and none were here for anything other than meeting face to face.
    Lord Korkham smiled at her with his lovely features exposed and the silvery brown skin of the Kloa looking very attractive on him. He appeared surprised by her own features, but Yimra nodded politely and continued her introductions. She