Amazonia - The Athenaeum

that made Bebo notice the ring. "I'm the one who's sorry, highness, I didn't have the opportunity
to fully prepare and while it's no excuse, it's the only reason I tried to fly by the seat of my pants
as it were. The children were lucky you were here. Your story was much better than mine."
"Nonsense, my mother has always applauded people with quick minds and wonderful
imaginations. I hate to tell stories and run, but we have to get going. I just wanted to come by so
I could call our queen and tell her that Larissa and the rest of the exhibit are in good hands."
Bebo bowed her head a little before turning and making her way to the back entrance. They did
have a meeting at the Pentagon to attend, but she wanted to get out of there before she gave into
the urge to take the small curator into her arms and kiss her.
"Highness?"
The clear voice stopped Bebo before she could make it out. "Yes?"
"If you'd like, please stop by again when the children are here, or anytime you like. Hearing
some of these stories from you would be invaluable."
"Just to the children?" Bebo wanted to laugh at the lost look on the blonde's face. "I'd love
nothing better. Like I said, you were so delightful, I could listen to you for hours." The girl was
taken but it didn't hurt anything to just play a little figured Bebo.
When she came in earlier and turned the corner with Baxter, Bebo had stopped and listened to
the soft but strong voice describing what staffs were used for and why. She leaned against an
alcove in the building and studied the blonde speaking so eloquently of her homeland and the
traditions Audrey had included in the text. While she studied Annie, the guards studied the
princess and smiled. Blue eyes devoured every move of delicate fingers as they brushed back
strands of blonde hair that had escaped from the bun, and the way she bent to answer questions
from short inquisitive listeners. With every move and every word, Emelda's vision resonated in
Bebo's mind.
"Pretty girl," commented Max as they got into the car the army had sent for them.
"I hadn't noticed," said Bebo.
"Bebo, Larissa may shoot that last arrow in this direction for telling such lies," said Beth from
the front seat. "You'd swear she was performing a striptease the way you couldn't take your eyes
off her."
"I'm just an art lover," said Bebo with a smile.
"You're a lover all right, now clear your head of pretty things and put that tough warrior look on
your face. It's time to scare the natives a bit," said Steph as they turned into the Pentagon.
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