Elias sat back on the blanket, torn between exasperation and reluctant amusement. His wife had a way of turning lunacy into strategy. He imagined Princess Lina, spoiled and dramatic, shrieking with joy at the sight of a worm dressed like a noble. He imagined her telling her servants that the worm was more valuable than them. He imagined the King getting a big laugh from it and parading the worm before the courtiers. Perhaps, he thought, it might actually work.
Still, he had to protest. "Sienna, what if it dies before the ceremony?"
She waved a hand, "I have already hired Jacinta's worm caretaker. He prepared a large mobile home lined with star-moss. It will continue to live comfortably and lavishly as it has been taught."
Ali clapped her hands. "Papa, you should help! You can stitch the collar."
Elias recoiled. "I am not sewing a collar for a worm cloak."
