"But a cute one! Though, I'd say the same about my cats and batkitten. Cute menaces," she said with a smile. And she bends over and starts giving the dog scritches behind the ears. "An adorable menace! Is that what you are?"

And Tinya was sure she must have flushed pale blue. "Right, right, sorry. I'll keep it down."

She's used to the dark of space, the little pins of light of stars. Even before she was five, she'd been accompanying her mother on her diplomatic errands...and being used as a spy for her mother. She was severe and no-nonsense while Tinya was warm and friendly. People confided in her far more than they did her mother. Much to Tinya's regret.