I illustrated a scene wherein Vazali and Xeebec are having a tense conversation on the vidphone, and his twins interrupt. It's one of my favorite bits of Xeebec being his usual haughty, detestable self.
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“Let me check my schedule." He opened a desk drawer and flipped through his appointment book. As he was doing so, a small boy and girl dashed into view.
Vazali smiled and opened her mouth to greet her nephew and niece, but before she could the boy wailed, “Daddy, Telbai hit me!”
"Xeeban took my cookie!" the girl whimpered.
"Not now, children. I'm very busy," Xeebec said, still studying his planner. "And call me father. We're not peasants."
"You're always busy!" Xeeban whined.
Xeebec sighed and said flatly, "Telbai, don't hit your brother. Xeeban--” He looked directly at Vazali. “Don't take things that don't belong to you. Now go find the nanny and tell her I wish to speak with her. I shall have to remind her that one of her duties is to prevent these sorts of spats...and interruptions." He carefully enunciated the last word to emphasize his irritation.
The two children stomped off, not looking at all placated.
Excerpt and art © Katie Sullivan