The Forbidden (Kelderan Runic Warriors #4)

by Jessie Donovan

  He frowned. "You devised this in the time it took me to follow you here?"

  Kalahn sipped some tea. "Oh, yes. I know it's tradition to hide intelligence on Keldera if you're female, but I've never been good at that. So you'd better get used to our ideas for as long as you're our guard."

  He crossed his arms over his chest. "I can't do such a thing without Kason's permission, and you know it."

  She took another drink. "Well, then how about you go find him and garner it? With the guards stationed outside Kajala's door, we'll be fine as long as we stay in here. I even promise not to run away or cause trouble." He quirked an eyebrow and she added, "Well, at least not trouble that takes us out of this room. Depending on how long it takes you to convince Kason of my request, we may have come up with plans to take over and rule the Kelderan colony. So, prepare yourself."

  Ignoring her humor, he kept his voice even. "I'm not your lackey, Kalahn. You'd best remember that."

  She tilted her head. "So does that mean you're not going to do as I asked?"

  He sighed. "Since I agree with you in this particular case, I will. However, remember that I've trained many a defiant warrior in my time. And believe me, if you truly want training, you won't see the surprises I have coming. Nor will I go easy on you for being female."

  Before Kalahn could say another word, he bowed toward Kajala. "I'll return as soon as I can, your highness."

  Ryven exited the room, instructed the guards to keep a close eye on Kalahn, and went to find Kason. Confronting his best friend wasn't going to be easy, but Ryven had done it before and could do it again.

  No, the hardest part would be touching Kalahn and being in her close proximity when he trained her. If her life weren't so important to him, he might consider assigning another trainer the task.

  But since he had no idea who to trust outside a small circle of people, Ryven wouldn't risk Kalahn's life by potentially having a traitor train her. At least until he could thoroughly vet and find a suitable replacement for when he went back to Keldera.

  Yes, that’s right. He only had to endure close quarters with Kalahn for a week. Still, he’d need to undergo some training of his own before giving Kalahn hers. Namely, he needed to learn how to ignore Kalahn's sweet feminine scent and resist her quick wit. Because even if it were only for a week, it would be more than enough to entice him to do what he shouldn’t. And Ryven refused to allow it.

  ~~~

  As soon as Ryven was gone and Kalahn was alone again with her sister, Kajala spoke up. "You've known him a long time, haven't you?"

  Kalahn didn't bother to erase the frown from her face. "Too long. I rarely wish to be thought of as a princess, but sometimes, it would make things easier if he did treat me as such."

  Kajala stirred some sweetener into her tea. "Because you fancy him."

  Her first instinct was to outright deny her sister's claim. However, Kajala had trusted Kalahn enough to share her greatest secret. It seemed only fair that she started to be truthful as well. "I did, once. But he's leaving soon, so it's not something I care to think about."

  "Liar."

  Her frown deepened. "You barely know me, so how can you tell that I'm lying?"

  "Well, I spent most of my life working at my mother's retreat complex, surrounded by wealthy or diplomatic males and their wives. It was almost my duty to learn when they were lying or not, or we never would've stayed in business. Part of our income relied on gratuities, which were mostly used to persuade us to keep their secrets."

  Kalahn took the time to really look at her half sister. Kajala was calm and collected, with intelligence in her gaze. She decided it was time to stop beating around the bush. "Did our father approve of all this?"

  Kajala snorted. "I have no idea. You don't know my mother, but she's a strong, fierce female. Kastor may be king, but he never stood a chance against convincing Jalarra Mayven of how to run her business."

  Kalahn looked down at her cup of tea. "I didn't really know my mother, so I can't say if she was the same way or not."

  Kajala set aside her drink and took one of Kalahn's hands. The gesture was simple, but one she'd yearned to have in her life. She glanced up and squeezed her sister's fingers. Kajala spoke once more. "I've heard bits and pieces about your mother. Mine was never jealous of her and often asked to hear stories. I think my mother truly wanted to meet Kastor's other children and thought understanding his first love would better help her to understand you three. I'm only sad it took so long for our families to come together."

  Kalahn placed her hand over their clasped ones. "All that matters is that Father clearly cares for you, Kajala. Not many fathers would've gone out of their way to keep your secret and allow you to travel to a distant colony on your own."

  She nodded. "I know. And please, call me Jala."

  "Thank goodness. Too many Ka-names were driving me crazy."

  Her sister laughed. "My mother wanted to call us Jala and Sarra. But Kastor asked her to follow the naming tradition for the royal family by putting bits of each their names into their children's, hence Kajala and Kasarra."

  It was on the tip of Kalahn's tongue to ask about her half brother, Korjal. However, he was missing and the last thing she wanted to do was upset a pregnant female, so she focused on her own brothers. "Kason and Keltor are so much older than me that we never really ran into that problem with too many K-names. I didn't see much of them growing up, if I'm honest. I love them, but always wished for a sibling closer to my own age." She forced a smile. "So it's nice to find I have a sister only a few years my junior. I was isolated from most of the other children, too, growing up, so I usually had to find adventure on my own."

  Kajala placed a hand on her belly. "I would join in on some adventure, but I think it may be a while before I can."

  "Don't worry, I'll help you with your child, if you wish. I know I sort of forced my way into your home, but I want to do more than help you—I want to know you better."

  "Me, too." Kajala adjusted her position on her stool. "Now, you mentioned some changes you wanted to implement. Why don't you start letting me get to know you by telling me a few of them?"

  As Kalahn went through her long list of goals for equality, she felt more at ease than she had in a long while. She may have just met her sister, but it was almost as if a piece of her life that she'd been missing had been found.

  She only hoped Ryven pulled through and garnered permission from Kason. Because being able to defend themselves was extremely important if Kalahn's plans were to succeed.

  And her wishing to start their training had nothing to do with Ryven surprising her with another touch or kiss to further her training, either.

  Well, mostly. There was nothing wrong with having a little fun along the way. After all, changing her society's laws was going to be trying, and making Ryven uncomfortable would help ease her stress.

  And maybe her curiosity, too.

  She'd just have to be careful not to cross a line.

  Chapter Three

  Ryven stood in front of Kason's desk and tried his best to maintain his composure. "That's quite the deal you've managed."

  Kason shrugged. "My brother is king and has sway with the army. If you agree to stay here and help me with finding any spies or traitors, then I'll allow you to train Kalahn."

  "I still can't believe the army would give in so easily. I'm not being cocky when I say I'm one of the top warrior trainers."

  "Which is why you're needed here. My bride wants you to work with her trainers so that together you can share and learn new techniques from one another."

  Ryven grinned. "I knew Taryn was behind this. You've become soft, shuffling bureaucracy and calling in favors to do as she asks."

  Pride filled Kason's voice as he said, "She's my bride and carries our daughter. It is the least I can do."

  A small part of Ryven was relieved Kason and Taryn's child was female. The Kelderans were still working on a cure for the "doom virus" that killed off most ma
le embryos on Jasvar, but the researchers hadn't yet devised a fool-proof solution. "I think it's merely long-term planning so that your daughter will have the best available training when she's old enough."

  "Perhaps."

  He snorted. "Which is Kason-speak for absolutely. I'm not sure our compatriots back on Keldera would recognize you."

  "I don't care for their opinions. The colony must forge ahead on our own path."

  "I hope you include Kalahn's future in your statement. She won't marry whichever male you toss her way, Kason, if at all."

  He grunted. "I'm aware of that and will handle both of my sisters here accordingly. However, before I can do so, I need you to give me your answer. Will you stay here long-term to help with protecting the colony and give up your official position in the army? Or, will you decline and return? I must admit I'm hoping for the former."

  Without hesitation, Ryven stated, "I will stay."

  "Good."

  He held up a hand. "But only with a few conditions. I'll be busy helping you as well as working with the Jasvarian trainers and can't always watch over Kalahn and her sister. Since she's decided to live with Kajala, it should be easy enough to have guards posted just outside their door and take over some of the duty from me."

  Kason studied him for a few beats, and Ryven wondered if his friend understood the ulterior motive Ryven had for the suggestion of additional guards. Because being in Kalahn's constant presence would tempt him, which he had to resist if he indeed were to stay long-term on Jasvar. Things may constantly be evolving in the Kelderan colony, but the laws surrounding the royal council and the requirement of them approving of Kalahn's choice of lord hadn't changed.

  Even if Kalahn did decide to marry beneath her station, the council would never approve. As it stood now, their denial meant instant incarceration for the male involved.

  And Ryven couldn't protect anyone if he ended up in prison. Given some of Ryven's hidden talents, he might even end up mysteriously dead in a jail cell to protect some of the army's most classified secrets.

  Whether Kason saw Ryven's ulterior motive or not, he didn't say. His friend merely nodded. "That is a reasonable demand, provided we both agree on the guards to be used."

  He should stop at that, but he couldn't abandon someone he loved. "That's not all. I have one more demand. I'd like for my adopted mother to be in the next wave of colonists to Jasvar."

  Kason raised his brows. "You are going to make me test my boundaries with my brother, aren't you?"

  Ryven's adopted mother was one of the Barren. However, she was old and lame in one leg, which meant she wouldn't be able to work for her passage, like other Barren had done during the first voyage. "I cannot abandon her, Kason, and you know that. If it takes my entire savings to ensure her passage, I will use it. But I'm not leaving behind my only family."

  "Of course not. It would be dishonorable to expect you to act otherwise." Kason leaned back in his chair. "I'll see what I can do. Maybe Keltor and his bride can think of a way to make it less of a scandal to include Barren who can't work or provide any services. As much as I wish we could do as we pleased, we must be careful of the public image surrounding the royal family. I refuse to put Keltor's future bride in danger."

  He shrugged one shoulder. "You can handle the politics, as that's not my specialty. But promise me you'll find a way, and I'll agree to stay here and give up my position within the Kelderan Army to join the colony's security forces."

  "You have my word. Once you've resigned with Syzel and passed on any relevant information to your successor, then report to Xytor. He's in charge of guard duty and rotations inside the Kelderan colony."

  Ryven had worked with Xytor in the past and knew he was an honorable, hard-working male.

  However, there was one final issue Ryven needed to address. "Before I do so, will you ensure that I can resign? You know of my classified situation."

  Kason tapped his fingers against his chair arm. "Keltor will find a way to make it work, not to mention we need warriors here who can monitor the telepathy plane. I know you've been asked to keep off it for the time being, but once you work for me, I'll be adding that to your list of duties as well. I want to believe there aren't any enemies inside the colony with telepathy, empathy, or even telekinesis. However, I want to be cautious. You'll be my first step toward guarding on that front."

  Telepathy wasn't a natural-born Kelderan ability. And since only a handful of warriors had undergone the same DNA-splicing operation as Ryven, Kelderan telepaths were few and far between.

  One perk of staying on Jasvar was that he could find and eventually converse with the natural-born telepaths inside the Jasvarian human colony. There was still much for him to learn on that front.

  Ryven gave a curt nod and brought the conversation back to his original request. "And what about training your sisters?"

  "Fit that in when you can, but find and assign their main guards first."

  Ryven made a fist and pounded it over his heart as he bowed his head in acknowledgment. Kason spoke up again. "And ensure my sisters are provided for. I will visit Kajala when I have the chance."

  As much as he wanted to explain Kajala's situation to Kason, he'd promised Kalahn he would consult with her first. "I would suggest giving her a few days alone with Kalahn. That way, she won't be overwhelmed with yet another sibling, and an overprotective older brother to boot."

  Kason grunted. "She has two of them now, so she will have to get used to it." Ryven opened his mouth, but Kason continued, "I have much to do anyway and will entrust her to you and Kalahn's care for the time being. However, my bride is anxious to meet her, so I can't delay it for too long."

  Ryven had only ever had short conversations with Taryn from time to time. "Now that I'm staying, I'll have to get to know your bride better. Then she can understand just how grumpy her lord really is."

  "Ryven," he warned.

  He winked. "I prefer my females a bit softer, so you have no competition from me."

  "Taryn is perfect."

  "For you, yes. But if we had exactly the same tastes in females, I don't think we would have remained friends this long. After all, you would've tired of me stealing them all away with my charm and good looks."

  Shaking his head, Kason tried not to smile. "Just go. I don't have time for your antics."

  "And to think you're going to be stuck with me for the rest of our lives now. Who knows, maybe I'll rub off on you, too."

  Before Kason could reply, Ryven laughed at his friend's frown and exited the room.

  He may have apprehensions about staying on the colony, but the exchange with Kason reminded Ryven of what he gained with his new home. Kason was his best friend, and the male who knew some of his most closely held secrets, not to mention one of the few people he'd entrust with his life.

  He wouldn't fail his friend, either, or dishonor him by flirting with his sister.

  Besides, soon enough Ryven would throw himself into his new work and barely see Kalahn at all. That would lessen the temptation and reinforce his priorities. After all, he couldn't take care of his mother if he were in jail. Kalahn was meant for another. End of story.

  ~~~

  Kalahn paced the length of the living room, snapping her fingers as she went. Staying inside Kajala's quarters was proving harder than she'd imagined. Especially since she wanted nothing more than to go out and find her sister-in-law herself.

  Kajala spoke from the cushy chair in the corner. "Taryn Demara is a busy female, and it's gracious of her to come at all. You probably shouldn't have bothered her for my sake."

  She stopped to face her sister. "Taryn is busy but has always told me that if I needed help, to ask. So that's what I did. If anyone can help you, it's her."

  Kajala shook her head. "She's in charge of the human colony, not the Kelderan one. And since my role in the colony is important, it's not as if I can live in the human settlement."

  "That's not what I'm asking for. You saw Ryven's mes
sage about our brother wanting to meet you. It's best to prepare him, and Taryn can easily manage that."

  A knock sounded on the door. As Kalahn headed toward it, she threw over her shoulder, "It's time to dust off your CEL."

  CEL was the Common Earth Language that the humans spoke. Kelderan royals were tutored in the language in case they encountered anyone from the vast Earth Colony Alliance and needed to negotiate terms.

  And from their conversations together, she’d learned that while Kajala hadn't been raised in the palace, she'd studied it to help with any diplomatic parties who spoke the language at her mother's retreat complex.

  To be honest, Kalahn didn't know how many languages Kajala could speak, but she guessed quite a few to be able to understand and keep secrets.

  Opening the door, Kalahn couldn't help but smile at Taryn. She stood in the doorway grinning and rubbing her hands. "I can't wait to find out this secret of yours."

  Gently tugging Taryn inside, she shut the door and made sure to position her body to block out Kajala behind her. "If you're expecting a hidden beau who turns out to be a shipwrecked space pirate, then you're going to be sadly disappointed."

  Taryn took her hand. "Just tell me what's going on, Kalahn."

  Taking a deep breath, she trusted her sister-in-law and stepped to this side. "Taryn Demara, may I present my younger sister, Kajala Mayven."

  Taryn didn't miss a beat in closing the distance and putting out her hand. "It's nice to meet another member of my husband's family. After all, our children will be fairly close in age and will probably get into trouble together."

  Kajala's voice cracked. "Th-thank you for your kindness."

  Her sister looked about ready to cry, but before Kalahn could say anything, Kajala bobbed her head, shook Taryn's hand, and said in accented CEL, "Yes, our children will be close in age. Although given what I've learned of your lord, he will probably keep yours locked up until they reach adulthood."