"Have the Tenders confirmed he's your match?"
"Not yet, but we don't need their approval. We know."
I understood. I had known with my matches as well. I had relied upon the confirmation of the Tenders because I didn't trust my gut, but my instincts had been convinced. "Will you marry him?" I asked.
She blushed again. She appeared so young and free, and I cursed the years my father had stolen from her. "Maybe. But not yet."
"I'm going to ask the King if I can visit Rowan," I said, changing the subject. She smiled, but couldn't disguise the trace of sadness in her eyes. "I can ask if you can join me."
Mum shook her head. "I don't want to change the law to suit me, Kee. Please tell him I love him, though."
"Of course I will." I squeezed her hand again. "I might change the law to suit you when I can, anyway. I think it's ridiculous that the Soul Tenders are locked away."
Mum nodded but didn't acknowledge my tentative plans. "How are you managing multiple Soul Matches? How are the young men dealing?" Her eyes traveled to each door, decorated with the crest of its House. The symbols exhibited age, something I hadn't perceived on my first perusal. They appeared as if they were many years old and had only recently been uncovered.
"They all appear to be coping well. I was worried about Reed at first, but he is happier today. On the surface, I can tell they are all adjusting. I am slightly anxious to see if their attitudes will shift when we become more intimate, but we shall deal with any difficulties as they arise. The bond is pushing me, though. I feel extremely sexually attracted to them. Is that normal?" Somewhere in the last few days, I had lost my embarrassment when speaking to my mother about such things. I needed to ask someone, and she was the only woman I trusted. Clay's reassurance had helped as well.
"I can't answer that. Obviously, I wasn't attracted to your father. Joseph is appealing to me, but the sensation might be muted because we are both older and past childbearing age. My libido has faded over the years. You have five virile men around you all the time; I imagine the sexual tension is unbearable at times."
"Unbearable is accurate," I groaned. "I feel like I should take my time, but my body doesn't understand or agree."
"Let all things happen naturally, Kee. Whether intimacy happens sooner or later doesn't matter as long as you feel the truth of it in your gut." She hesitated, her eyes studying my face. "Have you thought about who will be your first?"
I had thought about it. I wondered if the men had. Would the man who claimed me first earn bragging rights? "I have no idea," I replied honestly. "I am certain none of the men are virgins, so it is only my first time."
Mum cocked her head to the side, studying me. "I wouldn't be so sure about that."
I snorted. "Mum, have you looked at them? They are all exceedingly handsome." I lowered my voice. "I learned today that Clay was raised in a brothel. I'm certain he knows far more than I could ever hope to learn."
Mum's brows rose in surprise. "If he has your best interests at heart, he will teach you. Here." She pulled a small brown pouch from her pocket. Pulling the drawstring, I wrinkled my nose and held it as far from my face as possible.
"Ugh, Mum, what is this? It reminds me of the fertilizer piles at the edge of the farms."
Mum laughed at my apparent disgust. "This will prevent little babies running around if you ingest a cupful every morning after you have relations. If not in the morning, drink it six hours afterward. Brew the herbs into a tea. If you add honey, it will taste better than it smells. You shouldn’t worry about children until the threats against the kingdom are resolved."
I resealed the bag and stuffed it into the drawer of my nightstand. Thank the Saints for mothers. I hadn't considered the prospect of pregnancy, and I definitely wasn't ready to be a mother myself. "I thought men had ways, you know." I shifted uncomfortably.
"They have barriers they can wear, but this will permit skin to skin contact. Barriers sometimes interfere with the bond completion."
I nodded again. I had heard the door to the sitting room open several times. The scent of food wafted from the entryway, and I identified the voices of more men than Clay and Reed. Though I had just seen Ian and Seb this morning, I was looking forward to being with them again. I had missed them. I shook my head, hardly recognizing myself. A little over a week ago, my only concern was testing. Now, I had five men and the ruling of a kingdom on my mind. I was already exhausted.
We stood together, and she hugged me again. "I won't stay, darling."
"You can," I protested.
She offered me a small smile. "Let Reed tell you what we have found. I'm having dinner with Joseph."
I grinned. "Have fun, Mum." My eyes twinkled, and she laughed, shaking her head. I enjoyed teasing her, knowing she was happy. All my life, I had seen her sad, upset, and downtrodden by Father. Now, she was free. I huffed in sudden anger. "I'm still not certain I forgive the King."
Mum knew precisely what I referred to. She held my hands, staring at me with such love, my chest expanded with elation. "I have. You are a gift, Kee."
As we emerged from my chamber, my heart brimmed with a different kind of pride. I loved seeing the men talking and laughing around the table, interacting as if they'd been friends for years. Each one of them regarded me with such appreciation in their eyes, my own nearly started flowing with tears. Everything in that moment was ideal and beautiful. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
Chapter 6
Reed
The information Reed had learned wasn't monumental, but it went a long way towards explaining a couple questions which had been concerning him. The news might also smooth Kiarra's ascension to Queen. He was so pleased to not be working on the same tedious projects at the University. Happiness and contentment filled him for the first time in years. Going to bed last night with Kiarra's taste on his lips hadn't hurt. Wrapped in her arms, he'd comprehended and accepted that she wanted him. No matter how many other handsome men she had on hand, she wanted him too. The knowledge eased his insecurities.
While he waited for Kiarra to finish with her mom, he made an effort to involve himself in the conversation with the men around the table. All of Kiarra's matches now occupied the room, having entered shortly after Kiarra disappeared into her room. He had always held himself aloof from most people, but he was going to build a future with these men, and they deserved to understand him.
He liked the Merchant. The man was brilliant in his own way and affable towards everyone he met. He treated Reed like a brother despite their short acquaintance. Ian still regarded him with interest at times, but it was the spy's nature to be suspicious. They could hear Kiarra and her mother's soft voices because the door wasn't shut all the way, but they didn't eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Kiarra's training went well this morning," Mason announced. "She possesses admirable strength, and her reflexes are fast. She lacks weapons education, but I think with practice, she'll pick up the art quickly. Her school refused to offer her any advance training when she didn't show any promise."
"Aye. I snooped around the secondary school today. The schoolmaster, Blevins, believes Kiarra has been shuttled off to another settlement to avoid the embarrassment of her Commoner status tarnishing her mother's reputation. That man is as unpleasant as they come." Ian eyed Seb and Reed. "I'm assuming you both attended the school on the other side of the city?"
Seb nodded, but Reed answered aloud. "Although our family unit was situated closer to Kiarra's school, my parents were acquainted with Master Blevins personally. They petitioned for us to attend the other school precisely because of him. He’s an ass to more students than just Kiarra, though I've heard she received worse treatment than others. The headmaster chooses favorites and every other child is forgotten and ridiculed." Reed grimaced. "The way he teaches is unacceptable. I'll speak with the Scholar Advisor; perhaps he can discuss reassignment with the Head."
Ian nodded in approval. "I'd love to see that, preferably a hovel
in northern Megreria." He grinned, but it didn't hide the exhaustion on his face. The spy might not have slept since their meeting with the King the night before. "In regards to the rumor mill, the most important information is staying silent. The top tiers and certain others in my House know we are here; the news could not be hidden from them. As far as I can tell, however, Kiarra's presence is still a secret. Your father is not happy." Ian glanced at Mason. The Military man nodded, but his lips turned downwards in disapproval. Reed had never met the High Commander himself, but the stories of him were not pleasant. From the short time he'd spent with the soldier, Reed had decided Mason did not take after his corrupt father.
"I expected as such," Mason admitted. "I'll deal with him when he becomes a threat to Kiarra or us." Reed admired that Mason was so willing to defy his father; it said a lot about the man's character. "I'm also going to speak with the Military Advisor about my sisters. I'm not certain they won't take the brunt of my father's anger while I'm living here. I'll insist that the King protect them. I've sent my fellow guard, Gillian, to keep watch for now, but his actions could be considered insubordination. I want to make sure he's protected as well."
"If you need to be with your sisters, we'd understand," Clay said.
Mason shook his head. "No. Kiarra needs me here as well. I can tell the bond is straining her. If I distance myself from her, I fear it will affect all our bonds. Gillian is capable and willing to take the risk. I'll speak with the Military Advisor tomorrow."
Seb glanced at Reed. "What have you been doing all day, brother? You look like the cat that ate the canary, and it wasn't because it was your assigned day with Kiarra."
Reed nodded. "The Scholar Advisor, Kiarra's mother, and I spent the day in the palace archives. We uncovered some secrets which will be extremely helpful in securing Kiarra's place on the throne." Ian raised his brows, assessing Reed with new appreciation. "During dinner, I'll relay the information." He touched his satchel, feeling the reassuring bulk of the books. He was still reeling from the revelations they'd uncovered.
Kiarra emerged from the back room just as Mason admitted her maid, pushing a cart laden with food. Reed's stomach growled. He had been so occupied with his research; he had barely stopped to inhale cheese and bread for lunch. Seb rose to help Bridget unload the dishes, even as the girl protested the need for assistance. She fumbled the dishes with her shaking hands.
"Bridget," Kiarra's voice rang with compassion. She was gorgeous in the light green dress, her breasts high and full and her hair loose around her shoulders. Her eyes were greener today, probably because of her gown. He hoped she wore blue soon and wondered if the color could possibly make her eyes any bluer. "I understand the male servants aren't allowed in here, so please allow my companions to help." Bridget nodded nervously. Mason rose to assist her as well, and it only took moments to unload the cart. The maid fled from the room afterward as if her dress was on fire.
Kiarra approached Ian from behind, wrapping her arms around him where he sat on his chair. He rested his head on her chest, his eyes closed. His expression morphed from one of suspicion and exhaustion to complete bliss. Reed was pleased Kiarra could bring about the change in the Shadow. Ian couldn't be more than two years older than him, but he acted like a man ten years his senior. Reed had heard the stories of the Blackburn males. He was certain Ian's childhood had been difficult to provoke such maturity.
Kiarra kissed the top of Ian's dark head and moved on to Seb, another she hadn't seen since they parted ways after breakfast. His brother swung the woman up into his arms, her feet lifting off the floor. He nuzzled her neck, eliciting a laugh out of her that warmed Reed's heart. Seb had dated a girl during secondary school, but he'd never seen Seb so content. He acted like he was happy all the time and he joked to sustain the belief, but Reed knew the ghosts of his parents' deaths still haunted him. His foster brother might have felt at home with Reed and his parents, but it looked as though Seb had found his third family.
Kiarra's mother smiled as her daughter greeted her matches. Kiarra kissed Seb's cheek, extracted herself from his arms although he pouted dramatically, and gave her mother one last hug. The older Walton woman left with a final farewell.
Kiarra placed herself between Reed and Seb as Mason started passing dishes around the table. She had an elastic tie in her hand, and she was pulling her hair into a braid as she turned the other way to ask Seb how his day went. Clay nudged Reed’s arm. The Merchant leaned over to him, whispering in his ear.
"Take that away from her."
Reed didn't question the command. He took Kiarra's hand in his, surprising her as he raised it to his lips. The blue flecks sparked in her eyes when he captured her gaze. Gently extracting the hair tie from her grip, she didn't realize he'd taken it until he released her hand. She pouted, and he held his prize in the air with a playful grin.
"Clay told me to steal this, but I think all the men agree that we like your hair down."
Each man nodded. Ian smirked at Reed and Clay. He wiggled his eyebrows. "Aye, Lass, your hair is a marvel. Leave it down for us once in a while. Please."
Kiarra frowned. "It gets in my way," she complained. Seb gently whisked the tumbling mass over her shoulder.
"We'll help you if it becomes too much."
"And how are you going to do that?" she asked.
Seb stared at her, his eyes darkening. Reed hid his smile. His brother had a penchant for pulling a girl's hair in bed, but Kiarra couldn't possibly know that. Seb would never hurt a woman, but he was far more dominant than anyone would guess from his carefree, joking nature. As proud and independent as she was, Kiarra would have her hands full with him. Reed looked forward to seeing how the power struggle played out and he wondered who would win; maybe they both would.
Seb cleared his throat, but he didn't answer, looking away before the urge to show her how pressed him to move. Across the table, Ian chuckled, and Reed speculated whether the spy possessed a unique talent for reading minds. More likely, he had tracked down Seb's old girlfriend. He wouldn't put such subterfuge past the Shadow.
The food continued to make its rounds around the table while Ian relayed the results of his search in the city. It wasn't any more information than he'd given them before her entrance into the room. Kiarra frowned at him, pulling apart a piece of bread. Reed was relieved she ate with gusto, not fussing over table etiquette like his mother. She didn't have bad manners, but she didn't worry about putting her elbows on the table or picking up her meat with her hands. When she licked the juice of the steamed pears from her fingers, Reed wagered every man forgot whatever they had been thinking. Ian certainly did, his voice trailing away in the middle of a sentence.
She turned to Reed after her innocent display, and he had to clear the erotic images her pink tongue had provoked. He was reasonably sure he was the only virgin in the room. He might have considered Clay, but intuition told him otherwise. Despite the Merchant’s tendency towards blushing, he seemed confident and hadn't been embarrassed about answering the door earlier with a visible erection. He wondered what Kiarra's mom had thought of that.
Reed couldn't decide whether to tell Kiarra about his virgin status or not. Sometimes, he wished he would be her first as she would be his. Other times, he thought it best she had a more skilled, experienced lover for her first time. He had read books, of course, but reading wasn't the same as doing.
"Are you ready to tell me about what you and Mum found out today? She wouldn't say anything except that the Scholar Advisor's specialty lay in genetics."
Reed nodded, replacing one passion for another in his mind. He pushed his plate aside and barely noticed when the other men began moving dishes and food away from them. Bridget had left the cart, so most of their leftovers went on top of it.
Night arrived outside, the west-facing windows filling the room with an orange radiance. The light burnished Kiarra’s hair, surrounding her with a halo of fire. The maid had also lit a few lanterns around the room, cloakin
g the chamber in a warm glow as the sun retreated behind the walls.
"Yes. We discovered several things today; data I am still surprised was not common knowledge in addition to the Soul Tender's prophecy. Your father was chosen by the Fates for a reason." Reed paused, and the room held its breath. This was one of his favorite moments when researching, revealing the information to a captive audience. Considering his introverted nature, he was surprised he enjoyed the moment so much, but it was like giving a gift. "William Walton is descended from one of the children whose mother used to rule Megreria."
Kiarra's eyes widened. Clay swore under his breath in surprise, and Seb gasped. "What? My how many greats grandmother was Queen?"
Reed nodded. "Five generations ago, long enough for your father's ancestry to become obscured by time. The Cadens are another branch of the family, descended from another child of the same Queen, so like a many greats uncle as opposed to a direct grandfather or grandmother."
"So, Kiarra's ancestor was a Queen?" Seb clarified.
"Aye, that is welcome news, Scholar." Ian nodded in approval. "A royal lineage will make the public less likely to reject her claim and equalize her footing with Everett."
"But, that's not all. The son of Queen Mellisande, the first father of the Caden line, founded the five Houses. This suite of rooms was built originally for Queen Mellisande."
"She had five Soul Matches, didn't she?" Kiarra's awareness remained entirely on Reed, but both of them knew they had the attention of everyone in the room.
The longer she stared at him, the bluer her eyes became. "Queen Mellisande did have five partners, and each was proficient in one area of government. They acted as her Advisors. There isn't any mention of Soul Tenders, so we're unclear if they were Soul Matches or not, but they were her lovers and partners. The Caden line originated from her Military partner, the head of the army. The Walton line was born from her Merchant Advisor, the manager of commerce. Conflicting reports exist on whether she had another child as well, a girl."
Echoes of Her Soul: A Reverse Harem Fantasy (Soul Tenders Book 2) Page 5