He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t noticed Eloise had a calming effect on Kai, although today was an exception.
‘And I know you’re going to think I’m crazy but-’
‘You think that woman’s his mother don’t you?’
‘Yes!’
Sabe nodded, and looking at Kiera under hooded brows sighed. ‘You know there’s no way Kai’s going to ask Eloise to stay, and that’s only the first obstacle.’
Slapping his arm, Kiera loved to delegate. ‘I know, but you can deal with him, and I’ll sort out Eloise. Where is he?’
He pointed over his shoulder towards the East hall.
‘If I was a betting man, I’d say he’s in the wedding quarters.’ Sabe pursed his lips with raised brows.
‘Fine, you go see him, I’ll talk to Eloise, and tomorrow, I’ll send word to Jace. He can bring over his mother and father.’
Sabe grinned. ‘I really don’t think they’ll want to watch the executions tomorrow.’
‘If we can sort out Kai and Eloise, maybe they won’t have to watch, but we’ll deal with that later. Let’s see if we can at least get these two talking first. Agreed?’
Cocking his head to the side Sabe’s curiosity got the better of him. ‘Out with it.’
‘What?’
‘Since this whole thing started, you’ve been against it, now you want it…what’s going on?’
‘I want what you want; I want Kai to be happy.’ Kiera touched her brother’s arm and her expression softened as she looked at him. ‘It kills me to admit it, but, Eloise is right for him.’
Hugging his arms around her. ‘Alright, let’s see if we can sort out this mess.
Chapter 27
Pacing in front of the window, his hands running through his greasy hair, Garlan’s scowling face made Eloise uneasy. Sweat beaded on his crimson face, he looked ready to burst.
‘Where the hell is Leon?’
‘I’m sure he’ll be back soon, father. I think you should sit down.’
‘I don’t need to sit!’ He snapped. ‘This is all Roulan’s fault! I warned him!’
Picking at a loose thread on her sleeve, Eloise was in a daze as she sat on the edge of her father’s bed; her brother awaited his execution, and the promises between her and Kai were no more. Her father didn’t seem disturbed about Roulan, he was only interested in losing his alliance with Kai, and that bothered her.
The demon earlier had taken over Kai completely, it wasn’t Kai that sent them away; she knew he wouldn’t do that. At the bonding ceremony, he was caring and attentive; they’d connected deeply. Her eyes closed and tears fell onto her cheeks. She wasn’t able to bring him back from his rage as she’d done the day before.
The door opened and Leon’s concerned face greeted her before turning to Garlan.
‘What’s going on?’
‘It doesn’t look good I’m afraid. Sabe advised there’s no hope of staying the execution, although it’s postponed until the morning.’
‘I warned him!’ Garlan’s frustrated cry echoed around the room. Balling his fists, he raised them above his head then slammed them hard against the windowsill.
Eloise and Leon watched the King break down and fall to his knees. His manner had suddenly switched from anger to remorse.
‘What have I done? My son…It’s my fault!’
Jumping up from the bed Eloise aided her father. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, tears streamed down her cheeks; for herself, her brother and her father.
‘I deserve this…’ Garlan’s words broke out between sobs.
Eloise had never seen her father in such a state; always hard and appearing unemotional, his words spilled out, hidden among choking tears.
‘Forgive me Charlain… oh sweet beauty, I didn’t deserve you, I hurt you so much...’
‘Hush father.’ Eloise tried to comfort him, but it seemed impossible.
Leon moved closer to Eloise. ‘My lady, it might be better if I deal with this.’
Taking her arm, aiding her to stand, he gave a gentle smile and ushered her towards the door.
‘Don’t worry; I’ll take care of him. Go to Nissa and gather your things.’
Nodding, she quietly left and wandered back to her own room.
Surprised at seeing Kiera waiting for her; Eloise looked to her with expectant eyes. ‘Do you have good news to share Kiera?’
Compressing her lips in a thin line, she shook her head to the side before answering. ‘Hmm, not really, but... I wanted to talk to you, about Kai.’
‘Oh!’ she edged towards Kiera. ‘He’s alright, isn’t he?’
‘I think so, Sabe’s with him now, I’ve not seen him.’
Eloise narrowed her eyes, ‘What did you want to talk about?’
It was difficult Kiera admitting Eloise was right for Kai, but it was obvious to her and her brother, and she couldn’t deny it. In the years she’d known him, she’d never seen him happier.
Kiera blew out a breath. ‘You’re the only person I’ve met who’s not afraid of Kai when he’s… not himself. You don’t really want to leave, do you?’
This wasn’t expected. Eloise blinked a few times. ‘I, I’m not sure what I want.’
In her heart she wanted Kai, she’d fallen for him. But he held her brother in chains, she wasn’t sure if she could forgive him.
Kiera arched a brow. ‘I thought you cared for him?’
‘I do.’ Eloise bit back quickly, ‘Forgive me Kiera but he’s holding my brother in a cell and plans to execute him in the morning, or did you forget?’
‘Of course I didn’t. Sabe’s speaking to him about that now, but I believe if you tell him you don’t want to leave, and let him know how you feel, it might get the sentence reduced.’
‘Kiera, it’s not up to me ask if I can stay, it was Kai who ordered us to leave. He doesn’t want me.’
‘Yes he does! He just won’t admit it!’ She stepped closer and grabbed her hands, ‘Eloise, I know him. He’s afraid if he asks you to stay, you’ll say no. He can’t deal with rejection, don’t you see?’
Remembering his reply to her question at the temple, she knew Kai wasn’t only the tough, fearless warrior he’d lead everyone to believe. He’d suffered all his life, both in body and mind. Eloise needed to put today’s less savory events to the back of her mind. Maybe Sabe could have her brother released, and even if Kai didn’t keep the agreement with her father, he could still send him home with Roulan, and she’d stay, if that’s what he wanted.
Eloise looked to Nissa but it wouldn’t matter what she thought. It was up to Eloise. How much did she really care for Kai? If she spoke with him now, and he rejected her it wouldn’t be the end of the world. If she didn’t try, for the rest of her life she’d be left wondering.
Taking a deep breath, Eloise started to remove the clips and fastenings in her hair.
‘Come and help me Nissa.’
Confused, Nissa and Kiera both frowned and although Nissa obeyed her request, she wasn’t sure what had gotten in to her.
‘Why are you letting your hair down?’
‘I’ll tell you later, but hurry.’ Eloise could see Kiera’s furrowing brows and grinned. ‘Give me a few moments, and then you can take me to Kai.’
***
In the center of a large bedroom, brightly colored fabric draped over a large bed. It looked romantic, enhanced by the many lit candles placed around the room.
Kai strolled in from the adjoining wash room and frowned when he saw Sabe standing there. He wore only a towel around his hips, and changing his frown to a scowl, remained silent.
It was unclear if he was calm enough for Sabe to speak with him, but taking a chance, Sabe cautiously stepped closer.
‘The room looks good.’
He glanced towards the bed, and his eyebrows rose. Kai’s frosty glare caused him to sigh, and after clearing his throat, made another approach. Watching his friend slowly walk through the double doors onto the porch, he started to foll
ow.
‘Leon’s going to have some explaining to do.’ He sniggered, ‘Kiera’s punch landed perfectly, and it’s left a bit of a mark.’
He leaned to the side and quickly stiffened when Kai turned and coolly looked at him. In a calm voice and without expression he gave his order.
‘Tell Saul and Maika to choose six other men, and have them make ready to escort our guests to the border tomorrow, at first light.’
Motionless except for narrowing eyes, Sabe braved a comment.
‘You’re letting her go so easily?’
Slowly turning his head to gaze out to the garden, Kai didn’t answer until his shoulders shrugged. ‘I doubt she’ll want to stay after I’ve executed her brother.’
Frowning, Sabe’s voice was soft. ‘You don’t have to.’ Edging closer, ‘Make an exception.’
Kai snapped his head towards his friend. ‘No!’
‘He’s royalty Kai, I’m sure everyone will accept your decision if you let him go.’
‘Why should I?’ He looked angry. ‘He’s a snake, and he’s hired Tigan, who knows what for.’
Kai stood in the doorway and leaned against the wood frame, folding his arms over his chest.
‘She’s good for you Kai. You can’t deny it.’
‘Leave it!’
His words a low growl, made Sabe lower his head but only for a moment. Snapping his head back to stare at his friend, Sabe couldn’t hold back.
‘You’re pushing her away, you don’t really want her to leave.’
‘What do you know?’ Kai leaned towards him, but before he continued, Sabe cut him off.
‘And not only Eloise. You and I both know that woman from Stonegarth knew more than she should. Put that together with Teila’s words, it’s more than just a coincidence!’
Sabe’s voice grew louder when Kai sneered and turned to look away.
‘She’s your mother Kai!’
He spun on Sabe, his temper rose in moments, and his eyes widened as he closed in.
‘What does it matter? It won’t make it go away will it? It still happened!’
‘Yes it did! But at least you know that woman who sold you wasn’t your real mother, and you don’t have to feel-’
‘Betrayed? Abandoned?’
‘Yes!’ Sabe took a deep breath and ran his hand through thick, black hair. ‘Kai, don’t let her go, ask her to stay.’
Scowling, ‘Not going to happen.’ Kai’s agitation at Sabe’s lecture started to annoy him. ‘I think you need to leave.’
‘I’m not going anywhere until I get through that thick head of yours, and make you see sense.’
Kai hissed through clenched teeth.
‘Go, now!’
His eyes turned wild, but Sabe didn’t move, he knew he was pushing it, but if he couldn’t make Kai back down from his stubborn ways, he’d regret it.
‘You’re going to die alone Kai! Speak to Eloise…’
Hands lunged at his throat and pushed him flat against the wall. Hitting his fists on Kai’s arms, he tried to break free but Kai’s grip started to choke him.
Kai watched his hands tighten around his friend’s throat, Sabe’s eyes widened; he started to turn crimson. Suddenly releasing him, he stepped back and looked in shock at Sabe as his hands rubbed his neck while gasping for air.
‘Sabe, go! I won’t be able to stop next time!’
Staring at his hands in disbelief, Kai closed his eyes and drew in a long breath. Sabe, his trusted friend, didn’t deserve that. Out of control and getting worse, it was a miracle he’d released him. After hearing Sabe leave, Kai fisted his hands and crying out, punched the wall.
The cool stone calmed his flushed skin as his hand rested against it; his thoughts turned to the bonding ceremony and within a few moments he felt his rage disappear. With Eloise he’d found peace, but Sabe was right; he was pushing her away. His stomach churned at the thought of losing her.
He heard a loud creak as the door behind him was pushed open; he turned with wide eyes to see Eloise standing in the doorway, her long hair falling over delicate shoulders and down to her waist in a cascade of waves took away his breath. Unable to speak, he stared for a moment before narrowing his eyes.
‘How did you find this room?’
‘I asked Kiera to bring me to you.’ She replied softly.
Only a few hours earlier, Eloise had seen that same half naked body, yet seeing him now made her stomach clench. His narrowed eyes should have made her turn and run, but she needed to look at him. She remembered the feel of skin against skin when they were in the pool.
Stepping forward, Eloise looked hesitantly around the room, taking in the decorations; flowers, garlands and candles, before noticing the dress laid out on the bed. It was then she realized this was to be their room.
Kai inched towards her slowly, and watched her take in the dress. Soft white silk decorated with golden beads, its empire waist and long flowing skirt would fit Eloise’s curves perfectly.
‘You can take that home with you when you leave. Consider it a wedding gift, for your future husband.’
Kai’s mocking words cut into her but she didn’t rise to them. She touched her hand to the dress and trailed her fingertips across the detailed bodice before looking around at the room. Candles covered every surface, illuminating the room with golden flames.
Kai closed the space between them, and moving his hand to a nearby candle, his palm hovered over the flame and brushed slowly from side to side.
‘If we were back at the temple, I’d ask you a question.’ His voice was calm but there still lingered a hint of sarcasm. Still moving his hand back and forth over the flame, he only glanced at her before looking back to the candle.
‘We don’t need to be at the temple for you to ask me a question or do you doubt I’ll answer truthfully?’
Arching a brow and pulling his hand from the flame, he rubbed his heated palm with the thumb of his other hand. Moistening his lips and hesitating, he found the courage to ask what was on his mind.
‘Do you hate me?’
‘No, Kai.’
Looking into deep brown eyes, surprised by her reply, he narrowed his eyes.
‘You should.’
Eloise shook her head and smiled softly.
‘I couldn’t, even if I wanted to.’
She reached her hand towards his and brushed her fingertips over the heated area he’d been rubbing.
‘You weren’t to blame for what happened today. I know you fight and struggle every day to hold the anger and rage inside. It’s not your fault.’
Hearing Eloise’s soft voice, and looking into gentle eyes, knowing she spoke truthfully, he still couldn’t accept it. Doubting the reality, he’d lived his life preparing for constant disappointment, so it wouldn’t hurt as much when it came.
Soft fingertips trailing along his hand dragged him away from his thoughts. Swallowing and wetting his lips he struggled to form words.
‘Ask me, Kai.’
Labored breaths caused his nostrils to flare wide. Touching her fingers, he stared deep into her eyes and searched for some idea of what her reply might be if he dared to ask the question waiting to be voiced.
She encouraged him with gentle strokes of her fingers, unable to take in the vulnerable expression for much longer.
Kai’s finger extended towards her hair as it rested down her shoulders. Running his fingertips down the silky locks and teasing it between his thumb and fingers, he seemed lost.
‘I like touching your hair.’
His voice a soft whisper was barely audible. Moving his hand towards her face, he brushed the back of his hand against her cheek.
Their eyes locked for a moment. Lowering his voice to a whisper, Kai leaned forward.
‘Don’t leave me.’
His uneven breaths fell against her skin as he forced the words out. Tears swelled in Eloise’s eyes as she held contact with his burning gaze. Her arms reached to his sides then trailed to his back. Kai brus
hed her hair off her shoulders into a ponytail; twisting it around his arm then tugging it at the nape of her neck, nestling his face close to hers.
Eloise’s breathy voice spilled from parted lips as he tugged on her hair.
‘I‘ll never leave you.’
Kai’s eyes glared with intense passion; his skin burned as if it were on fire.
‘I promise.’ Her affirmation stilled his unease.
In a rush of need, Kai wrapped his arms around her, breathing in her scent. Sliding his hand with spread fingers down to her buttocks, he pressed against her.
‘I need you.’ He breathed roughly.
A gentle tug of her hair caused Eloise to moan softly at delicate lips against her neck. Kai’s hot breath warmed her skin as he traveled down her neck to her shoulder. Lost in a moment where negative thoughts faded into darkness, her eyes closed as she surrendered to his caressing touch.
Feeling hardness against her belly, Eloise lowered her hands and ran her fingers along the top of the towel to Kai’s hips and shuddered when his tongue flicked up her throat and traveled towards her ear, nibbling at the sensitive lobe.
Breathing in sharply, her mind overcome with sensual need, Eloise whispered against his warming skin. ‘Show me how much you need me, Kai.’
Kai stilled, his body was on fire with need.
Releasing her hair from his grip, Kai’s hands moved to her back and tore without patience at the ribbon holding her dress together; the need to feel Eloise’s bare flesh against his was urgent and desperate. A sharp gasp spilled from her parted lips, exciting him further. Pushing the fabric off her shoulders he scooped her into his arms and carried her towards the bed and gently released her. Without protest she clawed at the overlap of the towel and tugged it free as he joined her on the bed. Kai’s wild eyes widened; seeing her equally needy to touch and feel him caused a feral growl to rumble up from his chest. Eloise threw the towel to the side and raked her eyes over his magnificent form, a blush rising to her cheeks when her eyes rested on his cock.
Eloise stared at the thick muscle now grasped by Kai’s hand as he smoothed it over his erection. She breathed out, trembling and unknowing of what was to follow, her voice broke out with a whimper.
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