His mind drifted back to Citaan. His beautiful wife looked so full with the babe that it scared him to leave her, half terrified she'd go into labor the moment he left. It made him grateful that Sian and Daron had decided to stay to help out, though it would have been nicer under different circumstances.
I hope Alek and Cat wake soon, Gredel thought. I'd really like them here to offer their blessing when the babe arrives. Aside from that somewhat selfish reason, it would also make everyone happier. The castle and its inhabitants all carried an aura of gloom at the moment. It made the days he'd attended Council even more dreary than usual, and roused an unpleasant guilty feeling. Gredel did worry about Alek and Cat, but Elena said they'd be fine, and he worried more about Citaan and the baby. With everyone acting like the end of the world was nigh, he had to contain his enthusiasm and those moments where he wanted to dance around in joy.
A baby! His baby. That thought sent contradicting shivers of excitement and terror through him yet again. I'm going to be a father!
'ZEYNON, NO!' KASSIE shrieked when Rumal's little brother hurled himself off the roof of the shed. With a flick of her fingers, mind focused, she caught him mid-air with her energy and carefully lowered the little imp to the ground. As soon as his feet touched the dirt Zeynon made to flee, but his brother, who rounded the corner at just the right moment, caught him by the back of his shirt.
'Zeynon,' Rumal looked very unimpressed. 'We've had this conversation before. Kassandra's gift is NOT a toy. Now get on, you can help muck out the stalls.'
'Awww, Rumal,' whined Zeynon.
'Get going. You knew the consequences after last time.'
The child hung his head while he trudged off, but Kassie caught the mischievous glance he shot her, his lips trembling with suppressed laughter.
I'll bet I'll end up having to do that again, Kassie thought while exchanging an exasperated look with Rumal.
The last time had been off the cliffs by the beach.
Since arriving at the family estate on Delanta, Kassie had been riding daily. After Rumal saw her lack of confidence on a horse, he'd set out to turn her into a top equestrian. Or whatever the equivalent of that was here on Gar'nyse.
On that particularly memorable day they’d ridden along the beach. The soft sand had been a new challenge for Kassie, and she'd been focused on her horse when she heard Rumal's gasp. Glancing up she’d found the mocha skinned man looking remarkably pale, staring up at the cliffs that overhung the beach. Following his gaze, she saw a tiny figure standing there, observing. She'd extended her gift and "recognized" Zeynon.
Kassie had been puzzled. 'What's he doing?'
Then a change in the air made her look up again, just in time to see Zeynon hurtling through the air with his arms outstretched like Sian had done that time off Nesha. Except of course, minus the griffon to snatch him up.
Rumal had cried out in horror. Without thinking Kassie urged her horse forward, stretching up out of the saddle to catch the boy with her gift. The child's delighted laughter had echoed off the battered limestone cliff face, as she lowered him to his big brother's waiting arms. When he had a grip on the little fiend, Rumal had excused himself and dragged Zeynon off behind a bush to tan his hide. Trembling, Kassie had slipped down from the saddle and staggered to the water's edge, then thrown up repeatedly. And she'd thought horse riding was scary!
'Kassandra.'
Breaking from her thoughts, Kassie turned to find Rumal's mother, Lady Br'Laan, walking toward them, a smile gracing her elegant face. 'Nalimi.'
'Is my little darling teasing you again?'
Rumal snorted. Kassie laughed and took Nalimi's extended hands, pressing her cheek to the older woman's. 'Only a little.'
Nalimi smiled at Rumal, who offered them both an arm to lead them to the house.
'I'm sure your father and grandfather will appreciate the extra help. They've scarcely seen Zeynon since Kassie's arrived. I think they're actually missing him.'
'It makes a change from their moaning about him,' Rumal said.
AFTER DINNER THAT evening, Rumal and Kassie lay sprawled across the cover of Rumal's large bed. The man petted Lucky in an absentminded manner while they chatted about the day. The cat purred furiously when he stroked the soft white fur on her belly, and he smiled, reaching a finger up to tickle Lucky's chin. It was a while before Rumal realized that Kassie had fallen silent, staring at the bed.
'What's wrong?' he asked, though he knew the answer.
She glanced up in surprise, and then shrugged with that now familiar sad, resigned expression. 'I don't know. It just feels like… like a long two months.'
It always appeared to dwell on her mind this time of the evening. Though he agreed, it did feel very long. Rumal rolled over the top of her, holding his weight with his elbows at either side of her head and brushed his nose against hers. 'Soon, Kass.'
KASSIE WATCHED RUMAL’S molten gold eyes swirl while he smiled and that unusual energy of his began to extend when he bent his head to hers. The kiss, soft and sweet, deepened and he pressed intimately against her. All the concerns flew out the window. Kassie wrapped her arms around his neck, relishing the pleasurable escape from the present.
*****
AT THE CASTLE in her chambers, Elena smiled at her sister in the mirror. 'How is the study going?'
'Fine. I have some field research to do that will hopefully provide some insight into the carnivores’ habits. The diversity of the creatures here is astounding. I'm not surprised Jenviet was able to find suitable test subjects.'
Elena drummed her fingers on the dresser surface and nodded, lips stretched thinly over her teeth as she grimly acknowledged that creature's ingenuity. 'Desperation appears to be rather inspirational for her.'
Her sister shrugged. 'As it is for many, Ellie. I have to go. I'll let you know if anything of interest pops up.'
'Take care.'
'Always.'
Elena leaned back in the chair while the mirror shifted back to its normal, reflective surface. The utter silence from Jenviet made her nervous. Elena frowned at herself in the mirror.
I will go ahead with the plans to protect the castle, Elena thought. I won't complain if she doesn't bother us before those two wake up.
Elena felt another twinge of anxiety at that. It must be soon, though she wasn't looking forward to having that conversation with Cat. While Elena mulled over those somber thoughts there was a knock on the door, and Yakov entered with their morning pot of tea.
'Here we go.' He flashed that charming smile and she resisted the urge to giggle. Sometimes he made her feel like a girl of two hundred again.
Yakov set the tray on the dresser and pulled the other chair close. Neither spoke for a while, enjoying the peace and silence. The last two months had been very stressful and he waited impatiently for Alek and Cat to wake. Trying to keep the calm, to be "diplomatic" as his role of adviser required, proved strenuous to say the least. Spreading the General Guard and Centaur Cavalry across the land hadn't improved the sense of fear so many had, but it was necessary. This silence from Jenviet felt intimidating; surely, at some point she’d retaliate but when, and how? Elena appeared in the midst of similar considerations, a frown marring her forehead.
'Stop it, Ellie,' he gently chided. 'You know there's nothing more to be done until they wake.'
Elena sighed and shook her head. Her hair, free from its customary plait, flowed around her. 'I know, I just wish I knew what she was up to.'
*****
OUTSIDE IN THE courtyard, Loi settled beneath a favorite tree and tied her long hair back with a length of red ribbon. Getting comfortable, she pressed both hands lightly against the soft earth and exposed roots then extended her energy down, tracing the roots deep into the earth. Immediately, a dense, resonate hum arose from all the plants in the vicinity, audible only to those who were gifted.
Far away on Delanta, Kassie tuned in with Loi, and then Sian tuned in too. In their various places, the three of the
m relaxed as their energy flowed throughout the earth, the water, and the air. Each one breathed a sigh of relief at being linked again.
Since the attack, they couldn't manage much longer than a day without linking. The longer they held off, the worse they felt. Intense headaches, and a horribly weak sensation in all her limbs, had Loi worried until Elena explained. Loi smiled when she saw some of the images of what Kassie had been up to, and felt Sian's laughter at the image of Zeynon leaping off the shed roof.
FROM A SECOND floor window, Sabyn watched while Loi sat beneath the tree. Eyes closed, she smiled and her lips moved while she conversed with the other girls. Only at this time of the day—his favorite now—did he get to see his beautiful, strong Loi again; not stressed nor worried. Leaning against the windowsill Sabyn smiled when she laughed at something, his eyes focused on her lovely face. He chuckled at the variety of expressions that flickered across it. She didn't know he watched her and you could only see her from this window in the corridor. A cough made him turn, and he saw Yakov standing there.
'Are they linking?'
Sabyn nodded, and the adviser stepped closer to look out the window at Loi.
'It's nice to see her smiling again.'
'It is. She was up again last night. I think they might wake soon, she's been up three nights this week.'
'Ellie is thinking the same. I hope they do, there are many things that need to be sorted, and it can't happen till they're conscious,' Yakov said.
OUTSIDE THE ROYAL Chamber, the guards shifted position and took a moment to fuss over Audrey. The dog made it her duty to wait for her mistress, and the alternating guards all enjoyed Audrey's company. They played fetch with her down the long corridor. A couple of the guards took the time to teach her new tricks. It made the long shifts pass more quickly. When Audrey went to settle down between the two men, she suddenly froze. The guards exchanged a glance when the dog cocked her head at the closed doors and stiffened.
IN THE COURTYARD mid-conversation, Loi froze when a thought touched her mind. What was that? She thought via their link.
The three stayed silent while they extended their energy, hesitant to say what they thought—hoped—it might be.
OUTSIDE THE ROYAL Chamber, Audrey let loose a joyful howl.
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The Author would like to acknowledge and thank
Those who’ve helped, inspired, challenged, and been there for every step of the way. In particular Glenn, for his countless suggestions, inspiration, and endless patience while I manage the juggle of fulltime work, and writing.
I need to thank my beta readers, Marisa, and ARC reader Jaime for picking up the littlest but vital things.
I also have to thank Hitch at BookNook.biz for her formatting assistance.
I’d like to thank Jenn DePaola for bringing my characters to life in the new format covers, I can’t wait to see what other pieces you create for me.
If you’d like to have Jenn create a custom piece for you, you can find her details here
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About Nicole
Nicole is a thirty something New Zealander who loves to get lost in her imagination. Her favorite adventures are those lead by strong willed women/girls who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Writing encourages Nicole to try all manner of things, including six months of long sword training and jujitsu lessons.
She lives in New Zealand with her partner, and two fur critters.
If you’d like to learn more about Nicole and her writing process, please visit
www.nicolemacdonald-author.com
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