“Right now? But we just returned.”
“I promise, we’ll be back in time for supper.”
In a moment, he’d whisked her away.
Would she ever get used to traveling like this? Jarrod’s newly discovered ability to go wherever he pleased, even between worlds, made her feel freer even than flying Halla.
They arrived beside an oasis in the midst of a desert. A small bright blue tent was set up by the edge of a pool.
“This isn’t Melak,” Tamara said, with suspicion. Had he taken her to Erov after all? She wasn’t ready to meet his people yet. She wanted to be dressed properly. Saira had said they loved color and bangles and flowing gowns. She needed time to change out of her trousers, tunic and chainmaille.
“This is Melak,” Jarrod insisted, sounding excited. “I discovered this area on the other side of the mountain range while waiting for you to finish speaking with your mother. Melak is actually similar in terrain to Ryca.”
Ah, there was his scholarly tone. If he broke into a lecture, she intended to kiss him. She sent a mental hello to Halla, informing her she was back on Melak.
BUILDING NEST WITH KIRON, Halla replied. EXPECT EGGS TO HATCH BY SPRING. KIRON AND I ARE COLLECTING QUINLIN STONES FOR YOU AND FANE.
“Thank you!” Tamara said, touched.
Jarrod bowed deeply and gave one of his flourishing arm gestures as he invited her to step inside his tent. A hot breeze blew the front flaps open.
With a delighted cry, Tamara ran in and discovered lavishly decorated rooms extending in every direction.
And there were hundreds of people inside!
She came to a startled halt, stunned by the richness of the Erovians’ clothing, their dark skin coloring, and the extraordinary smiles they beamed her way, each of which was matched with a projected image of a warm welcoming hug.
Her throat clogged with a grateful heart, she turned to Jarrod. His people didn’t judge her at all. Instead they seemed glad to meet her.
He raised her hand for a long lingering kiss. “I pledge with my life that you will never feel trapped or alone, Tamara. Welcome home, my queen.”
The End
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Find out how the Tales of Ryca series began in book 1, Hidden
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Hidden
Tales of Ryca, Book 1
Come out, come out, wherever you are…
A fugitive from an evil sorcerer, GILLY hides among shadows, tortured by memories of the family she lost. Her twisted leg is both a hindrance and a reminder of her tragic past. For twenty-three years, she disguises herself as an eccentric goat herder and lives alone at the edge of an idyllic village. Who would notice her here?
From a distance, she keeps a maternal eye on her only remaining sister, ANNA. But in a moment of crisis, her fantasy of safety is shattered. Her use of magic lifts the veil and now she and Anna must flee again. The evil sorcerer, and the malevolent King he serves, are on their scent.
A perilous journey across unknown terrain with family, friends and strangers, leads Gilly and Anna back to the beginning. To discover hidden secrets, earn forgiveness for past discretions and perhaps even find enduring love. If they manage to stay alive long enough.
About the Author
Once upon a time, USA Today bestselling author Shereen Vedam read fantasy and romance novels to entertain herself. Now she writes heartwarming tales braided with threads of magic and love and mystery elements woven in for good measure.
Shereen’s a fan of resourceful women, intriguing men, and happily-ever-after endings. If her stories whisk you away to a different realm for a few hours, then Shereen will have achieved one of her life goals.
Learn More about Shereen Vedam’s writing
www.shereenvedam.com
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