Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) (10 page)

“Yeah, I know you.” Mia expertly pinned Saleeya’s hair. “Did you forget your brain too?” Mia teased, gently tugging on her hair to enforce its cooperation. Both women ignored Kael’s presence, continuing in their dialogue.

“No, not at home, but I almost forgot it in the shower earlier today.”

“Yeah, wasn’t it glorious?” Mia agreed. “I spent an hour in my shower. I’m going to do it again tonight. I could do it in the mornings and in the evenings. Nothing has ever felt so wonderful.” Mia sighed with contentment. Saleeya rolled her eyes up to look at Kael.

“I know what you mean. I don’t know if I can take that much pleasure again. Especially not in one day.” Kael’s eyes flamed to life as he adjusted his stance against the wall.
Oh, damn, my impulsive mouth’s going to kill me someday.

“All done.” Mia patted her on the shoulder and stepped back.

“Very good. Let’s go meet Vitalion and Manntree. We’re late,” Kael abruptly announced. He was already waiting at the door. Saleeya noted he was back in his official capacity.

Saleeya and Mia followed Kael out into the guest lobby toward Vitalion’s suite. Vitalion hovered impatiently with Manntree outside his suite. “Miss Stayvel, Miss Tiller, you both look adequately rested.” He coldly eyed Saleeya. His eyes narrowed, focusing on the Admoncor. “I need a few moments alone with these ladies to go over a few things. Admoncor, do you mind waiting in the atrium for us? We’ll meet you there in a few minutes,” Vitalion demanded.

“You may speak freely in front of me.” Kael stood in his relaxed stance, looking directly at the Minister. Vitalion’s face reddened. He responded in a tight voice. No doubt, Kael had meant to purposely irritate Vitalion.

“I insist, Admoncor. It’ll only be a few moments.”

Kael growled, his eyes narrowing at the other man. “Don’t take too long.” Kael clicked his heels as he walked away.

Noticeably peeved, Vitalion blurted, “That Xihirian brute is too bossy, too arrogant for anyone’s good. He’d do well to remember his place. A warrior has no place being a diplomat. I can’t wait to deal with some other Xihirian diplomat. One that’s less of an animal in human clothing. Perhaps his father’s more civilized. But I doubt that. I want...” While Vitalion was ranting, Saleeya and the others tried to motion Vitalion to be quiet. Oblivious to their cues, he continued his rant. Saleeya was certain that Kael could still hear all the way to the atrium, if he cared to listen. She decided to say nothing about Kael hearing him to avoid making things worse. Instead, she interrupted the Minister’s complaints in a hushed tone before they got any worse.

“Minister, he’s the head of the Xihirian military. He’s much more than a mere warrior. He’s their Prince. He’ll be your primary contact on many things. Don’t let this bother you. Let’s continue to strive to work together. That’s best for all involved. Much is depending on eliciting Xihirah’s support,” she whispered.

“Young lady, don’t dare correct me. You don’t assume to tell me what to let bother me. I don’t need you to school me.” Blotchy red and grey with fury, Vitalion’s face twisted into a dangerous mask. His voice echoed through the corridors. Still oblivious to any warnings, he nearly yelled. Vitalion was known to be moody, even hostile at times. Now he was in full swing, oblivious to any warnings. “I required you to brief me on dining etiquette. Instead, that…that ….ani…Admoncor detained you. I resent that. After all, I’m in charge, not him. Is that understood, Ms. Stayvel? You should have attended me as requested. I’m extremely disappointed in you, Ms. Stayvel. You came with admirable credentials and references. This makes me more disappointed in your insolent behavior. When I tell you to do something, you do it. Now, tell me what I need to know so we can leave.” Saleeya cringed as his tirade ended. Saleeya saw that Jarvin and Mia closely watched her while the Minister unjustly chastised her. Vitalion had summarily blamed her misplacing his frustrations onto her. Both Jarvin and Mia looked uneasy as they shifted back and forth on their feet. For sure, she was about to tell Vitalion exactly what he needed to know.

“As you wish, Minister,” Saleeya began, her tone much too sedate for those gathered. Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Mia and Jarvin tense further. They fidgeted more and more.

“Yes, I wish, be quick about it,” Vitalion snapped back.

“I’ll be happy to tell you what you need to know.” Saleeya paused.

“I’m waiting, Ms. Stayvel.” Vitalion tapped his feet impatiently.

“With respect, Minister Vitalion, don’t speak to me in that tone. I’ve done nothing wrong. I’m not some simple-minded clerk. I’m a doctor of languages and cultures.”

“I couldn’t care less about you. Tell me what I need to know.”

“I’m here to assist the Council members. I was hired to do that. You’re merely one of the Council members. Kriton hired me on behalf of the Council of Planets, not you.”

“Is that what you think?”

“That’s what I know. I’m due a certain level of respect. I tried to motion to you to be silent when you were going on and on about the Admoncor. You’re insulting to them. You’ve made a big mistake.” Vitalion’s eyes blazed with fury. “I told you that the Xihirian’s hearing was superior. Yet, you persist in forgetting that critical point. Perhaps you simply don’t listen.”

“How dare you talk to me like this?” Vitalion snarled, his body vibrating with rage.

“Well, I’m not done. In the future, if you have a valid reason to be disappointed in my services, I’d appreciate it if you would address me in private rather than in an open hallway in front of everyone.” Saleeya glared at the red-faced politician.

“Miss Stayvel, we’ll discuss the continuance of your assistance after the midday meal. Brief me now on any etiquette I need to know regarding dining with the Sovereign and the other Xihirian diplomats,” Vitalion demanded furiously.

“Are you going to listen this time? It’s essential that you do.”

“Ms. Stayvel, I’m warning you.” Vitalion pointed his bony finger in her direction.

“First of all, avoid insulting any of their women. They don’t take kindly to that. Don’t take your seat before the females sit. Let the Sovereign take his seat before you do. The food must be blessed before we start dining.”

“Blessed? These animals have deities?”

Saleeya ignored his narrow-minded, insulting comment. “The Sovereign should start to eat first. Always be complimentary toward the food offered. And don’t insult the Xihirian military leader or any other members of the Sovereign’s family.” Saleeya finished her instructions, turned, and left without Vitalion’s dismissal. As Saleeya rounded the corner entering the atrium, she saw Kael. She was certain by his expression that he had overheard everything. Saleeya stopped to face him, “Admoncor.” Saleeya paused in front of him. “Kael, please let’s move past this unpleasant episode. Let’s go to the dining hall. I’m hungry.” Kael studied her face. After a brief pause, he simply nodded his head. He looked over her head to see Vitalion with his group fast approaching. Motioning them to follow, he began to lead the way. “Saleeya, please walk with me.”

Chapter Six

The Palace was immense, magnificent, and the incorporation of the natural beauty made it even more startling. Lush jungle trailed through the columns of stone with startling beauty. Saleeya softly sighed. The use of native flora mixed with the artistic architecture easily surpassed that of the simply functional buildings on Kriton. Open verandas and patios overlooked the outside gardens. There was no differentiating between inside and outside. Surprisingly, the temperature mixed with the humidity was moderate. It all reminded Saleeya of locations she had only read about in her many books. This world was richly colorful compared to the arid beige Kriton. Xihirah was a living work of art. Saleeya was in love with the world’s ambiance.

With a grin, Saleeya turned to Kael, who watched her with a heated stare. “It’s so beautiful. I feel alive, as though it’s part of me. You don’t see such lavishness back home.” Surrounded by flowering plants, she inhaled deeply, enjoying the fragrant aroma of their bright blossoms.

The elegant dining hall was a long room that opened out onto a balcony of similar size. The balcony’s view of a vast jungle was phenomenal. Hills, mountains of green, made up the landscape as far as her eyes could see. “My Deity, the sky’s so blue and the green, oh my.” She touched Mia’s arm in her excitement. “Have you ever seen such vibrant hues? It astounds me.”

“Me too. This world is nearly too much for my
Kriton
brain to handle. I mean it in a good way.” Mia giggled. “It’s a fabulous place.”

Kael led their small group out onto the balcony while the servants finished preparing the table. He had been too quiet on the way to the dining hall, as if deep in thought. Pointing toward the vast jungle, “What you see is the Ziriacan Jungle. It’s the largest jungle on Xihirah, possibly in the known galaxy. It’s one of our many treasures.”

“It’s so gorgeous; there’re really no words to express,” Saleeya exclaimed, leaning against the balcony’s railing. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the warm, moist, tropical wind. It lightly caressed her face. The wind was sweet, exotic. It swirled around her, seducing her with the aroma of hundreds of flowers. “I want to touch and smell every one of your marvelous flowers.”

“Yes.” His fingers slipped along her bare flesh. She shuddered at the heat that suffused her body. His hand on her arm sent glorious shivers of sensation through her body. “I, too, love the scent of a lovely flower. The feel of its softness against my skin is like nothing else, sweet Saleeya,” he murmured softly next to her ear.

“Son, please introduce me.” The sudden commanding male voice broke the magical moment. A shaft of something hot and heavy ripped through her. When Kael stepped back, his eyes flashed dangerously before he masked the challenge. Within seconds, his demeanor shifted. Graciously he bowed before the older, regal man approaching.

Saleeya noted the way the others clustered together, their eyes widened. They stared at the two men who sandwiched Saleeya between them. Swiftly responding to his father’s request, Kael said, “Father, may I introduce you to Ambassador Saleeya Stayvel of Kriton, her aide, Mia Tiller, the Minister of Kriton Government, Troyic Vitalion, his assistant, Jarvin Manntree. Ladies and gentlemen, the Lord Sovereign of Xihirah, Kliven Braeden.” Kael’s father spared the other dignitaries a moment’s attention before focusing his full attention on Saleeya. Her cheeks burned from the knowing look in his eyes before they cut to his son.

“May I take her hand, Kael?” Lips twisting, showing sharp canine teeth, Kael nodded.

Saleeya frowned, desperately trying to recall what custom this could be that she’d inadvertently forgotten. Drawing a blank, she glanced at Mia who paled but didn’t speak, leaving a heavy knot of tension within her belly.

Kliven’s eyes met Saleeya’s, and he held out a hand. “Please, place your hand in mine, dear child.”

Fearing insulting the king, she placed her hand in his. Vaguely, she noted that his hands were callused, as though he’d worked years with them. Her heart pounding, she stared as the sovereign brought her hand to his face and inhaled deeply.

Still holding her hand near his face, his expression evened out. A faint smile crossed his handsome features. Nodding his head toward Kael, he said, “She’s lovely. After we take our meal, we shall meet briefly with the Kritons and the three diplomats that arrived today. I see no reason that the both of you need to be there. You both will be dismissed. Show this special female the sights of our world. Allow her to become more…familiar…with you.”

Vitalion ineptly interrupted the Sovereign, “Sovereign Kliven, I must insist that any sightseeing be done later when it’s more convenient for myself. I need Miss Stayvel’s attention this midsunrise and moonrise. Saleeya hardly requires a tour of your world. I’ve much to discuss with her. I require her assistance at my request.”

Kliven shot him a furious glare before turning back to Kael and Saleeya. “You both must complete what has already begun. Are you controlled, able to attend to this meal?” Kael’s gaze penetrated Saleeya’s before he answered his father.

“Yes, my Sovereign, Saleeya’s hungry. I’m quite contained, fully able to participate during our meal. I entrust her to your protection for a brief leave after we have our meal. I’ve something I need to take care of. I can take my leave toward the conclusion of our meal, with your permission.”

Saleeya gaped at the two men, her thoughts tangled like threads in the wind. What was happening? Did it have something to do with their kiss? Just the notion sent a wave of color to her cheeks. Did everyone know? Could she be so transparent? She was jolted from her thoughts when, abruptly, Sovereign Kliven turned to Minister Vitalion. “Saleeya’s not at your disposal, Minister.” He growled low, his eyes narrowing. “She requires her tour when I believe it to be convenient.” Kliven lifted his gaze, smiled. He held a hand toward the door. “The meal is ready, my mate has arrived. Let’s dine this midday. Two of my other sons, who were to attend, have been called away at the last moment. Hopefully, they’ll join us tomorrow.” Kliven strode past the fuming Vitalion as he made his way to the dining table.

What could be the meaning behind Kael’s apparent relief when his father announced that his brothers would not be joining them? Could there be strife within the family? The many questions piled one on top the other. Saleeya allowed Kael to guide her to the dining table.