Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) (11 page)

The table was heaping with delicious-looking foods, mostly meats and a few fruits. Saleeya’s mouth watered in anticipation.

A beautiful, petite, pregnant woman waited behind her chair. A warm smile graced her face. Saleeya took her seat in a high-backed chair, her attention on the others. Butterflies settled in her stomach. Kliven sat to her left, Kael to her right. The queen sat across from her. Once they were seated, the staff hurried to get the serving started, leaving the others to find their own seats.

Vitalion’s irritation was evident. He thumped around, banging his chair against the table while taking his seat. Arrogantly, he ignored the staff’s attempted pleasantries, rudely waving them off as they placed glasses on the table.

Kael rose, glass in hand, as soon as everyone was seated. “Praise be to Xian for this great bounty of food he has provided. May Xian continue to bless our people with abundance. We are thankful for all Xian’s blessings. We are blessed that our loins are fertile and we multiply. Our sons and daughters shall serve Xian.” Kael paused, acknowledging his father with a slight nod. “May my father and mother be blessed with a long rule. Xian bless my siblings, my mate, all of our family, and friends.” Taking a sip of his drink, he took his seat.

“Thank you, my son. We may eat now.” The pregnant woman nodded to the group. Saleeya shot Kael a startled glance when he placed food on her plate before fixing his own. Turning, she watched the Sovereign serve his queen. The woman warmly smiled at Saleeya, her hands folded delicately over her protruding belly. “Welcome to our home, Ambassador Stayvel. Forgive my husband’s minor oversight. I’m Soveriegness Carlista, Kael’s mother. I do hope you’ll consent to spend more time with me soon, Kael’s sisters as well.”

“It’ll be my pleasure, Highness. I’d love to spend time with all of you.” Saleeya blushed, lowering her gaze to her plate. Following etiquette, Saleeya reached for her utensils only after the Soveriegness had begun to eat. Saleeya moaned at the delicious flavor of the food that melted in her mouth. Everything was prepared to perfection. She was more than a little shocked by the seamless way Kael had placed foods that she would enjoy on her plate. “Kael, it all tastes marvelous. I’ve never had meat taste so tender and delicious. As you know, most of us on Kriton are usually less carnivorous.”

A knowing look in his gaze, he said, “I’m pleased that you’re enjoying it. Would you care for more?”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly.” Saleeya held her hands up. She flushed at the faint rumble from her stomach. For some reason, she was ravenous.

“Please, Saleeya, don’t feel you have to limit what you eat while here.” Carlista gestured to a silver bowl. “There’s always plenty for you.”

“Yes, please.” Saleeya glanced at Mia before sighing. She was hungry and the food was extraordinary. “Just a small helping.”

Vitalion cleared his throat, “Your Royal Lordship Braeden, I was wondering when we might begin to discuss our plans for the Realmist’s peace meetings on Delore. I don’t wish to waste time, with the threat so close.” He shot a quick, harsh glance at Saleeya, “I do hope, your Lordship, that you’ll forgive Miss Stayvel for occupying so much of your son’s time.”

Saleeya tensed at the sudden violent snarl that shook the chair beneath her. She darted a reproving glare at Minister Vitalion, who smirked at her but ignored her silent warning.

“I insist that we speak, Sovereign. Your son of course would need be present during our discussion. It’s imperative that we speak before the twenty-two Council members arrive. It would be nice if the both of you could spare a few moments when we finish with this meal?”

Unease settled like a weight in her gut. Sending a glance at Carlista, Saleeya’s attention was drawn to Kliven. Her unease shattered beneath a wave of fear at the expression on the King’s face. Kliven’s pupils narrowed into tight vertical slits. Civility faded into a bestial fury. Swallowing against the rising fear, she dared not look at Kael. She tensed as his warm, solid frame hardened further. The wooden frame of the chair cracked beneath his grip. Alarm mingled with amazement at the sudden realization that she could so easily detect Kael’s change in demeanor. Frozen in her chair, her gaze locked with Mia’s pale, wide-eyed stare at the growing tension in the room. The King looked intently over the table, taking in all of the guests individually. Finally, his eyes fully rested on Vitalion. “Kael.” Kliven motioned to his son, “I understand the meaning of your earlier statements you made in my office regarding the Kriton’s Minister.” Turning back to look across the table at Vitalion, he said, “Minister Vitalion, aren’t you enjoying the meal? My mate coordinated this meal with our staff to offer the best selection to tempt the palate of our honored guests. Mealtime, among those who are civilized, isn’t the time to discuss anything but the most mundane of topics. Please, show some respect for our hospitality. You’ll not insult my mate by rushing to interrupt this meal to discuss things that can wait. After we’re done, perhaps I may be able to spare a moment to discuss the Realmist situation.” His smile faded to be replaced by a hard, dangerous look. “However, this moonrise Kael will be occupied with personal matters. He won’t be available for discussions.” Kliven paused and looked at Kael before he continued. “Saleeya Stayvel is under our protection. Make no mistake, my son decides what a waste of his time is or isn’t. Remember any insult to Saleeya is an insult to us, and therefore, every effort should be made to avoid that troublesome unpleasantness. I guarantee she won’t neglect her duties to the Council. I’m certain you will find her helpful in the enlistment of our military.” Kliven paused just long enough to let the barely hidden threat settle. “Again, I ask you, Minister Vitalion, did you enjoy your meal?”

* * * *

Saleeya nearly jumped out of her seat when Kael whispered in her ear. “Do you have everything you need?” Releasing a breath that she was unaware she was holding, she said, “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.” Vitalion’s face mottled purple and red, and he shifted on his seat. The obvious chastisement from the high King no doubt fueled his fear and his anger. “Yes, Royal Lordship,” Vitalion answered tightly. “The meal is excellent. Thank you and your mate for your great hospitality.” Saleeya glanced quickly at Kliven, who appeared somewhat appeased with Vitalion’s controlled response. Saleeya swallowed, a tentative smile lifting her lips at Kael’s soft look. She glanced down the table, fork poised before her lips. Beyond Vitalion’s red face, it appeared everyone else had returned their attention to their meal. Breathing a sigh of relief that the scene had been averted, she took a big bite of the food on her plate. “Oh, dear,” Saleeya whispered, her eyes widening in horror at the trolleys being rolled in with what appeared to be a desert. The staff began to clear the plates to make room to serve what looked to be a delectable chilled beverage. Saleeya tried to finish her meal before they got to her to remove her plate. If not for the shame of it, she could have eaten more. Her heart pounded harder, her mind raced thinking about what Kael’s father had meant regarding her being under their protection.

“Saleeya,” Kael whispered close to her ear. Tingles of pleasure raced along her spine. His warm breath teased her ear and the side of her face. The deep rumbling purr of his voice reached down into her core. To her surprise, she gasped aloud, fidgeting nervously in her chair. The chair creaked a bit from her movements. Heat rushed through her body from her head to her toes. Her breast seemed to swell and throb. Her pussy clinched. The warmth from her sudden desire washed over her like a drug through her veins. Dampness escaped her pussy. Desperately trying to regain her composure, she lightly wiped her mouth with her napkin and moved to the front edge of her chair. Shifting uneasily in her seat, she offered a reverent prayer that her gown wasn’t soiled. “You can take your time, Saleeya. We’ll wait for you to have your fill. There’s no rush. You honor my mother with your obvious enjoyment of her selected menu. Would you like more?”

Saleeya swallowed. “Thank you, but I don’t need any more.”

Kael continued to smile knowingly at her. “Your scent is intoxicating. It flows like wine through me,” he whispered into her ear. “Have I caused that, my sweet Saleeya?” Turning, Saleeya met his gaze. She leaned toward him in anticipation of his kiss. Seemingly aware of the crowd, he shifted away. She caught a hint of something in his eyes that flamed the embers of her lust. Mewling softly in disappointment, Saleeya turned back to her plate. Her body’s uncontrolled reactions made Saleeya realize the delicate situation she found herself in. It was clear that Kael wasn’t a male to be played with. The virile male next to her wanted her. Unfairly, his enhanced senses allowed him to detect her physical reactions to him. She could have no secrets from him.

The palms of her hands dampened with her increased anxiety. Her heart fluttered, and she thought she might pass out. “Don’t do that,” Saleeya whispered to herself.

“What was that?” Kael lowered his head in her direction to ask.

“Nothing.” Saleeya shook her head back and forth. A young female servant handed her a chilled beverage. “Hmm, this looks wonderful,” Saleeya complimented.

“It’s soothing.” Kael gently placed his hand on her upper back. She shivered as she gulped the drink down. The cool, sweet drink soothed her heated body. It temporarily soothed her uncontrolled emotions. Just as she finished her drink, Kael’s father stood, inviting others to stand.

“Let’s go to the balcony to enjoy the outdoors,” Kael’s father suggested to the group. Kael assisted Saleeya with her chair. When his hand touched hers, another wave of heat hit her. Head spinning, she leaned into him as she stood. Shaky legs carried her to where Mia waited. They both walked to the balcony where they had been standing prior to the meal beginning. Looking back for Kael, she noticed he had disappeared. His absence made her giddiness slightly evaporate. Her mind, busy replaying their sexual encounter they had shared, made her blush deeply. Heat filled her face. A very smiley Mia interrupted Saleeya’s thoughts. Mia gave her a knowing look.

“For a moment I thought Vitalion was going to be tomorrow’s meat for dinner. Did you see Kael and his father’s faces?”

“Yes, I did.”

“I nearly choked on my food.” Mia giggled. “I could’ve sworn he was going to jump across the table to grab Vitalion.

“I thought Vitalion was going to have a stroke.” Saleeya finished her second glass of the delicious drink. A server exchanged her empty glass with another full one.

“Saleeya, I think the drink has some fermentation. So, be careful,” Mia warned.

“Huh,” Saleeya hiccupped. “Fermented, you mean like it’s an intoxicating drink?”

“Yes, that’s what I mean.”

“Great, I’m drunk, just what I need. I guess there’s a first time for everything.” Saleeya laughed a bit too loudly.

“Shush,” Mia whispered, placing her finger to her lips. “Let’s go have a seat over on that bench.” Mia pointed to a nearby bench.

“Okay,” Saleeya agreed too loudly again. Carlista waved to Saleeya from across the room as she began to make her way to join them. Kael’s mother appeared to be a lovely woman of an undefined age. Black, shinning hair reached to her waist. Her expression was sweet. Moving with great effort, she motioned to Mia to make room on the bench for her to sit between them.

“Hello, Saleeya, I’m so glad to talk with you. Please introduce me to your friend.

“This is Mia Tiller. She’s my best friend and my associate assistant in communication,” Saleeya explained. Saleeya smiled at Kael’s mother. “You’re so young. You hardly look old enough to be Kael’s mother. When’s your baby due?”

“Thank you, Saleeya, you’re too kind. I’m much older than I seem. Being a Xihirian mate has great benefits. One is that Xihirians age very slowly. Once transformed you inherit that benefit. My babies are due any minute.” Carlista patted her round tummy.

“That’s wonderful, you’re having twins,” Saleeya excitedly responded.

“Yes, it’s my second set of twins. Kael and Kalista were my first. They’re much alike. All of our children are very close. Kalista will be thrilled to meet you.” Carlista beamed with pride. “Kael will be back shortly to fetch you. He has left you in his father’s trust. He needed to take care of a few things. He didn’t want you to think he had left without explanation. When he returns, he’ll want to take you for a tour of the gardens before the sunsets. Kliven is talking with Minister Vitalion to relieve the pressure on you. It seems Kliven and Kael dislike Minister Vitalion very much, and they can’t tolerate the disrespect he’s shown to you. No matter.” Carlista waved her hand through the air. “Don’t worry about a thing. I want you to enjoy your private time with Kael.”

“Are you from here?” Saleeya hoped to divert attention away from her growing attraction to Kael.

“No, my dear, I’m from Earth. This world has become my beloved home. When I first saw Xihirah, its beauty mesmerized me. It’s now my home. I love the people dearly. I’m truly one of them in every way. I can only imagine how it would appear to someone from arid Kriton. Xihirah’s so green and wet. It must be so completely different to you. I know it’s full of wonderful things to discover.”

“Yes, it’s amazingly different from Kriton. I’m looking forward to seeing as much of it as I can.”

“Kael will see to that.” Carlista’s eyes twinkled with merriment.

“I’d love for you to tell me more about your experiences here.” Saleeya smiled at the woman. “Do you need to go rest?” Saleeya patted Carlista’s knee, looking at her with concern. “Perhaps I can help you back to your family quarters. I don’t want you to tire yourself.”