Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) (24 page)

Kael and Kliven reluctantly agreed to the shopping trip. They decided to accompany the females the next sunrise. The shopping expedition became a big Xihirian security event. Six military transports were readied. Sixteen guards were assigned to accompany the royal family. Kael and Kliven were taking Tomron’s continued threats very seriously. As the shopping excursion approached, Kael and Kliven became increasingly irritable with the prospect of taking the females and the children out of the Palace; however, Carlista prevailed in her demands. Kael and Kliven lectured the females on safety and protocol regarding stores, dressing rooms, cleaning chambers, and every possible scenario. Kael threatened to put Saleeya in the Palace holding cell near to Vitalion’s cell if she didn’t follow his exact orders on safety. Carlista assured Saleeya that all of the overboard security was not a normal occurrence.

“Saleeya, don’t worry. When they capture and arrest Tomron, we’ll be free to leave the Palace normally. This is only temporary. Even with all of the guards and our two overprotective mates, we’ll have a wonderful time.” Carlista rushed around her rooms getting herself ready to meet the males in an hour at the Palace’s Grand Entrance. “Girls, I have four stores on the agenda for jewelry, gowns and shoes. Kliven has already informed the stores to be ready for us. After we shop, I have insisted that our mates take us to Xiferia Eatery. Thyson, Klayvin, and Veric will try to meet us at Xiferia to eat a meal with us. It’s my favorite restaurant,” Carlista excitedly relayed the agenda to all of the excited females.

The stores were notified to expect seven females, three babies, Kael, Kliven, three nursery helpers, plus the Palace guards. The restaurant was told to expect additional royal males to make an appearance joining their females for a meal.

The flight into Ferileson was smooth. In twenty-five minutes from leaving the Palace, Saleeya could see the enormous city in the distance. Ferileson Municipality was the most amazing city she had ever seen. It was two times larger than Kriton’s capital and four times larger than Earth’s Restored New York City, the capital of Earth’s western hemisphere. Buildings towered high above the streets. A variety of stores lined the crowded streets. The city was bright, colorful, clean, and well organized. It was a testament to the superiority of the Xihirian civilization. Saleeya could understand how the demented Realmist followers were crazed with envy and hatred that these uniquely different humanoids could achieve such obvious greatness. This city was a metropolitan paradise. It was only one of the shining examples of the Xihirians’ superiority. As the transport got closer to the Municipality, Kalinda and her mother chatted more excitedly about all of the upcoming shopping. Saleeya sat next to Kael on the lead transport.

“Kael, are you unhappy?” Saleeya patted his knee, sensing his building apprehension.

“No, Saleeya, I’m worried. I’m concerned about how to keep all of my loved ones safe. Mother and all of you don’t understand the risk we’re taking. Father and I should never have agreed to this. We should have had the shops bring their inventory to the Palace. The Xiferia Eatery could have catered, too. Father and I gave in to something we hope we don’t regret. Our love and wanting to please you both has affected our better judgment.” Kael shook his head and clenched teeth. His stress was palpable.

“It’ll be fine, Kael. Let’s have fun together,” Saleeya beseeched Kael. She massaged the top of his thigh.

“I want you to enjoy yourself. I want us all to be safe and happy. I’m sorry for my tense attitude. I can’t stand for our leniency to allow for a disaster.” His tone suddenly changed to a stern lecture. “Listen to me, mate, you’ll do what I say, when I say it. I won’t tolerate independence. Is that understood? If any of you act up, I’ll end this trip. Do you hear, Kalinda?” Kael added for his sister’s benefit.

Kalinda bobbed her head up and down. “Yes, brother.”

Wisely, Saleeya decided that this was not the time to assert her viewpoint regarding Kael’s bossy attitude. “Yes, Admoncor Braeden,” Saleeya responded smartly instead.

“Do not be smart with me, Saleeya. Start behaving now.” Kael pinched her, the worry plain in his eyes.

“I think I’m going to ride with Kalista and Mariel in their transport on the way home,” Saleeya halfway teased. Kael did not respond. He merely eyed Saleeya as an agitated parent would an unruly teenager.

Ferileson Municipality was bubbling with excitement preparing for the royal guests. There was a long banner strung across a main street welcoming the royal family. “Look, Father, at the banner, it welcomes us,” Kalinda excitedly exclaimed, pointing out the windows.

“Great, what fools hung that? They’re announcing our arrival. That’s fucking great.”

“Kael, it’s obvious we’re here shopping anyway. Watch your language in front of Kalinda,” Kliven corrected Kael.

“Sorry, Father.” Kael frowned and looked out the window as if looking for dangers.

“We’ll continue as planned,” Kliven added.

Carlista instructed the driver to stop at Merisilliona’s dress shop first. “This is my favorite dress shop,” Carlista told Saleeya. “Kliven and Kael are prepared to buy a lot of beautiful gowns. We have much to celebrate.” Carlista happily prepared to exit the transport. The transports parked in the specially designated spots waiting for the royal caravan.

“Kael, you see how they can’t miss our arrival. We’re arriving in six military transports in downtown Ferileson. Calm down and let’s get our females into the dress shop.” Kliven patted him on his back. “It’ll be okay. We are here and well protected.”

“Come, Saleeya, I’ll hold your hand. Kalinda, hold my other hand, and let’s get to this and be done,” Kael said as he led them from the transport into the shop. The sales clerks lined up waiting at the door for their royal clientele to enter. Kael and Kliven positioned themselves near the dressing rooms in the back of the store. The guards had the entire store blocked off to the public and were positioned strategically throughout the store. The nurses held the babies in their arms and sat near to Kael and Kliven at the back the store. A sales clerk shadowed every royal female and Mia.

“Pick out at least ten gowns and try them all on. There’re only six dressing rooms. Kalinda, you’ll join me in mine. We’ll try on the gowns together and come out here, and look in the big mirrors. I want to see every one that you decide to purchase.” Carlista gathered a bunch of gowns and headed to the first dressing room. “Mia, that goes for you too. You’re as my daughter. Enjoy and pick out your gowns. Kael, why don’t you and Kliven go on down to the jewelry store and look around. Come back in two hours to negotiate the purchases,” Carlista suggested to her mate and son.

“No, Carlista. Kael and I will remain. We’ll go everywhere together. Worry about choosing your gowns, my love.”

Carlista bounced over to Kliven and kissed him. “Yes, my mate, as you wish.” Saleeya watched, taking mental notes for future use. Carlista was handling her Alpha Prime male with consummate skill, and it was obvious that Kliven was eating it up.

“Saleeya,” Kael whispered into her hair. Saleeya jumped.

“Kael, I didn’t hear you come up behind me.” Saleeya spun around to look at him. “What are you doing?”

“I’m keeping a close eye on you. I’m going to offer you my opinions about the gowns you select. I might as well be helpful. I’ll go in the dressing room with you to assist.”

“And don’t think to play me as my mother plays my father. I’ve watched her in action for decades. I’ve grown wiser than my father.” Kael swatted Saleeya on her behind. “Now, select some gowns and let’s be done with this before I turn too old waiting. I don’t like yellow. Your joining dress should be pink or white, that’s my preference.” Kael looked as if he was looking through the gowns.

“You can’t go into the dressing room with me.” Saleeya shook her head.

“Yes, I can. Watch me. Go. Try on those gowns in your hand.” He nudged Saleeya toward the dressing rooms and followed her inside.

“Kael, I can’t try on the gowns if you’re going to behave badly in here.”

“Saleeya, you’ve never told me I behaved badly before.” Kael smiled down at her. “Let me help you out of your gown. I’ll try to keep my clothes on.”

They finished with the dress shop and continued the rest of the day according to Carlista’s shopping plans. After shopping at several shops and eating, Saleeya was ready to go home to rest. She had managed to shop more in one day than she had in her entire life. The day went without incident. All the females had a wonderful time. Kael purchased Saleeya fifteen gowns, ten nightgowns, ten pair of shoes, and a gorgeous jeweled bracelet. Saleeya and Mia were giddy with the wonder of all that they had been able to purchase and experience. They chatted endlessly about it. The royal family made their way back to the Palace without incident. Saleeya was happy to be alone with Kael.

“Saleeya, stop looking at your gowns. Put on one of those sexy nightgowns and come to bed with me. I need to remember why I spent so much money on you today,” Kael teased.

“Kael Braeden, you want me to put on a new nightgown so you can take it off.” Saleeya eyed him. “I don’t like you to tease me like that. You’re not buying my favors. Don’t tear my new nightgown.” Saleeya sat at the bottom of the bed.

“All male mates buy their females’ favors in one way or another. We have to get our rest for tomorrow’s events. They scheduled the twins’ blessing ceremony early tomorrow, right at sunrise. It’ll be a busy affair lasting most of the day with the leaders of the different Xihirian shifter sects, heads of our regions, religious leaders, and the remaining visiting Council members. Then your parents are arriving late moonrise. We have to be ready to greet them. I want them to feel welcomed.” Saleeya jumped up and swung around the bed. She took hold of him and hugged his body close. “Oh, Saleeya, you feel so nice.” Kael ran his hands up and down her body. “Come lay down with me and show me how much you love me.” Kael beckoned.

Saleeya followed Kael and he pulled her down on top of him. Saleeya straddled his hips. They kissed. She kissed him all over his muscled chest and up his neck. “Saleeya, you taste and feel so good. I love you. I want you to have my child.” Kael kissed Saleeya’s tender breasts. “I want my seed planted and growing inside of you,” Kael said softly as he worshiped her body with kisses. “How do you feel about having my baby?” Kael rolled her under him.

“I’d love to carry your child someday.” Saleeya hugged him to her as he pressed his cock into her womb.

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

“I love you, Kael.”

“I love you more.”

After they made love, they both drifted off to sleep. When they awoke, the sun was shining brightly into their suite. “Saleeya, we’ve slept late. Let’s get ready to meet Father and Mother for the blessing ceremony. If I’m late Father will bite my head off—literally. He hasn’t shown you his beastly side yet. But it can be worse than mine. He doesn’t like Mother disappointed.”

Saleeya got out of bed while Kael showered. He dressed in his formal attire. Saleeya finished her shower and dressed in her new turquoise gown. “Sweet Saleeya, you look absolutely beautiful. I have something special for you to wear with your gown.” Kael placed the most glorious, clear green crystal gem necklace around her neck. The jewelry complemented her dress and the hair clip she had used to sweep her hair up off her neck.

“It’s glorious, Kael. Thank you.” Saleeya was stunned by the beauty and generosity of his lovely gift. She kissed him tenderly in thanks. “Oh, Kael, this is so special. Thank you so much,” Saleeya gushed.

“Here are the matching earrings.” Kael handed her the pair. “Put them on and let’s go quickly.” Saleeya gasped again. Excitedly she put the matching crystal and green gem earrings in her ears. Pleased, she studied her reflection. She looked extraordinary with her new gown and precious jewels. Truly, she looked like a Princess. She felt like a Princess. Kael and Saleeya made their way to the Great Hall, arriving just in time.

Lines of dignitaries were waiting to enter the Great Hall to greet the royal family and to catch a glimpse of the two new babies that were to be blessed.

Kael pushed into the room toward the family. “Kael, you’re late. Your mother has been frantic. You know I don’t like her upset,” Kliven scolded his son, his eyes blazing. “Your other siblings are assembled and ready to bless Kara and Kade. Get to your places.” His father pointed in the direction he wanted them to go.

“Yes, Father,” Kael respectfully responded. “Come, Saleeya, I’ll show you where to stand.” Kael placed Saleeya at the end of the line of siblings next to Kalinda. Saleeya noticed several new faces that had to be Kael’s other brothers present. All were dressed in their finest. They resembled each other very much. Kael was the largest next to his father. Saleeya felt amazement that she was a part of such of special and beautiful family. Kalinda smiled up at Saleeya and took her hand.

“You look beautiful, Saleeya. The adult males perform this ceremony with Father. They’re going to officially state the babies’ names, Kara and Kade, and dedicate them to Xian. They’ll ask for his everlasting blessings. Then a priest will speak and congratulate our parents. After all of that, our family we’ll eat a large meal in celebration,” Kalinda explained the upcoming event.

“All we have to do is stand here and smile?” Saleeya asked to be sure.

“Yes, and nod to the group when they clap and cheer for our new siblings. Look, there’s Mia. Father sat her up front with our close friends and other family members.” Kalinda pointed to Mia. Mia waved back. Saleeya was busy watching and listening to the crowd and to the ceremony. She loved to observe people and cultures. This was a prime occasion to learn much about the Xihirians and others who were present. The blessing was long, and Kael participated. Saleeya watched with pride as her mate performed his part. The crowd was happy. They were cheering and clapping with approval. Kliven handed Carlista Kade and Kalista helped her with Kara. They moved to the front center of the platform to lift the babies for all to see. The babies were fussy due to all of the commotion over them.