On both sides of the main path through the royal courtyard, an animated crowd of city officials garbed in festive colors, stared toward the gates at the far entrance of the palace grounds. Felines on leashes, panting, pink tongues lolling over sharp fangs, sat patiently at their noble masters' feet. Somewhere in the distance, far beyond Yalta's walls, muffled drums beat to a hypnotic tempo, carrying the happy news of the royal bonding to the most isolated Zerker tribes.
Ladies in feathered hats craned their necks to steal a glance at Kahuel. A few smiled and waved at him, probably regretting his bonding. He didn't remember their faces and didn't care. Other women winked at him in unseemly fashion. Kahuel ignored them all. Couldn't they see he was devoted to his promised? How could he have been so shallow as to pay them any attention in the past?
He still reeled about the fact that Talina had accepted to be bonded in Yalta and agreed to live wherever his duties took him. She'd sacrificed an important part of herself for his happiness, and he had the perfect gift to make her happy.
When Talina appeared at the courtyard gate, all the gongs, conches, cymbals and horns of Yalta erupted into a happy cacophony, to celebrate the joyful event of their bonding. Impromptu songs soared among the assembled crowd.
Talina smiled at him, as radiant as the sunshine, her pretty face emerging from long garlands of yellow and red tropical flowers, draped like a scarf around her neck and hanging down the front of her white silk robe. Her honey hair cascaded over her shoulders as she walked. She led a retinue of Chosen maidens on the straight marble path across the paved courtyard, barefoot on a sprinkling of red petals.
The young female panther trotted at her side, bouncing an unusually round belly from side to side with casual feline grace. Diablo loped toward her and rubbed heads with his favorite panther.
When Talina halted in front of Kahuel, he thought his heart would stop. How he loved her, fragile but strong, graceful, and kind. He offered his hand and Talina took it. Her delicate fingers trembled slightly when he kissed them, inhaling the heavy fragrance of her flower garlands. Great Engineer, thank you for this precious gift.
Kahuel waited patiently for the noisy hubbub of dissonant instruments to cease. Then he straightened his back to enunciate the formal greeting in front of his peers, lined up at the entrance of the Great Hall, bearing witness.
“I, Kahuel of Yalta, ask you, Talina of the Chosen to be my bonded life mate.”
Her turquoise eyes sparkled in sunlight. Irrepressible joy colored her golden cheeks dimpled by a permanent smile. “Through ice and heat, through blood and tears, abundance and famine, I vow to love you and remain at your side.”
Kahuel's entire body warmed at such a promise. “Through ice and heat, through blood and tears, abundance and famine, I vow to love and protect you and our children to come.”
The crowd cheered. The royal guests at the hall entrance applauded.
Kahuel kissed Talina's soft lips, a sweet taste of all the pleasures to come, tonight and every night after that. He resisted the temptation to ravish her right here in front of the guests. Straightening his sword for their solemn first walk as bonded life mates, he offered her his arm and they slowly followed the petal-strewn path, smiling and waving to the delirious throng, toward the monumental entrance of the Great Hall. When they reached it, the royal guests gave them a wide berth.
Inside the white marble hall, flower garlands and wreaths decorated the high walls. Soft panels of gold and green silk drifted gently down between the wide columns, under the cool breeze blowing from the water pools. As the applause waned, strands of harmonies from a stringed instrument filled the hall, along with the cooking aroma of the waiting feast.
The royals cleared a path for the young couple to approach the horseshoe-shaped table. They saluted in passing Vanaru and Esperana, who stood side by side. Kahuel led Talina toward the place of honor. He bowed to King Dragomir and Queen Tora, accompanied by two white tigers.
Kahuel smiled at his parents, King Terek and Queen Galya, with their leopard cub and female cheetah. The Yalta sovereigns radiated happiness for the first time since his return. Next to them, Basilk's widow and her young children also smiled for the first time. Kahuel's brothers and sisters laughed and probably joked at his expense. His brother Mardock, swarthy, with auburn hair like their father, was now the official crown heir of Yalta. He and his life mate nodded their approval of the bride and clapped with fierce enthusiasm.
They all sat, then servants filled the glasses with Kassouk's finest wine and served the feast. Out of respect for Talina and the Chosen, Kahuel declined the venison. So did the many Mutant Princes at the table. But the fish, prepared Chosen style with exotic herbs from their faraway isle, and the medley of fruit and vegetables from both continents pleased everyone's palate. So did the decadent desserts from Kassouk.
Kahuel couldn't help but think how lucky he was to have found Talina. But she didn't suspect the surprise he had in store for her. He smiled to King Dragomir, who winked at him. The High King chimed his dagger lightly against his crystal wine glass. The noble guests shushed.
The High King rose and smiled. “I have a few announcements to make.”
Kahuel's father nodded approvingly. He'd helped Kahuel orchestrate the conspiracy.
“First, I want to recognize the heroes of the brief but violent Estrell war... My Daughter Esperana, Vanaru of the Chosen, and our new princely couple, Kahuel and Talina, who risked their lives to protect our planet from a determined invader. Their bravery has already been recorded for posterity in the archives of Kassouk.”
Talina smiled demurely as a murmur of appreciation swelled around the table and all eyes turned to the heroes of the day.
“These children of ours demonstrated a great spirit of initiative in a grave situation, and uncommon dedication to the pursuit of freedom and harmony on this planet.”
Applause erupted, forcing the High King to pause.
Dragomir quieted the guests with one wave of the hand. “Since the Chosen have expressed the desire to develop their society according to our models, I hereby invest my daughter, Princess Esperana, with the charge of permanent ambassador of Kassouk to the court of King Vanaru, on the vast Isle of the Chosen. There, she will facilitate the exchange of simple technologies and ideas with the main continent. She will also assist the Chosen as a people in all aspects of their harmonious development as they take their first steps into a new phase of civilization.”
More applause filled the Great Hall. Both Esperana and Vanaru smiled, obviously delighted by the announcement but not overly surprised. They must have known. But the best was still to come, and Kahuel glanced at Talina, eager to witness her reaction to their news.
“As for our new couple, in recognition for valor, initiative, and dedication to the ideals of Kassouk…” The High King paused for emphasis, commanding silence. “The Council of Princes decided to give them a land of their own to govern in peace and friendship, under the protection of Kassouk.”
Murmurs rose from the guests. This was unprecedented. Talina's jaw dropped and her mouth lay open until Kahuel lifted her chin with one finger to close it.
He chuckled as her eyes grew wide. “There is more.”
“On the Eastern Continent proper, the large peninsula known to our cartographers as Sylvania, for its thick forest canopy, is entirely devoid of population. It also contains rich metal ores close enough to the surface to be exploited by simple means. The animals and vegetation are tropical and varied, similar to that of the Chosen Isle. Lands will have to be cleared for crops, and timber felled for construction and boats. We shall establish maritime trade routes between both continents and the Chosen Isle. It will be hard work, but the exploitation of these riches will bring prosperity to all of us.”
Cheers went up. King Terek and Queen Galya beamed with pride.
The High King smiled at the newly bonded. “You may invite as many craftsmen and artisans as you wish from Yalta and Kassouk, as well as war
riors, and young, adventurous people from the Chosen clan to build your villages and start families in your new domain.”
Talina's wide smile and the tears of joy in her eyes told Kahuel he'd made the right decision. He squeezed her hand on the yellow tablecloth. “I think we can both enjoy a new life, away from these stifling walls.”
Talina sobbed softly and leaned her head on Kahuel's shoulder.
High King Dragomir glanced toward Esperana and Vanaru then raised his wineglass. “I wish you all happiness, success, and prosperity!” He paused as if savoring his next words. “Long live King Kahuel and Queen Talina of Sylvania!”
The table erupted in a loud cheer as wine glasses tinkled and the guests showered the young couple with good wishes.
“King and Queen?” Talina lifted her deep turquoise gaze upon Kahuel. “I was right the first time I saw you. We were meant for each other, destined to do great things.”
“Can you be happy as my queen in Sylvania? We shall invite Chosen families, so you can still mind-talk.”
Talina's radiant smile lightened his heart. She threw herself into his arms, crushing the flowers into his chest. “I'm happy now, and I will be as long as I'm with you, no matter where we are.”
Kahuel buried his face in her honey hair, overcome by the heady fragrance of the flowers. He wondered whether the blooms had a specific effect on a groom's manhood, or if it was just him... He held her tight. She was his, and he would never let her go.
When their heads rose again, Talina closed the gap between their chins, and her lips opened slightly. Kahuel gave her a true Zerker's kiss, possessive and triumphant, elated at the prospect of a lifetime of love and happiness.
The End
Check out all the books in the Chronicles of Kassouk series:
Prequel: Noah's Ark
Book One: White Tiger
Book Two: Red Leopard
Book Three: Black Jaguar
Book Four: Blue Lioness
Book Five: Snow Cheetah
More books by Vijaya Schartz
Azura Chronicles series:
Book 1 - Angel Mine
Book 2 - Angel Fierce
Book 3 - Angel Brave (2020)
Byzantium series:
Book 1 - Black Dragon
Book 2 – Akira’s Choice
Book 3 – Coming in 2020
Ancient Enemy series:
Book 1 - Anaz-Voohri
Book 2 - Relics
Book 3 - Kicking Bots
Single title sci-fi romance:
Alien Lockdown
Snatched
Archangel twin books:
Archangel Book 1 – Crusader
Archangel Book 2 – Checkmate
Also check out Vijaya Schartz’s medieval fantasy series CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE
and her contemporary romance novels
Born in France, award-winning author Vijaya Schartz never conformed to anything and could never refuse a challenge. She likes action and exotic settings, in life and on the page. She traveled the world and claims she comes from the future. Her books collected many five-star reviews and literary awards. She makes you believe you actually lived these extraordinary adventures among her characters. Her stories have been compared to Indiana Jones with sizzling romance. So, go ahead, dare to experience the magic, and she will keep you entranced, turning the pages until the last line. Find more about her and her books at http://www.vijayaschartz.com
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