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

by Ciara Lake

  “Is this terminal a good distance from your Municipality?” Saleeya inquired of Kael, tying to make light conversation.

  “Yes, we’re about sixty minutes from the Palace, which is about ninety minutes from the center of the Ferileson Municipality. Please buckle your guard belt. The driver has returned. We’ll be taking off shortly.” Saleeya fumbled with her belt. She was frazzled about how to maneuver without having to fit her hand up against his thigh.

  Kael watched her silently. “Would you like me to buckle it for you?”

  “No,” Saleeya choked out. “I think I have it.” Saleeya looked up into his amber eyes. “Could you, please, move your leg for me, so I can lock it in between us without accidently pinching your leg?”

  “Of course.” Kael’s eyes seemed to glimmer. He barely moved his leg. Saleeya continued to struggle. In order to lock the belt Saleeya had to run her hand against Kael’s thigh. While she attempted to lock the belt, his bright amber eyes quietly watched her with a hint of amusement. Saleeya felt the heat from his leg penetrate her hand and run up her arm. A heat wave of heat radiated into her hand. She had definitely felt a tingling sensation making her hand and arm throb. After she had finished buckling the guard belt, she removed her hand, but the pleasant throb continued. Saleeya wondered if he had felt the same tingling. The heated tingling lasted for some time. Overcome with nerves, Saleeya’s heart pounded hard in her chest. Her lungs felt depleted of all air. Saleeya silently chided herself to get a grip. She worried about passing out if she did not cool off. She told herself to breathe slowly in order not to hyperventilate. Xihirah’s humidity, heat, along with the heat coming from this male’s hot body, were going to melt her into a puddle.

  Oh, damn, I don’t want to screw this up for the Council. How embarrassing if I faint. I’ve never fainted in my life. What in the Kriton Moons is wrong with me? It’s like I’ve never seen a handsome man. I should be in the other vehicle with Mia. Right off, I ended up with five Xihirian warriors all to myself.

  Deep in thought, Saleeya felt her already heated face getting hotter. She was positive that Kael could sense her unease. Her face heated more. The hair around her face was becoming riotous curls. Saleeya nervously licked her lips. She noticed that Kael closely studied her. His eyes were overly bright and his pupils were vertical slits. “Did you get your guard belt locked all right?” he softly asked close to her ear. The sound of his voice next to her ear made Saleeya feel as if her heart was going to jump out of her chest.

  “Driver, please turn the air cooler all the way up. It’ll be cooler in here soon. When we fly and glide, it’ll cool down quickly,” Kael assured Saleeya. Her unease spiked even more with Kael’s obvious awareness of her discomfort and the fact that his eyes were noticeably changing. He continued to examine her closely and his eyes increased in brightness. Overly bright eyes were problematic. Didn’t she just warn the others of this predatory signal? When their normally round pupils formed slits, they were struggling with emotions, possibly near a shift. Saleeya, certain she had annoyed the Admoncor, neared panic.

  “Have I said or done something wrong, Admoncor Braeden?” Saleeya stammered.

  “Yes.” He looked hard into her eyes. Saleeya’s beautiful green eyes widened with his answer.

  “Yes?” she choked out.

  Kael smiled. “Yes, I asked you to call me Kael.” The right corner of his mouth twitched up. For a moment, Saleeya thought she saw a hint of a smile cross his face. “What’s your first name?”

  “Saleeya.”

  “That’s a lovely name. It suits you. May I call you Saleeya?”

  “Yes, of course,” Saleeya responded quickly, relieved by his soothing, conversational tone.

  “It’ll be cooler in here soon, Saleeya,” he reassured her again. “I’ll make sure that when you get to your quarters you’ll be able to rest for a while before any demands are placed on you. You’re exhausted. The humidity takes a lot out of those who aren’t familiar with it.” Changing the subject, Kael added, “Lean forward, Saleeya, I’ll help you adjust your hair. I can see it’s pulling on your head. That must be uncomfortable.” Saleeya obediently leaned forward, allowing Kael to collect her hair in his hand. He gathered her hair, placing it tenderly over her left shoulder. What seemed like a mild current of energy flowed up the strands of her hair from where he touched. The pleasant feeling struck her brain, causing a euphoric feeling. The astonishing tingles ran up her neck then straight down to her lower parts. Kael gathered her hair and placed it over her shoulder. His face came closer to hers. His penetrating amber gaze examined her more intimately. Saleeya returned his gaze, looking directly into his eyes. His eyes flashed brighter. The stimulating current-flow made Saleeya feel light-headed. Suddenly, she was damp between her legs.

  “Thank you, Kael.” Saleeya felt heat rush up her neck to her face. “I feel much better. I’m feeling cooler now. I do appreciate your courtesy in seeing to my comfort. My hair did make me uncomfortable. Are you well?” Saleeya asked him in an anxious rush of words.

  “Yes, Saleeya, I’m healthy and at ease.” He paused. “Your hair’s lovely. I like it hanging down. However, the females in my family often wear their hair up when traveling outside. I believe it’s much cooler for them.”

  “I’ll be sure to wear my hair up next time I’m outside. It’d definitely be cooler to have my hair up off my neck. Thanks for the suggestion.” Kael nodded while continuing to watch her. His close observation unsettled her.

  A few more moments passed. “Saleeya, I’m enjoying your company. Thank you for riding with me. You’re very beautiful. Also, you have a lovely scent.”

  Embarrassed by his compliment, Saleeya smiled. “Thank you, Kael. I thought perhaps I may have exasperated you for some reason.”

  “Why would you think that, Saleeya?” Kael cocked his head to the side in a questioning way. Saleeya realized that she loved the way her name rolled off his tongue. His deep masculine voice combined with his Xihirian accent, thick, heavy like the ancient brogue of Earthen highlands she studied as a girl. It was incredibly sexy. His lips were perfectly sculpted. Saleeya found herself staring at them.

  “Your eyes are brighter. Your pupils have elongated. Does that mean something? I’m curious.” Saleeya had decided to directly deal with what was concerning her. Kael smiled down at her. His appearance became even more breathtakingly gorgeous. Saleeya nearly stopped breathing.

  Kael did not answer her right away. “My eyes change when I’m feeling particularly strong emotions. I’m sorry to distress you. You’ve nothing to fear from me, Saleeya. I’m far from annoyed or exasperated with you,” Kael softly answered close to her ear. She could feel his words against the side of her face, and it made her tingle all over. “Are you blushing or are you further flushed from the heat, lovely Saleeya?” Kael’s tone was suggestive. Saleeya was certain he flirted with her. His seductive tone made her stomach flutter. Good Deity, she needed to get away from him before she fainted or melted all over him.

  “I’m still overheated. You’re right, Xihirah can be a lot for someone to become used to at first,” Saleeya stammered out, turning her flushed face toward her window.

  “Close your eyes. You can rest if you want, or look out the window. Look at our beautiful jungles. They’re particularly lush and green right now, like your eyes. If you wish, you may rest your head against my arm.” Kael tapped the side of his arm as in invitation.

  “No, no, I’m good. Thanks. I’ll look out the windows. I’d hate to miss the scenery,” Saleeya hurriedly responded.

  Finally, the transport engines started. The conditioned air became cooler. The vehicle lifted up with a slight jerk and without further hesitation flew toward the jungle. Out the transport’s front windows, Saleeya saw the jungle swallow them up into its lush vegetation. “It’s too bad we have to travel so fast. It’s hard to take in everything,” Saleeya said aloud, more to herself.

  Immediately, Kael responded, “Driver, reduce your rate of spe
ed. The Lady Saleeya wishes to enjoy our scenery at a slower pace.”

  “Yes, Admoncor Braeden.” The driver quickly reduced the speed.

  “Oh, Kael, I don’t wish to delay everyone. It’s just so vibrantly green. It’s different from Kriton,”

  “It’s fine, Saleeya. I wish you to be satisfied. Enjoy the sights of our world. If you’d like me to give explanation regarding anything you see, ask me.”

  “Thank you, that’s very kind.” Saleeya continued to gaze out her window. The transport seemed to magically glide through a green tunnel. Having only lived on the arid planet of Kriton, this green planet appeared even more glorious to Saleeya. It reminded her of pictures she had seen of the ancient Amazon jungle on Earth. This jungle appeared even more exotic yet probably hid many more dangers. “Kael, do you or others ever walk through areas that look like what we’re seeing? Or is it too dangerous?” Saleeya turned to look at him for a brief moment while she waited for his answer.

  “I often run or walk through this jungle. I have since I was a young child. I enjoy spending time in the jungle. It’s even more beautiful when you’re within it. Perhaps you’ll go with me sometime. I’ll keep you safe. I can show you many beautiful things.” Kael paused. “Saleeya, look at me.” Saleeya looked into his bright amber eyes. “Do you have a male that calls himself your husband like is common in your culture?” Stunned by his personal inquiry, Saleeya quickly answered.

  “No, I’m not married.”

  “Good.” Kael sat back in his seat, seeming more relaxed. Finally, he focused his stare out the front windows.

  Saleeya’s mind raced with questions like why Kael would ask her if she were married.

  Certainly, he’s not looking to have casual sex with me. He’s much different from what I expected. He’s very attractive. Nevertheless, I’m not that sort of woman. I’m a professional and an educated woman. I’m not an easy mark for some handsome prince to add to his list of conquests.

  Nevertheless, her panties dampened further. The remainder of the trip Saleeya sat in silence. Her eyes remained glued to the outside scenery. Suddenly the green tunnel opened up into a clearing. In the distance, Saleeya could see what had to be the Royal Palace. The structure gleamed white in the early sunshine. Surrounding the Palace were manicured gardens with bright flowering plants. Saleeya had never seen so many flowering plants in one place. “It’s so pretty,” Saleeya whispered to herself.

  “That’s our Royal Palace.” Kael pointed out the window. “Those are the Imperial gardens.”

  “Yes, I thought so. It’s magnificent. The Palace’s so brilliant white.”

  “The Palace is built from a natural stone, called Varinth. It’s only found on Xihirah. The white stone has crystals throughout. They gleam like precious jewels, especially in the bright sun. We’ll be landing shortly. Soon you’ll be able to get some rest.”

  Chapter Five

  The transport slowly glided toward the sparkling white Palace.

  “Lady Saleeya, I’ll go more slowly, so you can enjoy our gardens,” the driver said to her from the front of the transport. The sunlight made the Palace almost too bright to look at. It was blinding as it shimmered in the daylight. As promised, the driver hovered over the ornate gardens, giving Saleeya time to have a good look out the windows. The palatial garden was immense. Reds, yellows, violets, blues, and other hues covered the ground below like a thick, floral carpet. It was a festival of colorful flowers mixed with vibrant green plants.

  “This garden’s unbelievable. I thought the Kriton ship’s conservatory was amazing but this garden’s even more unbelievably colorful. I’ve never seen anything so stunning. This planet’s truly a paradise,” Saleeya gushed in wonder. “I’d love to walk in that garden. I’m sure the flowers have lovely fragrances. ”

  “Yes, Saleeya, the flowers smell beautiful. But none smell as lovely as you.” Kael’s eyes gleamed wickedly. Saleeya decided to ignore his intimate comment.

  The driver slowly glided under a colossal portico. The portico covered a paved area with a grand staircase that led up to the entrance of the Palace. The stairs were about twenty feet in width, gradually narrowing to an elegant entrance at the top. The steps were made of the same shimmering white stone. “I just love the way the white stone shimmers. It looks like jewels are embedded within the stone.”

  “Yes, the stone’s extraordinary. Many worlds purchase it from us,” Kael informed her. At the top of the stairs, an elegant double glass door that reached the ceiling of the high portico allowed entrance to the Palace. Multicolored glass mosaic tiles surrounded the enormous doorway. Just as the transport landed and the engines shut off, rain cut free from the sky. A deluge of rain pounded the ground and rolled off the edges of the portico’s roof. “Someone could drown in that rain. I’ve never seen weather like this or that much rain. I can’t believe that the weather can change so fast,” Saleeya exclaimed in surprise.

  “Yes, all of Xihirah’s a rainforest. Some areas rain more than here.” Kael wrapped her hand around his arm and helped her off the transport. “But I promise you won’t drown.” He lightly chuckled. Saleeya could not decide what was more gorgeous—his face, the garden, the planet, or the magnificent shimmering Palace.

  “I know I won’t drown.” Saleeya giggled. “I love the rain. I love this place. It’s wonderful.” Saleeya’s expression was animated with excitement.

  “I’m happy you love it here.” Kael helped her down the transport’s steps.

  “It never rains like this on Kriton. It hardly rains at all.” When they reached the bottom of the grand staircase, the other transport landed sixty paces from where they stood. The sound of the rain falling was deafening. After the rest of the Kriton party exited their transport, they were ushered to the bottom of the staircase.

  Saleeya, excited to see Mia, managed to escape Kael’s grip to rush over to her friend. “Isn’t this place amazing? Have you ever seen any place more beautiful?” Saleeya whispered to Mia. “Isn’t the rain wonderful? I love it.”

  “I’m surely impressed. I have to agree, this world’s fabulous. I love the garden and this Palace is…like a dream,” Mia eagerly agreed. “How was your trip alone with the Admoncor?” Mia leaned close to Saleeya.

  Before Saleeya could answer, Kael caught up with her and placed his hand on her mid-back. “Wait here,” he instructed Saleeya in an authoritative tone. Kael disappeared, his curt command reminiscent of his high position within his government. For a moment, Saleeya felt bereft by his sudden change in attitude and disappearance.

  “I’m being silly,” Saleeya said under her breath.

  “About what?” Mia touched Saleeya’s arm.

  “Oh, nothing. I’m just talking to myself.” Saleeya waved her hand as if to easily dismiss her earlier comment.

  “Be careful doing that around here. They hear everything. Remember?” Mia reminded her.

  “Yes, that’s true.”

  The majesty of the Palace recaptured Saleeya’s attention. She gaped at the sight that stretched out before them. The massive glass doors swung open to reveal the majestic entry hall. The Palace’s white walls and floors glimmered in the light. Saleeya was surprised to see that on one side lining the entry hallway were six large archways open to the outside. The Palace was open to the elements. Despite the Palace’s openness to the outside, it was much cooler and more comfortable than the outside had been. An older man dressed in all white appeared to wave their group further inside. He nodded his head in greeting as their party entered. “Wow.” Saleeya eyed the entrance hall with a mixture of amazement and shock. The enormous area opened into a larger area. Another archway separated the entry hall from what she assumed was a reception room. The room could host large parties and events. The servant waved a hand, directing them into the reception room. Sparsely furnished, the room was decorated with brightly colored sofas, chairs, and pillows. The décor was casually comfortable yet elegant. Several elaborate crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilin
gs. Ornately carved mirrors and tapestries lined the walls. The tapestries seemed to tell the history of the early Xihirah to present day.

  “Miss Stayvel, how was your trip to the Palace?” Vitalion nudged her arm, a look of disgust upon his face.

  “It was pleasant, Minister Vitalion. This planet’s very lovely.”

  “It’s okay,” he flatly responded. “In the future, I want you to remember that you need to ride with the rest of our party,” he sneered. “I’m after all…”

  A rush of heat flooded Saleeya’s face at his statement. It angered her. “I’m sorry.” Saleeya’s tone was hushed. “I didn’t ride with you.” Saleeya met his gaze steadily. Her stomach was uneasy with anxiety at his rude attitude. Nevertheless, she was not going to back down to Vitalion. He was a bully. “To refuse the reasonable invitation of the Xihirian Prince would’ve been a mistake. We’re here to form alliances. Also, Minister, you gave your permission for me to walk with him. It was only natural to end up on the same transport with him.”

  “Whatever, you don’t have to remind me. Perhaps it was better you rode with him. Better you endure his bestial company than me.” Vitalion waved his hands, obviously disgusted with the idea of being alone with the Xihirians, especially Kael. “After I’ve been escorted to my room and I’m settled, I’ll need to go over a few details with you before our midday meal with the Xihirian Sovereign. I don’t wish to delay, so don’t waste time. Attend me quickly. You should be rested well enough from the trip from the terminal. I was able to take a slight nap. If not, there’ll be time enough for you to rest later.” Vitalion was exceedingly curt with her.

  “Minister,” Kael called out as he entered the hall. His voice was harsh. He made subtle gestures communicating with his staff as he strode toward them.

  “Yes, Admoncor Braeden,” Vitalion stammered. Kael towered over the frail man, his penetrating stare enough to intimidate. Saleeya glanced at Vitalion’s hands. They trembled. Despite her dislike for the man’s arrogance, she took pity on him.