by Ciara Lake
“All of the luggage has arrived. The staff has placed your bags in your suites. Commander Tavitt along with me will escort you to your suites. I strongly advise you and your staff cool off and rest prior to the midday meal. This humid heat can be rather tiresome to newcomers. I’m certain you must recall from your last visit with us. I believe you fainted, Minister.” Kael raised an eyebrow. Saleeya could tell Kael’s comment was a jab at the Minister. “The Palace staff have been given orders to delay midday meal for two hours. That’ll give you and your party time to rest. You’ll find it comfortably cool in the Palace.” Kael started to walk away. “He’ll accompany you to your suites. If you need anything along the way, let him know.” With a nod, a tall, powerfully built Xihirian stepped forward. Ignoring the rest of the party, Kael strode over, offered his arm to Saleeya. “Saleeya, come, walk with me. I’d like very much to get to know you better. Also, you can help me better understand the Kriton people. I’m interested in your culture,” Kael coaxed more gently.
“Well, ah.” Saleeya glanced from Kael to Mia, uncertainty in her eyes. “Of course, Admoncor, I’d be delighted.”
“Yes, Saleeya, walk with the Admoncor,” Vitalion insisted. “I’ll meet with you as soon as we arrive at our rooms.”
Kael paused, his attention settling on the Minister. “You mean, after Saleeya has fully rested and taken her midday meal,” Kael corrected. “That’s acceptable, isn’t it?” Kael demanded confirmation from Vitalion.
“Yes, of course, Admoncor Braeden.”
Saleeya sensed the rising tension from both men’s expressions and their tone of voice. Wisely, she decided to remain silent. To barge into the middle of that testosterone would be a mistake. The tone and atmosphere of the exchange between the two men was disconcerting. She swallowed at the flash of bright amber in Kael’s gaze as it hardened on Vitalion. Fear tightened her throat. She wondered what Vitalion had done in the past that so irritated the Admoncor. She placed her hand on Vitalion’s arm and tightened her grip, sending a plea for him to be silent. They didn’t need nor want any sort of disruption to begin the proceedings.
Bodies shuffled amid the standoff, and the group’s discomfort seemed apparent to Saleeya. The hints of “human” tones that were previously evident in Kael had vanished. His eyes looked animalistic and feral. Vitalion visibly paled, and Saleeya could see perspiration roll down his face. Wisely, he looked away from Kael’s direct stare. Saleeya recognized Vitalion’s request for her immediate attendance was due to his insecurity and fear regarding the upcoming interactions with the Xihirians. From what she’d been told, Vitalion had previously only dealt with Kael—not his father, the Sovereign. Had something been said or done during those previous meetings that had soured Kael on Vitalion? Saleeya didn’t know, but she knew she needed to find out.
The son was so overwhelming. Despite Saleeya’s attraction to him, she could clearly see Kael’s difficult demeanor. One could only imagine what his father might be like. Having all of the royal males in attendance might prove to be too much for Vitalion. “Perhaps, Minister, you should rest. We can discuss anything of concern tomorrow rather than trying to squeeze in those discussions before we’re set to meet the Sovereign,” Saleeya suggested, noting the flash of rage that darkened Vitalion’s gaze before it was masked. Another bolt of unease shot through her, and Saleeya glanced over to catch the odd expressions on Mia’s and Jarvin’s faces as they quietly took in the exchange.
Kael removed himself from the tenuous situation. He waited at the intersection of the main hallway for Saleeya to join him. As soon as she stepped next to him, Kael turned on a pivot to lead the group through the Palace toward the guest suites.
Saleeya trotted behind him, her breathing ragged. Exhausted, hungry, and thirsty, Saleeya finally stopped. She slipped her hand from his arm and crossed her arms over her chest.
Kael stopped abruptly and turned to glance at Saleeya. “What’s the…”
“I’d be delighted to walk with you, Admoncor.” Saleeya shook her head. “As long as we’re walking, not running. You’ve been dragging me through the halls.”
“Forgive me, Saleeya.” Kael’s expression looked repentant. “You’ve but to ask me to slow down and I shall.”
“Well, I’d appreciate it if you’d remember I’m not one of your soldiers. And Minister Vitalion seems to be struggling.”
”I see.” Kael turned to watch Vitalion’s party slowly struggle to catch up. “You need not worry for that male. He’ll be fine,” Kael replied in a low, slightly irritated tone.
“I’m merely being courteous. Vitalion’s an older man. Please be more patient,” Saleeya snapped. As Vitalion’s party was still a distance away from them, Kael turned to begin a more relaxed pace toward the west wing of the Palace.
Torn, Saleeya paused. She glanced from the rest of her party to Kael and back. Finally, she shrugged her shoulders and turned to slowly follow him.
Kael glanced between her and the others. “What still keeps you?”
Saleeya ground her teeth together. His seeming disregard for the others wore on her nerves. His attitude bothered her more than it should have. “Perhaps I should wait until they catch up with us. It’s rude to leave them so far behind. We can catch up with you.” She motioned to the lagging group.
Kael eyed her tensely. “As you wish. I’ll wait for them with you.” He turned, arms at his side, his feet braced in the familiar “at ease” position of the military. His eyes locked on Saleeya, more heat in them than she was comfortable with. Kael awoke emotions and sensations she was not familiar with. The others finally arrived. They stopped to get their breaths. Kael turned. “Shall we resume our journey, Lady Saleeya?”
Vitalion waved a hand at Saleeya, brushing her aside. “Yes, please don’t delay on my account.” Kael turned his full attention toward Vitalion.
“I wasn’t speaking to you,” Kael enunciated too slowly.
Recognizing a potential situation, Saleeya interrupted, “Kael, be tolerant with us.” She touched his arm and smiled sweetly up at him. “You must reduce your pace for the Minister. He’s older and not used to this environment.” To soften the rebuke she added, “Thank you for your tolerance.”
“Miss Stayvel,” Vitalion commented when he reached her side. To her surprise, his fingers gripped her wrist in a tight band. “Your tone to the Admoncor isn’t appropriate. Apologize to Admoncor Braeden.” Saleeya caught the faces of her peers cringing. They clearly realized the Minister’s stupid mistake. Kael took two long strides, stopped right in front of the Minister. He spoke firmly in a rough, low growl.
“Minister Vitalion, I’ll serve my Sovereign by offering you our hospitality and my personal attention. But,” Kael bit out, “don’t admonish Miss Stayvel in front of me. In fact, don’t admonish her at all. She and she alone may address me as she pleases. If I have an issue with her, I’ll inform her directly. Do we understand each other?” Vitalion turned a deathly white and nodded. Kael turned and took her hand before he proceeded on his trek to the west wing’s guest quarters. Deciding silence was better than creating further issues, Saleeya silently walked with him.
The Palace opened up to an open-air, shaded garden. After crossing through they entered into another enclosed corridor to wait. Kael turned, a slight smile crossing his face as his gaze swept over Saleeya. “We’ve arrived,” he announced, and he resumed what she was quickly surmising was his relaxed stance while he waited for the rest of the group to arrive. Saleeya stood next to him, watching the group shuffle toward them. She sighed, irritation rearing its ugly head as she watched the group lollygagging. They should hurry the heck up. This walk shouldn’t take all day. After all, the Prince has taken his time to personally escort us. We’re wasting his valuable time.
“Why are you so hard on Vitalion?” Saleeya looked up at Kael.
“He’s unacceptable to me,” Kael answered without further explanation.
“No wonder he fainted last time he was here.” Saleeya looked
away, her irritation close to the surface.
“He’s a weak male.” Kael nodded in Vitalion’s direction.
The group entered under the archway to stop in front of Saleeya. The accompanying junior Xihirian officer brought up the rear. His expression was one of impatience. “This is the entrance to the west wing’s guest quarters. My father asked me to personally see you to your guest quarters. Minister Vitalion, your suite is right here on this side of the lobby. If you need anything further, Commander Tavitt will see to your needs.” Kael pointed to an arched door. “Inside you’ll find a living and dining area, a bedchamber, along with a cleaning chamber. Your luggage is already inside. Please take your rest now. I’ll be back for you to escort you to the dining hall for the midday meal in approximately two hours. Do you have any immediate needs or questions I can help you with?” Kael waited for a moment before dismissing Vitalion.
“Many of the attending delegates will be housed within this section. Each will have a private…” Kael paused, disgust flashing when Vitalion interrupted.
“No, it’ll be fine. I’ll be ready when you return for us.”
“Good.” Kael dismissed the Minister, turning to Jarvin. “Mr. Manntree, your quarters are directly next to the Minister’s. See, that door.” Kael pointed in the direction of the next doorway. “Again, Commander Tavitt is assigned to assist your party.”
“Yes, thank you, Admoncor Braeden,” Jarvin politely answered.
“I’ll leave you to rest.” Kael’s tone was more patient with Jarvin.
“Thank you, Admoncor. I appreciate your hospitality. I realize that the Sovereign has made a special concession to ask his son to see to our personal comfort.”
Kael nodded to Jarvin, turned to look at Mia and Saleeya. “Ladies, please come with me. I’ll show you both to your suites now.” They continued on, passing around a corner slightly out of the main lobby area. Kael intimately placed his hand on Saleeya’s lower back. Saleeya enjoyed the heat of his touch. She trembled at his touch. She was sure he’d felt the ripple go through her. “Here, Miss Tiller, is your suite. I believe it should be comfortable for you. Do you need anything further?” Kael continued without giving her a moment to respond, “Very good, if you require anything, there’s a vid-com that you may use to call for whatever you require.” Kael waited for a response. Mia shook her head again, wistfully looking to Saleeya. Standing next to Kael, Saleeya felt vulnerable and delicate, like a lamb with a lion. She was a magnet, pulled toward him, and his hand on her back made her stomach flutter. She was excited yet nervous to be alone with him. Everything about him stimulated her and her imagination. She had wild thoughts of…kissing his gorgeous face, lips, and pressing her soft body against his hard one.
“I’ll see to Saleeya. Go now, have a good rest.” Kael smiled at Mia. “I’ll return for you in about two hours.”
“But.” Mia gasped when he turned to escort Saleeya to her suite. “Admoncor Braeden,” Mia reluctantly called. Kael hesitated then turned to face her again.
“Is there something more you need, Miss Tiller?” Kael politely paused, giving her his full attention.
“I want to make sure Saleeya’s settled comfortably.”
Kael looked from Saleeya to Mia. “You needn’t concern yourself with Saleeya’s comfort. I’ll take care of her. Enjoy your rest.” Kael nodded, dismissing Mia. Kael gently pressed his hand against Saleeya’s back to move her along the corridor. Saleeya glanced back. Mia appeared reluctant to enter her suite. Mia’s face had a worried expression. Noticing Mia’s obvious distress, Saleeya offered a meek smile with a slight wave of her hand toward Mia as she walked off with Kael.
Kael led the way to another ornate door, opened it, and ushered her inside. Without a word, he left her next to the door and began a sweep of the room. She giggled when he vanished out the terrace doors before reappearing. “Does it meet your standards, my lord?” She placed her hands on her hips.
Kael regarded her for a moment before he flashed a quick smile. “Ah, you tease me.” Kael smiled again. His look along with his comment was as if her teasing him meant something more than she understood. “Yes, the suite is secure. Please come in, Saleeya.” Saleeya felt her insides clinch with longing. She surely loved the way he said her name. The way he made her feel was so unfamiliar to her, yet she recognized it, enjoying the lust-filled sensation. “Did you think it might not be?” Saleeya raised her right eyebrow and cocked her head to look up at him. Teasing him was fun. She enjoyed the devastating smiles he gifted her with. Saleeya debated what to do with this overly masculine, controlling male who confounded her emotions, making her mind swirl. He was completely taking charge of her. She surprisingly enjoyed it.
Kael ignored her question. “Over here.” He guided her. “This is your vid-com screen.” He pointed to the large screen that sat on the table across from the seating area. He opened the table’s top drawer to remove a handheld remote. He placed the vid-com remote in her hand. When his fingers touched hers, the tingling sensation ran up her arm into her chest, and her heart skipped. “You may carry the vid-com remote with you. It has its own speaker with screen to make it portable. You may call for whatever you need. Take it wherever you want. Press this key”—he demonstrated—“to request the computer to connect to whomever you like. You may even call the Kriton world to speak with your family.” He paused, his stare reaching through her, an expectant look in his eyes. It was as if he was undressing her with his eyes, and Saleeya blushed at his bold gaze. However, she found she wondered what he looked like out of his tight-fitting uniform. She’d never allowed her mind to think about a particular male that she was interacting with in this way before. Sure, she thought of men, but not one she could reach out and touch. Kael interrupted her imaginings. His husky voice brought her back to reality. He was attempting to explain how to use the vid-com. She could care less about the gadget. The only thing she was absorbing from him as he instructed her was the feel of the heat from his body. His clean, masculine scent made her want to bury her nose against his shoulder to inhale deeply. Hmm, I had no idea that I could enjoy the way a man smelled. I’m really in trouble here. Saleeya chided herself. Her breasts felt tight, heavy, her nipples hardening. She imagined him touching them, kissing them. Her face reddened at her sensually graphic imagination. Behave yourself, Saleeya. I can’t think about the Prince in such a way. It’s simply inappropriate. This is my job. I’m performing official duties. She tried to convince herself. “I carry my palm vid-com all of the time, so you can contact me at any time. Over there.” He redirected her attention.
“Can I call you?” Saleeya blurted, interrupting him. She couldn’t help but ask.
“Any time, I’d like that.” Kael’s smile sent a thrill right through her. His deep voice caressed her like silk. She was aching to feel his lips on hers. She could almost taste him. “Like I was telling you, over there’s a chill unit with your drinking water.” Pivoting on his toes, he pointed in the other direction. “In through those doors is your bedchamber along with your cleaning chamber. On Xihirah, we use real water showers. There’re many delightful uses for such a luxury.” Saleeya was so caught up with his news of a real water shower she jumped up on the tip of her toes to race in the direction of the shower.
“Oh, my Kriton Moons, a real water shower with hot and cold water? This is fabulous.” She clapped her hands together gleefully. “Oh, Kael that’s just wonderful. When can I use it? Can I use it anytime I want? Are there any restrictions regarding the use of it that I need to know?” With much energy, Saleeya was caught up with the news that she could have a water shower. The thought of enjoying the water shower momentarily replaced her current obsession with Kael. She darted past Kael into the bedchamber to get to the shower he had mentioned. Kael followed quietly, watching her unexpected excitement.
“I’d like to excite you like this,” Kael whispered after her.
“How does it work? Is it easy to use? Can you show me?” Another burst of energy overt
ook Saleeya. Kael smiled from ear to ear, following behind her.
“I’d love to show you how to use the shower. Shall I take my uniform off so I can demonstrate more thoroughly? It’s the easiest way to show you.”
Saleeya entered the cleaning chamber, stopped in the middle of the room to rotate around on her heels. Mirrors wrapped around the entire room. In the corner of the room, beautiful glass doors enclosed the shower area. Two eye-catching silver sinks stood against another wall of mirrors. A commode with privacy was tucked behind another mirrored wall. The room was brightly lit. “Oh, my Deity, I need sunglasses in here. It’s so bright. My Kriton Moons, look at this marvelous shower area,” Saleeya excitedly rambled on.
“Adjust lighting to dim twenty percent,” Kael instructed the computer. Not paying attention to Kael’s presence, Saleeya happily danced into the shower area. She turned around and around giggling like a young child.
“My gosh, it’s big enough to hold three or four people at once. I love it, but I can’t imagine what you’d do with such a big shower.”
“I’d love to show you. There’re many things,” Kael murmured under his breath.
“This is heavenly. I’m in heaven.” Saleeya twirled around. Saleeya ignored Kael. “Mia’s probably in her heaven too.” Saleeya continued dancing about the room. “Look, there’re benches in here. Wow, you can sit down to have the water wash over you.” She sat down on one of the benches, leaned back against the mirrored wall, and closed her eyes. “I’m so happy. I can’t wait to try this out.”
“You’re beautiful,” Kael reverently whispered. Saleeya in her excitement hadn’t really forgotten the handsome male’s presence. He was difficult to forget. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw him watching her intently. She also had heard his comments. His tight uniform pants molded his erection. Nothing much was left to the imagination. Saleeya knew she was performing, no doubt fueling his imagination. However, she continued in her performance. She knew he watched her closely with his glowing eyes. Instinctively, she knew he exercised every ounce of self-control not to remove his clothing as he had suggested earlier. Saleeya caught his reflection in the mirrors as he watched her. His eyes were on fire, having completely transformed. His beast obviously watched her. Saleeya wasn’t oblivious to him. Even though it appeared she was only focused on the shower, she saw every move he made.
