The Forbidden

by Jessie Donovan

  She smiled slowly, and a warning bell went off inside his head. Kalahn spoke again. "So, does that mean you'll train me in the ways of warriors, too?"

  He blinked. "What?"

  "I've had some training from the Jasvarian warrior females, but they don't always have time for me. Since we'll be working together to protect Kajala anyway, it could be beneficial for you to teach the both of us."

  He opened his mouth to refute the idea but promptly closed it. Kason would probably have his balls for even considering Kalahn's idea. But she did have a point. "We shall see. If you behave, I'll instruct you in some of the basics. However, it may be best to keep this from your brothers for the time being."

  "What do you mean if I behave? I'm not about to shirk the first real duty I've been given in my life."

  At the affront in her tone, Ryven unclasped his hands and reached out to touch her arm. "I didn't say you would."

  Shrugging off his hand, she moved to the door. "I wish to depart. So unless you want to leave me unprotected, you'll follow."

  She exited and Ryven cursed. After he caught up to her, he took hold of her shoulders and stopped them both. "Look at me, Kalahn."

  While she took her time about it, she finally met his gaze. "What?"

  At the irritation in Kalahn's eyes, the urge to distract her and calm her down flooded his body. The easiest way to do so, and release some tension for them both, would be to kiss her.

  His eyes darted briefly to her lips, but he quickly met her gaze again. He couldn't kiss her because if he did, he had a feeling Kalahn would want more. And there wasn't a path forward where that could happen. Neither one of them could afford such a scandal. And given the intelligence Ryven knew about the Kelderan colony on Jasvar, it could set off a dangerous chain of events.

  However, a compromise flashed into his head. If Kalahn wanted warrior lessons, he would give her the first one.

  Moving his face close to hers, until her hot breath tickled his lips, he stared at her. As the seconds ticked by, heat crept up her cheeks and the runic markings on her neck flashed yellow, the color of unease and nervousness.

  He pounced. "That, right there, could cost you your life. While not every enemy is aware that our markings change color with our emotions, enough of them do. Any traitors inside the colony certainly will know. I imagine the information will quickly spread among the Jasvarian humans, too." He moved even closer, and her markings flashed a brighter shade of yellow. "You need to concentrate and keep them a dark blue color."

  Her question was a whisper against his chin, "How?"

  "Imagine the most mundane situation, one that you do almost every day. That should do it. Now, try it."

  At first, her markings flashed between yellow and red—red signaled lust.

  Lust? No, he must've imagined the color he wished to see.

  Thankfully after about a minute, they turned dark blue, the neutral default of all Kelderan warriors, which signaled calmness of mind and body.

  Triumph flared in Kalahn's eyes, which prodded Ryven to push her farther. "The second part of the lesson involves keeping them blue while I push your boundaries. Can you do that?"

  She nodded. Ryven raised one of her bare arms into his field of vision, to monitor her marking colors. In the next beat, he moved his lips to her jaw. He gently pressed them against her skin.

  Electricity raced through his body at the contact. Only because he had decades of training to draw on was he able to keep his marking a dark blue and not groan.

  Training Kalahn would test every last iota of his discipline.

  However, the princess wasn't as skilled and the dark blue faded to red.

  Maybe she did still find him attractive after all these years.

  Pulling back, he cleared his throat. "Containing your emotions and maintaining a neutral color for your markings is your first test. Only once you've passed that will I teach you anything else."

  He expected defiance, or even a demand.

  Instead, mischief danced in Kalahn's eyes. "So we have to keep doing this until I can pass your test?"

  It almost sounded as if she wanted him to kiss her jaw again.

  No. To accept that would lead them both into trouble.

  He stepped back. "There are other ways to test you, Princess. Surprise is key for any training, so you'll just have to wait and see what else I have planned."

  Motioning for her to precede him, he waited for her to move. Her expression turned guarded before she walked ahead of him. Dishonorable male that he was, he couldn't resist watching her hips sway. He swore she exaggerated the movements on purpose, to tease him.

  He stood tall and quickly matched her pace. He could never let her know that he'd enjoyed the view, maybe more than he should have.

  No, he kept his face neutral and escorted her to Kajala's quarters in silence.

  Chapter Two

  The entire way to Kajala's quarters, Kalahn tried to push away the feeling of Ryven's lips against her jaw.

  She'd always assumed her memories of their kiss had been those of a young female, romanticizing and embellishing an event.

  But Ryven's "test" had proved that her memories were truthful. One touch and heat had rushed through her body. She couldn't be sure, but her markings might have even flashed the color of lust.

  Get a grip, Kalahn. Even if Ryven weren't flying back to Keldera in the near future, she had no interest in being a bride yet. There was too much to do and few Kelderan males would accept their brides working. Merchants were the only ones who valued a working female, and Ryven most definitely wasn't a merchant.

  If and when Kalahn was ready to settle down, her best bet was to find someone in the Jasvarian colony. The males there had no illusions about a quiet, domesticated bride who lived to cook, clean, and raise babies.

  Kalahn had nothing against females who wanted that life. But it would be nice to have a choice in the matter.

  As they entered one of the temporary living areas carved inside a mountain, Kalahn pushed every thought out of her head except for those related to her half sister. If Kalahn fulfilled her assignment as asked, then she had a chance at future jobs with greater responsibility. She was determined to prove to both of her older brothers that she was mature enough to see a mission through.

  Because if she didn't sway their minds, she might never be able to work toward some of her bigger goals regarding change.

  Stopping at the living quarters numbered 483, Kalahn nodded at the two warrior guards standing to either side of the entrance before knocking.

  For a few seconds, nothing happened, and she was overly aware of Ryven's heat just behind her. Did the blasted male have to stand so close? After all, she'd never seen a warrior stand so near to another female who wasn't a relative or their bride.

  No doubt, he was trying to set her off guard with another one of his "trainings." At that thought, she focused on succeeding with Kajala to keep her markings neutral.

  A muffled female voice sounded through the door, garnering her attention. "I'm not taking visitors."

  "I'm afraid you don't have a choice, Kajala Mayven. I'm Kalahn tro el Vallen, your half sister." When there was nothing but silence on the other side of the door, Kalahn added, "I can easily reach out to our brother Kason and get a key. But I was rather hoping that you'd open the door willingly. You see, I've always wished for a sister to help even the odds against my brothers. I'm impatient to meet you."

  A minute passed by before the same voice said, "You can come in, but not the warriors."

  Ryven grunted behind her, but she ignored him. "Promise you won't hurt me, and I'll gladly agree."

  Ryven whispered into her ear, "I can't allow you to enter alone."

  Kajala's voice came through the door once more. "I have no desire to hurt anyone." The lock clicked. "Come in when you're ready."

  Placing a hand on the doorknob, she glanced at Ryven. Keeping her voice low, she said, "I'll be fine. I may not know much about my sister, but sh
e's not an assassin. I'll keep the door unlocked so if there's trouble, you can enter straightaway. Is that satisfactory?"

  He grunted, and Kalahn entered Kajala's quarters without another word.

  As she leaned against the closed door, she zeroed in on her sister.

  With her dark blue hair and light teal skin, Kajala looked nothing like her mother. Kalahn had seen Kajala's mother once via a video conference, her golden skin and magenta hair streaked with silver a striking combination.

  However, Kajala was striking in a different way. She was tall and willowy, with dark blue eyes that tilted up ever so slightly at the edges.

  She was the opposite of Kalahn's golden skin, and shorter, plumper frame in nearly every way; the only trait they shared was dark blue hair.

  But as soon as her gaze reached Kajala's midsection, every thought flew out of her head.

  Judging by her sister's protruding belly, she was heavy with child.

  And according to her records, she wasn't married.

  Kajala's soft voice filled the room. "And now you know my secret." She glanced down at her stomach and smiled. "One that I hated at first, but now, I'm glad. It gives me a piece of him."

  Blinking, Kalahn gathered her wits. If she didn't pounce on the opening, Kajala might retreat and never share her secrets. "Who, may I ask, does it give you a piece of?"

  "My love, Davrel. He was killed during a space pirate attack eight months ago."

  She wondered why nothing had been in her file about a male named Davrel. Regardless, Kalahn put it all together. "He was killed right after you conceived."

  "Yes." She met Kalahn's gaze. "We had every intention of marrying when he returned. However, with his death, there was no one to claim me. So I persuaded my mother to talk to our father, and I was allowed to come to Jasvar."

  While the humans on Jasvar would think nothing of a pregnant, unmarried female, it was the epitome of shame on Keldera.

  She couldn't blame her sister for wanting to leave.

  Kalahn took a step toward Kajala. "This is why you've been hiding in your rooms, isn't it?"

  She nodded. "Yes. I know those selected for the colony are more open-minded, but many would see me and talk. So I keep to my quarters, and when I do go out, I wear pillows around my sides and rear to make me appear overweight rather than pregnant."

  Anger flared. "You shouldn't have to resort to such things." Kajala's eyes widened, but Kalahn pushed on. "Having a child with the male you love shouldn't be a crime. If males could conceive, they would celebrate the accomplishment and most likely throw parties."

  The corner of Kajala's mouth ticked up. "Perhaps. Although with a little time, I'm sure we can change things here."

  She closed the distance to her sister. "I'm adding that to my list of things to tackle, although I must admit it's getting longer by the day."

  Kajala tilted her head. "You are not what I expected for a princess."

  She shrugged. "I would give it all up if it meant I could have greater freedom. Alas, it's females in general who shoulder the burden amongst Kelderans." An idea flashed. "Although if two daughters of King Kastor form an alliance, we might be able to accomplish quite a bit."

  Kajala smiled. "I'm starting to think that our father kept us apart to keep us both out of trouble. Although, believe it or not, my younger sister is even more troublesome than me."

  Taking a chance, Kalahn took Kajala's free hand and squeezed. "Well, I'm the eldest sister so I must set the example." She leaned in and whispered, "And that example is to break as many female-related traditions as possible. Because if I can have my way, I want to be a starship pilot."

  "Heights terrify me, so hopefully I don't have to do that, too."

  She shook her head. "Of course not. You're already a genius with engineering stuff, or so I heard. The colony is lucky to have you."

  For a second, she thought her sister might cry. However, Kajala cleared her throat and motioned toward the small kitchen area. "How about we have some tea? Ever since I learned of your existence, I've envisioned a thousand scenarios but nothing like this. I think we might even become friends."

  "Friends. That's something I've wished for but have rarely accomplished until recently. I guess when it rains, it pours, and I'm not complaining."

  Kajala headed toward the kitchen area and stirred the fire. As she placed the pot of water on the stove, Kalahn almost wished they had a replicator machine.

  To become independent on Jasvar, Kalahn might actually have to learn how to cook.

  Sitting down, Kajala motioned for her to do the same. Once they were both seated, her half sister asked, "Will Prince Kason be as accepting as you are?"

  "Kason was a general in the Kelderan Army, so he's used to routine." Kajala's face fell, but Kalahn quickly put up a hand. "But he did marry the female leader of Jasvar, so he's learning to be more open-minded. You just have to learn to ignore his grunts and growls." Kajala hesitated, so Kalahn added, "But we can wait a bit before I introduce you to him. I'm sure there's much for you and me to discuss anyway."

  Her sister smiled again, but before she could reply, there was a pounding on the door, followed by Ryven's voice. "Kalahn? Are you okay?"

  She sighed and whispered to Kajala. "That's Ryven Xanna. He's supposed to protect us. I'm not sure if you're aware, but there are certain threats to the both of us here on Jasvar."

  Ryven shouted, "Kalahn, answer me or I'm coming in."

  Rolling her eyes, she went to the door and opened it a crack. "I'm alive and well, as you can see. Now, I'm trying to have a conversation with my sister. Or, is that too dangerous for me to do by myself?"

  He growled. "Just because there's not an immediate threat doesn't mean there won't be. You've survived mostly on luck to date, but that won’t always be the case, Kalahn. You need to let me do my job."

  She opened her mouth to tell him a thing or two when Kajala's voice echoed in the room. "Let him in. It's probably the quickest way."

  Triumph flared in Ryven's eyes, but Kalahn ignored it. She quickly tugged him inside and whispered, "Don't stare."

  "Why would I…" His voice trailed off as he spotted Kajala a few feet away. To his credit, Ryven quickly cleared his throat and bowed his head. "Kajala Mayven, it is an honor to protect you."

  Kalahn was torn between laughing at his formality and moving to stand between him and Kajala.

  She blinked. Was she jealous of Kajala receiving Ryven's attention? Preposterous. After all, her sister was still mourning her lost love.

  Not that Ryven's affections should matter to her anyway.

  Kajala spoke before Kalahn could. "The water should be boiling by now. Sit in the living area and I'll bring the tea and small cakes I made."

  As her sister walked away, Kalahn took Ryven's bicep and leaned in. "You need to let me be the one to tell Kason about this when the time is right. Understood?"

  ~~~

  At Kalahn's stern tone, Ryven wanted to laugh. He was nearly a foot taller than her, and many more pounds heavier with muscle.

  However, to Kalahn, that didn't seem to matter when it came to her family. He wished more females were like her.

  Before his thoughts could turn toward something he couldn't have, he whispered back, "You're in charge of this mission, and I will try to defer to your judgment. However, if I think your lives are in danger, I won't hold back the truth from your brother."

  "Fair enough." She looked toward the door Kajala had exited. "I don't want her to experience any sort of ridicule or shame. That means my mission just became a whole lot more complicated."

  "You always protest about your brothers being protective, but you're the same way, Kalahn."

  Her gaze shot back to his. "The difference is that I'll listen to what Kajala wants and take that into consideration rather than just make decisions without regard for her desires."

  With her face so close to his, whatever sage advice he'd been about to impart fled his head. He couldn't stop staring at the li
ttle flecks of gold in her eyes. He could only imagine how they lit up when she argued about something in the heat of the moment.

  Or how they turned dark when she cried out his name in pleasure as she came.

  Kajala's voice interrupted them. "Everything is ready. Come."

  Kalahn instantly moved away from him and walked over to her sister. It took every bit of restraint he possessed not to haul her back to his side. He was a seasoned warrior, for crying out loud. Why he couldn't push away his thoughts and desires for one female, he didn't know.

  Well, maybe he knew but he wasn’t going to admit it.

  Kalahn linked her arm through her sister's. "We have plans to make and details to learn about each other. Let's get started."

  Kajala gave one last look over her shoulder at him before escorting Kalahn away.

  Alone in the room, Ryven smoothed back his short hair. He only had about a week before he left Jasvar, but if he remained in Kalahn's company, that could be enough to allow him to slip up and shame not only his best friend, but himself as well. He needed to get a grip and act like the seasoned warrior he was.

  Once he returned to his quarters, Ryven would go through a series of meditation practices and then spar with some of his trainees. That usually cleared his head. Maybe then he could think of a way to protect Kalahn without constantly thinking about her green eyes or tempting hips.

  No, he most definitely shouldn't think about her hips or how he'd like to hold onto them while he did wicked things to her.

  By the time he caught up to Kalahn and Kajala, he was mostly back in control. However, as Kalahn met his eyes and flashed him a grin, his gut told him her request was going to get him into trouble.

  She spoke overly sweet, which was yet another warning bell. "I'm going to be staying with Kajala for the foreseeable future. Since neither one of us has a lord, it's imperative we learn how to defend ourselves. That means weapons for the both of us, and hand-to-hand combat training for me. We should begin as soon as possible."