Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) (7 page)

“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.

“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.