“Ussay, why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Kira went to her dressing chambers and fumbled through the many gowns that hung on the far wall.
“I thought my best dress would due nicely, but when Mara saw me this morning she seemed disgusted with it.” Ussay plopped down on the large ottoman. “She hates me.”
“She doesn’t hate you. She’s. . spoiled, that’s all.”
Ussay’s head shot up. “Kira, you must not speak of royalty like that.”
“And you need to lighten up. And don’t you dare cry-you’ll make your eyes puffy and we need you to look like a queen, not a commoner.”
By the time they came to the end of the long row of gowns, they’d only made three selections. Ussay quickly tried them on, but they were all too big and made her look like a child playing dress up in her mother’s clothes. She sat back down, more depressed than before. “It is no use. I will have to wear my dress.”
Kira noticed a few white bundles covered with fine linens hanging on one side of the room. “What are those?”
“Ly-fancy ball gowns,” she said, not daring to mention Lydia’s name. Her shoulders slouched even more as she lowered her eyes.
“Perfect.” Kira grabbed several at once and threw them to the floor. “Hurry, help me open them so we can take a look.”
“Oh, no, Kira. I cannot wear something so beautiful,” Ussay protested.
“Yes, you can. Now grab that one over there and try it on.”
After going through most of the gowns, leaving them strewn around the dressing chambers and Kira’s room, they were both exhausted. They’d made quite a mess, but still hadn’t found the perfect dress to fit Ussay’s petit stature. Kira had almost given up until she saw a small bundle hanging behind a selection of outerwear opposite the doorway. She reached up, took it to the floor and peeled the linens from around it. When she held it up for Ussay to see, the poor girl’s eyes about popped out of her pretty little head.
“I remember her wearing that dress. It was her first ball. She was only fourteen and not allowed an escort, but her mother wanted her to feel a part of the festivities. She had it made special.” Ussay looked at Kira and shook her head. “I cannot.”
“We’re out of time, Ussay. The ceremony will start any minute and you have to be there. It’s not every day you get to be the center of attention.” Kira threw it at her. “Now put it on.”
Ussay had kept the fact that she was the commoner who expressed a desire to be a part of the Khapri ceremony a secret. It didn’t help matters that Mara had waited until late last night to announce her decision. It left no time to prepare.
Kira had already dressed in her new green dress when Ussay first entered the room. She only needed to make a few last minute adjustments to the combs in her hair and to put on her shoes.
When Octavion arrived to escort Kira to the ceremony, she insisted he take Ussay instead. She quickly made her way down the stairs alone so the two of them could make a grand entrance and get that “wow” factor Kira had been hoping for. This was the perfect occasion to show Cade what he could have with Ussay and she wasn’t about to pass it up.
When she got to the bottom of the stairs Kira found the grand hall packed full of people. Most were dressed in fancy Royal attire of deep blues and burgundies accented with gold and silver. All were adorned with jewels of every color imaginable-accessorized to the max. Even the men had masculine styles of adornment.
Her entrance seemed to signal the others to find their seats. She wound her way through the crowd to find Cade sitting off to one side, near the front of the room. She wanted to make sure he had full view of Ussay’s descent and catch any comments he may throw her way, so she scooted in next to him.
“You look lovely this morning, Kira,” he said. “Where is my cousin? I thought he went to fetch you.”
Kira winked at him and patted his hand. “He did, but took one look at Ussay and had a change of heart.”
He looked at her curiously, while the rest of the room fell silent. They both looked up to see Octavion nearing the top of the stairs with his prize. Ussay had made a last minute decision to take her hair out of her braid and sweep it up on one side, leaving several wavy curls drifting down the left side of her dress. It made her youthful face look more mature and sophisticated. Her gown of soft white chiffon-like fabric seemed to float when she moved.
Kira turned to see Cade’s expression and found him not breathing. She nudged him with her elbow to get his attention, but he ignored her. She wasn’t sure if the expression on his face held shock or jealousy, but either way Ussay’s entrance seemed to have the desired effect on him.
As the couple descended the staircase, Kira saw Octavion’s mouth moving. Ussay had her head down, watching her step, but when he spoke she straightened and looked straight ahead. He said something else, causing the nervousness to wash from her face and be replaced with a smile-her cheeks turning a shade darker than their natural pink. He was coaching her, easing her anxiety, which made Kira love him even more.
“She looks like an angel,” Kira said for Cade’s benefit.
He swallowed hard. “Yes, she does.” His eyes hadn’t once left Ussay’s beautiful visage.
“Too bad you’re such a jerk. You might have had a chance with her.”
He turned to face Kira. “Pardon me?”
“You heard me. She’s in love with you, though I can’t figure out why. Seems you pushed her away for no good reason. It sounds a little selfish and cold to me.” Kira hadn’t planned on being so blunt, but somehow she had a feeling it was what he needed. “And then to get your mother to be rude to her? Absolutely shameful.”
He turned to watch Ussay as she walked through the crowd. Octavion handed her off to Nestor, who led her to the front of the room where she sat in a chair facing the group. She folded her hands in her lap like a sophisticated lady.
“And who do you suppose would dance with her at our wedding?” Cade said through clenched teeth.
Kira turned to find his eyes flashing with anger. Threads of gold began to show around their edges. “It sounds like someone is feeling sorry for himself. Perhaps you should go back out to that cliff we love so much and take a flying leap.”
He looked away in time to avoid her next rebuke.
She put her hand on one of his useless legs and softened her voice. “Cade, I’m sorry, but you need to get on with your life, not stop it from happening.”
Octavion circled around the crowd and came to stand behind them, signifying the end to Kira’s lecture.
“You two look like you are having fun,” Octavion teased.
Cade’s mouth curved into a frown.
Kira, on the other hand, quickly changed the subject. “Who are all these people?”
Octavion crouched behind her and rattled off the names and affiliation of the various invited guests. Some were from the village-prominent scholars, teachers and elders who advised the king on important matters. Others were royalty from Mara’s kingdom, Finvarra and Nestor’s, Morganstar. They’d all gathered for the naming of this little child. If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought he was a prince.
Kira felt suddenly grateful she wasn’t the one spilling her blood in a room full of Royals. The very thought made her cringe.
“How much danger is she in?” she asked.
Cade shot her a warning look. “Do you really think we would put her in danger?”
Kira couldn’t help notice his fierce protectiveness. Perhaps their little chat had influenced him after all. “Maybe not intentionally, but how can you control an entire room full of Royals?”
Cade turned away, clearly disgusted with her question.
“We have all taken turns hunting throughout the night,” Octavion said. “It may be risky for her, but the Royals in this room are all seasoned. Not one is young or has a wild heart. We wouldn’t allow it. The only exception is my cousin here.” He patted Cade on the shoulder. “But even he knows his limits.”
“So if any of their senses are stirred in any way, they will leave the room?” Kira asked.
“Yes,” Octavion said.
With her curiosity satisfied, Kira turned her attention to the others in the room. It was all so formal and grand, it made her nervous. She watched as a few late guests arrived and took a seat with the others. Her heart raced with anticipation. Mara sat in the front row holding the baby, with Luka on one side and Arela on the other. Nestor stood at the head of the room near the king’s empty throne, his broad shoulders square and his head held high-the perfect stance of a proud father.
Flanking the empty throne stood two men, both dressed in white robes, their faces stern and ridged as if they were statues.
“Who are they?” Kira asked.
“The Elders of Lor,” Octavion said. “They oversee all religious ceremonies to make sure they are performed properly.”
Religious? She had no idea they even had a religion. She made a mental note to ask him more about that later.
Octavion leaned toward her and whispered in her ear. “I have princely duties. I will be right back.” Then he stood and walked to the front of the room to take his place to the right of the throne. All eyes were on him as the room fell silent. Octavion nodded his head and they all stood in unison. Kira had secretly slipped off her shoes, so she clumsily fumbled to put them back on so she could stand as well. As soon as she did, she felt the majestic spirit of the king enter the room. Before anyone else knew he was coming, she bowed her head and lowered herself toward the floor. When King Belesgar appeared an instant later the entire room followed suit.
The king appeared as she’d never seen him before. His pants, vest and jacket were all white with gold trim and buttons. He had a dark blue robe around his shoulders that met at the base of his neck, held there by an ornate piece of silver embedded with a ruby. His simple crown, a thin ring of gold and silver twisted together with one clear gem in the front, suited him perfectly, though not what Kira had expected.
He stayed standing long enough to make an impression, then gracefully took his throne. Kira hadn’t noticed until the king sat that Octavion had made an addition to his attire. He also wore a crown, but his was a single strand of silver and held no gem. She was suddenly overcome with the magnitude of his calling-a prince. It made the already nervous butterflies in her stomach flap their little wings against her rib cage.
As soon as the king had settled, Octavion motioned for everyone to take their seats. He welcomed everyone, turned the ceremony over to Nestor then made his way back to stand next to Kira.
“Nice crown,” Kira teased.
“Yours will be even more wonderful when you are my queen,” he teased back.
Kira looked up to find his eyes sparkling at her, his dimples deeper than she’d ever seen. Then he put his serious face on and instructed her to pay attention to Nestor. It was, after all, rude to chat while the father of the honored child made his presentation.
The first part of the ceremony included stories of their history and family lineage. Kira learned more about their people in those few minutes than the entire time she’d spent in Xantara. Nestor spoke of their forefathers and the sacrifices they’d made to keep their people safe, the ancient curse that plagued them all and the blessings they’d received by being loyal and obedient to it.
He told the story of a hybrid whose unusual cravings from birth caused a nursemaid to be bitten, but her blood had tamed his wild heart. It began a tradition that spanned over centuries and was now a necessary part of their lives-the Khapri. Taming the young ones had brought peace to what had once been a dangerous way of life for anyone tending the Royal children.
Nestor went to Ussay and offered his hand. She graciously took it as he pulled her to her feet and led her to a small round pedestal placed in front of the king. Luka stood and circled around behind her, holding what appeared to be a small piece of white fabric.
Kira sat far enough away she couldn’t quite make out what was going on. She pulled on Octavion’s hand to get his attention. “What are they doing?” she whispered.
Octavion lowered himself to one knee. “It is the cleansing part of the ceremony. They will wash her hand of all impurities with a special liquid blessed by the Elders.”
Luka produced a vile and poured a small amount of the clear liquid in the palm of Ussay’s hand. He took the fabric and spread it from her wrist to her fingertips. Arela stood and went to his side. She took the vile and cloth and put it in a small tapestry bag and returned to her seat.
Luka then went before the king, bowed at his feet and was given a small metal tube that was open at one end and solid at the other. The solid end was rounded and embedded with small jewels. Kira could barely make out some kind of ornate craftsmanship on the sides. Luka returned to the pedesetal and stood quietly while Nestor went to Mara and retrieved his child.
Cade straightened. His breathing had deepened and he seemed to be having trouble sitting still.
Kira leaned over to Octavion and whispered in his ear. “Did Cade hunt last night?” She’d learned to recognize the signs of transformation and Cade clearly struggled with it.
Octavion shook his head slightly. “He refused. He had been two nights before and said he would be fine.”
Kira shot him a look of disbelief.
Octavion shrugged and continued with his lesson on the Khapri.
The last part of the ceremony would be the toughest, he said. It was time for Ussay to give her sacrifice and everyone literally moved to the edge of their seats. Nestor held his son in full view of those watching. Luka gently took Ussay’s hand in his, instructed her to fold all but her middle finger into her palm, then slid the metal tube over the end of it, pausing before the tiny blade inside pierced her flesh.
Ussay took in a deep breath. Octavion and Cade both did the same, their entire bodies tensing in anticipation. Luka nodded then shoved the end of the tube onto her finger with enough force to penetrate the skin. Ussay let out a squeal, but the real action took place among the Royals. Three men stood and went to the back of the room while two others disappeared completely. When Luka pulled the tube off Ussay’s finger, three more disappeared, including one of those who’d gone to the back of the room.
Ussay quickly slipped her finger into the baby’s mouth, while Luka threw the tube into a basin of water waiting under the pedestal.
Octavion had been gently holding Kira’s hand, but now he squeezed so tight, her fingers went numb. Cade had almost completely transformed, digging his claws deep into the arm of the bench. When he snapped a chunk of it off in his hand, he turned to look at Kira with fire in his yes.
Kira looked over to find Octavion in a similar condition. She suddenly realized she sat in the middle of two Royals who were completely out of control.
“Octavion, get Cade out of here-now.”
He jerked his head toward Cade, dropped her hand and in an instant, left Kira in their wake.
A few seconds passed and another Royal disappeared. Luka pulled Ussay’s finger out of the baby’s mouth and wrapped it tightly with a cloth. She quickly exited the room and went out into the garden. Kira could see her near the small fountain where she took off the bandage and put her entire hand into the water.
Nestor took his son and raised his little body into the air. His deep voice rang out with pride. “Ethan, son of Nestor, I bless you with the strength of the mountains and the heart of the leopard.”
The room exploded with the mighty roars of those Royals strong enough to endure the spilling of Ussay’s blood. After they stood to congratulate the new parents, Kira made her way around the back of the room and slipped out the glass doors to join her friend. Her finger still bled profusely. There was much more blood than Kira would have thought from a prick.
“Is it supposed to bleed this much?” Kira asked.
“No. I think he twisted the blade when he pushed it onto my finger. It cut deep.” Ussay brought it out of the water long enough for Kira to see it, but it bled so fast she didn’t get a good look at the cut.
Kira pushed it back into the water. “We need to stop the bleeding and get it bandaged.”
Ussay turned and looked toward the room filled with Royals. “We cannot go through there.”
“Wait here.” Kira slipped back into the castle and made her way up to her room. She grabbed a candle and a small knife still on the dressing table from her morning meal and a piece of clean linen. Then she went to the fireplace and took the flint from the mantle before going back downstairs.
Kira and Ussay circled around to the back of the fountain where they would be out of view, lit the candle and waited for the blade of the knife to heat. Ussay wasn’t happy with Kira’s decision to cauterize the wound, but Kira felt it was the only way. Unfortunately, it took three times to get the bleeding to fully stop and even then it didn’t seem completely sealed. Kira wrapped a strip of fabric around Ussay’s finger and blew out the candle.
The guests eventually filed into the dining hall where the kitchen staff had prepared a celebration feast. Neither Kira nor Ussay wanted to call attention to themselves, so they stayed in the garden chatting. It wasn’t long before Octavion returned from hunting with Cade and found the girls sitting under a shade tree. He’d changed into something more casual and had a large tan knapsack thrown over his shoulder.
“How would you ladies like to accompany the prince to the meadow for a fine afternoon meal? I have had the staff gather some of the finest cuisine prepared in this castle in years.”
At first, Ussay seemed excited about the invitation, but then declined. “Perhaps another day,” she said.
“If you insist,” Octavion teased. “I guess it will just be the three of us then, my love.”
Kira looked at him curiously. “Three?”
Octavion smiled. “It was actually Cade’s idea. He thought you ladies could use some time away from the festivities.”
“Cade?” Ussay perked up.
Octavion offered his hand to help her stand and then motioned in the direction of the fountain. “I believe he has reconsidered his feelings. He would like to have a word with you, my lady.”
Ussay blushed. She looked at Kira with hope in her eyes, then flitted off to the fountain with her feet barely touching the ground. She looked like a little fairy in her white ball gown.
Octavion was clearly pleased with himself. His smile was wide and his dimples deep. He caught the questioning look in Kira’s eyes. “What? You are not the only one who knows how to play match maker.”
“He told you?”
“I have never seen a man more confused in my life. I told him it was time he followed his heart and not his legs.” He offered his hand to Kira, much like he had for Ussay, but after helping her up, he pulled her into his arms.
“She’s crying,” he said.
Kira pushed away from him. “What?”
He smiled. “All is well, Kira. He is letting me watch.”
“Well, that’s not fair. I wanna see.”
He shook his head. “No. He only showed me a glimpse. She was smiling through her tears. I take that as a good sign.”
“A very good sign.”
He adjusted the pack on his back and took her hand. “Shall we go? The stable boy prepared you a mount.”
“A mount?” They’d only been riding together once before, but it ended in a disaster. Her horse had bucked her off and she’d broken her arm. Even after healing it, she’d still managed to take a dip in a pond filled with leaches. Not an experience she wanted to repeat. “I thought we’d take the carriage or better yet a leap in your arms. I am not riding a horse. You know how I. .”
He put a finger to her lips to stop her protesting. “Luna is Mara’s horse. She is very gentle and I have instructed them to put one of my smaller saddles on her. I assume you will not be swimming so you will be fine.”
Kira brushed his hand away from her face. “May I speak now?”
He grinned. “You may.”
“I would love to ride with you.”