The foursome spent the better part of the day taking advantage of each other’s company. The food was, to say the least, unbelievably delicious. Ussay kept trying to be the servant-picking up after them and offering to fetch water from the nearby stream. That is until Octavion scolded her for it.
Cade, on the other hand, appeared to totally enjoy himself. Several times Kira tried to get his attention to apologize for her rash behavior, but he only had eyes for Ussay. It didn’t take long for Octavion and Kira to get the hint and excuse themselves to take a long walk. Cade and Ussay were more than happy to be left alone under the seclusion of a large pine tree.
Pride Meadow reminded Kira of the box canyon in her world-a narrow strip of land divided by a meandering stream of crystal clear water. Lush green grass and wildflowers spread out across the entire meadow. Instead of jagged cliffs, a tall mountain rose up on one side and on the other a dense stand of pine trees seemed to go on forever.
Octavion and Kira left the horses tied near Cade and Ussay’s carriage and took their walk along the edge of the stream until they came to a fallen tree that spanned the water. Octavion sat next to it and motioned for her to join him, but instead she plucked a daisy from the ground and hopped up on the log and laid her head back to bask in the sun. Their heads were only inches apart, even though he sat on the ground. She draped her arm over his shoulder, letting her hand rest across his chest. He threaded his fingers through hers and rubbed his thumb back and forth on her palm.
“I have something I need to tell you,” he said.
“Is it good news or bad?”
“A little of both.”
Kira sighed. “Be gentle, I’m enjoying the day too much to have it ruined.”
When he didn’t respond, she took her hand back and slid down to sit next to him so she could see his face. “I’m not gonna like this, am I?”
He shook his head. “But you need to know.”
She took a deep breath and tried to prepare herself for the news. “Tell me.”
“Luka spoke to several of the Royals at the ceremony today. He was able to gain more information about our little problem.”
“You mean the prince I killed?”
He smiled. “I was trying not to upset you by putting it so blunt, but yes. He said the prince was from Kazedon. His name was Eros, the only son and heir of King Tyrious.”
“Shandira’s prince,” she mumbled.
“What?”
“I thought I told you.” So much had happened since that day in the barn, she couldn’t remember what she told him and what she hadn’t.
“Told me what?”
“Shandira said the reason she wanted Lydia dead was because Bastian had introduced her to a prince and they were to be married, but only if her gifts were unique. It was the only way his father would allow it. She said he was a. . collector, I think is how she put it. That’s why she was so mad at me.”
Octavion pinched the bridge of his nose. “Oh, Kira. Why did you not tell me before? It all makes sense now. Shandira has been doing his dirty work.”
“I thought I did. I’m sorry.”
“No wonder he is so angry. He not only lost his only heir, but the possibility of a grandchild with unique gifts. And with Shandira stuck in your world, Draego had taken over where she left off.”
The hair stood up on the back of her neck as he spoke. “So that’s why he wants me dead.”
“Yes.”
“Well that’s just great. So now what? I spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder? I refuse to live like that.” She looked down to discover the daisy completely mutilated in her lap. She brushed it away and stood.
Octavion jumped to his feet and took her by the arm. “It does not have to be that way, Kira. My father has already sent word to King Tyrious and he has agreed to meet us. Luka and I leave in the morning.”
Kira pulled away from him and stepped back. “No. You can’t go, Octavion. You promised you’d never leave me again. They will kill you instead.”
“Calm down. If a king agrees to meet in peace, there is little danger. He will honor his word.” He stepped closer and drew her near. “He has always been a fair man. He is not thinking clearly because he grieves the loss of his son.”
“So what’s the good news?”
Octavion cringed. “That is the good news. The bad news is I will be away for most of the day and I will miss you terribly.”
Kira caught something moving out of the corner of her eye. At first it startled her, especially after their conversation about the Royals and her life being in danger, but when she turned to see what it could be, the impending doom gave way to joy. On the other side of the stream was the mama tiger she’d met in the woods, her two cubs scampering behind her. They’d entered the meadow through the trees and were romping around in the sunlight.
Kira jutted out her bottom lip and put on the most pitiful pleading face she could manage. Octavion took one look at her pathetic attempt to gain his permission and caved.
“Go ahead,” he said. “But keep your appendages out of their mouths please.”
She kicked off her shoes and hopped up on the log.
“And watch their claws,” he added as she gained her balance and made her way across the stream.
Once on the other side, she looked back to see Octavion lying back on the grass, his elbows propping him up. He held a long stalk of grass between his teeth and sported a content smile.
“You’re not joining me?” she asked.
“I would rather watch from a distance.”
“Chicken.” He was obviously afraid the mama would reject him like before and his ego couldn’t take it.
He smiled and motioned behind her. “Might want to turn around. You are about to be attacked.”
Kira spun around to see both cubs running right for her. One was surefooted, while the other stumbled with every other step. Kira recognized her instantly, the same clumsy cub that tripped over her paws before. Kira dropped to her knees and let them attack. Although they were larger than the first time she’d seen them, they were still small enough for her not to feel threatened. She was amazed at how they seemed to trust her.
Kira gave them both rub-downs, one behind the ears and the clumsy one on her belly. She’d rolled over the second she came near Kira, begging for attention. When they’d had enough of her, they caught sight of a butterfly-looking creature and chased after it.
The mama circled around and gracefully lowered herself to the ground a few feet away. She basked in the afternoon sun-her light blue eyes sparkling in its rays. Kira patted her leg, trying to coax her closer.
“Kira,” Octavion warned from across the stream.
“I’ll be fine.”
The tiger rose to her feet and came closer. Octavion straightened.
“She’s okay. Let her come over,” Kira said.
She watched the mama cat inch closer. When she was within arms reach, Kira slowly put out her hand so the tiger could get her scent, but instead of smelling it, the cat lowered her head and rubbed against Kira’s hand, a rumbling purr emanating from her chest.
Octavion’s shoulders relax.
The big cat lowered herself to the ground. Kira wanted to cuddle up next to her like she had with Toran, but knew she was wild, so kept some distance between them. She gently rubbed behind the white tiger’s ears. In her mind, it was Toran she touched. She missed his gentle spirit. She would have given her life that day to see him running free in this meadow. At least knowing he no longer suffered at the hands of those monsters brought her some comfort.
“Have you picked one out yet?” Octavion asked from across the water, taking her away from her memories.
Mama seemed irritated at the interruption. She lazily got to her feet and walked toward her cubs.
Kira turned to Octavion with a disgusted look on her face. “You did that on purpose.”
He chuckled. “I merely asked if you had a favorite. I thought you might want to start training one to be a companion.”
“You mean a pet?” Having Toran around was a treat, but she felt certain taming a wild tiger wasn’t exactly like having a house cat, no matter how much they trusted her.
He shook his head. “We do not believe it is kind to keep any animal as a pet. We do, however, let them live with us occasionally. If they choose to leave or stay, that is up to them.”
She thought about that for a moment while watching the cubs play. She could definitely imagine her life with one of them by her side. As if on cue, they turned to face her. At first, they both plodded across the meadow toward Kira, but then one stopped and sat down on his haunches. He patiently watched as the clumsy little female crossed the distance between them, stumbling twice before reaching her lap. As before, she rolled over and let Kira rub her tummy.
Kira turned to find Octavion leaning back again. “I guess she chose me,” she said.
“It would seem so.”
Kira jumped. Octavion’s sudden appearance behind her startled her and scared the cub. The little creature’s entire body tensed as she sprang into the air, puffed up like a cotton ball and hissed. She backed away slowly, but not before bearing her tiny teeth and sending Octavion a warning in what could only be described as a ferocious screech. Her mama, on the other hand, roared her disapproval.
“Sorry, mama,” Kira said. “He really has no manners.” She turned and slapped Octavion on the arm. “You’re mean.”
He laughed. “Have you thought of a name? Perhaps Stumbles would suit her. She reminds me of you.”
Kira glared at him, but he was right. The reason she liked her so much was for that very reason. “No, I don’t want to give her a complex.” She thought for a moment about what to call her then remembered the sign above Kueelok’s door. “Is there a word in your ancient language that means clumsy?”
He thought for a moment. “It does not translate quite right, but Mahli means without balance.”
“Mahli. . I like it.”
“Mahli, it is then,” he said. “We will have to visit her often so she can imprint with you. Do you think you are up to that?”
“Absolutely.”
He helped her stand, but she’d had her feet curled up under her and they’d fallen asleep. When she tried putting all her weight on them she stumbled into his arms. He smirked then turned to look at Mahli, who stumbled again, trying to catch up with her brother.
“Don’t say it,” she begged.
“Shall I carry you back?” he teased.
“No.” She pushed him away, picked up her skirt and started for the log. She glanced behind her to find Octavion with his arms folded as if waiting for her feet to fail her again.
“You will fall,” he said.
“Wanna bet?” She jumped up on the log, but half way across, her right foot sprang to life, sending a million tiny pins and needles into the bottom of her sole. It was like stepping on a porcupine. She jerked, sending her scrambling for balance-and right into the water.
She came up gasping for air and soaking wet. Octavion still stood on the bank of the stream, trying hard not to bust out laughing.
“Why didn’t you catch me?” she yelled. She knew all too well he could have caught her in midair and landed on the other side without even touching the water.
He chuckled. “Are you all right?” He stepped closer to give her a hand, but she refused. Instead, she skimmed the surface of the water with her cupped hand and splashed him.
“You made me ruin my new dress.” She grabbed her soaked skirt and marched up onto the opposite bank. If it weren’t for the added weight of the soggy fabric, she would have kept right on walking, instead she sloshed onto the grass and began wringing it out.
Octavion crossed the log with the grace of a cat. He jumped down, scooped her up into his arms, and took her to his hunting cottage. The trip was a little more violent than usual, causing a head rush. When he kicked in the door and set her on her feet, she felt nauseous. She stepped over to the hearth and sat down.
“Whew! I feel like I just got off a roller coaster.”
Octavion sat next to her and put his arm around her waist. “Are you all right?”
She nodded. “Why did it feel so different this time?”
“I am sorry. I should have been more careful.” Octavion stood and started preparing the fire. “You need to get out of those wet clothes.”
“What?”
He paused long enough to make his point. “Take off your clothes. It will be dark soon and you will catch a chill.”
Kira looked around the room in horror. There was no private place for her to undress. No matter how creative she was she’d be completely exposed. “Um. . maybe you should take me back to the castle.”
He struck the flint with his knife, igniting the kindling with the first spark. “They are still celebrating. Are you sure?”
Wouldn’t that be great if she walked in looking like a drowned rat? “No, but couldn’t you take me directly to my room?”
“I want to spend more time with you without interruption. Being alone in your room isn’t proper.”
“And here is?”
He chuckled. “No, but no one can see us here.”
“What about Cade and Ussay? We can’t leave them out there alone.”
He turned to sit next to her again. “Ussay’s finger started bleeding. Cade had to take her home. I had him send one of the servants for our horses.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
He smiled. “I was having too much fun watching you play with. . Mahli.”
“Ugh. Well, if you think I’m undressing in front of you, you’re crazy. And what am I supposed to put on while my clothes dry?”
He pulled his shirt up over his head. “You can wear my shirt. It will be long enough to cover your. . umm-” He chuckled. “It is a bit damp in the front from bringing you here, but if you leave it in front of the fire until you get your dress off, it should be dry.”
Kira barely heard his words. She was too busy staring at the scabbed over claw marks on his chest and shoulder. She gently touched one with her finger then looked into his calm blue eyes. “You would tell me if she was here, wouldn’t you?”
He took her wounded hand and without taking his eyes off hers, began unraveling the wet bandages from around her broken finger. “You are safe here, Kira. If I felt you were in danger I would not leave tomorrow.”
His words only confused her. “So I’m not in danger from the Royals hunting me, either?”
He shook his head and smiled. “King Tyrious called off his men until after our meeting. It would be bad for his reputation if something happened to you before we were able to plead for your life.”
“Oh, well. . we wouldn’t want his reputation tarnished,” she teased. But inside she was shaking. Actually, she shook on the outside, too. Despite the roaring fire, she felt chilled to the bone.
He spread the bandage along the front of the hearth to dry, kissed her cheek and stood. “I will be outside if you need me.” Then he disappeared.
Kira quickly stripped down to her skin and put on his shirt. The hem reached about mid thigh, which actually covered more than her shorts did back home. She had to admit it felt strange having her legs exposed. She would have never thought she’d like, or even get used to, the long dresses. She actually enjoyed living in a fairytale world-except for the danger, the lack of a hot water at her fingertips, and a few other minute conveniences of her world. Like a shower and toilet.
She grabbed the chair from the desk and put it near the fire, then draped her dress over the back to dry. She took the combs out of her hair and put them on the mantle and began twisting her hair in her hands to wring out the excess water. When she yelled for Octavion to come back in, his expression when he came through the door made her laugh. He spun around on his heals and faced the door.
“The shirt was your idea. Deal with it,” she teased.
He carefully made his way to the overstuffed chair, keeping his back to her the whole time. “It is not the shirt, Kira. The light of the fire is behind you. Your silhouette leaves very little to the imagination.”
“Oh.” She quickly sat on the hearth and wrapped his shirt tightly around her, covering herself the best she could with her arms.
Octavion propped his feet on the rickety ottoman and leaned his head against the back of the chair, closing his eyes. “Do not mind me.”
“Do you at least have a comb or brush I can use? My hair is totally tangled.”
Without offering to lend her a hand, he motioned above his head to a small wooden box. “That belonged to my mother. You might find something in there.”
“Well, could you hand it to me?”
“I would have to open my eyes.” He smirked.
“Ugh! You’re a lot of help.” She inched her way around the ottoman and slipped to the side of his chair to reach for the box. She was fully aware of what happened to the length of his shirt as she reached above her head for the box, but she tried not to think about what Octavion would think-or see. She wasn’t, however, expecting his hand to wander from the arm of the chair and graze her thigh. She jumped back and squealed, dropping the box into his lap. The lid popped open, spilling the contents.
He didn’t complain, simply picked up the comb and handed it to her then turned over the box and placed the items back in their place.
“I’m sorry, you startled me.”
“It was my fault. Perhaps you should go back to drying your hair.” His jaw muscles tightened.
She pushed his legs aside and sat on the ottoman. “Were all these things your mother’s?”
“Most are, yes.”
“I’m sorry, Octavion. I should have been more careful. May I see them?”
He picked up the last item, put it in the box and handed it to her. Most of the items were things she would use to fix her hair. There were several decorative combs, a few ribbons and a long, peculiar looking pin. But the things that caught Kira’s attention were two broken pink crystals. She picked up the pieces, held them together and saw they were once part of one whole. One end connected to a silver loop that must have hung on a necklace. It would have been beautiful.
“Was this your mother’s too? How did it break?”
“No.” He took it from Kira and put it back into the box then closed the lid. “I broke it.”
She sensed his reluctance to share the circumstances behind what happened, but her curiosity got the better of her. She put her hand on his. “Octavion, why won’t you talk to me? Did I do something wrong?”
He raised his eyes from the box and sighed. “This is not a conversation you want to have right now. Trust me.”
“Tell me. No secrets, remember?”
He searched her eyes for a moment. “It was to be Serena’s engagement present. I held it in my hand the night my father entered Lydia’s chambers. . and told me Serena had died.”
“Oh.”
Neither said anything more. All she could think about was the stone he’d picked out for her the day before. Had he intended it to be an engagement present for her? She wasn’t sure she wanted to know-it would cheapen it somehow. She stepped to the fire to dry her hair while Octavion returned the box to its place on the shelf, sat back in the chair and closed his eyes.
It had been dark for a while when her hair had finally dried. She slipped under the covers on the bed and tried to sleep.
A few minutes passed when Octavion stood and came to sit next to her. “Kira.” He gently brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. “I am sorry.”
“Will you hold me?” she asked, desperate to feel his arms around her.
He looked at the empty space beside her and then focused on her face. “Not tonight.” He smiled, but it didn’t seem genuine to her. He kissed her on the forehead, pulled the covers up and went to lie on the animal pelt in front of the fire.
With one clumsy move she’d managed to bring back painful memories of both the mother he never knew and the woman he loved and lost. Now he wanted nothing to do with her. In response to his rejection, Kira rolled over toward the wall and curled into a ball. Her shell was a good place to be tonight.