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by his expression that he had overheard everything. Saleeya stopped
to face him,  Admoncor. Saleeya paused in front of him.  Kael,
please let s move past this unpleasant episode. Let s go to the dining
hall. I m hungry. Kael studied her face. After a brief pause, he
simply nodded his head. He looked over her head to see Vitalion with
his group fast approaching. Motioning them to follow, he began to
lead the way.  Saleeya, please walk with me.
82 Ciara Lake
Chapter Six
The Palace was immense, magnificent, and the incorporation of
the natural beauty made it even more startling. Lush jungle trailed
through the columns of stone with startling beauty. Saleeya softly
sighed. The use of native flora mixed with the artistic architecture
easily surpassed that of the simply functional buildings on Kriton.
Open verandas and patios overlooked the outside gardens. There was
no differentiating between inside and outside. Surprisingly, the
temperature mixed with the humidity was moderate. It all reminded
Saleeya of locations she had only read about in her many books. This
world was richly colorful compared to the arid beige Kriton. Xihirah
was a living work of art. Saleeya was in love with the world s
ambiance.
With a grin, Saleeya turned to Kael, who watched her with a
heated stare.  It s so beautiful. I feel alive, as though it s part of me.
You don t see such lavishness back home. Surrounded by flowering
plants, she inhaled deeply, enjoying the fragrant aroma of their bright
blossoms.
The elegant dining hall was a long room that opened out onto a
balcony of similar size. The balcony s view of a vast jungle was
phenomenal. Hills, mountains of green, made up the landscape as far
as her eyes could see.  My Deity, the sky s so blue and the green, oh
my. She touched Mia s arm in her excitement.  Have you ever seen
such vibrant hues? It astounds me.
 Me too. This world is nearly too much for my Kriton brain to
handle. I mean it in a good way. Mia giggled.  It s a fabulous place.
Xihirah 83
Kael led their small group out onto the balcony while the servants
finished preparing the table. He had been too quiet on the way to the
dining hall, as if deep in thought. Pointing toward the vast jungle,
 What you see is the Ziriacan Jungle. It s the largest jungle on
Xihirah, possibly in the known galaxy. It s one of our many
treasures.
 It s so gorgeous; there re really no words to express, Saleeya
exclaimed, leaning against the balcony s railing. Closing her eyes, she
breathed in the warm, moist, tropical wind. It lightly caressed her
face. The wind was sweet, exotic. It swirled around her, seducing her
with the aroma of hundreds of flowers.  I want to touch and smell
every one of your marvelous flowers.
 Yes. His fingers slipped along her bare flesh. She shuddered at
the heat that suffused her body. His hand on her arm sent glorious
shivers of sensation through her body.  I, too, love the scent of a
lovely flower. The feel of its softness against my skin is like nothing
else, sweet Saleeya, he murmured softly next to her ear.
 Son, please introduce me. The sudden commanding male voice
broke the magical moment. A shaft of something hot and heavy
ripped through her. When Kael stepped back, his eyes flashed
dangerously before he masked the challenge. Within seconds, his
demeanor shifted. Graciously he bowed before the older, regal man
approaching.
Saleeya noted the way the others clustered together, their eyes
widened. They stared at the two men who sandwiched Saleeya
between them. Swiftly responding to his father s request, Kael said,
 Father, may I introduce you to Ambassador Saleeya Stayvel of
Kriton, her aide, Mia Tiller, the Minister of Kriton Government,
Troyic Vitalion, his assistant, Jarvin Manntree. Ladies and gentlemen,
the Lord Sovereign of Xihirah, Kliven Braeden. Kael s father spared
the other dignitaries a moment s attention before focusing his full
attention on Saleeya. Her cheeks burned from the knowing look in his
eyes before they cut to his son.
84 Ciara Lake
 May I take her hand, Kael? Lips twisting, showing sharp canine
teeth, Kael nodded.
Saleeya frowned, desperately trying to recall what custom this
could be that she d inadvertently forgotten. Drawing a blank, she
glanced at Mia who paled but didn t speak, leaving a heavy knot of
tension within her belly.
Kliven s eyes met Saleeya s, and he held out a hand.  Please,
place your hand in mine, dear child.
Fearing insulting the king, she placed her hand in his. Vaguely,
she noted that his hands were callused, as though he d worked years
with them. Her heart pounding, she stared as the sovereign brought
her hand to his face and inhaled deeply.
Still holding her hand near his face, his expression evened out. A
faint smile crossed his handsome features. Nodding his head toward
Kael, he said,  She s lovely. After we take our meal, we shall meet [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]