CHAPTER 24:
Union Of Kindred Spirits
"I still can't believe you" Kiara sighed in annoyance as she paced around the balcony to vent. The city below was dark as torches glittered faintly in the darkness. Looking over the ledge, she made another sigh at the scenery, "If we continue being careless, we will reveal our truth and extinguish our hopeful flame just like those torches out there in the wind."
"It will not happen, Kiara" Kaen'Dre assured as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. The traveler's cloak and mask were gone now, leaving him in his simple mesh outfit. He felt guilty for being so possessive and careless over her but he would make sure they stayed together and secretly if it killed him. After all, yautja males were very fierce at the possibility of relinquishing their mate. "I believe your friend will keep his word, especially if I instilled fear into him."
"Is it so wrong to be with you?" she whispered quietly, her throat tightening slightly. "Everyone I tell of you, they act as if something horrible will happen to me. And that is without them knowing of your godly status. How can it be so wrong when you are held so highly by us? If at all, this should be seen as an honor, not a disgrace."
Why is everyone so keen on keeping us apart?, she thought sadly. I thought it would get easier once we were together.
"Don't get upset" he purred and caressed her smaller hands with his as he placed his chin on her shoulder. "Let them believe what they want and stop double thinking this. You wanted to be with me and I did not deny you, nor will I ever. I don't like to see you sad, my love."
"What will become of us, Kaen'Dre?" she asked softly as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek. Closing her eyes, she relaxed at hearing the cool desert winds pass by them. "At one point, you will leave and our time will finish here like the old hills of sand diminishing into tiny grains of nothing against the wind. I do not regret any second with you but I cannot act like it's a paradise when it'll be torture when you leave me."
He looked into the dark city as he rested his head against hers. Stroking her hair, he soothed, "We will live within the moment, we don't need to worry of the future right now. I don't know if I could remain here and if I could, I would-"
"I can't ask you to stay, we agreed you'd return" she protested and turned around to face him. "I know that you must leave but I want to know if you'll ever return. I understand that the gods are of the utmost importance but I want to see you again, Kaen'Dre, and not forty years from now. I want to know I mattered to you and not be a face a century from now that you cannot recollect and become blurry in your mind as if I meant nothing; our love faded away into the wind, becoming worthless."
The more we're together, the more guilty I feel of my disguise and hidden culture, he thought painfully. I don't want to lose her but I have to return with my people. We are not meant to live among oomans, it's unheard of. . .but I want to stay with her. This whole charade is tying me to her but tearing my principles apart.
"You will never be forgotten and I will return to you" he whispered hoarsely. His throat tightened from the barrage of thoughts going through his head. The main one was that his people would be arriving and he'd have to explain them to Kiara. The other was the possibility of his people discovering their true romantic liaison. He leaned down and kissed her desperately, hoping that nothing would keep them apart. Breathing against her skin as his sharp teeth nibbled on her lips, he sighed, "You are everything I've ever wanted. The only one in this world that understands me and has never rejected me. I love you with my very being so I ask you to do me the honor of marrying me in two days?"
He's ready?, she thought, taken back but joyful nonetheless. I didn't think it'd be so soon.
"Of course, I'll make sure it stays secret and with no interruptions" she smiled quietly and squeezed him by the waist. Oh, she was marrying the love of her life! She could hardly believe it now but she knew he was the one she'd been waiting for. Joyfully, she said, "I don't care if the gods bless us or not, I will be your wife and we will regret nothing. This will legalize our love and no one will stop it."
"You will be as beautiful as you were in that celebration" he smiled back and kissed her gently. Nuzzling her cheek, he purred, "Be happy for what is to come and stop these dark thoughts, Kiara. They will only worsen our fears and I'd rather spend that time laughing as we visit places here like before. Agreed?"
"Agreed" she answered and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I can't wait to be your wife, again."
"Our first time was ruined so it's not official. . .in the mortal sense" he reminded playfully, changing the morose tone between them. She smiled as he embraced her and they both stood silent as the city stayed dark and quiet below them and the desert winds picked up speed. He felt his mate shiver from the cold and he suggested gently, "Head inside before you get ill."
"Fine, you can keep me warm in bed with your body heat" she chuckled warmly as she yawned softly. She stretched her arms as she mumbled, "It is rather late now."
XXXXXX
"This better be important because only scribes and the pharaoh can freely walk into the sacred archives" Aziza said sharply as she led Set down a narrow hallway with low light. The wall carvings let in light from the outside to bask over the shelves filled with scrolls filed from the arts down the medicine.
Set, however, wanted to gain access to the archives of ancient times relating to the gods themselves. Being a high priest in-training, he wanted to know all of the worshipped gods in Memphis and the surrounding areas within the dynasties that came before theirs of the Old Kingdom. Kiara's so-called intended seemed very protective, almost downright possessive of her, and if he was not what he claimed to be, Set would find out and expose it.
"I am eternally grateful and I'll buy you lunch" Set compromised with a groan, still surprised that he'd need Aziza's help of all people to get him in there. She was a scribe for the queen so she was allowed access inside whereas his rank could not. "I'm doing some research for Kiara's sake, all right?"
"Does she know?" Aziza demanded, placing her hands over her hips. "She doesn't like it when we hide things."
"And neither do we when she does" he pointed out sharply as he looked over the archives in another room they had just entered. He could see the yellow dusty scrolls and smoke residue from the old torches reached his nose. "Are these it? They smell old enough."
"No, these are from one century ago" she laughed and kept leading him until they entered another hallway. Unlike the priests who spent their time in the temples or outdoors, scribes were used to quiet and enclosed spaces. "You have your open and aromatic temple, I have the archives chamber with the musty smells. I prefer the quiet as I write my scrolls in solitude rather than the loud praying you do."
"I'm surprised you don't die of boredom, especially with that mouth" he teased as they stopped in front of a closed off room. Aziza unlatched the door carefully as she glared at it from his joke. He chuckled and added another prod, "You could run a two-person conversation all by yourself."
She turned around and snapped irritably, "Do you want to get in or not? Because I could call one of the guards to haul you away." Pulling the heavy door open in one yank, he stared in surprise at how easily she accomplished it. She smirked, "Stronger than you, eh? And you call yourself a man."
"Quiet, wench" he complained and pushed her in before both started yet another argument.
"Stop calling me wench! I'm an honorable scribe!" she exclaimed as led him over to the farthest case of scrolls at the end of the room. As she passed the dark bookcases, she mumbled, "You're a ruthless buffoon, that's what you are."
"If I'm a buffoon, you're a baboon" he shot back and she punched his arm without hesitating in her steps. He massaged his throbbing arm and waved her away with his other hand like a mosquito, "Aziza!"
The pair reached the end of the room and stepped in front of the limestone wall. The wall itself had been hollowed out in areas to serve as storage shelves for the most important scrolls of their people. Set stared at the wall full of old scrolls; with three to four rolls stacked neatly inside each open square.
"There's the section for the first scrolls from before the establishment of the first dynasty" she said swiftly and pointed to the first vertical line on the left side. "Be gentle with them, they haven't been here for so long only to be destroyed by careless hands. These are the personal accounts between the almighty pharaohs and glorious gods, an honor rarely bestowed upon those without authorization. So if I see even the slightest crease or smudge, you will lose that hand."
"I'll be careful" Set assured dryly and looked around for a study area. Aziza noticed and moved to the side to show him a study desk and chair as light filtered through the roof to allow the reader more surrounding brightness compared to the overall room. He nodded to her with a smile, "Thanks, Aziza."
"No problem, just give me that meal you promised" she grinned as she turned to leave her friend to his business. As she walked off, her voice echoed, "For every day you're here, a meal I shall be given."
"Oh! Fine, Aziza" he agreed to her compromise as he began to read the labels on each shelf carefully. Hopefully, there would be vital information relating to the gods visitations on the mortal realm during the past to confirm his suspicions.
XXXXXX
"Are you ready?" Kiara grinned as she waited anxiously in a small chamber within the city's temple. She'd gotten the one of the High Priest's lower priests to legalize their marriage privately without any questions. Since she was the princess only and was not the heir, she was able to use her title to bypass most of the required customs. As long as both parties were in attendance, their marriage certificate could be signed by three officials within the temple. They didn't need witnesses or had family to attend so it'd be easier and much shorter.
"Yes, I am sorry that we must be secretive with this" Kaen'Dre sighed behind his cloth mask. His yellow eyes trailed over Kiara's smiling face, "I wish your family could be here with you."
"Marriage is viewed as sacred, yes, but you're all I need" she said, tracing her hand over his clothed cheek. Looking at the gold ring on her left hand symbolizing their bond of immortality, she smiled fondly, "I love the ring you gave me."
"I had to steal it" he muttered reluctantly but she nodded sympathetically, he didn't like lying to her more than he already was. He squeezed her hand and purred, "You look beautiful today, Kiara."
She wore a long sapphire silk dress with a drooping neckline as gold bands adorned her arms and ankles. Happy for the arrival of her wedding, she'd gone and bought the most elegant dress from the traders that came from the East, and was glad she did. On her feet, she wore foreign heeled shoes, despite not being accustomed to them unlike other kingdoms in the north, to prevent getting her feet and gown dirty along with trying to not look dwarfish compared to her lover's tall stature. On her head, she wore a small circlet as her hair was tied neatly in a long braid down her back. Her lips were tinted red as her eyes were lined with the black charcoal used for all high-ranking Egyptians.
Kiara smiled at her lover who wore a silk black cloak with silver colored edges that covered his entire frame but was snugly enough to show his body's curves while his hands were covered with gloves of the same material. The cloak draped over his back hid the silk outfit within which consisted of a black long-sleeved shirt, a linen high-waist belt, and a long skirt similar to the priests to cover his legs. The cloak covered his sandaled feet as it brushed over the stone floor while he looked over the small room that only contained a bench and a few decorative vases here and there.
"You look very handsome as well" she complimented and kissed his covered cheek. With a shaky breath, she whispered, "We're really doing this, Kaen'Dre. We will finally be bonded together for eternity."
"Are you sure they will marry us in secret? I am marrying their princess, after all" he chuckled nervously as Kiara gently trailed her fingers over the necklace she'd gotten him at the bazaar. He'd decided to wear it since it was a very special occasion for both. He nuzzled her face as he purred, "I told you I'd treasure it."
"They will keep it secret, if not, we will get married in Saqqara or Armana if we have to" she said softly in a determined voice as her hands gripped his beautiful cloak. "We have come too far to go back like you said. I will bind my short life to your immortal one here on this day and we will be happy for whatever time is given to us. I will love you in this one lifetime and hope it's enough to last you through the ages." Her voice hitched slightly as her voice cracked, "You're sacrificing so much for me and I don't deserve it but. . .I pray the higher forces will come to understand what we chose to do."
I forget ooman lives are shorter, he thought forlornly. My Kiara will die in this world before I even reach 100. That's not even a third of a yautja lifespan.
"I will remain yours always, even in death" Kaen'Dre smiled, a little sadly, as he embraced her. "I don't care about our life spans, I will take you as you are without regrets."
A door creaked open as the assistant priest entered wearing white and gold robes. He carried a reading scroll while another was tucked into a robe pocket, most likely their marriage certificate. The man looked at the quiet couple as he approached them.
"Are you ready, princess?" he asked calmly as the two approached him.
"Yes, but this must remain secret" she stated firmly as she intertwined her fingers with Kaen'Dre's. "I will pay whatever you ask but my father must not know until I deem it fit. My choice in a husband is based on rank by my father but I am breaking that rule and this needs to stay silent."
"Our allegiance is to the Pharaoh, if he comes here, we will respond" the priest stated but nodded sympathetically. "I will keep your secret, my princess. Now, have you two drawn up your marriage contract?"
"Yes, Kaen'Dre has no family so I will inherit his assets and mine will be split halfway between my future children and he" Kiara explained nervously as she took out a small scroll she'd written up with Kaen'Dre the previous night as they had sat together by the balcony. She gave it to the priest who quickly look it over and stamped a legal seal onto it. He gave it back to Kiara who put it away and exhaled anxiously.
"Do both of you agree to this matrimonial union?" the priest asked as he began their short and direct ceremony. "Do you speak the truth under the honorable goddess Ma'at and honor it?"
"Yes, I do" Kiara said quietly as she smiled up at Kaen'Dre. The gods would be furious at her disobedience but all that mattered was the man standing in front of her. "Or let her strike me down as I speak."
"I agree entirely with this union" Kaen'Dre answered as he squeezed her hand reassuringly, "There is no doubt in my mind."
"Will you honor and treat each other equally to bring forth your own prosperity as well as that of the Memphite lands?" he continued as he watched both individuals. Despite the secrecy, he sensed no malcontent or reluctance from either and would honor their union as well.
"Yes" they both answered in unison.
"Kaen'Dre, will you remain faithful and bring happiness to your wife?" he asked, looking at the heavily covered male.
"Always, until I die" he promised, giving his mate a fond look.
"Kiara, will you obey-" the priest began but she raised her hand.
"I do not obey, I yield to no man" she objected and looked at Kaen'Dre nervously. "I love you but I have never been one to obey, even if I am a woman. I will agree and follow but I will never be forced to do anything against my will. I-"
"I will never force you to do anything you don't want to" he said, fighting the urge to purr and instead, uttered a small human-like chuckle which tickled his vocal chords. "If you take me with my faults, I will take you as well. You don't have to obey me, Kiara. There will never be a need for you to."
"Our princess has always been very independent" the priest told Kaen'Dre sympathetically as she blushed lightly. The man gave her a smile and carried on, "Now Kiara, let us try again. Will you be faithful to your husband and cherish the success he brings to your home and name in years to come?"
I know he won't be with me in years to come but still. . ., she thought.
"Yes, even unto the afterlife" she whispered and nodded firmly. They would never live a normal life as most couples but she would take whatever he could give her.
"Then your union is finalized and let the gods rain prosperity upon you as you go into your new life as husband and wife" the priest finished and pulled out the scroll in his pocket. It had been signed by two other officials in the records chambers so he added his signature to finalize everything. He gave Kaen'Dre the scroll and he held the item carefully, hoping he wouldn't tear it. The man looked at both of them with a smile, "You can go and enjoy your new life together."
"Thank you, you don't know how much this means to us" Kiara breathed softly, sighing in relief that it was over. She'd been so nervous the night before, hoping nothing would ruin their moment. She grabbed Kaen'Dre, who bowed to the priest respectfully, and the two exited the building happily. He gave the scroll to Kiara, who instantly held it against her chest tenderly and laughed, "We did it, we actually did it! It's on paper and no one can ever part us."
"What should we do now?" he asked, once they walked down the temple's steps. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he purred, "You look so radiant, it's a shame your dress can't be shown off in the city."
"If I did, people would ask questions about us" she pointed out cheekily and smiled. "We must seem as casual friends as we wander but we could get a meal and eat it back in my room."
"I doubt that's how you wanted to spend your wedding festivity, this is a special day" he trilled softly and stroked her cheek. She smiled at the caress and squeezed his hand. The two resumed their pace and he placed distance between them once they entered the public streets. The smell of hot food quickly entered his nose and he suggested, "Let's buy the meal and I'll climb one of the tallest buildings and we'll have a small picnic there or in the desert. We'll have nice view and be blocked from sight. We can't be in public like other young couples but I can give you a quiet dinner away from prying eyes."
"I love you, Kaen'Dre" she smiled appreciatively as they walked. Her eyes stayed ahead cautiously but she wanted to look at him. "I never thought that you would be my husband but I am a lucky woman to have you."
He smiled under his mask and purred softly, "No, I am lucky to have you. I didn't think I'd ever be desirable to anyone but here you are fading away all those horrible thoughts."
"You always have been, don't doubt yourself" she stated fondly and smiled at the blue skies above, "You're my first and only love, my protector, my friend, and most of all, my celestial partner. You are worth more than any other man could ever hope to be."
"I would declare my love for you out loud if I could and annihilate anyone who would cross us" he whispered to her so no passerby's would overhear. "Maybe we'll grow into this secret entangle?"
"We have so far" she chuckled mischievously and the two blended into the bazaar's crowd like any other buyer.
XXXXXX
At the outskirts of Memphis, a small town sowed their farming plantations as the Peret season of the year began. Animals of labor pulled their masters as they spread the seeds that would bring new harvests for the land. Children scattered through the small town as they ran to finish chores and aid their parents.
From afar, a group of seven looked into the town. The ones leading the men were the two rebel sorcerers, Runihura and Abasi. They watched the backbreaking labor with disgust and malice.
"These peasants should make a good example to the Pharaoh" Runihura chuckled darkly as he steadied the reins on his camel. "It would be a shame to ruin part of the crop for their upcoming season along with fixing a destroyed town."
"Do we start the attack then?" Abasi questioned, his hands itching to use his swords and slice open pitiful victims.
"Yes, burn everything" the leader grinned and motioned for his new gathered team to move in. He gave orders to each of them, "Make sure the fire can be seen all the way to the palace. They will learn to take us seriously and once they collapse under our feet, the neighboring kingdoms will follow."
The camels began on a steady jog and by the time they reached the town, they were galloping quickly while their riders reading their swords and bows to destroy the establishment.
The villagers had no chance against them.
XXXXXX
"Delicious, hmm?" Kiara grinned slyly as she dropped a grape into Kaen'Dre's open mouth. Her husband purred in return and Kiara snuck in a sniff from a bouquet of lotus flowers Kaen'Dre had gotten for her as they wandered the city. . .despite he stole it, again.
He really needs currency, she thought warmly. I don't like stealing but I'll pay it for him.
The newlywed couple had returned to Kiara's room after having a peaceful picnic in the desert dunes overlooking the city. Kaen'Dre had taken off the confining outfit he'd worn to cool off his warm skin and laid on the bed in his skimpy loincloth while his wife fed him fruit. He didn't understand why humans were stubborn on wearing so much clothing unlike his people; he supposed that was something else he'd never figure out about them. Kiara had decided to stay in her dress but had switched Kaen'Dre's ring from her left hand to her right to ward off suspicion. She leaned down to kiss him softly as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Even that small simple moment was paradise for him now that they were married.
"I love you so much" Kaen'Dre purred as he stroked her cheek and saw her put her flowers away to the side.
"And we will remain that way eternally" she smiled and kissed him again. "It's so sneaky."
"Our ceremony was very quick, wasn't it?" he asked, brushing a stray strand of her hair behind her ear to rejoin her braid. "I hope it was to your liking."
"Yes, it was sweet and short" she said, smiling fondly in remembrance. It wasn't as public as most weddings or extravagant like royal weddings but it was private and only they would remember it. It was unique in its own way. "I will never forget it. Our scroll will be kept hidden so no one ever finds it but you will always be my husband."
"I will entrust its safety to you then, my love" he purred and fed her a grape from the bowl on the bed. She ate it and rested her body against his to relax and basically feel close to him. He smiled and stroked her back gently as her cheek pressed against his shoulder. "This is the happiest day of my life."
And to think I wanted a female among my own, he thought guiltily. I've found my other half but she deserves much more than a simple hunter with a blurry lineage. I don't think I can leave her for my people.
"Do you think it'll be kept secret forever?" she wondered, tracing circles over his taupe chest. Softly, she asked, "Will our love stay hidden in the shadows where it's safe?"
"We can only hope so, I can't foretell the future" he sighed and stroked her cheek. He lightened the mood when he said, "If I could, I'd look to see how much children we'd have."
"Do you want children?" Kiara asked, kissing his jaw line gently. "I'd be proud to birth you a child but it would be crucial to keep it secret. Once you leave-"
"We will come to that when it's time, for now, I want to spend every minute with you" he said softly and nuzzled her face as he brought her to his eye level, "If you want a child, I will give you one. I will be more than happy to oblige."
"Maybe I'm already pregnant?" she teased but then laughed. "There is no way to tell yet but I'm willing to procreate with you. Maybe the goddess Heqet will bless us."
Oh Kiara, I've no idea about your gods and goddesses!, he thought frantically. Paya, you're mine, help me!
"We can start right now-" he chuckled but the door was knocked on. "Oh, for Paya's sake, that's not what I wanted!"
Kiara giggled at his nonsensical outburst and shushed him with a tender kiss as she sat up to call, "This better be important! I'm busy with my reading!"
Reading?, he mused mentally. The only reading she'll do is counting how many orgasms she has during one mating.
Kaen'Dre trilled at her excuse but she gently slapped his shoulder to quiet him. He rolled his eyes at her feeble attempt and squeezed her side as he stretched on the bed.
"The outskirts have been attacked! Survivors have entered the city for refuge!" Atem's voice informed her quickly. "I am going to aid them."
"I'll meet you there, you go on ahead!" she said, feeling ill at having their people injured. She grabbed her sandals as she sat down on the bed to put them on.
It had to be them, those damn sorcerers!, she thought furiously. How dare they! After ruining our celebration, now they ruin my wedding day and people!
"Be careful, I can look after you-" Kaen'Dre began worriedly as he sat up.
"I'll be all right, the city is always safe" she assured as she kissed him goodbye. "They wouldn't dare attack it. I'll return to you as soon as I can."
He nodded as she stood up to leave and smiled, "I admire your bravery and love for your people."
"I love you too" she responded softly with a pleased smile as she left.
XXXXXX
"Father, what happened?" Kiara asked instantly the moment she arrived to the center of their city. Atem was nearby aiding people towards the open inns that would be paid for by their treasury. She watched the stragglers move around, still in shock, with their belongings strapped onto their backs as they led their surviving livestock.
"The attack was sudden and there was no defense post at their area" he explained as one of his advisors updated him with the survivors status.
"Why? All of the towns and villages need a squad out there at all times!" she snapped from fear and quickly leaned down to help a skittish little girl who'd dropped her doll. She gave her a warm smile as she looked back up, "Especially with these criminals-"
"Daughter, go aid the survivors" her father sighed, knowing her lecturing tone piling on. At times he wondered if he should conquer a nearby kingdom in her name; the woman was a natural born leader like her brother. "Tomorrow, we will speak on these matters."
"Yes, father" she said with a bow and left to rejoin Atem. He was trying to pull a camel that didn't want to budge. She offered a small smile, "Hard time?"
"Yes, I don't know who it belongs to" he groaned with a sigh and wiped his forehead. "We could see the dark smoke faintly from the palace and by the time that happened, our army was too far behind the criminals to catch them."
"Why would they attack a small town? They were defenseless!" she cried as she hoped the death toll wasn't high. What kind of lowlifes would slaughter innocent civilians only to prove a point? Ushering over one of the guards, she asked, "How long will the people stay before they can return to their homes?"
"If it is clear, they may return tomorrow" he replied but she shook her head instantly.
"No, they shall stay until a squad is placed permanently under watch to protect them" she stated firmly and Atem nodded. She didn't want any man, woman, or child returning until every area was deemed safe. "We cannot risk another attack at the same location."
"I want all of the outer rim towns defended, our kingdom cannot be attack so easily by a band of petty criminals" the prince ordered and ushered by a sullen family of four looking for a place of refuge. He hadn't seen the aftermath of the devastation but he knew most of the town was gone so he could only give condolences to those who had lost everything. He pointed to the guard and smiled warmly at the group, "He will aid you, go and rest. Do not worry, you will be safe here."
The two siblings watched them go solemnly and Kiara spoke gently, "Please, make father defend our rims at all times. Our kingdom will be penetrated easily if one blockade is broken through. We can't let these fools threaten the lives of our people, much less our kingdom."
"I will bring it up" he nodded and sighed depressingly as he looked over the small influx of groups passing by. "Not many made it out, not nearly 100. It was practically a slaughter."
"They were one of the towns where our grains grow" Kiara said thoughtfully. "Do you think they're trying to damage our food supply?"
"I wouldn't put it past them" he snorted and pulled at the lazy camel again but it only farted. He coughed instantly and almost retched at the smell, "Great! Anyway, if they are trying that, I'll make sure the harvesting towns are well protected. Do they think our kingdom is weak to dare attack it like this? We are nothing like Saqqara!"
"We cannot be too arrogant, it can lead to downfall" she reminded from their teachings and he chuckled. "We are strong, yes, but a seed of doubt can blossom and ruin the greatest of empires. Saqqara was ruled with tyranny and oppression, thus the pharaoh's death wasn't surprising. "
"True, but we need strength for our people right now" he sighed and looked up at her with worried brown eyes. "Can you look after the incomers?"
"Yes, why?" she asked hesitantly and raised an eyebrow.
"I am going to go to draw up defense strategies for our army around our kingdom for tomorrow's meeting" he explained and gave her a confident smile. "I'll pull an all-nighter to finish it and present it tomorrow to father and his advisors. I'll get Set to help too."
"That's our prince" she smiled proudly and watched him run off. She heard the camel snort from behind and quickly called out, "What about him?"
"He's yours!" he laughed making her stomp her foot. How dare he pawn off the animal on her? Thinning her lips, she looked at the animal, "I have people to help so either stay there or move."
The brown camel did nothing but lick his gums and she sighed, "You're on your own, I'm helping the survivors."
Running up to her father who was now directing another search squad, she asked, "Are all the people in refuge now?"
"They should be but some may still wander into the city" he sighed and looked over the sandy streets. "Kiara, can you go to the city gate and handle newcomers as I head out to the fire site? I need to see the damage firsthand and search for any possible survivors who could still be trapped."
"Of course, father" she nodded and whistled for one of the guards to give her a camel. On foot, the city gate was at least two hours away so it would be much easier to travel. Instantly, the immobile camel from the streets stood up on its four legs and jogged up to her gracefully. She raised an eyebrow and said, "I hope you don't leave me stranded in the streets over there."
She decided to take her chances and saddled up on the camel to head towards the gate as her father mounted his own steed. Patting the camel's hide, she motioned for it to go. The animal took off down the streets in a jog as it picked up speed. Looking back at the palace, she sighed, "I'll try to return soon, my love."
XXXXXX
"You're home" Kaen'Dre called out into the darkness as he saw Kiara slip into the room. He had waited for hours and had miraculously played with Asim, who had finally taken a liking to him. Seeing his mate enter, he got up from the bed and embraced her tired form.
"Were you sleeping?" she asked, softly. Her hands dug into his hair as she brought his face down to kiss him eagerly. He shook his head as she mumbled, "This is as quick as I could return."
"Was it that serious?" he asked, holding her closer. He didn't like having her in dangerous areas without him, especially now with these ooman Bad Bloods around.
"Our towns have rarely been attacked, my father usually has them at top security" she sighed and untied her unruly braid. It had looked so neat and tidy hours ago at the temple. Oh, how long ago it seemed already. Kissing his chin, she smiled, "Nice wedding night, huh?"
"My wife is a princess" he chuckled jokingly and stroked her cheek. "Worry tomorrow, you're tired already. Go to sleep."
"No, we deserve our moment" she whined in protest and kissed his chest slowly. In a silky voice, she added, "We haven't consummated our marriage, Kaen'Dre. I am still wearing my wedding dress, it's dirty but still there."
"Are you sure? I may get rough" he purred as her lips licked his abdomen's muscles and her fingers trailed over the sensitive spot on his back at the end of his spine making him his throat rattle a soft hiss, "Kiara."
"Yes, my love?" she smiled, regaining her straight posture to look up at him. His golden eyes brightened in the moonlight as the open balcony door illuminated their room. His form was as alluring and as lethal like any god of their people could be. He represented the warrior he was physically and his deep set pools of gold held the ferocity and intelligence no human man could ever comprehend or achieve.
He was. . . "My God of the Hunt?"
"Undress for me" he stated huskily as his finger went under one of the blue straps of her dress. She smiled and pulled down her gown's thick straps without hesitance but he stopped her. With a sly smile, he added, "Slowly."
"What do I get in return, my lord?" she purred seductively as he nipped at her bare neck softly, savoring its taste and texture.
"My child" he answered and traced his slick tongue over her skin. It tasted sweet so he guessed she'd bathed before she came in. She smiled and lowered her dress slowly to her waist as she turned sideways and covered her bare breasts with her hands as she held the straps in them. He purred richly as her body aroused his with the eye mesmerizing actions.
"Your child? Hmm, you'd love to have our little one grow here" she mused as she covered her breasts with one arm and lowered the dress to her hips with the other as she showed him her bare torso. She traced her fingers over her lower stomach to emphasize.
"I think you'll make any pregnancy look beautiful in that manner" he trilled at the erotic display. He would love to take her body over and over until she was completely filled with his seed and an ensured suckling. It took all his willpower to resist her before he claimed her as his back then and he sure as hell wasn't going to waste an opportunity to impregnate his mate now.
She smiled at his comment as she dropped the gown onto the floor and walked up to him while covering her chest. Coyly, she said, "For that, you'll have to bed me and here I am."
"Yes, you are" he purred and pulled her nude form against his. Kissing her deeply, he mumbled, "I love you, I don't think I'll ever get tired of saying that."
He lifted her body against his and her legs wrapped around his waist firmly while her lips planted wet kisses over his neck. Walking over to her bed, he kept her body in place with one arm under her while the other quickly untied his loincloth. Throwing it aside, he placed her body on the bed and climbed on top of her to nip at her bare shoulders with his teeth. Her body arched against his as her fingers trailed gently down his muscled arms and uttered his name in a whisper.
"You crave my touches, don't you?" he purred silkily as his claws traced down her bare sides to tickle her skin pleasurably. She exhaled a soft sigh as his index finger drew circles over her stomach. The sensation alone gave her body chills as her skin broke out in goosebumps by the cold air. He leaned down to bite at her soft skin gently, "From now on, I'll be the only man you bed in your lifetime."
"When have I disagreed?" she scoffed and pulled at some of his loose dreads gently. She untied the band holding his hair in a ponytail and smiled when the long dark tendrils cascaded down his shoulders. Her fingers grazed the ends of his dreads as she kissed his throat, "You look handsome with your hair down."
"You look wonderful with your legs wrapped around my waist" he trilled as he parted her legs to tease her pleasure spot. Kiara moaned from the sensation as her lower region warmed and ached for him instantly. Her sounds easily aroused him as he pleasured her body slowly; enjoying each sigh, moan, and whimper that passed through her lips.
"Are you sure you're not a god of love instead?" she grinned as her eyes closed so she could experience his nimble touches with her senses better. "I didn't think people did these kinds of things in bed or have felt anything like this."
"If they don't, they will be unsatisfied for years to come" he laughed at her innocent comment. He forgot how pure her mind still was towards mating, unlike his kind that lived for it. Trilling softly, he leaned down to suck on one of her breasts as her head dug into her pillows. His tongue teased her nipple until the small nub erected so he could bite it gently. She cried out in surprise and pleasure as the sensation shot up her spine. He gave her a playful look as he said, "I'll teach you something tonight then. My wife deserves it."
"What?" she asked, curiously. He simply kissed her without answering before going back to caress her breasts with his mouth. She protested softly, "Kaen'Dre."
He simply purred in return as he nipped at the top of her breasts while keeping the surprise to himself. She groaned from the secrecy and from his agonizingly wonderful touches. Feeling his fingers covered in her juices, he withdrew his hand from her and she moaned softly from the loss of contact. He chuckled at her reaction and kissed her half-open mouth hungrily as his hips pressed firmly against hers. Her legs parted more as she felt his erection press against her slick opening, the only secret place the two could be joined. His teeth nibbled on her neck as one hand fondled her breast while her mouth eagerly sought any part of his flesh that could be reached. Her hands caressed his sides and back as they wrapped around his lean waist.
"Now, Kaen'Dre" she whispered softly as she bit his throat in small nips.
He kissed her deeply as he parted her legs by the knees and entered her warm core in one stroke. Her feet curled as her back arched towards him and she cried out from the wonderful feeling. It hurt slightly from his size but it didn't matter, she loved the physical union between them every time. He pushed into her slowly as she groaned and grinded her hips against his to feel his whole length. His teeth nipped at her breasts as his mandibles caressed her skin while she pulled him closer to her.
"I love you" she whispered as he pushed into her again. "This feels more wonderful than our first time."
"Because we're legally married now?" he purred as he leaned up to nibble on her lips. She nodded happily and pressed her mouth against his. He gave her the eager kiss and pressed his heavy body against hers, "We belong to each other, now and forever. Whether forbidden or not, I will never give you up. I will kill for you if I have to."
"It must remain hidden, always" she nodded softly as his thrusts increased and his hips slapped against hers. Her hands let go of him to grip the bed sheets as he lifted her hips off the bed slightly to push into her faster. She called out his name in pleasure as his hand caressed one of her bouncing breasts while he rocked her body back and forth. She bit her bottom lip and groaned, "Kaen'Dre."
He slowed his thrusts and pulled out of her gently as she raised her head in surprise, wondering why he stopped in the first place. He trilled in amusement as he lay back down on the bed and lifted her body onto his. She sat up on his lap curiously and he grabbed her hips to enter her yet again. She groaned in surprise as she adjusted to the position and he lifted his hips to bounce her gently. She smiled at him as he stroked her cheek with his fingers and pushed into her from below.
"Move your hips back and forth against mine" he instructed as he grabbed her waist to show her how. He rocked his hips upwards as he lowered her down onto his member while her hips began to grind against his in the same motion. Her brows furrowed as she kept his pace and he dug his claws into her soft skin as he felt her walls tighten and pull him more into her. He growled softly and slammed her body down his whole length, her pleasurable cry instantly excited him more, "You've no idea how good this feels. I hope you like your surprise."
"Yes, this is. . .an interesting position" she agreed as he leaned up to lick at her breasts, paying more attention to teasing her taut nipples with his tongue. Her lips trailed kisses over his wide forehead as she scolded gently, "You have a fascination with my breasts now."
"They're nice, how can I just lay here and not pay attention?" he laughed at her joke and kissed her. "Your lips are number one though. Number two is. . .well, you seem to like riding me, don't you? Hmm, you should ride me more than those camels."
"Kaen'Dre" she scolded in a groan as her cheeks blushed more than they already were. Hopefully, she wouldn't look like a tomato and fanned her face quickly just in case. He pumped into her faster as her nails dug into his chest from the rough mating. He hadn't been rough at all with her during the times they mated and she wondered if he was holding back, his physique obviously stating he could be rougher than any man. That's what she loved about him, he was concerned when it came to her instead of being like brusque men who only took pleasure without giving any in return. Luckily, she'd found her perfect betrothed before that could ever occur. However. . . "If you want to be rougher, I don't mind. My body's ready to handle it."
"Trust me, I would leave you numb with pleasure" he whispered roughly and bit her neck firmly, her body arching towards him as she groaned. "But I cannot leave markings on your body that would dictate the Memphite princess being anything but pure. Otherwise, I would mark you and make sure everyone know this princess is mine."
"Very smart, my lord" she exhaled with a moan as his mouth clamped over her throat to suck on it lightly. "There never has or will be a man who can tame me in a bed except you. Maybe one day you can release all those animalistic tendencies on me."
"I look forward to it" he chuckled and engulfed her mouth under his. The two stayed silent as their bodies created nonverbal communication by the movements in their passion.
The couple made love as the moonlight bathed their nude bodies and the cool wind refreshed their damp skin. Kaen'Dre licked his mate's sweaty neck as he pressed her thinner body against his. She rode him in quick movements as small shallow breaths passed through her lips. Her emerald eyes met his golden ones as he grabbed the back of her head to kiss her hungrily. She met his quick greedy tongue with her own as her body began to tense up with a climax. Holding on to him, she grinded her hips down against his in small motions as she dug her nose into his neck to smell his musky scent. She enjoyed smelling the spicy scent he emitted after he climaxed so her nose stayed close to catch a whiff of it.
"I love you" Kiara whispered as her body arched against his and she let out a cry of pleasure as her body climaxed. Her body tingled from head to toe as she collapsed onto her husband's body from the effect. She breathed in raggedly and groaned when seconds later, Kaen'Dre finished inside her and growled loudly as Kiara placed her hand over his mouth to quiet it. His deep breaths tickled her palm while she leaned closer and smelled his aromatic scent happily. Kaen'Dre rumbled his chest amusingly at her actions since mates rarely smelled scents after mating. It was the arousal scent that usually stirs the interest but as long as she liked his scents, that was fine in his book. Kissing his cheek, she smiled tiredly as she nuzzled his neck, "That was breathtaking."
"Was it?" Kaen'Dre chuckled as he breathed deeply and Kiara moved her head to hear his rapid heartbeat. He withdrew from her gently as she shivered pleasurably from the sensation, still longing to be joined with him in that manner. She kissed his sweaty chest softly as he said, "Are you ready for another round?"
"No, your touches simply drive me wild" she giggled bashfully as she cuddled up to his warm body. Kissing his chin, she sighed fondly, "You always make me forget my troubles as the world fades around us when we're together."
"I love you, my mate" he purred and cupped her chin as she smiled brightly. He set her body down on the bed gently at his side as he nuzzled her face, "Sleep. You've earned it after today's events."
"But then my dreams won't be filled your handsome face" she whispered tiredly and closed her eyes as she cuddled into the sheets. Her body rested against his as she mumbled, "Good night, Kaen'Dre."
He watched her fall asleep within minutes and then shifted around in the bed to get comfortable. Leaving only one blanket on his warm body, he went to sleep with a pleased smile as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
She's mine, he thought proudly. Now and forever.
XXXXXX
End of Chapter 24. Thanks to all my readers out there and for the reviews for the previous chapter, I'm glad you guys enjoyed it!