CHAPTER 28:
Ruminations of the Future
Entering the second week after the arrival of the gods, the kingdom was currently gathering materials from the trade ports to make sure they had all of the equipment they needed for rebuilding the temple. The hunters had stayed within the palace for a few days before returning to their own ship to remain in more familiar territory without the close presence of prey. Kaen'Dre had not wanted to leave at all but objecting to his Elder's decisions would put up a warning mark over his head, especially after getting caught last time. However, he was free to roam the kingdom during the day along with his friends so he would take full advantage of it.
Kwei'De usually stayed within the palace's dining chamber to eat all of the delicacies they offered, especially the roasted and grilled foods using different spices and herbs. Once he found the dining chamber, he'd cloistered himself there for the whole trip to treat his palate. And oh, the alcohol! He never thought he'd meet another species that loved alcohol as much as the yautja did. One night he'd come to his room drunk off his ass and Sier'Ra let him have it in the morning to add more agony to his painful hangover. Needless to say, he watched how much he drank now. His mate also stayed with him as he tried each platter but instead studied healing herbs due to her status as a healer to keep her mind occupied.
Within the dining chamber, Sier'Ra watched her mate finish off a grilled fish with bread and reached for his goblet of beer. Raising a brow ridge, she shook her head towards her ravenous mate as she kept him under surveillance.
"Have you had enough yet, Kwei?" she purred curiously as she set down the scroll she'd been reading. Unlike the hunters, she was interested in humans and felt at ease in Memphis due to her human physique. She looked to her mate and hoped her innocent tone would stop his eating rampage or at least lower it.
"Of course not, Sier'Ra" he trilled happily and set down his empty goblet. He reached for a dessert platter of small cakes made from tiger nuts and the expensive sweetener, honey. His teeth sank into one of the plump pastries as he mumbled, "I've only been here for an hour, I have at least three until I'm full and need to use a toiletry."
"Don't you think you may be depleting the oomans resources of food?" she asked attentively, watching him eat the desert slowly and withheld a frown. He broke off a piece and held it out for her with his usual friendly smile and she took it gently, placing it onto a cloth nearby. She smiled at him and attempted to make him rethink his actions, "After all, they are not as great huntsmen as we are."
"They're happy to give me food" he rationalized with a grin and waved a hand towards one of the servants nearby who held another platter out to him. He trilled and grinned to his mate enthusiastically, "See? A simple wave and they bring more. I cannot refuse such generous hospitality."
"If you keep this up, there may be no food left for dinner tonight" she implied lightly as she picked up her scroll again to occupy her mind. Nonchalantly, she murmured, "Maybe you should stop before the food pantry is empty by lunchtime?"
"But it's so delicious" he groaned as his mandibles drooped and he poked the smoked meat on his plate with his utensil. In a longing voice, he sighed dramatically to gain her approval, "Who knows when I'll be here again? I'll wonder about these delectable foods I was never able to eat and long for-"
"All right, go ahead" Sier'Ra growled loudly and placed her elbow on the table to lean her chin onto her hand, a light frown on her face as she forcefully tried to read. Her mate happily obliged and began eating away again, using two utensils to pick up food instead to have both hands occupied. With a cheeky grin, he purred fondly, "I adore you, my Sier'Ra."
"Mm-hmm" she mumbled with a pout but the edge of her lips curled upwards, unable to resist his smiles and silky voice. "I love you too, my bottomless pit."
Happy at her comment, he returned to eating his food as she blissfully ignored him and read her scroll again. It was a battle she couldn't win anyway.
In the palace gardens, the sun shone into the green pastures that created a field of flowering fragrances as people walked around the beautiful spot; a fresh humid area compared to the harsh unrelenting desert outside. It was a tranquil spot for the palace residents instead of the hot sands that inhabited Memphis. Queen Neferet tended to her garden personally, making sure her grasses would grow in the bleak desert and her flowers would bloom to their fullest. Most bushes and seedlings had been collected from different lands by the Queen herself as she traveled to give their palace a stunning oasis apart from the hot windy desert. Ani'Twei walked the gardens in his armor as he smelled the variety of scents with his sensitive nose. His human eyesight scanned each different flower and its beautiful petals as his fingers itched to touch the alluring plants.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" a soft friendly voice spoke behind him. He quickly withdrew his hand and stood straight, scolding himself for almost being caught.
Yes, they view me as a god but it is no reason to touch someone else's things, he thought in reprimand.
Turning around, he spotted a woman of 5'4 with a slender shaped body, sun-kissed bronze skin, brown eyes, and black hair tied in a braid down to her waist as she wore a white linen dress with maroon engravings on the chest area. The dress wasn't as fancy as the garbs of the royal family or court but better compared to the city's citizens. He recognized the female as the one who accompanied the princess weeks ago when they arrived. Every other time, he only spotted her within the vicinity of the Queen and she left whenever any of his brethren entered a room.
"I remember you with Princess Kiara" he spoke, his voice not as deep as his brethren due to his vocal chords. With a smile, he brought up that day with a hint of curiosity, "You were caught spying, weren't you?"
She bowed respectfully and blushed slightly as she stood straight to answer politely, "Yes, we were merely curious, my lord. We would never mean any disrespect to your grace. My name is Aziza, personal scribe to Queen Neferet herself. May I be so honored to inquire yours?"
"Ani'Twei" he answered with a dignified nod and cocked his head to the side. "Do you reside in the palace? I haven't seen you as I have others."
"No, I've chosen to live with my family in the city, I am very attached to them despite my position to the Queen" she spoke nervously, wrapped in complete awe that she was speaking to a being of his caliber and he was asking her about her daily life. How lucky was she? Her insides practically melted as she kept staring at him, her fingers wringing the maroon thread decorations of her skirt to contain her excitement.
"You are shy, little one" he trilled amusingly and held out his arm respectfully. She stared at it apprehensively in question and he waved his hand over the entire garden to ask, "Would you mind being my guide around the garden? I've no idea on the flora here and would enjoy learning about it."
"Me?" she squeaked in a small disbelieving voice. A god was asking her? A simple scribe? Her heart pounded inside her chest as her mouth suddenly parched from the flattering favor. Most would have chosen one of the officials or even the royal family due to status but her? He nodded with a light chuckle towards her flabbergasted disposition and she gulped with hesitance, "Of course, I. . .I would be greatly honored."
"I have found that Memphites are very kind here" he observed as her hand wrapped timidly over his strong forearm. She hoped her palms didn't become sweaty from nerves and embarrass herself. She only gave him a polite smile and nodded. The two began to walk the gardens at a slow pace as he spoke, "Have you lived here all your life?"
"Of course, most elite or travelers are the ones who truly leave their residential kingdom" she answered with a small smile as he glanced her way. Seeing his intense caramel stare, she looked away and continued, "Queen Neferet is from Armana so she's the only one I know personally who came from another kingdom. Most of us will remain here and settle down before we grow old unless they're of high rank and move elsewhere."
"Mortals do not live long, do they?" he wondered, feeling a twinge of sympathy for the young fragile race. After all, they were a part of his heritage.
"Most of us do not last past age 45, depending on our skills in workplace environments" she agreed quietly and led him to small patch of blooming white gladiolus flowers. Pointing to them, she explained proudly, "The queen brought these two years ago from another kingdom and they've been blooming beautifully. Our lands are always famous for lotus flowers so it's nice to see such a diverse field created by her."
"Interesting, what else does this kingdom have?" he asked curiously and he leaned down to smell the flowers. Despite he had to keep a macho warrior façade, the flora and fauna poked at his fascination on different worlds.
Mother said it was from ooman curiosity, he justified as the sweet scent entered his nose.
"We do not have many plants such as these in my realm" he admitted to her and touched the delicate petals with his fingertips, making sure his claws didn't tear the sensitive membrane. On the clan ships, lively greenery didn't exist unless they were herbs to use on food. The only real flora was located on the tropical regions of his homeworld along with the warm humid climate which lacked in the desert.
"Can you tell me about the realm of the gods?" she asked respectfully and he tensed at the sudden question. She didn't notice the clenching of his muscles underneath her skin and he resumed his laid back posture.
Now I see what Kaen'Dre meant by curiosity, he thought mildly.
"It is very different than it is here" he answered slowly, thinking over his thoughts to keep it similar to human tastes. Their culture would never be understood by others and this species wasn't advanced enough to try. He hated to dumb it down and make it ambiguous but, "It is. . .as mortals expect it to be. Exotic. Ethereal. Mysterious. It is rather. . .indescribable."
"Oh" she murmured, sounding slightly disappointed. Here she was with a powerful god and could've known a little of the awaiting afterlife but received nothing. Guilt stabbed at her a moment later for getting finicky about her question and possibly overstepping her bounds. At least he'd bothered to answer the question. She nodded to him gratefully and smiled, "Thank you for the answer. I suppose the mysteries of life are better left unexplained."
"There are some answers one cannot know until the time is right" Ani'Twei stated softly towards her curiosity and she smiled at his wise words. "It makes the unknown even more exciting."
"One has always dreamed to meet the cherished gods of Egypt and I have, that is enough to last me a lifetime" Aziza admitted happily and pulled on his arm gently to escort him to the next collection of plants. He followed willingly as she led him down the grassy path timidly in her short strides and her voice persuaded, "Come, I will show you the rest of the gardens. After, I can show you some of the dishes the cooks make from some of these edible flowers." Leaning closer to his shoulder, she added in a sneaky sly voice, "Some can also be used as aphrodisiacs by men but that stays between you and me. I don't want the cooks knowing I hear their conversations when I walk by there."
Ani'Twei laughed jovially at her remark and she chuckled lightly in return with a shy shrug, pleased that he'd enjoyed the adulterated joke. Most men would've told her to speak like a lady of the court, not a foul mouthed woman of the wild. After a minute, he calmed down his loud laughs and trilled, "You are a very humorous woman, Aziza. Word around the palace says you're the most talkative so I may spend my time with you during my stay here. I'm not an anti-social male like my other companions. . .except for my sister."
"Thank you for your kind words, my lord" she smiled widely and gave a respectful nod. Her skin tingled that she'd pleased him but then thought that maybe she shouldn't have given out such blatant information. She gave a slight furrow of her brows and slumped her shoulders to say regrettably, "I am humbled but I hope I don't give the impression of a gossiper."
I don't need to embarrass my name in front of the gods of all people, she thought shamefully. My family will be shunned to see me act like this.
He raised his free hand and smiled at her assuredly, "Call me Ani'Twei, forget the formalities with me." His dismissal for addressing in rank instantly made her gape in surprise with an open mouth. Being the nice guy that he was, he closed it for her and advised lightly, "Be careful, bugs like warm places."
She blushed in embarrassment and coughed to break the tension rising from the moment. Why was she behaving so clumsily before him? Right, he was a god that could crush her for the wrong comment and bring scourge that would devastate her land and. . .Meekly, she stammered, "Let-let us continue then."
Two levels above them in the palace, Kiara trained with Atem in their usual sparring room. After hearing that construction on the temple would begin, she wanted to beat something down and decided to bring her brother along for the task. She punched at the air furiously as he dodged her reckless attacks centered at his chest and shook his head. With a simple crouch to the floor, he swiped at her ankles with his leg to knock her off her feet. She fell on her butt onto the hard limestone floor, her daggers clambered onto it giving a metallic resonance, and she groaned from the pain shooting up her tailbone and lower spine from the impact. Atem stood back up without a sweat and watched his sibling grumble and wipe her forehead as she panted for air.
"Why are you ignorant to your attacks? If this was a battle, you'd be dead ten times and already having dinner in the afterlife" Atem demanded and laughed, in which she took off her sandal and threw it right at him. He turned to the side and dodged it as she wiped her sweaty neck with her hand. He shook his head to rub in her loss and smirked, "See? You wasted all of your energy and didn't even land a single hit on me."
"I'm not a perfect warrior, I have flaws" she pointed out snidely but knew their recent exercise had been a catastrophe at a novice's level. Even she was disappointed in herself for being careless. It was nothing short of pathetic.
"You need to deal with whatever's biting your butt off before you end up in a dangerous situation soon" her brother advised, reminding her they were at war now. Warriors had been rallied and had been training for longer hours to make sure they were efficient in riding, sword-fighting, ranged weaponry, and strategic skills when the first battles came. Kiara wanted to fight alongside them, despite being a woman, but at this rate she'd most likely take out one of her own.
"I can handle it, I'm just angry today" she murmured and drew up her knees to rested her chin on them. She sheathed her daggers on her leather belt and gritted her teeth, "I will be ready for our first battle, I mainly need to practice, that's all."
"You fought like a jackal drunk on beer" her brother stated bluntly with furrowed brows. He took his sister's determination into mind but he had to consider the other soldiers he was training. He had no time to mold her into a stern warrior and took a calming breath before replying, "I have my own group to take care of and I will not be responsible for your injuries if you cannot keep your head on the targets. If so, I will ask father to change his mind."
"What?! I have a right to defend this kingdom!" she shouted angrily and stood back up, trying not to let it look difficult after the energy drain. Her shoulder joints ached from the flurried hand attacks and she massaged them to warm the tired muscles. She shot her brother a glare and snapped, "I can fight like any man in the military-"
"But you let your emotions run your actions in stressful situations" he cut in firmly and pointed at her sternly, "I will not have you be a liability on the field when there is no need for you to be there. Women do not fight and I will have no problem telling father to keep you here where it's safe."
"Atem, how dare you? You're my brother, you-" she argued but he cut her off again.
"Exactly and I want to do what's best for you just like you would for me" he stated in return and raised his hands peacefully, not wanting to go into another heated argument. In calm tone, he reminded softly, "This is dangerous, Kiara. We faced them only once and we barely stood a chance which means we must be at our top peak in combat, especially if they are gathering allies against us."
"I will be ready, I promise" she assured insistently with a frantic nod of her head. If she couldn't protect her people from the ritual hunt, she had to at least face the rogues in combat to balance her guilty conscience.
If not, I'll feel worthless for even having the title of princess, she thought sullenly.
"We will see, Kiara" he sighed as his sister accepted his terms. He gave her a confident smile and lightened her discouragement, "It was one exercise so we will see how you do over the coming weeks."
"Yes, brother" she replied with a slight bow and obeyed her older sibling as she'd been taught to do. His tough words weren't to spite her but to encourage her further to succeed. Older brothers. With a fond smile, she added, "Thanks for worrying over me, I appreciate the sentiment. I only want to protect our family and people but you're right."
"And I want to do the same for you since you are my only sister" he said with a gentle smile and stretched his arms to pop his shoulders. Atem knew she'd never stay angry at him but he needed to push her to the edge whenever they practiced or she would never set food on a battlefield if he had a say. He motioned with his head to the open doorway and said lazily, "Let's call it a morning, I'll go train with Set later."
"Oh, abandon me for another worthier male" she faked a wistful sigh and waved him away playfully. She knew Set was her brother's favorite sparring partner but she enjoyed joking with him about it. Her hand went to her forehead as she exclaimed sarcastically, "Go then and leave me in pathetic woe!"
"There's my normal sister again" he spoke cheerily and patted her back as the two began walking to the doorway to exit. Casting her a quick look, he advised gently, "Whatever made you angry, confront it or let it go. Anger only ruins your chances of success in a battle, it blinds you to everything else around you."
"I will and I'll be ready to train in focus next time" she promised with an assuring nod and the two exited the room to keep walking down one of the brightly sunlit hallways as the large limestone columns cast light gray shadows over the floor. The sun tingled her bare arms as the humidity caused droplets of perspiration to form on both the siblings forehead.
I need a bath after this, she thought and wiped her forehead. I'm already sweating profusely and it's not even noon!
"Good or else I'll forget that and fight back" he joked with a pleasant smile and she smacked his arm softly as he made punching motions with his hands into the air. Both siblings laughed as they walked down the silent hallway and noticed one of the hunters approaching them. Atem perked up to the newcomer and smiled at her eagerly, "Look, it's one of them. I always hope I don't look like an idiot when I talk to them during dinnertime. It's surprising to me even now that they're here, I feel nervous every time I see one since it is a rare sighting."
"Mm-hmm" she mumbled non-committedly, used to the praised babble her whole kingdom used for them since arrival. The coming of the gods was still the hottest gossip in town and she was getting tired of it. Everywhere she walked, all she could hear was 'I saw one, 'I talked to one', 'Did you see them?'; frankly, it was starting to bug her. Looking at the hunter, she noticed its skin tone was of a creamy color from far away.
Probably Ani'Twei or Kaen'Dre, she thought.
As they approached the warrior, Kiara noticed it was Kaen'Dre and mentally groaned. How was she to forgive his lies if she saw him constantly around the palace? Her heart and body yearned to be at his side every time her eyes gazed upon him or her ears heard his deep voice. He'd been sleeping in his people's ship but she still saw him throughout the day in the palace with his friends. Sometimes she believed the gods were picking on her current situation by exposing her lover to her anywhere within the large palace. The hunter stopped before them and Kiara stood straight as a board with an stoic face before him while her brother smiled politely.
"Greetings" Atem bowed respectfully as they stood face-to-face. Kaen'Dre repeated the gesture with an amicably nod and the prince asked, "I have not heard your name yet, my lord, but I have seen you around here many times."
"Kaen-" he began but Kiara cleared her throat abruptly, disrupting his words. His hidden eyes turned to her and he wondered why-oh! Now he remembered, the celebration. She'd introduced him to her friends that night at the temple with his real name. Deciding on his alias, he lied, "My name is Kaen."
"I am honored to know it, right Kiara?" he asked, nudging his sister to be respectful. He'd noticed over the past weeks that she rarely interacted with them or spoke of them unlike the rest of the palace residents. Before their arrival, she was as enthusiastic about the gods and always told Atem which god or goddess she preferred. But now, the happy behavior was gone. He wondered why she was more reserved lately but he placed the reason on the war unless she resented the gods. That thought itself was impossible to believe in his mind and he dismissed it.
Kiara nodded without a word and bowed to Kaen'Dre awkwardly. Had she been this submissive when they had met back then? She answered her own question with a humongous 'yes' because she'd denied him nothing when they met. What a complete fool she'd been then. She kept her gaze to the floor while Atem spoke to Kaen'Dre, "May we be of assistance?"
"I would like a word with your sister" he requested and Kiara coughed in surprise, blushing instantly. Atem looked at his sister in questioning, thinking she'd done something to upset the gods again but the hunter eased him, "It is a friendly conversation, she has committed no wrongdoing."
Atem nodded approvingly and told his sister, "Be good." She gave him a light glare for the parenting tone and crossed her arms in defiance. Great, he was leaving her alone with him? He bowed to Kaen'Dre again in farewell and left the couple in the silent hallway.
Be good? What am I, a child?, she thought sourly. It's not a mandated rule to be courteous to false gods.
Both watched the prince leave and waited until only the breeze of the afternoon heat was heard between them. The hunter tapped his claws against the armor on his thighs and thought of what to say now that he stood before her. Recently, his estranged mate was intimidating to him with her attitude. She was tame when she believed he was a god but now she could become livid in seconds. He unhooked his mask to gaze at her but she spoke before he could clip it onto his belt.
"Kaen'Dre, we cannot keep meeting like this" she whispered softly and looked over his unmasked face. Looking into his golden eyes, she was instantly drawn into his liquid pools of gold. She sighed worriedly both at herself and his pursuance, breaking away their eye contact. She crossed her arms to demand, "What keeps daring you to see me? It's dangerous for us right now."
"I yearn your company, what else?" he purred earnestly and relished the small smile she gave him for his honest words. He understood her reluctance but he always made sure no one was following him when he sought her out. Being caught with a human would earn him a reprimand but being caught sharing sentimentalities with one was even worse. His voice lowered as he leaned in to tell her, "I wanted to see if you were all right with all these recent changes and if. . ."
"If what?" she asked confused and tilted her head curiously. His eyes shifted to the wall behind her briefly before meeting her gaze and she asked worriedly, "Is something wrong?"
I hope he's not angry at my attitude towards his people, she thought regrettably. I haven't been the best host like the rest of my family but I have to respect them.
"If you will forgive me before I take my leave away from this realm?" he admitted quietly to her unexpected guess and she turned away. He sighed at her despondent attitude, "Kiara, I miss you terribly and I will do what you ask until you forgive me but I am wondering if I will leave you on peaceful terms or not."
"I cannot answer that for my heart knows not yet" she whispered solemnly and turned around to face him with a sad smile. Her body drew closer to his warily and she admitted sullenly, "I miss you but we have a road of mending before we are well enough to be together again."
The gods only know how dearly I miss him every day, she thought sadly. He was my perfect husband and it blew up in our faces.
"I will keep hope that you will" Kaen'Dre said, giving her a kind smile. Automatically without thinking, Kiara placed her hand on his chest and stared in shock at it afterwards. She pulled it back the next second and he missed the small contact of her warmth easily. He hadn't felt her physical touches in weeks and he longed for them terribly as he spent his nights alone. Knowing they were risking themselves in the open, he cupped her face with his hand and traced his calloused fingers over her cheek as her mouth opened in protest but leaned into the gesture voluntary. She shut her mouth and felt her chest tighten, remembering how she missed his presence in her room during his secret stay. His thumb caressed the apple of her cheek and he purred, "I love you, Kiara."
"I love you too, Kaen'Dre" she whispered hoarsely and small tears stung her eyes. Drawing away from his touch, she crossed her arms to rub them and rid herself of the goose bumps he gave her with his voice alone. Her eyes glanced to the end of the hallway and she advised in a low tone, "You should go before we're seen."
"I will. . .Kiara. . ." he hesitated, wanting to ask her a private question but second thoughts prevented him. She stared at his facial struggle and uncrossed her arms in wonder of what he was trying to say.
"What is it? Be honest with me" she soothed gently and nodded to him with a small encouraging smile. His tense shoulders relaxed and he released a breath he'd been holding as he nodded to her.
"Kiara, are you pregnant?" he asked bluntly and her mouth opened in shock at the bold question. He was sure humans were very private with spousal matters but yautjas weren't and he wanted to know. Humans didn't have the technology and education about birthing hybrids and both of their peoples would know they were entangled if she was. The question had been picking at his mind for the past weeks and peace would only be found by speaking to her about it. "We did not use contraceptives for many of our last matings and-"
"I am not, we cannot be, not after what's happened!" she answered sharply from fear of the possibility. She hadn't thought of that lately. . .was she? No one could possibly tell until their menstrual cycle stopped in order to prove a pregnancy. She wasn't due for one yet but she pushed the idea from her mind. Stubbornly, she insisted, "I am not."
I can't be, my life would take a worse turn than before!, she thought in dismay. Things are already horrible for me as it is!
"I believe you but if you are, I would like to know" Kaen'Dre said softly, letting the sketchy subject drop for now. His mind had been dwelling on that high possibility ever since he heard Memphis was at war but she answered it for him. . .somewhat. If she was pregnant, he did not want her fighting with anyone or sparring or even walking to the outskirts. He nodded to her in leave and gave her a smile, "Take care of yourself, my beloved."
"You too, Kaen'Dre" she smiled weakly and he left down the hallway while she watched his tall form walk away. She cherished their small conversations despite their decision to separate. He wasn't giving up on her and that action made her love him even more. She knew his adoration wasn't fake or for personal purposes and sometimes. . .sometimes she wished she could just give up her rank and run off with him to live their own life. Yet, his words stayed in her head and she began to second-guess herself about the whole pregnancy theory. Sighing, she placed a hand on her flat stomach and whispered, "Could I be?"
XXXXXX
At lunchtime, Kiara stared gloomily at her steaming bowl of beef stew while she nibbled on a piece of warm bread. Kaen'Dre's words still hadn't left her the past hour but she doubted she was pregnant. She thought she was ready for a child when she'd been with him in their marriage but hectic times were coming and she was not ready for this if it did happen. Sighing depressingly, she placed down her piece of bread on the table and lost her appetite.
"Not hungry?" Ani'Twei trilled as he noticed the princess push away her bowl. He'd been enjoying his noon lunch after traveling the garden and had noticed the sullen princess sitting beside him.
"Not today" she replied morosely and smiled gently at him. Out of all the hunters within the palace, she didn't mind speaking to Ani'Twei. His personality was similar to Kaen'Dre's except he had a more laid back nature and was easier to approach than the rest. She tapped her wooden spoon against the rim of the clay bowl and frowned, "My appetite's gone."
"Give it to Kwei'De, he'll be happy to eat anything" he joked and pointed to the reddish male who was still eating without restraint while his mate blissfully ignored him. Kiara chuckled quietly and glanced at Sier'Ra curiously, taking notice that the face reading the scrolls was almost human except for the eye color, skin, and teeth. Ani'Twei saw her astounded gaze and smiled, "She's my younger sister, Sier'Ra. She's Kwei'De's mate, unfortunately."
"They look happy together" she smiled and felt a slight jealousy towards the nice couple, wishing she and Kaen'Dre could be together in public like that without expecting persecution. Watching his sister, she joked gently, "You're sure she's not a mortal?"
"She takes after our mother" Ani'Twei explained with an amused chuckle and took a bite of food from his plate. He enjoyed eating the solid foods better than the stews that were cooked, especially in the warm afternoon. He swallowed his portion and said, "We are half-breeds so we will appear different than both our kinds. Sometimes, a child can look similar to one parent than the other due to the dominant genes."
"You look like Kaen'dre though" she observed and smiled lovingly to herself about said hunter. Her eyebrow perked up and asked confused, "What's a gene?"
"You miss him" Ani'Twei friend sympathized after he laughed at her question. He forgot humans weren't advanced in science as his and shook his head about it to forget he asked. She nodded to his opinion, however, and gasped that she had admitted it to him. He squeezed her shoulder before she tried to dismiss it and eased in assurance, "Fear not, he told me about your relationship and I've been helping him keep it quiet from the rest of our crew. Kaen'Dre is reserved but everyone makes a blunder once in a while and we're there to clean it up."
"Thank you" she whispered gratefully to Kaen'Dre's good pick in friends and relief flooded through her head. It was harder than she thought to hide her emotions in public; she wasn't used to lying to everyone she knew and hated the guilt that followed. Her gaze lowered to the table and she asked meekly, "Ani'Twei, when will you all leave?"
"It depends, once the Hunt ends, it will only be a day or so before we leave" he said thoughtfully and clicked his mandibles, not sure of the correct estimate. She became crestfallen and he asked softly, "You will miss him when he leaves as well?"
"I'm not sure about what possible future could be held for both of us" she replied sadly and looked up at the ceiling as if it held a consoling answer. Her heart would be crushed once he left but would she drive him away because of their forced separation? They were so different and both would never leave their worlds willingly. How could they stay together if they would always be looking over their shoulders? Her eyes closed to block it all out and she stated bleakly, "He deserves to be happy and we're so different, it's unfair that we have to go through this. There is no man I could ever love more than I do him but. . .it tears my heart that he will leave nonetheless. I can't stop him and I don't think I willingly would, hunting is his world."
"I wish I could help you but that is entirely up to Kaen'Dre" he told her grimly and patted her back, hoping it comforted the saddened human woman. His friend was in a tough predicament but he prayed he would solve it before they left or anyone found out their hidden relationship. He wasn't good with sentimentality so he simply advised, "Cherish the time you have now."
"We're in the middle of a fight" she sighed with a light groan and stood up from the table. The food no longer enticed her stomach and she wanted to leave the palace for a few hours to make sure she wouldn't run into Kaen'Dre. Giving him a fond smile, she bowed lightly in respect, "Thank you for your time, Ani'Twei."
"Anyone dear to Kaen'Dre is worth my time" he nodded in return and watched her leave quietly. Looking at Sier'Ra across the table, he spoke up, "Maybe you should share a few wise words with her, woman to woman. You both have bizarre taste in males."
"I will, she gave me this beautiful gown days ago but don't insult my taste in Kwei'De" she smiled with a light warning and stroked her mate's hair, who looked up from his half-empty plate. She gave a soft purr and informed, "I will be back soon and please, stop eating. I don't want to pump out your stomach on the ship from bad indigestion and spend the night holding your hand."
"It'll be worth it" he trilled haughtily and placed another forkful of food into his mouth. She rolled her eyes at him and left the room to follow the princess before he could question her destination. Ani'Twei simply shook his head and wondered how his sister never let her mate's zealous quirks frazzle her. Kwei'De noticed his staring and stopped eating to ask, "What? Do I have food on my face?"
"Dear Paya" he groaned and slumped in his seat while his friend simply stared without blinking. Ani'Twei placed his hands before his face and exclaimed nastily, "Don't do that, it creeps the pauk out of me!"
"I know" he trilled mockingly and returned to his meal with a smirk, "Brother."
"Don't ever call me that" he mumbled under his breath and grabbed his cup of water to hydrate his mouth.
Kiara walked down the dining room corridor and stopped in midstep when she saw Kaen'Dre standing next to a greenish female, the same one who'd insulted her when she'd gone to their ship many weeks ago. Her chest tightened at the thought of someone else holding her beloved's interest or trying to achieve it but pushed it away. He loved her and no one would change his mind. . .would they?
Who's to say he won't ever find someone like me among his own?, she thought, feeling depressed again. Stop it, Kiara! You are not weak, you must always be strong! He's said it himself, weak females don't hold his eye.
She noticed they were talking in a heated conversation with a lot of low purrs from her and rough growls from him. What were they talking about? For a moment, Kiara wished she could understand his language as he knew hers. Sier'Ra approached the smaller woman quietly and scoffed at seeing Nali-Dar trying to seduce Kaen'Dre yet again. Couldn't the female take a hint by now? She glanced at the confused human and placed a hand on her shoulder making Kiara jump in surprise. Her tense form turned around defensively but she relaxed at the taller woman's smile.
"Hello, Kiara" she greeted kindly and the princess smiled weakly in return as her yellow topaz colored eyes trailed over to the two people near the pillars facing the outside city. Her thin lips frowned but she assured the other, "It seems Nali-Dar still fancies your hunter despite he only has eyes for you."
"You know too?" she asked nervously with furrowed brows and gritted her teeth in self-disappointment. Whenever they were apart, acting aloof came naturally but within close quarters, she fell apart at the seams for him. She sighed dejectedly and groaned, "Are we that obvious?"
"Kaen'Dre keeps his secrets with us as we do with him" she purred soothingly and gave her a comforting smile. She noticed the woman's eyes didn't leave her friend's back and asked, "You worry he may find someone else?"
"No. . .yes. . .no, I worry I will not be his perfect image of the woman he wants as time passes" she answered and wringed her skirt from concern. Would she really hold his heart until their deaths? Or would he sever their ties if he waited too long? She bit her bottom lip and said, "We know our love is practically forbidden but what if when he leaves, he finds someone worthier? What if he chooses another? Another who can give him much more than I ever can?"
"Trust each other unconditionally" Sier'Ra advised with her own personal advise and the other listened in. She'd gone through the same thoughts when she'd grown up alongside Kwei'De due to her physical differences. However, the hunter bypassed all of that due to their childhood friendship and had already decided to claim her as his mate once she was of age. She remembered the envious looks she'd received the day after and purred mentally in remembrance to their first mating. Her thoughts broke up as she remembered Kiara and grinned, "And make sure to remind yourself that he's yours alone and no one's taking him away without a fight."
She took the friendly advice and told herself that a princess never gave up on her goals. Her husband would still be hers and they would solve their troubles. Sier'Ra decided to break the private party and blurted loudly, "Busy there, Kaen'Dre?!"
Kaen'Dre turned around from his argument and spotted Sier'Ra with a mocking face as Kiara stared silently at Kaen'Dre. A second later, she looked away shyly as he tilted his head to see her hidden face better. . .forgetting the bothersome huntress next to him.
Nali-Dar scoffed at his weak sentimental actions, "What is your interest with that ooman female? I am much worthier than any pathetic pyode amedha on this planet. I hope your only plan is to kill and eat it."
"My interests towards any female, whether yautja or ooman, is of no concern to you" he growled sharply and narrowed his eyes at her. He'd grown tired of the pursuant female for the past months during their trip to Earth and wanted to finish it. "I have no interest of becoming your mate, I've made it very clear for the past year."
"You don't need to be my mate to bed me, Kaen'Dre" she purred and gave him a suggestive look that made him fight the urge to gag. No scents or looks from any other woman besides Kiara would attract him now. Her eyes wandered over his muscled body and stated, "You are a strong warrior and I only bed worthy males. The clan would be proud that you'd produced worthy sucklings of my lineage."
"I will not be another of your conquests, ever" he hissed and walked away as she growled at him from behind and left displeased. That was another conversation he purged from his mind and hoped there wouldn't be any more. He walked over to the two women and smiled at Kiara, his mood already lightened, "How are you, my princess?"
"Fine, there is lunch inside waiting for you" she informed him brightly as she pointed into the dining chamber. Her mind released the tension it had held towards the hidden conversation and was glad it was done. She didn't want interested women popping up to her husband, even if their marriage was secret. Curious about his conversation, she asked, "Are you all right?"
"Better now that you're here" he purred fondly and nodded to both women politely, "I will take my leave and eat before Kwei'De eats everything. It was a pleasure seeing you again, Kiara."
The women laughed as he left and Kiara watched his backside with blushing cheeks, adoring every minute she could see her husband. Sier'Ra trilled amusingly at her and advised, "Watch how you look at him when you're both in public. The more you're around the man you love, the more you can mess up your little secret affair."
"You're absolutely right" she sighed miserably and inquired, "How do you ignore your beloved when they make your heart swell with joy?"
"Focus on something else" Sier'Ra chuckled out her response and wrapped a friendly arm around her shoulders. Humans wore their emotions clearly in the open unlike yautja and that made it worse when both were in the room. Yautja were adept with their senses and one wrong scent from either would send up alerts to their hunting party. The small human looked to her for guidance and she grinned, "When I want to ignore my mate, mostly when he stuffs himself with food, I shop or go read. Occupy yourself in matters that won't include your partner to stop any accidental run-ins."
"Hmm" Kiara hummed thoughtfully and then declared perkily with new vigor, "Let's go look at the new dresses the city's seamstress has in stock. My friend Aziza has an eye and mouth for bargains, we can bring her along too."
"Why not?" Sier'Ra chuckled and let the princess lead her down the hall, both eager to see what items they could shop through in the stores.
"Sier'Ra? Where are you going?!" Kwei'De called loudly in demand from inside the dining chamber.
"Keep eating, I'll return soon!" she shouted back with a frown and Kiara laughed at the humorous couple. "I'll be back before you finish!"
Without waiting for a response, Sier'Ra sprinted down the hallway with a devilish grin, "Let's go before he decides to follow."
XXXXXX
Kiara rested against the limestone wall as she sat on the balcony's ledge and watched the city's skyline turn a grayish-blue, signaling the beginning of dusk. She'd had an interesting time with Sier'Ra and was glad she could speak to someone about her problem with Kaen'Dre or any relationship problem. The woman was surprisingly knowledgeable on all matters pertaining to marriage despite her age. She loved Aziza dearly but her people were so tightly bound to the belief of the gods, she didn't know how she'd react to Kaen'Dre or his true nature. Set's reaction hadn't gone well and he'd been the one who told her the truth from the start. Fortunately, he believed them to the gods by the enforced rule of the pharaoh and now joined the people's celebrations.
I'll tell her soon, she thought. But no one can know of our marriage. Even Kaen'Dre kept his friends in the dark with that fact and so will I.
Dinner had ended and she'd survived another night eating across Kaen'dre without sparing him a single glance. She decided she was going to take Sier'Ra's advice and take time away from him by going out into the city and maybe take up a hobby outside the palace to occupy most of her day.
The more my mind thinks of him, the worse it gets, she thought glumly. I need to keep my focus on something else. The less I see of him, the better for our healing process to work.
Hearing the door to her room open from inside, she awaited to see who it was. For a moment, her mind lingered on the hope that it was Kaen'Dre after all of the time they had spent in there. Her room had always been a shelter of solitude for both but now it only served her. Shaking her head, she brushed away the ridiculous thought and kept her eyes on the balcony entrance.
"Kiara, are you here, my child?" Neferet's soft voice called out. Kiara's back straightened up and she responded with a loud yes. Her mother poked her crowned head into the balcony and gave her a fond smile as she walked in. Her long robes billowed over the floor as she embraced her daughter warmly, "There you are. Why are you here all by yourself? There are beautiful dancers in the throne room as a gift to the gods from the temple."
"I'm not interested, they are here for the gods and I'm sure Atem and the men appreciate it" she stated with sardonic scoff and her mother stroked her brown hair while watching her with worried eyes. Kiara raised an eyebrow and asked warily, "What?"
"Do you think I haven't noticed your fluctuating moods lately?" her mother asked gently as she sat down on the ledge next to her daughter and faced her. With a motherly look in her light green eyes, she eased, "Talk to me, Kiara."
"Nothing's wrong" she insisted but her mother wasn't buying it. Kiara knew her mother could read her as easily as the back of her hand if she wasn't careful. After an uncomfortable silence, she admitted with a defeated face, "I'm scared, mother."
"Of what?" Neferet asked cautiously and stroked her daughter's cheek for an answer. Her motherly protection went into overdrive as she wondered what her child was frightened about. With a serious gaze, she inquired, "What is distressing you?"
"We're at war. . .the gods want a dangerous hunt. . .all of it!" Kiara breathed in a loud sigh as her eyes blurred from admitting it. It was easier to hold it all in without breaking down than actually confessing to it. Her hand gripped a handful of hair as she ranted with an angry edge, "I worry about what'll happen to all of us if either of those fail. I cannot ignore it and act as if everything is well and go celebrate by dancing. What are we even celebrating?! An impending massacre?!"
"You must leave those thoughts to those who control it" her mother advised and embraced her daughter. Kiara wiped her nose and rested against her mother's chest, curling up as she'd done through her years as a child. She didn't feel better about the subject but having her mother there soothed her. The queen smiled softly at her clinging and spoke, "You carry too many things on your shoulders and mind, Kiara. You must learn to let go of some before they weigh you down into desolation. Sometimes there are events in this world you cannot change, for better or worse, and must learn to accept it."
"I don't want to, I want to be able to make a difference" she insisted sharply and wiped her eyes as her throat tightened to the idea of standing away in a corner with no ability to fight any dangers. It was the only thing she abhorred and strived to never let it happen. She had been born and bred as a fighter, she wasn't about to give up and be pushed aside! Her fists clenched as she looked up to her mother in demand, "How can I stand by and do nothing? I hate being useless in important matters!"
"You must trust that your father and his court can handle this" Neferet stated calmly and wiped her daughter's tear-streaked cheeks, blotting out the dark patches the black liner left around her eyes. Her child's determination always gained her respect but she needed to learn to pick conquerable battles; not battles that could be won by others and lighten her stressful load. She cupped Kiara's chin and said gently, "I know it hurts to feel weak and without valor as others go in your stead but like I said, sometimes fate has already determined what will be and what won't. The gods have already decided your destiny in life, you cannot change it. You must learn and accept that some battles aren't meant for you."
"I wish I could but I know I'm too stubborn to listen to that reasoning" she sniffled and rested her head against her mother's shoulder for comfort. "I have to find a way to help out too, it's not like me to just wait things out."
"But not when it endangers your life, my child" her mother warned protectively and squeezed her in a hug. Kiara returned it with a small smile that didn't convince her and she stated firmly, "I don't want anything to happen to you, Kiara. I've lost a child once and I do not want to go through that again. I worry enough when Atem and your father head into battle, don't run off to join them and add more to my heart. Think before you act."
Here I am thinking about helping people when my mother wants to keep me safe, Kiara thought guiltily.
"I forget how you worry over me, mother, and I'm sorry for that" she whispered regretfully with downcast eyes and Neferet kissed the top of her head to accept the apology. She'd been wrapped up in her own thoughts to recognize the ones she'd affect by her choices. Dejectedly, she sighed, "It's selfish of me to think about so many things and forget those who I will hurt in response to my actions. Even when I try to protect people, I ponder over my own thoughts only. Does that make me vain?"
"As long as you're aware of your long-term choices, you are not selfish" she responded and patted her cheek as she met her daughter's darker eyes. She may not have liked her child's fearlessness but she didn't want her feeling hopeless either. With a faint sigh, she allowed, "I am proud of you for your courage to stand up and take charge and I know I cannot stop you directly but please be careful in your decisions."
"I will, mother" Kiara smiled fondly with a nod as she melted into her mother's embrace, feeling like a comforted child all over again. She hated disappointing her parents but her mother wasn't as restrictive as her father which she always loved. Her eyes traveled to the darkening clouds that shadowed the city into dusk and asked, "Is this how life will always be?"
"Life is never fair and it will always have its highs and lows" Neferet replied and gave her motherly input to cheer her up. "You will learn to adapt to it as you grow and become wiser. One day, you will find a man you can share that path of life with in return and bestow that knowledge to future generations."
Kiara felt worse instead and dug her face into her mother's dress with a muffled groan. She'd already met the man she loved and life kept getting worse for both rather than better. Obstacles were thrown at them every time they became closer! Maybe the gods really were conspiring against them? She grit her teeth and picked at the embroidery of her long skirt. Neferet studied her daughter and smiled knowingly, "Hmm, has my little one become smitten?"
Oh no!, she thought alarmed.
"Mother, no, of course not!" Kiara objected hastily and wiped her slightly damp eyes. Her mood had turned from despair to shock as she tried to erase that idea from her mother's mind. She chuckled nervously as she wiped her eyes to state bluntly, "Who could tolerate me? I have no time for courting, our kingdom needs me."
"The protests only dig you in more, dear" Neferet chuckled and fixed her daughter's messy hair around her golden circlet, tucking in the random stray strands as Kiara frowned. She laughed softly and pointed out, "I was once young like you too, I know the behavioral patterns. The denial. Desire. Innocent blushes. Butterflies in the stomach. Now who could be strong enough to tame my independent daughter?"
Kiara kept her mouth shut and looked down, refusing to answer. However, she didn't know that her mother had already pinpointed the individual many days ago during meal times. Neferet made a sound of awe and declared with an impish smile, "Could it be that tall god named Kaen? Hmm? The one I've seen you stare at when you think no one's looking?"
"Mother, how can you say that?!" she exclaimed indignantly to stop the comments as her heart pounded in her chest from fear. What if she figured it out and told her father about it? She'd be humiliated and if they picked at it, the priests at the temple would admit to her secret marriage and-
"He stares back too" she smiled innocently in a playful tone and Kiara looked away as she blushed, hating that her mother could read the signs of love on her and point them out. Neferet laughed softly and stroked her back, "Well, my child? Does your heart fancy him?"
"It would be impossible to, gods and mortals cannot be" she replied sullenly, remembering her old thoughts before they gave in to their temptation and even now that she was denying him. Oh, how she missed his strong arms wrapped around her waist as he whispered words into her ear at this time of night. Now, all she could hold was a stupid pillow to punch at to make it cushy. Quickly, she scoffed, "Besides, I am still angry they're doing this dangerous hunt while the rogues plague the land like locust. Why would I turn my attention to those that ignore my pleads to halt it? I'd rather stick a fork in my eye!"
Maybe that will throw her off, she thought hopefully. Nothing like hate to squash attraction.
Neferet sighed to her reluctance and lowered her voice to admit softly, "Kiara, my family has been romantically involved with the gods in earlier generations. My maternal grandmother was said to have been pregnant by one before her kingdom was extinguished-"
"Because of that stupid hunt we're having, wasn't it?" she blurted out angrily and her mother silenced her with a small glare. She forgot her people's view about the gods and growled mentally in her mind. Her mother, however, was the queen and her parent so she always had to pay her the utmost respect. Her meek voice added in, "Sorry."
"We must respect the traditions of the gods, always" her mother reminded in firm voice but didn't scold her as she continued, "As I was saying, I descend from a lineage such as that so it is a rare occurrence. I will say that not all romantic entangles with the gods will end happily, some end in sorrow or unrequited love." Kiara looked saddened by the last words and she comforted her somber disposition by saying, "But if you would ever want to be with one, I will not judge you, Kiara. I'm your mother and I am here to support your choices, even if others disagree. I would only encourage that love to bloom to its fullest rather than have it wither."
She would? Really?, she thought as she absorbed her mother's words. There have actually been incidents like mine before but. . .
"What happened to your grandmother?" Kiara asked quietly as the winds whistled around them while the sky finally faded into a blackish blue as dark as velvet. Did her ancestor maintain a happy life with her beloved? Maybe all wasn't in vain if she had an example to follow by. Maybe Kaen'Dre could be allowed this life with her without repercussions. Questions bubbled into her mind but her mother's words then burst them into nothing.
"She died in Armana when I was very small" Neferet said softly as she lowered her eyes in remembrance. She wanted to encourage her child but her family's tale wouldn't help to boost the idea. Either way, she wanted her to know there was a chance for her to remain with one if she chose to and shouldn't be afraid to try for it. Her hands smoothed out her long skirt as she told the story, "My mother was raised alone because her father, one of the gods, never returned. My grandmother's kingdom hosted the Hunt but it failed and needed to be extinguished to balance the realms. Armana was then established by her older brother and our new lineage began there. Her lover then left to return to his own realm, leaving her unknowingly pregnant and never to return. She was honored to have birthed a god's child but she remained alone thereafter, sad but lingering onto that thread of an old love to be reunited with but never meeting him again till the afterlife. . .Kiara?"
Kiara wiped her eyes as she sobbed quietly in her corner against the wall. Her great-grandmother had lived out her worst fear for the possible future between her and Kaen'Dre. Would he leave her alone and never return as well? Would he die up there among the stars while she waited for him in pining? Would he change his mind about her and reconsider his choice? She was glad for her mother's support but what if that was their destiny? To love each other till their deathbed but to remain so far away for their entire lifetimes? Her life span was very short compared to his. She wouldn't be able to bear such a fate.
I couldn't handle never seeing him again, she thought painfully.
"Mother, I . . .I love him" she whispered and clung to her mother instantly, her rock of never-ending safety. She'd never liked lying to her and her mother always provided her comfort, whether she'd done something good or bad. Neferet's brows raised in surprise at the quick admittance but held her daughter in return. The story seemed to have an effect on everything she'd been hiding and Neferet soothed her back until she could speak clearly. Crying onto her clothed shoulder, Kiara confessed, "Please don't be angry with me. I've known him for a while, he visited the kingdom secretly and we met as I traveled the jungle. He was kind, smart, and brave, everything I hoped to find and love in a man. He loves me unconditionally, even to the point that he'd risk his own respect and value to the gods for me. And curse me, I love him as well! He's everything I want and need to share my life with but I. . .I. . ."
My little one's in love and despair it seems, Neferet thought sadly.
"But what, child?" she asked gently and held her weeping daughter. Obviously, her child had been holding this in for quite a while, possibly before the gods arrived publicly, and wondered why she'd never approached her. She'd never cast aside and judge her own children, no, she'd keep them safe like a mother lioness. Her hand cupped Kiara's chin to make eye contact and she comforted softly, "I will not hold anything against you. You can always confide safely with me."
"Father can't know or I will look like a snake who binds herself to powerful men for hiding it" Kiara whispered as her throat clogged up again and sniffled. Her heart felt relieved for her mother's trust and wished that she could've spoken to her about it sooner. Sadly, she asked, "Do you think I am wasting my time with a god? Will I be as probable to end up in sorrow as my ancestor and never see him again? I don't want him to leave me all alone when I love him so dearly. I want to have a happy future with him like every young couple does as their pure innocent love grows. I want a family with him, mother. I don't want to end up heartbroken as he fades into the wind as if he were nothing but a beautiful mirage in my imagination and I am left to look up at the stars, wondering when I will ever see his smiling face, only to die in vain."
Will that be our final fate?, she thought and wiped her leaking eyes with her fingers. So many crucial events are happening now, I don't know what will become of us.
"No one knows the future, life is all about taking chances" Neferet consoled wisely and wiped her own eyes, saddened by her child's emotional pain. She managed to give her a warm smile and stroked her daughter's damp cheek, "You must determine if all you have achieved with him is worth it to the very end. Know what he hopes to have with you and how far you are both willing to go to be together, even if an unhappy ending is possible. I don't want you to suffer heartache but love causes it nonetheless. Love is irrational and inexplicable at times. Your fears are normal for loving someone completely different and maybe you can be the first to break that controversial barrier and find your happiness."
"Mother, I don't want to lose him" she whimpered and used her own dress to dry her new batch of fresh tears. If she would ever show weakness, it would only be with her family or husband. Her eyelashes fluttered as she blinked away the blurriness and sighed, "I want to remain at his side but I don't think I could bear his departure, especially if I'll never see him again. He told me he has to return and that the gods only return here within long decades of time. What if he leaves and I die before I see him again?"
"Then you shall meet him in the afterlife" her mother answered softly and her lips turned into a slight frown, "There is no easy answer to this, my daughter. Every choice had its endless possibilities that are either good or bad. I can only hope you find happiness instead of sorrow, but I will be here to seek out in your time of need or any hour you wish to speak to me."
She's right, she thought miserably but gave her an appreciative smile. I can only hope it works for the best but. . .he isn't a god and I doubt I will meet him in my afterlife. He has his own beliefs so if we die alone, we will never meet again. I will go to dwell among my gods and he will go to his. We will not live forever eternally in spirit, we only have now.
"Why must people bar the love between two different people?" she asked her mother quietly and looked into the darkened city somberly. "Love is still the same ideal to any individual, no matter who or what they are. I'd love Kaen'Dre even if he was the lowliest peasant or the strangest man from an enemy's land. Love has no bounds so why do people criticize what they utter about undying love?"
"People are always wary of the unknown, we live in turbulent times as civilizations rise and fall and friends can become enemies overnight, and vice versa" Neferet stated simply and kissed her daughter's forehead as she let go of her. She wiped her face and fixed her hair to take away the shambled appearance while she soothed with a comforting voice, "Ignore their self-imposed rule and follow your heart, Kiara. Dry those tears from your eyes and fill them with hope as you spend your days with your love. I am sure he'll tell you the same as well. You have my blessing and secrecy to continue your hidden relationship. However, keep yourself nonchalant when in close quarters of each other."
"Thank you for keeping this, mother" Kiara whispered gratefully and grabbed her hands into her own to squeeze them. If there was one person who would always give her strength to keep going, it was her. She exhaled shakily and offered a small smile, "I'm so lucky to have you through all this. I don't know what I'll do without you one day."
"I am your mother, I will always be here for better or worse" she chuckled softly and smoothed her daughter's hair. It was already a damp mess since Kiara had a habit of brushing her tears into her hairline with her hands. With a motherly tone, she ordered gently, "Go take a warm bath and go to sleep early. You'll feel better tomorrow, darling."
Kiara nodded quietly and thanked her mother with one last hug before she exited the balcony in silence. She heard the door to her room close and knew her mother had returned to the throne room to rejoin the celebration. For a brief moment, she wondered if Kaen'Dre was down there as well but she had no interest of joining it. Standing up on shaky legs from the emotional release and partly numb from sitting on the cold ledge, Kiara brushed her hair back and dried any wet spots on her red-streaked face.
The wind whistled around her as echoes danced through the night from the celebration below but her mood wouldn't lift. Her eyes gazed to the twinkling stars above and remembered her mother's tale again.
"What will our future hold for us, Kaen'Dre?" she sighed solemnly and hugged herself as she returned to her warm bedroom, leaving her dark ponderings behind.
XXXXXX
End of Chapter 28. It's been a while since an update, huh? I apologize and thank the readers as always for the hits and reviews, you guys keep my muse to write alive and help improve my writing. I hope this chapter was good enough, I pick at it for weeks until I think it's all right to post. So my characters plunge into another angsty attitude but with war and a looming Hunt, I can't blame them. It's about to get worse for the Memphites anyway. I doubt I'll give these characters a break in conflict but that's what keeps the story going! Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoyed the chapter.