Page 80 of Shadow Kissed
“Doesn’t it just make your ovaries want to burst? He can impregnate me any day,” Tyria comments, coming up beside me and watching Raegal.
I shrug my shoulders. “Or it could all be an act to convince us he cares.”
Tyria shakes her and chuckles. “So cynical. What happened to you to make you so pessimistic?”
I don’t return her smile. “They happened,” I reply as I walk away, needing some space and quiet. I find a small bench towards the side of the garden, partly hidden by an overhanging tree. I can see the entire garden from here. I watch as Shalia sidles up to Raegal and talks to the little boy with him. From watching his interactions with the children, I can see he wasn’t lying when he said he comes here often. It’s obvious all the children know him, and they are relaxed in his company. It was much easier to hate him when I didn’t know any of this.Shalia laughs at something he says and almost loses her footing, causing Raegal to hook an arm around her waist and steady her. I roll my eyes—so obvious in her pursuit.
“What are you frowning at?” Saveya asks as she comes to sit beside me. She follows my line of sight. “Ah, okay. Don’t like her getting too close to your commander?”
I snort in disgust. “He isn’t my commander. It is pathetic though, faking a stumble, so he’ll save her.”
Saveya scrunches her nose up. “Can you blame her? I mean, look at him. Not only does he look like that, but he’s a fierce warrior and the children love him. I mean, apart from the royal prince, he’ll be the next one any of these girls would want to snag.”
I snort again and she shakes her head at me. “And why wouldn’t he choose Shalia?” Saveya asks me. “Look at her. Those big expressive eyes, heart-shaped face and a tiny waist. Not to mention that glossy mane of black hair.”
I snicker, but she’s right. She is beautiful and any hot-blooded male would find her attractive. “She’s welcome to him. I’ll aim for the prince,” I say with a wink.
Saveya laughs. “Going for the main prize, huh?”
“Maybe,” I shrug, “but if go for the main prize, I’m going to need to pass all my classes and you’ve seen how terrible I am at being a lady.” I chuckle aloud at myself. Terrible didn’t even begin to describe it.
“I’ll help you,” she announces, placing her hand over mine.
“You will?” I say, surprised. I swallow, looking down at her hand on mine.
“Of course, Reya. That’s what friends are for. Come on, you can’t sulk in the corner of the garden all day. Let’s go bug some children.” Laughing, I stand and allow her to link my arm and drag me over to a group of children.
We move on to see some more children in their classes and then we get to meet some of the staff at the orphanage who were once residents themselves. They talk affectionately about their time here and how grateful they are for the Shadow Borne for looking after them and giving them a home. Raegal, to my annoyance, stays with us for the rest of the tour and Shalia uses every opportunity to be beside him, batting her eyelashes at him and laughing at everything he says. By the time the tour comes to an end I am in a foul mood, thanks to being aggravated by his presence and Shalia’s relentless flirting.
Moryen announces we need to return to the mansion, and we shadow weave back in our dorm groups back to the mansion. Our group is last, and I don’t miss the fact that Raegal is still here. Nilsa clasps his hand tightly and looks at him with nothing but affection.
“We’ll see you next week, Commander, and thank you for the gifts you gave children. You have made them all very happy.”
Raegal squeezes her hand and tells her it’s a pleasure before he turns his attention to me and the girls from my dorm. “Mistress Leysa, if you take these three ladies and I’ll take Saveya and Eretreya.”
I clench my jaw upon hearing my name. Why does he insist on using my full name? He knows I dislike it. He walks over to us and offers out his hands. “Ladies. Shall we?”
I huff and, looking heavenwards, place my hand in his. “I think Shalia was hoping you’d accompany her group; you know, in case she stumbles again.”
Raegal smirks in response. “Yes, very clumsy of her, especially given she was on flat ground.” I gasp as he wraps an arm around both our waists and pulls us into his side. “I’m always happy to come to the aid of a damsel in distress.”
“It’s a shame we didn’t get to see Lake Eris,” Saveya says sadly. “Tyria said it is supposed to be exquisite.”
Raegal nods in response. “It’s a sight to behold.”
“Wouldn’t know,” I grumble. “We’re stuck in that damn valley all the time. I’ve seen so little of my realm.”
Raegal frowns down at me as his shadows swirl around us, blanketing us in darkness. I close my eyes, feeling the warmth of them as one wraps itself around my right ankle. Before we can blink, we are back outside the mansion. Raegal nods his head to us and bids us farewell then he’s gone again in a mist of shadows. I am left feeling even more confused by the version of him I saw today and how happy and cared for the children at the orphanage were. The more I learn about Raegal, the harder I find it to dislike him.
I’m not in the mood for my next class; I have zero interest in learning about the Shadow Realm and its people. If I’m honest, I’m distracted because we have our first combat class tomorrow and I’m itching to get out there and hold a sword in my hand. We take our seats and Master Aven claps his hands together to get our attention. He is young for a teacher, and quite a few of the girls are sending appreciative glances his way. He has a mop of dark unruly curls that flop into his eyes, and that shirt he’s wearing is struggling to contain his muscled chest.
“Ladies, welcome to Shadow History and Culture class. I am honoured to be here to teach you. My people’s survival depends on you, the chosen ones. I am deeply indebted to you.”
One girl from the north district raises her hand. “Do you have an Asen wife, Master Aven?”
He smiles and shakes his head. “I don’t, but I hope to be selected for the reaping ceremony.”
My hand shoots up, and he nods at me to speak.