Page 15 of The Ranger
He made another face. “I remember only you, darling.”
She rested her head on his chest. “I love you.”
“I love you too. And so will the Cookes.” He looked down at her. “They will love you despite the fact they won’t know who you really are.”
“I can’t tell them?”
“Only the ones who know what your mother really is.” Vale waved at their surroundings. “And who know about this.” They had private quarters in the Muiraran palace. Jaireth hadn’t put them into training yet. This was the first time they’d been allowed to do anything. It made him feel out of place, as he wanted to serve the Muirarans in some capacity in an established position like the other newly joined couples were getting trained for.
“Are you worried?” Makama asked. “You have your worry face on.”
He smiled at her. “You know me so well.”
“I’m your wife, of course I do.”
“Even though we’re still newlyweds?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. It was warm, sensuous, and if she didn’t stop, they were going to be late for their meeting with Melvale. He had to outfit them for the upcoming journey to Clear Creek.
Vale broke the kiss. “My love, we have an appointment.”
Her face fell. “I know.”
He tucked a finger under her chin. “Why so sad?”
Tears filled her eyes. “I’m afraid I’ll love all the Cookes, then never be able to see them again.”
He drew in a deep breath. “I’ll speak to Dallan. I know he’s brought Jefferson and Lorelei back to Clear Creek for visits and plans to do the same with Thackary and Pepper. At least you’re allowed to know them.”
“Of course, they’re here in the palace.” She stepped out of his embrace. “I guess we’d better go. Will we have a chance to speak with Jefferson and Thackary before we leave? Maybe get some pointers?”
“Yes, Melvale told me he’s arranged a dinner for all of us.” He ushered her to the door. He liked Thackary and Jefferson Cooke. Brothers, and the sons of Colin and Belle Cooke, they knew about Muirarans, Time Masters, and some of what went with it. However, Makama’s father, Duncan, (the eldest of the Cooke brothers), and Colin, had yet to tell their younger brother Harrison about any of it, which was going to make this so much more difficult.
It was another reason King Jaireth was sending them to Clear Creek. The king hoped that if Harrison found out who Makama really was, he’d warm up to the idea of his granddaughter marrying a Muiraran. But she couldn’t run around telling every Cooke and their relatives who she was. Quite a few didn’t know about Time Masters and Muirarans. It was best things stayed that way.
They made the long walk to the wardrobe room, a massive space that Makama likened to something called a Costco or Sam’s club. He had no idea what those were, and when he asked, she launched into a lengthy explanation of huge indoor marketplaces. Being from the 1800’s, he had no concept of such things. That’s when she promised to take him to one, just so he could see what it was like. He wasn’t sure they’d ever be allowed but kept that information to himself.
They entered the wardrobe and went to a desk where a young Muiraran male sat recording things into a ledger. He looked up and smiled. “Prince Vale, Makama, welcome. Melvale is in section 22B.” He handed them a map. “Just follow the green line.”
Vale gaped at the map. “He’s got to be joking.”
“He’s not. Shona told me about this place This is going to be so much fun! We get to play dress up!”
Vale took in his princely clothes from his own time and grimaced. “I’ll be forced to dress as a commoner.”
“Oh, just go with it,” she scolded. “Or I’m going to tell Melvale to dress you as a peddler man.”
He gasped. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Yes, I would!” She snatched the map out of the Muiraran’s hands and started to follow it.
Vale in turn, followed her, and realized how unprepared they were for their first assignment. The other newly joined couples Dallan and Shona matched and brought to the Muiraran palace were being trained in something. But no, he and Makama were being thrust into a full-on match between a very powerful Muiraran and a simple young woman who lived on a cattle ranch.
Yet, as they traversed the many aisles of clothes racks, he realized they were two of the best people for the job as they’d been joined not long ago. The pain of the Call was still fresh in their memories. If anyone could recognize the signs, it would be them.
Speaking of which, if Kwaku and Zara were going, then why did the king want Makama and him along? Unless Kwaku didn’t plan on being around much. But why would that be? Was there something they weren’t being told?
Whatever it was, Vale hoped it wasn’t dangerous. This assignment was risky enough as it was considering the Muiraran involved was Markhel. And if anything happened to Maida, he didn’t think Makama would ever forgive herself.