Page 111 of Blood and Fate
She met his dark eyes—she could drown in them—and smiled. She had been blessed by Shala and Miram, and she would never take this man for granted.
“I have many reasons to be happy.”
Kais reached a hand toward her, and she slid hers into his warm grip, savoring the shock of contact that always passed between them.
“You’ve done well, my Princess. The people are thriving. You and your father have turned your country around.”
She took his other hand. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”
She suppressed a shudder when she thought of where she might be today if she hadn’t met Kais. Married to Henrik, her position ignored, with her country slipping further and further into decay. Would he have killed her father by now? Made himself King? Would he have killed her by now?
“Hey.” Kais’ brow creased, no doubt sensing the change of emotions inside her. He released her hand and placed his palm on her face, brushing her cheek lightly before tilting her chin up. “Wherever you just went, come back to me. You are safe, your country is thriving, your father is well, and I love you more than life itself. The past is over and done and will never be again. Only good things from now on.”
She held his gaze for a moment, once again wondering how she had deserved this man.
“I love you,” she whispered.
His response was to lean down and place a soft kiss on her lips.
“My Prince and Princess!”
Kais’ mouth grew into a wide grin as they broke off the kiss. They turned to find Kezia, gold eyeliner accenting her dark eyes, a deep purple scarf wrapped neatly around a mass of curls.
Satori had met Kezia at their wedding and, of course, heard the tale of the ominous prophecy she’d given to Kais so many months prior. She liked Kezia, but she had to admit the ability to see the future was disconcerting.
Kais’ arm slipped around her back, and he pulled her to him in a reassuring gesture. With his other arm, he reached out and took Kezia’s hand, placing a kiss on the back of her palm.
“Good day to you, Kezia.”
Kezia gave him an exaggerated quizzical sort of look, complete with a dramatic head tilt. She lifted one arm toward him and stopped, glancing at Satori.
“With your permission, Princess?” With her thick accent, the syllables rolled off her tongue.
A giggle burst out of Satori, and she grinned. “Be my guest.”
It was easy not to feel threatened by other women when she knew precisely Kais’s feelings towards her.
Kezia needed nothing more as she wrapped her hand around the back of Kais’ head and pulled his face towards hers, kissing him.
“You taste different,” Kezia said, her eyes brightening as she glanced at Satori. “Like you are happy.”
Kais’ hand closed tighter around Satori’s waist, his fingers pressing into her side. “I have never been happier.”
“I told you, futures can be changed.”
“I take issue with that. I did indeed die, and I didn’t enjoy it.” He gave Satori a sidelong glance. “Maybe we shouldn’t invite her.”
“It’s not her fault.” Satori smiled.
“Indeed it is not. I merely share the messages,” Kezia replied. “It’s up to you what you do with them.”
“In that case, Kezia,” Satori began, “we would love for you to be one of our personal guests at the Rose Ball. We would also like to offer you a permanent position as advisor to the crown and a place at the castle.”
When Kezia said nothing, Kais spoke up, “For a seer, you look a bit taken by surprise.”
“I do not see everything.” Kezia’s face softened as she looked at Satori. “I have known Kais for a very long time, and I respect and honor him. And if the gods have seen fit to place you both together, I shall honor and serve you as I would him. I would be honored to serve in your court.” Kezia dipped into a low curtsy with her last words.
“We would be honored to have you. And to have you join us at the ball.”