Page 35 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

Annoyed with myself for inadvertently placing myself back on the wrong side of her good graces, I considered my response. “No, but I have a strong motivation to acquaint myself with it now.”

She sighed, weary of my persistence, I assumed. I tried not to feel defeated. If I didn’t stay optimistic and keep trying, she was going to think she could push me aside for good.

“Good luck with that. I only know of a few traders who ever have stock, and they travel the Twelve Kingdoms selling at festivals and markets. They could be anywhere in the land right now.”

I perked up at this. “Festivals like the one on the palace show grounds this coming weekend?”

Kiera’s face whipped towards me at that. “Really?”

I smothered a laugh. “Yes, really. The festival of Nanaya.”

“So soon? I thought it was weeks away.”

I rolled my eyes. “You know, you ought to leave your work occasionally. There are notices all over the city.” I paused, knowing there would never be a favorable time to put myself out there, so I just said what I wanted to say: “I was actually going to ask if you would accompany me?”

Her face softened, and I was taken aback by the lack of resistance she seemed to show for the idea. So I gave another little nudge. “I was hoping not to have to go alone.”

She swallowed and then nodded. “I’ll go with you.”

I couldn’t read her expression, but it seemed troubled. “Tha?—”

“I’m sor?—”

We both spoke at the same time, cutting ourselves off to listen to each other.

“Sorry. You first,” I insisted with a smile.

“No, you go,” she countered.

I chuckled. “I was thanking you for agreeing to accompany me.”

She lowered her eyes, dipping her chin with an almost regretful expression. Without thinking, I used a finger to lift her chin and bring her eyes back up to mine.

She blinked, her eyes shining glassy with some emotion.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I was just going to say I’m sorry,” she replied.

“What for?” I frowned.

“For the fact that you feel alone.”

“Ah,” I cleared my throat. I felt instantly guilty for laying that on her. “I wouldn’t say I feel alone. I’d just like your company.”

“No, you have been alone. You’re new to the kingdom. You didn’t know anyone. Nyx is—well—Nyx has his own things going on, and I’ve been pushing you away. You must feel terribly alone.”

I pressed my lips together in a sheepish smile. “I’m not your responsibility, Kiera. I chose to be here.”

“Yes, but I’m your— we’re—” She couldn’t say the words still, but the acknowledgement of our bond was enough. It meant the world, even without the actual words. “I should have made sure you were settling in okay. I’ve been incredibly selfish. The least you deserve is a friend here. I’m so sorry, Jaxus.”

I brushed a strand of hair out of her face and took my chance to really stare into her incredible blue eyes since she wasn’t averting her gaze for once.

I was drawn into her space even further by the intoxicating scent of her. Mine, my dragon told me. Ours.

I realized my breathing was affected at the same time as I noticed hers had become more rapid as well. Was she as affected by this proximity as me?

Before I knew it, our lips were brushing, and we shared breaths for a hesitant moment. I was giving her the space to tell me no at every turn. I would not push this. It would happen naturally. I was sure.

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