Page 5 of Dark Princess: Shadows

"All done," Bridget said. "Jasmine is exhibiting the classic symptoms of transition, and her vitals are strong. I don't expect her to remain unconscious for long, but I've learned that every Dormant is different, so I can't make promises."

"Can I go to her?" Ell-rom asked.

"Of course," Julian said.

"I'm coming with you." Kian followed him inside. "Do you need anything?" he asked.

Ell-rom shook his head.

Kian chuckled. "You'll want to stay by Jasmine's side until she's out of the critical stage of transition, which means that you'll need a change of clothes and some toiletries. I'll pack a bag for you and bring it over."

"I couldn't ask—" Ell-rom began, embarrassment clear in his voice.

"Don't worry," Kian cut him off. "I'll have Okidu pack your bag, and I might send him to bring it over or I may come myself."

The tension in Ell-rom's jaw abated. "Thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

Smiling, Kian gave Ell-rom's tense shoulder a light squeeze. "Syssi's transition is still as fresh in my mind as it was when it happened, but I've also seen many others since. I know the protocol. Can I get you some coffee? Maybe a bottle of water?"

Ell-rom shook his head. "Thank you, but I don't need anything right now other than for Jasmine to open her eyes and look at me."

Kian's heart squeezed in sympathy. "I'll pray to the Fates for Jasmine's quick and successful transition."

"Thank you," Ell-rom whispered.

When Kian returned to the waiting room, Brandon rose to his feet. "How is he?"

"Distraught, as can be expected. It's never easy watching someone you love go through this."

Brandon nodded. "I bet, which makes me wonder how Jade is taking Drova's betrayal."

Kian chuckled. "You wouldn't know looking at her, but it's not easy. She pretends to be the tough Kra-ell, who is a leader first and a mother second, but she can't fool me. If I had suggested putting Drova in stasis, Jade would have risen against me despite the life vow she swore to me."

Brandon looked surprised. "Are you sure? Their whole existence is about honor and duty. They don't believe in love."

Kian wasn't sure that was the case. Certainly not with Jade, but she hadn't discovered it until after meeting Phinas and falling in love with him. She had also loved the sons who Igor had ordered slaughtered, and she'd acknowledged that a long time ago. Unlike most people who were followers and accepted dogmas without questioning them, Jade had a strong personality, she was a leader, and she made up her own mind about things.

"The Kra-ell might have beliefs and customs that are very different from ours," he said. "But they are more like us than they realize. They are not made from stone, and they love their children, or at least those who can think for themselves do. Jade loves her daughter, and she loved the sons she lost. She would give her life and her honor to protect Drova. Not that I have any clandestine intentions for the girl. For now, she's under house arrest, and we will figure out a more permanent solution later."

"Like what?"

Kian shrugged. "I don't know yet. I can only handle one crisis at a time."

4

BRANDON

After Kian left, Brandon returned to Morelle's room and settled into the chair by her bed.

"Hi. I'm back," he said, "It's been quite a day. Your brother's mate is transitioning, we've got a rogue compeller on our hands, and here you are, still sleeping through it all." He chuckled. "I don't suppose you'd consider waking up and adding to the excitement?"

Morelle remained still, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Brandon sighed, leaning back in his chair. "No rush," he murmured. "But when you do wake up, I hope to be here. Someone needs to catch you up on seven thousand years of history, right? And let's face it, I tell a much better story than any of my brethren or a dusty old history book. I can turn it into a script and make it come alive in your imagination. Actually, that's not a bad idea. I should produce a series calledSeven Thousand Years. Nah, that's a lame title. I need something catchier."

He settled in, preparing for a long night even though no one expected him to stay.

In fact, he probably shouldn't.

Morelle wasn't his mate, and it might be improper for him to stay with her as if he had a claim on her. On the other hand, Kian had Guardians posted outside the clinic because he suspected someone might harbor ill intentions toward her and her brother, so having an additional layer of security would probably be appreciated.

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