Page 52 of The Alpha

Zerbe exchanged an anguished look with Tasniah and opened the door.

Melvale and Pari were dressed in white sleeping garments of Sarian silk. Melvale in a loose shirt and pants, Pari in a loose-fitting tank top and shorts. Kwaku had laid them on a huge, half-moon shaped, cushioned dais of sorts. It was made of gold fabric and was big enough to serve as a bed. Kwaku and Zara had laid the pair on it so Melvale could see the door. Pari was at his side, between Melvale and the wall. Kwaku was busy intertwining their arms and hands.

“What is he doing?” Shona asked.

Jaireth stepped toward the huge chaise lounge or whatever it was. “They must be touching.”

Dallan cocked his head. “Why?” He looked at an arched door on the other side of the room. “Why d’ye no place them in Melvale’s bed chamber?”

“Because she does not know him yet,” Zara said. “Would you like to wake up in a stranger’s bed?”

“No,” Shona blurted.

“Zara…” Kwaku said. “Let us cover dem.”

She left the group and went to a chair near the tables where they’d tended the two. She took a light blanket off the back of the chair and brought it to him.

Kwaku carefully put it over the couple. “Now, we will leave dem to deir rest. She will wake before he does. We must watch for it.”

“And then what?” Tasniah asked. “Can we speak with her?”

“No,” Kwaku said. “Raina and her captain will tend her. She knows dem and will not be as frightened.” He turned to the group. “Remember, we must keep dem calm. Especially her. If Melvale dinks she is dreatened in any way, dere is no telling what he will do.”

“Understood,” Dallan said. He arched an eyebrow at Zerbe. “Then I suggest ye keep yer aunt away. She seems overly eager to see Melvale’s mate.”

Zerbe nodded and studied the couple.

“She is lovely,” Tasniah whispered then smiled. “Such hair…”

Zara put a hand on her shoulder. “She is the desire of his heart.”

Zerbe sighed. “He always was different.”

Shona giggled and wrapped an arm around Dallan’s arm. “I think it’s great.”

He smiled and pulled her close. “Do ye wish us to stand guard?”

“Q will guard dem,” Kwaku said. “For now, rest, eat, and tell Princess Raina and de captain to be ready. I suspect Melvale’s mate will wake soon.”

Dallan gave him a nod. “Aye.”

Jaireth and Shannell stared at the couple, then looked at each other. “Well done, Time Masters,” Jaireth said. “You will be rewarded.”

Kwaku and Zara bowed to him, followed by Dallan and Shona.

Jaireth smiled at the latter. “I worried for both of you. I am glad you have returned safely.”

Shona smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”

Jaireth’s eyes flashed with what Dallan thought was pride, then it was gone.

“You brought back a hostage?” Shannell asked, eyes on Dallan.

He gave her a curt nod. “We did, Yer Majesty.”

She raised her eyebrows at him. “What did I tell you?”

Dallan stilled, his eyes flicking to anyone but her.

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