Page 16 of Ngozii's Plight

“This is beautiful. What is it?” His voice is low, but it carries in the small cave, and Xenshay steps up beside me, Seuke’s gaze shifting as he takes him in. “You have it, too.”

Xenshay smiles at me, his eyes tracing over the mark as he pulls on my hand, turning me to face him. “It’s the mark of a true soul bond. When we are together, our mark meets where it should, at our center where our souls lie connected. I am completely yours, my Priestess.” He gives me a small bow, and I smile sweetly, cupping his face as he stands.

My heart swells in his presence, feeling more whole than it ever has. I finally have the key to my salvation locked down, all I need is to learn how to use it properly. Now that I have all the pieces I need to put my plan into action, it’s time to make it known what I will do. Turning to Seuke, I place a hand on his chest, which he covers with his own. “My love, will you prepare my sanctuary? I think it’s time I deliver a message to dear old Daddy.” I smirk, and he returns it before bowing deeply to me.

“As you wish, Priestess.” As he rises, he lifts his chin, letting his tongue graze my clit as it slides up the middle of my body. He hums as he devours my lips for a moment before pulling away and disappearing down the hall, leaving Xenshay and I alone to clean our mess.

I stare at the dark tunnel for a long moment, letting my emotions and arousal settle into a calm. It’ll take some time after this to settle myself completely. Thoughts flit through my mind of what I’ll say, how I’ll reach out, and how to create the biggest impact through it all. Criido will learn that I’m not to be ignored, and I will make a greater leader than he ever did because my people come first. I’ll make sure they have what they need, whatever it takes.

“You know, I don’t think I ever asked what sort of relationship you two have. I assumed he was your bodyguard, that is until Ziza called him your one and only, and now this. I’m not sure what to think.” Xenshay’s voice breaks me from my thoughts as he stares at me, his expression amused and curious, one brow slightly higher than the other.

Turning, I flip my hair over my shoulder and strut back to the blanket where I bend at the waist to retrieve my clothing. “He’s my oathbound warrior and first mate. We have a connection that rivals our soul bond. I won’t be getting rid of him, so I hope you’re not jealous, Shay.” I look over my shoulder at him as I lift my top to tie it back into place.

He marches over, taking the strings from me as he kisses my shoulder, gently tying the top back around my body. “Not at all, my mate, I was simply curious if a threesome would be of interest. He is… very handsome.”

Turning in his arms, I grin as I wrap my arms around him, one set around his neck, the others around his waist as his hands settle on my hips. “Xenshay Zondash, you may just be the man of my dreams.” He chuckles as our lips meet in a tender kiss that lasts much longer than it should, but since I’m feeling lighter than I have in a long time, I let myself indulge.

Chapter 10

Tavionna

Xenshay’s fingers are gentle as he helps tie my top back in place behind me before placing a tender kiss to my shoulder. “If it were up to me, I’d never let you put clothes back on.” His words are whispered in my ear as I giggle, reaching back to cup his cheek.

“That wouldn’t be very appropriate when out amongst my people, now would it? Can’t have you and Seuke getting jealous of others looking at me.” I turn and kiss his other cheek as he chuckles, turning away to help me pack up our picnic.

I bend down and begin to wrap up the fruit and tuck it into the basket as footsteps thunder down the hall. Standing, I spin just in time to see a guard enter the room.

“Forgive me, Priestess, but we need you in the sick cave right away. It’s an emergency. A young girl needs your attention.” He bows to me as he quickly spills the details, and I whirl around to look at Xenshay.

“Go, love. I’ll clean this up. Go to your people.”

I grab his hands in mine and kiss him quickly in thanks before dashing after the guard, letting him lead me down the corridors. People in the halls part for us as we run through in a mad dash. Pulling on my connection to Seuke, I send my thoughts to him, telling him to meet me with the tonic as quickly as possible.

The cave is dark, fewer crystals in here than in others, and bodies line the walls along the floors, each wrapped in a blanket, made as comfortable as possible as they rest. People gather at the back of the cave as coughs and sobs reach my ears, and my heart breaks in my chest.

Nafeesa, a small girl who fell ill after my mother, was the first to receive the tonic when I discovered it. She’s been suspended the longest, waiting for me to find a cure for her. Her silver eyes meet mine as I kneel beside her, pulling her from a guard’s arms and into mine.

“Why? I thought you fixed me?” Her eyes fill and spill tears down her cheeks as blood trickles from her lips. Her thin shirt is soaked in blood, and more begins to drip from her small nose as she coughs and sniffles. She clings to me, pleading with me to help her. I gently brush some wet purple hair from her face and soothe her the best I can.

“I’m so sorry, child. I haven’t discovered how to cure the illness yet, only to suspend it until I figure this out. You’ve been asleep this whole time. I don’t know why you’re awake, but I’m going to help you, okay? I promise, I’m not giving up.”

Seuke drops beside me, handing me a cloth and the tonic bottle, a worried expression on his face. I quickly wipe her face and press the bottle to her lips, tipping it as she gulps it down.

“I know it isn’t a cure, but it’ll help you with the pain.”

“Why me, Priestess? Wasn’t I a good girl?”

Tears prick my eyes as I stare down at her, my heart hammering in my chest, hurting for the young girl in my arms. Whatever this illness is, it isn’t discriminatory, so I can’t answer her question. I don’t know why certain people are falling ill, and I don’t know how to help them. Why would the goddess make me her leader, her only salvation, and not give me the tools to save her?

“I don’t know, sweetheart. I wish I had the answers for you, I truly do.”

Her body trembles severely as blood pours from her lips, soaking my body. She coughs and struggles for breath as I roll her to her side, hoping to help clear her mouth enough to breathe. “You’re gonna be okay, I’ve got you, just hang on, Nafeesa.” My voice is shrill and panicked as I do the only things I can think of to do in this moment. The tonic isn’t working, it should have put her back to sleep already, but she remains unaffected.

Her body convulses, her eyes rolling, and then she goes still. I grab the cloth and wipe her face clean, cupping her cheek as I shake her gently. “Nafeesa?” Pressing my hand to her chest, I feel no heartbeat. Leaning close, I feel no breath. She’s gone, taking the last of my hope and my heart with her.

My breath stutters out of me as tears pour down my face. This can’t be happening. Pulling her into my arms, I stand and carry her with me as I march out of the cave. This will not stand. No longer will I sit idly by and let my people suffer. I let the anger I feel at her loss take over, guiding me through instinct alone. Weakness and mourning will not do right now, not when my people need to see the strength and determination of their leader.

Stepping into the main cave as people gather around, I spot Xenshay and head straight for him, stopping beside him as I turn, Seuke coming up to stand at my other side. Nafeesa’s body is heavy in my arms, but I let her weight ground me, reminding me of what’s at stake here.

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