Page 130 of The Ruler
“You want me to show your mother what a superior lover I am?” I teased.
She slapped my arm lovingly. “No, that part of you is reserved for me only.”
“You’re damn right it is,” I agreed and kissed her forehead, excited that Pearl seemed warmer toward me than she had been at Boulder’s island.
“Today I asked Christina about what to expect at the ceremony, but she said she doesn’t remember much from her wedding to Boulder. Apparently, she was too shocked by your betrayal.” There was a sharpness to her tone.
“Yeah,” I sighed. “I admit that wasn’t my finest moment, but you can trust that I won’t spring any surprises on you.”
“Good!” She moved forward to kiss me. “Good night then.”
“Hey,” I whispered and pulled her closer. “If I wanted to give you a wedding present, what should I get you?”
My words made her lift her head as if a sudden idea had popped into it.
“Can I ask foranything?” she asked.
“Sure, I’ll give you anything that’s within my power to give.”
With a sudden burst of energy, Pearl sat up with her legs crossed and turned toward me with a serious expression that I’d seen before. She had something big on her mind and was trying to word it perfectly in her head before saying it out loud.
“Just spit it out,” I said impatiently.
She wet her lips. “What I want most of all from you is safety for my people.”
Her request made me sit up too, leaning against the headboard and folding my arms. “Your people? I thoughtwewere your people now.”
“You are! By marrying you, I’m making both Motlanders and Nmen my people and I want safety for all.”
“I’m not sure what you’re asking me to do.”
“I want you to make me a promise,” she said sternly.
I tensed up but waited for her to speak.
“I’ve been searching for a way to talk to you about this all day, but it would be the perfect wedding gift for me.”
I signaled for her to elaborate.
“You know that Magni found a way to cross the border and that’s how he kidnapped Athena.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And you know how many times I’ve asked you to do something about it.”
“I’m not going to torture my brother. He promised he won’t do it again.”
“But others might,” she said. “And now you won’t have to torture him because I know where the passage is.”
My eyebrows shot up and a buzzing sensation of hope surged through me from head to toe. “Really?”
“Yes, and I want you to promise me that you’ll put a stop to it. I can’t worry that other women might get abducted.”
“Where is it?” I asked. “I promise you that if you can give me the exact location, I’ll personally go and check it out. And if it’s really there, I’ll close it down.”
“Thank you.” Pearl sighed with relief. “I overheard Magni and Boulder mention that they crossed the border at a town called Northgate and that their contact person was called Jackass Johnny.”
“And who have you told this?” I asked, holding my breath.
