Page 52 of Bearing Secrets
“Are you done, on break? What’s the deal?”
“We’re done,” he said, pivoting on one foot and heading down the stairs. “Until the ceremony tomorrow, things will be moving slowly. But at least they’re moving now. That was the key.”
She trailed after him at her own pace, out the door and into the hallway, where she stopped short. “No, absolutely not. I’m not going back like that.”
Kirell, wall panel already swinging open, spun back to look at her. “Pardon?”
“I’m not going back like that. I’m done scurrying through passages unseen, like some sort of secret. I walked down here normally. I’m going to do the same going back to your quarters.” She crossed her arms, ready to stand her ground on the issue.
Staying hidden was embarrassing and didn’t do much for the image in her mind that Kirell was somehow ashamed of her. What was there to be ashamed of? She hadn’t done anything wrong, and in fact, quite the opposite. Until now, she’d done exactly everything required of her. Some might say that by sleeping with him, she’d gone above and beyond, creating a bit of lover-like tension between them that only happens when two people are intimate.
“Natalia, it’s not safe,” he tried to say, but she shook her head fiercely.
“Your own Queen approved me. If I have her support, then I expect to have yours as well.”
Kirell looked ready to protest some more, but she lifted a finger to hush him.
“We’re walking down the hallways. The main ones. That’s the way it’s going to be, so you may as well just get used to it now, okay? I’m done hiding, I’m done being hidden away.” She stepped closer to him, lowering her voice. “If you want others to think I’m your mate, they’re going to have to see you with me before this ceremony, Kirell. Otherwise, they’ll call it out for what it is.”
Kirell wilted. “This isn’t a good idea. There’s a lot you aren’t aware of.”
She brushed it off. “I’m aware you’re the Captain of this House, and I’m your mate. That is a prominent position, and you need to start acting like it on all fronts.”
Grabbing his hand, Natalia set off down the hallway, dragging him after her. After several grumbling protest steps, he fell in beside her, his body language relaxing somewhat.
“I’m doing this to help you,” she said quietly as he directed her to take a left-hand turn. “I want to do my part in all this. I made an agreement and I intend on sticking to it.”
Kirell shrugged. “You’re already doing your part. If we do this, it’s going to change things. Everyone is going to see you. You…” He fell silent.
She waited for him to say more, but he didn’t. “You’re a good man, Kirell.”
He was trying to protect her, that much was obvious, but Natalia wasn’t afraid of being seen with him. She would play the loving spouse to the fullest. There would be nothing to worry about. Kirell would be confirmed to his position, and he would be able to do all the good things he needed to do.
The lower level of the building was mostly empty. They passed one shifter near the garage, who gave her a surprised look but said nothing, only tilting his head at Kirell. It wasn’t until they reached the main level that she sensed a different vibe.
“Kirell,” she asked as they passed through an open area, including a vast library, couches, desks, etc. It was occupied by a dozen men and women, none of whom she recognized.
“Yes?”
“Why is everyone looking at me weird and whispering?”
“Because you’re with me,” he said out of the corner of his mouth.
“Nobody looked at me like some of them are doing now, on the way down. A few were dismissive of me when I asked where I might find you, but nobody reacted with the outright hate I’ve seen on a few faces.”
In one case, that of a big brute of a man who’d slipped out of the room through another exit, Natalia felthatewas too mild of a word. Some of the occupants of House Ursa were giving her neutral looks, and a few even nodded their heads politely. But there were enough looks of disdain directed her way that she began to feel self-conscious.
“I don’t understand. Why is it that being with you all of a sudden makes them hate me?” She drifted closer to Kirell, wondering if perhaps she should have listened to him.
Making a stand was all well and good, but she hadn’t counted on this sudden of a change. Had her ego gotten her into more trouble than she could handle? Kirell had always struck her as so likeable a person. What was driving the evil glares being thrown their direction? Kirell owed her some answers. No more secrets, no more hiding. She needed to know what the hell she’d just involved herself in.
“Kirell.”
They both looked over at the voice.
“What is it, Kedd?” Kirell slowed to talk to the man and she did as well, sticking close to his side, keeping a firm grip on his hand.
“You should know that word has spread. About you two.” The big man named Kedd looked pointedly at her.
