Page 66 of Blood and Fate

He let out a small laugh, remembering the friendly ribbing they gave each other the day he had become his brother’s superior, circumstances that were nearly unheard of.

“We met some trouble, and he didn’t make it.” That was boiling it down to the very simplest explanation. But it was making a long story short, for now.

Horror flitted through Satori, and if he couldn’t have felt it, he would have seen it in her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you.” He offered a small smile. “It was a long time ago, as I said. Adalyn was barely brand new; she doesn’t even remember him.” He paused for a moment, for a breath, and swallowed deeply. “And that’s sad. But at the same time . . . Well, you said you saw how Lena is with me. She blames me. And why wouldn’t she? It is on me. I, as the leader, gave the order, and he followed it. It was dangerous. He wasn’t the only one that didn’t make it out. I was injured myself. But what I’m saying is that Adalyn doesn’t have that bitterness. She only knows me, and I love that little girl. She’s adventurous and explorative and wild as a new colt. And she only sees me.”

Satori was silent for a few moments. “Do you think Lena will ever forgive you?”

Kais snapped the branch he had been handling, tossing both pieces into the fire. “I don’t know. It’s been years now, and it’s always the same. When I show up, she basically tells me she wishes I wouldn’t have and lets me know I’m welcome to leave whenever I can.”

Satori shook her head. “I don’t have any family like that. No brothers or sisters. My lady’s maid is my closest friend. And she is my friend. I couldn’t imagine losing her. I am sorry for your loss.”

She was completely sincere, and Kais soaked it in like a sponge. “Thank you, Satori.”

There was silence for a short time, and then voices greeted them, mingled with the sounds of tin dishes clanging together.

“Sir, Princess.” Jameson nodded toward them and sat down. “Marta has food. Better go before it’s gone. Teague’s going to eat it all.”

“Well.” Kais stood. “We can’t allow that, now can we, Princess?”

He moved his hand and paused, but then decided he didn’t care. He reached out, holding it out to her.

Only a beat passed before she reached out and slid her fingers, warm from the fire, into his waiting palm. Her eyes widened at the familiar shock that passed at their touch. But she didn’t pull her hand away. He helped her to her feet and held her hand, daring to slide a thumb across her knuckles as she stepped around where she’d been seated. Then he loosened his grip, releasing her, and she quickly stepped in front of him, moving toward the food. He followed, running his thumb over the palm of his hand where he could still feel her touch.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

KAIS

“What’s this?” Kais held his hands out in front of him, letting mock shock flood his voice. “Aren’t we here to rest? And here are my men, up far too early, exercising.”

Everett, one of his long-time men, laughed. “We knew you would show up. We’re just here to impress you.”

“Right, and now that you’re here,” another man spoke up, “now that you’ve seen us, I guess we can go.”

Kais laughed. “Yes, go. Relax.”

“And what are you doing here, then?” Teague’s voice came from behind him, but Kais didn’t bother to turn.

Kais unsnapped the loop holding his whip, and took the strap in his hand, shaking it out a bit to loosen the coils. “I’m here to blow off some steam; what else?” He glanced over his shoulder in time to see Teague chuckle.

Kais walked toward a large tree trunk that stood on its side and then bent to examine the ground. He snatched up three large pinecones and placed them on the upended tree so they came to about chest height.

Kais backed up, looking around to be sure he wasn’t running anyone over. He let the coils of the whip fall to the ground beside him. Weighing the handle in his grip, he rolled his wrist slightly.

The men in the space moved back, out of range. Kais snapped his arm once, causing the long braid of the whip to lash out and crack loudly. He did the same thing twice more, warming up in the chill air.

He focused his attention on the pinecones. One at a time, quickly and consecutively, he sent the whip flying in the direction of the trunk, and one at a time, the pinecones crashed to the ground.

Excited applause drew his attention off to his right. Adalyn stood, giggling, clapping, and bouncing on her feet.

Kais turned toward the girl, and with one hand behind his back and the other across his front, he bowed deeply.

This caused her to giggle even more. “Do it again! Do it again!”

Kais straightened and gestured with his whip. “Put them back.”

Adalyn rushed to where the pinecones had fallen and, on tiptoes, reached up to replace them.

---