Page 84 of Blood and Fate

Mortification from beside him hit him as Satori turned her head and buried it in his shoulder. Kais wrapped his other arm around her, trying to stifle his laugh. “We appreciate you not coming to check.”

“My pleasure,” Teague replied with emphasis. “And I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who heard, if that helps.”

“It does not help,” Satori replied with a large breath. “Oh, I don’t know why it bothers me at all, he would have told you, anyway.”

Kais turned a mock offended expression on her. “I think I should be offended that you believe I would share secrets like that.”

Satori tossed a hand toward the other man. “It’s Teague! I’m surprised you two don’t have a blood bond.”

Teague laughed. “We never needed one before.”

Kais chuckled. It was amusing but ultimately probably true. Though he liked to think that he would have kept it to himself if she had asked him not to say anything.

They lapsed into silence for a few moments. He didn’t want to ruin the atmosphere, and he was afraid his next words might. But they needed to be said.

Kais turned to Teague. “We’ll pack up in the morning.”

Satori’s gaze shot toward him and he felt the disappointment, which actually made him feel good. Until he realized that if he could feel her disappointment, she could feel his relief, and that probably wasn’t translating correctly. Helias. That trick could come in handy, but could also be slightly problematic.

Finally, he turned to her. “We’ll talk in a moment.”

Teague spoke. “Down the mountain, we had a message waiting from Devlin when we arrived. I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you. But he said they’re waiting at the meet-up point with our supplies.” Teague paused and his eyes drifted to Satori for a moment.

“What is it?” Kais asked.

“He said they also have a message for you from your father.”

Kais let out a quiet breath and nodded. His father was probably wondering why he hadn’t heard from Kais recently since Kais was a few days behind schedule, thanks to Satori.

“Alright, I’m ready for sleep. I’ll be in in a minute.”

Teague nodded. “Goodnight. Princess.” He dipped his head slightly in Satori’s direction.

“Goodnight, Teague.”

Teague turned, disappearing into the tent he shared with Kais.

Kais turned to Satori and held an arm out toward her tent in invitation. She turned, dropped the pile of torn laundry outside the flap, and stepped into the small tent. He followed.

“How long before we reach your men down the mountain?” She found a cup and filled it with water from the pitcher, taking a drink and passing it to Kais.

He took a long pull from the cup and returned it to her. “Less than a day. We’ll camp with them tomorrow night. Then we’ll see if there are any messages from anyone regarding you.”

“Me?” She refilled the cup and drank again.

“In case your father is looking for you, they’ll no doubt have news, or even directcommunication, if the men that took you divulged your whereabouts to anyone.”

“And then you’ll take me home,” she said quietly.

“Only if you want to.” He knew what she would say, but had to leave the option there for her.

She gave him an almost sad look. “You know I have to go home. I have responsibilities beyond my desires. I can’t just abandon my country.”

He took her in for a moment, the thought crossing his mind about whether or not he would abandon his country for her. He wouldn’t, of course, but he wanted to.

“If there was a way you and I could work things out, would you want to?”

“If only that were possible.” She stepped closer and slid her arms around his waist. “We’ll just have to make the most of our time until then.” She stretched up on her toes, kissing him. “But I’ve had a very long day.” He laughed at that. “I think it’s time we get some sleep.”

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