“I’ve made the decision that our one trip home should be in the winter,” he said firmly. “I need to soak in this warmth before forcing myself back to the clan.”
Chuckling, I drew him closer, fisting the back of his hair. His eyes became heavy with lust, and his hips rocked in a way that teased us both.
I kissed him softly, not to arouse, but to share my love with him before whispering against his lips, “Whatever you wish, kolrav. I doubt there will be many in the clan who would complain.”
His eyebrows shot up. “You think the whole clan will make the journey every year?”
I shrugged. “That remains to be seen. I will discuss it with Orthorr and the other clan leaders at another time. For now, I want to enjoy my time with you.”
Twenty-Five
ZAKAI
While my mother went full swing into wedding planning, I showed Uttin around my home. And not just the palace. I took him into the city, to the places I loved and the places I warned him to avoid. I took him to the shop that sold my favorite breakfast, greeting the couple that owned it with a wide smile. They had been unaware that when my staff came in to pick up my food that it was for me. The staff kept that information to themselves to prevent poisoning attempts, dressed in such a way that it wouldn’t be obvious. To say they were shocked was an understatement. Since I was only staying for a while before rejoining the clan, I didn’t see the need to hide anymore.
I did take the time to go see Umaira. I found her in her parents’ home near the docks, practicing her skills with a grace I could never hope to attain. There was only a single guard stationed outside her home, but I dismissed him upon arrival. My parents agreed that her house arrest could end now that they knew the truth. I didn’t need a personal bodyguard anymore, notwith Uttin by my side, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to invite her to come with me once the time came for us to move on.
She noticed my arrival, and for the first time since we met, her eyes filled with tears as she strode over, gripping my arm with surprising familiarity. “My prince. You are well. I was so worried.”
“As was I. Let’s just say I know better now than to skip my lessons.”
She barked out a laugh, releasing me and crossing her arms over her chest in that stubborn way that had annoyed me before all this occurred. I’d missed it after we were separated. I preferred her scolding over being so isolated.
“Is this when I can say I told you so?”
I pointed a finger at her with a mock scowl. “No. You’re not allowed. I’m never wrong.”
A snort behind me drew my focus back to Uttin. Umaira looked worried, her hand tightening around the hilt of her blade, but I stopped her before she could try to get between us. Stepping back, I leaned against Uttin’s chest, gesturing to him with a smile.
“Umaira, meet Uttin. My intended.”
Her head jerked back in surprise. “Your… what?”
“My intended,” I repeated, a smug grin overtaking my face. “Hameed thought he had broken me when sending me to the barbarians. His actions turned out for the best. I met Uttin, and we’re creating an alliance with the barbarian clans which will expand trade and strengthen our power against those who stand against us.” There was plenty more, but I didn’t want to get into all the details right now. I was just happy to see my companion unharmed. Frowning, I admitted, “I was worried about you too. Did they hurt you?”
She made a face and shook her head. “No. They tried at first, but I held my own. In the end, it was easier for them to lock mein a room and keep me under guard. I managed to escape and was trying to find a way home when Abdul found me. Together, we returned here, and I told your parents what happened. I wanted to go and find you myself, but after Hameed ran away, the king and queen felt it was better to keep me here. I’m glad they found you. You might be a brat, but you’re a good man. I would have been heartbroken if you had truly wound up dead like Hameed said.”
A low growl made me look up at Uttin, who was scowling fiercely enough that Umaira took a step back. “I am looking forward to confronting this man. He will understand my wrath when we finally face each other.”
“Why do you have to be so sexy?” I complained, snapping him out of his grump. “I am trying to speak with my friend. Keep your sexiness to yourself until later.”
Umaira rolled her eyes so intensely, I almost winced. “Ignore him. He loves to cause mischief. As his intended, I should warn you he does not handle boredom well. Give him a task, or he will go looking for trouble.”
Uttin smirked. “I am aware of this, but thank you for the warning.”
I gaped at both of them, incredulous. “My intended and my bodyguard teaming up against me! How dare you!”
They laughed, and the last of my tension slipped away knowing the people important to me were safe. Though, I was also looking forward to confronting Hameed. When we were through with him, he would regret ever betraying me.
UTTIN
After telling his friend that her house arrest was over and her honor restored, we went to check in with the clans. There was a steady stream in and out of the city as members explored on their own. Not every clan understood the language, but the people of Al Nuzem all spoke the common tongue, which helped a great deal in communicating.
“Zakai!” Simon shouted, waving him over as we stepped into the area where our people had set up their tents. Several of the males had gathered with their bondmates and looked ready to head into the city.
“Simon!” Zakai greeted with equal enthusiasm. At this point, Feigrind had come to accept their friendship, despite their shared intimacy in the past. It helped that Zakai was to become my bondmate, though I understood his apprehension when Zakai sometimes chose to joke in a flirtatious way just to cause trouble. I kept an eye on him while looking around the clan to make sure everyone was happy.
Verus clapped me on the shoulder as we joined them, his smile bright. “Relax, brother. All is well. There is a rotation of guards for the clan proper, but most spend their time in the city until the sun has set. It is an exciting time for us all.”
