Broken

wrapped together with something stiff inside to keep her from bending them. It didn’t hurt until she tried to move her fingers.

“Dang,” she mumbled. She had some pain after all. But compared to before, it was nothing.

She sat cross legged on the bed and took the envelope with her other hand, carefully pried the seal open, retrieving the contents. His perfectly scribed penmanship filled the entire piece of parchment. She held it to her face and breathed in his scent and smiled. I could get used to this.

Good morning, My Love.

Morning? She’d slept half the day and all night. She thought the meal they’d prepared was her dinner, not breakfast. She started the letter again.

Good morning, My Love,

I hope you slept well. I will take you upstairs later, but for now I need you to follow these loving instructions:

1 — Breathe. . all is well.

2 — Go to the mirror. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised.

3 — Take in nourishment. You will need your strength.

4 — Wash the tears from your face, I plan to kiss you today and do

not want to taste the remnants of your salty tears. . although it

would not hinder my pursuit one bit.

5 — I have left something for you in your dressing chambers. It will

match your eyes.

6 — When you are ready, join me in Mara’s room. It is in the south

wing, last door on the right. I will be waiting for you. It has been

quite an eventful night in the castle.

Octavion

One last thing, please leave your finger bandaged. I am still not

convinced it is not broken.

Mara’s room? That could only mean one thing-Xantara had a new Royal living in the palace.

She scanned over the list of “loving” instructions and seriously contemplated skipping to number six before doing anything else, but because her stomach ached from not eating for several hours and her hair felt matted to the back of her head, she reconsidered.

“Okay, Kira. Let’s see how well you can follow instructions.” She slipped off the edge of the bed and went to stand in front of the full length mirror. Nothing new, just a frumpy little red head dressed in an oversized, extremely old fashioned, nightgown.

She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to catch a glimpse of something different, but still nothing. She traced the scar on her cheek. It was only a thin pink line now, nothing new there.

Then she stepped closer and watched as her eyes filled with tears-salty little drops of happiness in emerald green eyes that held a shimmer. They weren’t glowing, like when she and Octavion shared their blood, but the color had returned and they’d found their spark.

All this time she’d thought Zerek’s blood caused her eyes to lose their color, but that wasn’t it at all. Somehow, releasing Altaria’s spirit had freed her from the remaining darkness that lingered inside her.

Kira let out a hoot and danced a little jig around the room, not caring at all what she must look like. Her body and spirit were finally her own and she felt on top of the world.

She was suddenly more anxious to complete her list and be among the living. She’d spent too much time hiding behind these walls. She scanned the list for her next task.

Eat.

Wash her face.

She skipped to the dressing table, shoved a slice of cheese in her mouth and splashed water on her face. With her face still dripping wet, she shoved three pieces of Koostai in her mouth, grabbed a towel and dried both the water and the juice from the fruit off her face.

One more thing before she could leave. She ran to her dressing chambers to search for her prize, stopping suddenly when it came into view. Lying on the large ottoman was an emerald green gown. It wasn’t as fancy as a ball gown, but much nicer than the everyday dresses she’d been wearing. White ruffles skirted the bottom and the front laced up with white satin ribbons. The sleeves were made of a billowy white fabric, long enough to cling to her arms all the way to her wrists.

Next to the dress lay another note. No envelope this time, only a folded piece of parchment. She opened it and read aloud.

I know you prefer wearing a braid, but thought these would be easier to manage with your bandaged hand. Hurry, my love. Your kiss awaits you.

My love. When had he started calling her that? It made her insides melt and she felt giddy all over.

She tossed the note on the ottoman and picked up a white satin bag lying next to the dress. She loosened the string and poured the contents into her hand-two intricately detailed silver hair combs, each one tastefully embedded with diamonds and emeralds.

She couldn’t believe the handiwork that had gone into making each piece. She realized, even though this world seemed primitive in many ways, the people were extremely advanced in developing their personal talents and gifts.

After putting on the dress, fumbling hopelessly with lacing the front and tying the little bow, she brushed out her flyaway hair and carefully placed the combs by sweeping up her hair on both sides. She’d never worn her hair like that and she rather liked it. It made her look and feel very pretty.

She took one last look in the mirror, decided to forget the shoes and set out to find Mara’s room. It took her a moment to realize she was already in the south wing and Mara’s room was only a few feet down the hall. Octavion made it sound like she’d need a detailed map to locate it. Men!

Kira heard voices coming from the other side of the partially opened door. She gripped the handle, but stopped when she heard Luka’s words.

“You are a natural, Octavion. You are definitely father material.”

Kira’s joyous mood gave way to sorrow. She couldn’t move. She just stood there hoping nobody heard her gasp, but when the door moved, she knew she’d been heard.

Smile, Kira. You can do this. Everyone will be watching you.

Luka stepped out into the hall-she read pity in his eyes and she hated it. She wanted to smack it right off his face, but instead she pretended his words didn’t matter.

“Kira, please forgive me. If I knew you were. .”

“No, you’re right. He’ll make a wonderful father.” She brushed him aside and went into the room-with a faux smile painted on her face.

The room fell quiet, all eyes aimed at Kira. Mara lay on the bed with her back propped up with several pillows-Arela snuggled at her side. Nestor stood next to her, while Cade sat on the window seat beside him. As she stepped closer, Ussay walked out of what Kira assumed to be the dressing chambers carrying clean linens.

And then she saw Octavion.

Kira paused. She wanted this moment frozen in time, record it in her heart forever. He stood near the window cradling a tiny bundle-his face all aglow as if he were the proud papa. Luka had been right-this man was meant to be a father. She saw it in his eyes and the loving way he held the child close to his heart. The thought of him being denied that privilege pained her heart. He raised his eyes to meet hers and smiled.