“Are you enjoying yourself?” He settled on the bench beside her and lightly touched her arm with his fingertips.
“I am, actually. Cade is very good company.” She gently jabbed Cade’s arm with her elbow. “He’s educating me on your childhood.”
Octavion growled. “You better not tell her any of my secrets, cousin.”
Cade laughed. “Would I do that?” He looked at Kira and winked.
“Yes, you would.” Octavion put his hand out for Kira to take. “I would like you to meet someone.”
She feigned a fearful expression. “Should I be afraid?”
He smiled. “Oh, yes, very afraid.” Then he stood and pulled her up after him. He led her to the other side of the grass area where the children played. All around the perimeter were tents, lean-tos and canopies of all sizes, shapes and colors. Some were decorated with furs and fabric, while others were plain and simple. They came to a canopy, by far the most ornate, that stayed cool under the shade of several trees. Shrubs and flowers surrounded it and just inside the large opening was a throne-an empty throne.
“What. .”
“Wait,” he said.
The entire festival of people fell silent as everyone, even the children, turned toward them. People came out of their tents and gathered close. Octavion raised one hand into the air and they all knelt. She felt the most powerful, majestic spirit engulf her, so strong it took her breath away. It only lasted a few seconds, but when the king appeared and she glimpsed his grand countenance, she instinctively fell to her knees and lowered her eyes. Beside her Octavion knelt on one knee.
“Kira, raise your head,” Octavion whispered.
Kira slowly brought her eyes to meet the king’s. There she saw gentleness, compassion. He smiled at her, then scanned the crowd. When he stepped down from the throne and offered his hand to Kira, the crowd gasped.
“You must be Kira,” he said in a smooth voice, his tone completely composed, confident.
“Yes.” She wanted to say ‘your majesty’ or ‘your highness’, but wasn’t sure what was proper. Instead, she placed her hand in his and let him gently pull her to her feet.
Octavion stood as well.
Kira felt entranced by the king-the mirror image of his son, with only with a few wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and gray around his temples. However, unlike Octavion, he exuded tranquility. She felt a sense of peace surrounding her as he bowed his head to her. She assumed he had paid her a great gesture of respect and honor. To have a king bow to a commoner was unheard of, even in her world. He gently pressed his lips to the back of her hand and then straightened.
“You are indeed a vision of purity, my child. My son has made a wise choice.” He released her hand and motioned for the others to continue with their games. Then he returned to his throne.
After discovering his deception about Serena’s death, she’d thought the king to be some kind of monster. She’d already decided she hated the man, but now she didn’t know what to think. He seemed like a compassionate father who loved his kingdom. She couldn’t help wondering if it was all a show for the crowd. She hoped not-she really wanted to like him.
Octavion took her hand and led her through the swarm of buzzing children where Luka busily entertained them. He had one child on each arm while spinning them around in circles. As he caught sight of their escape, he pleaded for Octavion to rescue him.
“Not a chance, cousin,” he said. “I have princely duties to attend to.”
Luka growled as several of the children pulled him to the ground and the others piled on top.
Octavion escorted Kira back to her seat, then crouched in front of her. He tried to look in her eyes, but she pretended to pay attention to Mara, who now sat nearby. Several women gathered around while Mara gave advice on how to raise the perfect child. Spoiled child was more like it, although Kira had to admit she liked Arela very much.
“Kira, are you sure you are not keeping something from me?”
Kira looked into his eyes and tried to be convincing. She smiled. “I’m sure. Now go save Luka.”
He grimaced. “Must I?”
“I love watching you with the children.” She looked over his shoulder to find Luka down on all fours giving rides. “Besides, I want to see if I can pull more secrets out of your cousin, here.”
Cade wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “I will take care of her.”
Octavion’s expression turned more serious, his attention focused on Cade. “I forgot to thank you for bringing her back to the castle.” He paused for a moment. “I owe you.”
Cade seemed uncomfortable with the compliment. “You owe me nothing.”
As Octavion walked away, Cade leaned closer and whispered, “What is wrong?”
She rubbed a piece of lace at her cuff between her fingers. “Nerves-meeting the king and all.”
“Kira, I am not a fool. Is it the prince thing? I have not told Octavion, if that is what you are worried about.” He turned in his seat so he faced her. “You are safe in Xantara. It is rare for a strange Royal to penetrate the castle walls without permission. The penalty is severe and we always take extreme precautions to prevent it.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, we’re not in the castle. We’re not even inside the village walls anymore.”
“True, but you have me to protect you here.” He winked, then slapped one of his legs. “As long as I do not have to chase them down, you should be safe enough.”
“I’m not worried about that,” she lied. “And I’m sure you’re a great protector” She tried to straightened the now mutilated piece of lace. “Can I ask you something?”
Cade folded his arms and waited for her to continue, but she didn’t know how to ask. He’d want to know the reason behind her question.
“Umm. . I wonder what kind of music you have in your world. I miss it.”
A smirk crossed Cade’s face. “Music? That is your question?”
“Yeah. I thought you’d have some musicians here at the festival. Arela said there might be a flute player. Does Octavion play the flute?” She hadn’t planned to make the question so specific, but now that she had, she regretted it.
Cade let out a hoot. “Octavion? Play a flute?” He broke out in laughter, so hard she couldn’t tell if she’d said something funny or felt great pain-or both. One hand held his stomach while the other clenched the spot on his back where he’d been injured. Every time he took a breath he moaned from the pain, then went right back to laughing.
Kira slapped his arm. “Stop that, people are staring.” Two women sitting with Mara craned their necks to see around a rather plump lady in a red dress. Kira smiled and shrugged, pretending she had no idea why Cade acted like a complete imbecile. “You’re gonna get me in trouble.”
A few more guttural laughs and Cade finally slowed to an occasional chuckle. “Why would you ask such a thing? A Royal-no a prince-would never stoop to play an instrument meant for a commoner, especially Octavion.” He stretched, but cringed before his back straightened completely.
“I asked about music in general. The part about Octavion playing a flute just slipped out.”
“Then the answer is yes. We usually have music at events like this.” He turned to face her, his expression grave. “But we felt it improper because Xantara is still in mourning.”
“Oh.” Kira felt like she’d been kicked in the gut. Only a few days had passed since Lydia’s death. Of course they’d want to respect the Royal family’s feelings.
“I am sorry, Kira. I wish I could speak to you about it, but-”
“I know,” she blurted, putting her hand up between them. “You’re not allowed.”
They sat in silence for a moment. Cade cleared his throat again. “Would you like something to drink? I could call Octavion to fetch us something.”
Kira quickly scanned the crowd for Octavion. Several young boys watched him with intent curiosity while he twisted a piece of rope or leather in his hands. “No, he’s enjoying himself. Point me in the right direction and I’ll get something for us.”