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other Xihirians in case they notice something. I don t want to start an
incident, Saleeya whispered.
As they entered the dining area, Mia pointed to a small, empty
table in the corner of the dining area s balcony. It was empty and set
Xihirah 125
for diners. Let s go to that out-of-the-way table. We don t need to be
in the mix now, Mia said close to Saleeya s ear.
Only moments after Saleeya and Mia had taken their seats, a
cheerful, high-pitched voice caught them off guard. It was the young,
sweet-faced Kalinda.
Hello. Kalinda glided, almost bounced, over to where they were
sitting. Father permitted me to join both of you for the meal. I m so
excited to be here with you. He said I needed to stay with you once I
found you both. I m so happy to attend and be included. Kalinda was
abounding with happiness. Her eyes were very bright and Wolfton-
like. She was a beautiful child.
Mia smiled back. Sit down, Kalinda. We re so happy for you to
join us.
Do you see Kael, Thyson, or Father? Kalinda looked around the
crowded room. Excitement rolled off her.
We ve not met Thyson officially, but I think all three of them are
standing near the serving preparation table. Will the waiters bring our
meals to us? Saleeya asked.
No, Father told me it was a buffet and to wait until you direct me
to go get our food. Kalinda clapped her hands together. Father said
I m grown up now that I have little siblings. Saleeya rubbed her
wrist under the table and smiled back at the cheerful child.
After most of the crowd had been up to the buffet tables, Mia
asked, Saleeya, do you want to wait here for me to get your food?
No, that would seem odd. I think.
What s wrong with Saleeya? Kalinda s eyes widened with
wonder.
Nothing, sweetheart, let s go get our food. Mia led the way.
Saleeya quickly changed the tone of their conversation.
Mia led Saleeya and Kalinda up to the tables to fill their plates. If
not for the competing pain in her wrist, she would not have been able
to wait to eat. However, the pain had somewhat negated her hunger.
Mia helped Kalinda with her plate. Saleeya was too pained to help
126 Ciara Lake
Kalinda and could barely fill and carry her own plate. To her surprise,
her wrist was swelling and growing tenderer. Saleeya looked back
behind her to make sure Mia and Kalinda were ready to make it back
to their table. She turned to lead the way back to their table and
bumped her wrist into a wall of familiar muscle. Saleeya cried out,
her plate of food falling all over the floor and a pair of shiny black
boots.
Oh my Deity, I m sorry Admoncor Kael. Saleeya gritted her
teeth in pain. Servants ran to Kael to clean up the mess and assist both
Saleeya and Kael. The expression on Kael s face chilled her. Saleeya
assumed he was angry with her. How clumsy of me. I ll uh, I ll clean
it up. Deity, I m such a clumsy oaf. Please forgive me, my lord, she
prattled. The look of fury in his eyes was enough to chill her to the
bone.
What s wrong with your arm? Bumping into me hasn t caused
this. He pointed to her swollen wrist. What has happened to you,
Saleeya? Kael demanded in his deep rough voice. When she looked
up into his face, his eyes were shimmering. The room quieted, and
Saleeya stared back into the fierce eyes of her mate. The entire group
watched their dialogue.
I slammed it in the cleaning chamber s door, she offered in
weak explanation. Kael ignored her response, looking over her head
to Mia.
Did you see how Saleeya injured her arm, Mia? Or you, Kalinda?
She seems rather confused as to what actually happened.
Fear raced through Saleeya s heart, and she looked imploringly at
Mia, who gestured with a barely perceptible nod. She couldn t tell
him, not right now. If only she could wait... Mia remained silent and
shook her head. Kalinda looked confused.
Kael eyed the trio of women. Come with me.
Servants removed the dining plates from Mia and Kalinda s
hands. Kael turned to leave, motioning them to follow him. Kael s
gaze met his father s as he led the women from the Great Hall.
Xihirah 127
All three females followed Kael in an uncomfortable silence.
Kalinda s giddiness had entirely evaporated. Saleeya realized that
Kalinda s drastic mood change wasn t a good sign. The walk to the
Med Clinic was a distance away in the direction of the family wing.
Kael led them at his usual brisk walk. They entered a brightly lit room
that served as a Med Clinic. State-of-the-art equipment outfitted the
room. Kael pushed the vid-com s button to request that a medtor
come immediately to the clinic. After calling for assistance, his
brightened gaze turned to bore into Saleeya. Mia, you and Kalinda
wait for us in the adjoining room, he ordered. Saleeya swallowed at
the look in his eyes as her friends left her. Mate, I know you
wouldn t lie to me. What happened and don t for a moment think I m
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