Hanleigh loves books more than nearly anything in the world; whether its reading them or writing them, Hanleigh just can't get enough. She's read more books than she can count and owns more books than some libraries.

Trust was a liberty that as Kumari, Bae could not afford, especially after the murder of Bae’s mother, the late Kumari.

The Kumari bloodline had to continue regardless of the cost, even if it was the life of someone she loved.

There were only two things that a Kumari should trust; magic and her seven mates.

The race was on for Bae to find and claim her seven mates before she had to defend her realm from an unknown enemy.

With them, she still might not win, but alone she would definitely fail.

Kumari's Kitsune

The woman who entered the chamber was easily twice the age of Bae's mother. She bowed her head as she said, "Greetings Kumari."


"Thank you," Bae responded. "It's a pleasure to meet you."


"I would like to offer you my sincere congratulations on finding your Cankurian mate."


Bae twisted her head to glance at Armel. "Thank you," Bae replied. "I'm very happy."


"I have a gift for you. May your reign be fruitful and filled with joy."


Bae accepted the gift. It was a simple necklace with a glass pendant. Within the pendant was both sand and water. "It's so you can take Canku with you when you leave."


Quietly moved by the woman's thoughtfulness, Bae stood, approaching the woman. She leaned down and pulled the woman into an embrace.


If the woman was shocked by the Kumari's actions she did not show it. Instead she said, "I hope you will be as amazing a ruler as your mother."


Chapter 35: Holding Court