June 22nd - Tea Party - Part 2

Ten minutes later, my nerves were fried. I'd been going over and over Kane's words in my mind, hoping to resolve my uncertain condition. I was still as conflicted now as I was when he first spoke them.

However, now I was acutely aware of the warmth radiating from Kane's body beside mine. I was acutely aware of how toned his leg muscles were under his clenched hand. My eyes drifted towards his middle and I flushed with warmth. 'If he wants me to be his, that means he wants to be mine too, doesn't it?' My own body erupted with heat, so much that steam practically came out of my ears, at the thought.

I hurriedly looked away. I felt a rough, calloused hand as warm as my wrap around my right hand. Sitting immobile with surprise, Kane gently intertwines his fingers with mine. My heart beat so fast that I thought it might explode.

This gesture was different from the times Ishmael had touched me. He had been rough and demanded, but Kane's hand in mine was gentle reassurance.

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. Kane's face was stoic. There wasn't even a trace of acknowledgment that he'd just captured my hand as he sipped his tea and gazed at the other participants.

Closing my eyes, I forced my body and mind to relax. Then I too sipped my tea in silence. Across the garden, I saw Lord Alecai scowling. Remembering Prince Pharon's warning, I shivered.

Kane looked at me, "Is my hand too hot for you? I am still trying to control my body temperature."

"No, it's fine." I said as I started to unwind my fingers from his. He sighed and let me go.

Just then the chair across from mine was roughly scraped out. Lord Glade sank into it and lowered his head down onto the table.

From the brief look I'd gotten at his face, I could tell Lord Glade was exhausted. His skin had lost its brilliancy and his eyes had dark purple bruises under them. Swiftly and silently, I poured him tea and placed it in front of him. He lifted his head and drained the cup, downing the tea like he was dying of thirst.

"Rough night?" Kane asked mockingly as I poured another cup of tea for Lord Glade.

Lord Glade glared at him, "How the hell do you look so awake?"

"Lord Glade," I began with consternation, "you are aware that it is 3pm?"

Lord Glade scowled, "Those godsdamned dreams kept me edgy all night. I may have been sleeping, but I feel like I might as well have been fu-" Lord Glade cut off with a glance at me, "sword fighting all night."

"You mean to say you had dreams about crossing swords?" Kane asked mockingly.

"Not with another male!" Lord Glade protested. I blushed, finally understanding what Lord Glade had originally intended to say. "And why the hell are you so awake right now?" Lord Glade demanded of Kane.

Kane shrugged, "I didn't have any dreams of crossing swords. I didn't have pleasant dreams, but I did get decent sleep."

"I slept splendidly. I usually don't stay up that late." I said sipping my tea. "Who is the female of your fancy, Lord Glade?"

I was curious. Honestly, all this time I'd been assuming that Lord Glade had incestuous thoughts about his sister. I found it interesting that Lord Glade would complain about have sex dreams.

Lord Glade blushed as Kane looked at me sternly.

"You cannot ask him something like that, Kylara." Kane said firmly, "It is inappropriate."

It was my turn to shrug, "How is it inappropriate? I am sure you'd discuss it without me here. Just pretend I am another male." My brilliant smile turned to a frown as Kane's eyes raked up and down my body.

"You are anything but a male, Kylara." He bent his lips to my right ear. "Ishmael is demanding that we go back to my rooms so I can prove that to you." I let out a sharp breath as a pool of dark warmth began swirling in my abdomen.

Turning back to Lord Glade, I saw he was holding his now empty cup out for more tea. I obliged him as I repeated my question.

Lord Glade sighed heavily and grimaced into his teacup, "…Lady Vivian," He said finally. I let out another sharp breath.

"How could you like her?" I exclaimed before I stopped myself, "I mean she is nothing like Lady Brook." I explained awkwardly.

"I don't like her. I've never even spoken to her." Lord Glade said with distaste, "Honestly, I have no idea where those dreams even came from."

I nodded as an ominous feeling settled into my gut. I glanced at Kane. His expression was grim.

He turned to me, "If you start having dreams about Lord Alecai, let me know at once." I grimaced but nodded again. Turning to Lord Glade, Kane said, "The next time it happens, try picturing someone you care about deeply, if you have someone like that."

Lord Glade's face turned into a tomato, "I can't do that. P-pi-picturing my sister like that? No! No way!"

Kane shrugged, "Then it's just going to keep happening."

Lord Glade sighed heavily and hunched over his tea cup. He looked so pathetic that I had to do something.

"Alright, Lord Glade, I'll give you permission to think about me in that situation, but only if you're desperate." I said. I glanced at Kane.

He appeared thoughtful, "Ishmael says that may work. Kylara's physical appearance is so unappealing, it may snap you out of it."

Lord Glade looked revolted, "Aren't you rather attached to her? Won't it bother you to have me fantasizing about her?"

Kane laughed, "You don't know what she looks like and will be fantasizing about an illusion. Why would that bother me?"

Lord Glade blinked at Kane then at me.

To stave off any irritating questions, I called out to Prince Pharon, who was passing by.

"Prince Pharon, how was your sleep last night?" I asked. Prince Pharon smiled genuinely, surprising me. He was quite handsome as well.

"Good, Miss Adamare. I went to bed early and then overslept. I haven't woken up that rested in a w-"

"You godsdamned barbarian! Why would she have you when she can have me?" Masculine shouting broke the air.

"I've already made the offer!" I looked over at a corner of the garden where two males were shoving each other.

"Godsdamn you! Lady Vivian is MINE!" One roared. He pulled his fist back and slammed it into the other's face. The other staggered and then charged him. The flew into a table, breaking it. Prince Pharon raced over and with the help of Prince Blaize separated the two males.

My expression was dark as I stood.

"If you both will excuse me, I have to go speak with someone." I said through a tight jaw.

"I will join you." Kane said rising as well. I nodded my assent.

"And I won't." Lord Glade yawned. He pushed his teacup away and collapsed on the table.