Parallel Lives by Karen Klyne

Author:Karen Klyne [Klyne, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci-fi, Fantasy, romance, series
Publisher: Self Published
Published: 2018-08-31T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Tannus woke with a smile on her face. As she came to, it turned to a wide grin. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, reached for her dressing gown, and pulled it on. She almost skated to the window and flung the curtains open to let in the sunlight. She brought her palms together and raised her head towards the skies. “Thank you, my ancestors, for revealing the prophecy. Thank you, Sky. Thank you, Clouds. Thank you, all.”

Would Kaitlin thank her? Tannus had wished her away from her family and the world she knew. Could she be as happy as Tannus? She could only hope. She closed her eyes. Could anything be more perfect? If only everyone could celebrate her happiness. Two people never could. They’d be devastated by the prediction. Now, she had to share the news with the board and face the consequences.

Within the hour, Tannus pushed the library door open. They were waiting. Berran looked pale.

“You have news, Tannus?” asked Salin.

Tannus beamed. “Everything is wonderful. Let me tell you about my visitation.” She perched on the edge of the table. “Kaitlin is to become my partner.”

Berran bowed her head as Tannus had expected. Salin simply groaned. Carray and Sostar looked positively joyful.

“That’s marvellous. I knew she was here for a reason. Tell us more.”

Tannus cleared her throat. “I’m to ask her to be my partner on the last night of the August event.”

Sostar frowned. “Why wait until then?”

“She needs more time to settle, and more time for us to get to know one another. Our ancestors think it would be a perfect time because the majority of the community will be here. It’ll be good for them to see their Chief choosing a partner, and it’ll boost morale.”

Sostar clapped her hands. “How wise.”

Still Berran said nothing, and Tannus felt bad that her sister was hurting.

Salin rocked back and forth in her chair. “Couldn’t you just take her as a mistress? Surely, it doesn’t have to be so final?”

Tannus shook her head. “I don’t have a partner, so why would I take a mistress? Should I hide her away in the tower as a secret lover?”

“She’s an outsider. It’s too soon.”

“The prophecy has been revealed, and I’m certainly not going against it purely because you have a ridiculous personal vendetta. There’s nothing more to be said.” Tannus stared at Berran. “Do you have anything to add, Sister?”

Berran lifted her head and smiled, though her eyes were glassy. “It’s wonderful news. You deserve happiness.”

She knew this was difficult for Berran, and her words made Tannus happy. “Thank you, Berran.”

The prophecy Tannus experienced had been loud and clear. She’d had a few before but none as important as this. Every Chief had visitations, but she’d never heard of them selecting a partner…especially from another world. They’d also told her to watch over Kaitlin. Whatever they meant, she wasn’t taking any chances.

Tannus addressed Carray. “You’re to protect Kaitlin as if she were your little sister.”

“What? You mean like a guard?”

“Exactly.

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