The Lord of the Clans by Lange Chris

Author:Lange, Chris [Lange, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Published: 2015-01-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Six

Heart palpitating like a trapped sparrow, she stood up before spinning round to face him. She took him in with a single glance. Few days had passed since their last meeting, yet he looked almost like a stranger. Or rather someone life had estranged her from.

She looked at the cropped hair, the straight nose, the candid glow constantly shining in his eyes, and her insides squirmed. As a genuine smile lit his whole face, she took a step toward him. Three hurried strides brought him in front of her. His delighted expression speaking volumes, he grabbed her waist and spun her round without a care for the other two men in the room.

“Ariana. I’m so happy to see you.”

“The feeling is mutual, but you’re making me dizzy now. Please, Kelton, put me down.”

Although the Lord of the Clans showed no reaction at the mention of his rival’s name, she perceived a sudden stiffness in his stance. A change so subtle that she knew nobody would catch except her. For the love of the Creators, how and when had she become so attuned to him?

Kelton set her down with a last hug. While she smoothed her rippling skirts, his welcoming smile broadened.

“We’ve been expecting your arrival for four days, and I was getting fretful. What took you so long?”

Would she have to confess again that her sense of direction needed to be improved? Before she had time to find another plausible excuse for the delay, her shaman butted in.

“I’m sorry, dear girl, it seems I forgot to mention your betrothed accompanied me all the way from home.”

Did he refer to Kelton as her betrothed on purpose? Why would he flaunt his discovery in her face even if he had somehow figured out she’d become intimate with their lord. Reminded of Cameron’s initial distrust, she wondered anew if her shaman might have an ulterior motive.

“I can see that.”

In spite of his apology, the stiffness she perceived in Cameron didn’t subside, not even when her mentor gestured.

“Kelton, let me introduce the Lord of the Clans.”

Her betrothed gasped. His eyes widened, and the flush on his cheeks gave evidence of his astonishment. Fidgeting like a bewildered child, he flexed one knee while inclining his head.

“It’s such an honour to meet you, my lord. I’d never have guessed... I mean, I can’t imagine you here with us.”

His bumbling speech and humble attitude didn’t soften up the Lord of the Clans, whose expression remained the picture of coldness. She desperately wanted to glance his way, but knew that a single look at him would be her undoing. She needed to be strong.

He’d hate her for what she was about to do, yet she didn’t have the right to quail now. Taking hold of Kelton’s hand for all to witness, she addressed Cameron and her shaman.

“Would you excuse us? I need a moment alone with Kelton.”

Without waiting for a response, she pulled the young man toward the door. He stumbled behind her, but regained his balance and let himself be dragged outside.

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