Warrior (The Prince's Soulmate Book 5) by Katy Haye

Author:Katy Haye [Haye, Katy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Plumshine Books
Published: 2024-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

13. Home Ground

“Is everyone returning to Sudharain with us?” Faisal’s steady gaze flicked over them when the group arrived at the boat. There was nothing but curiosity in his tone as he scanned the newcomers. Kit wondered if anything could discompose the man. His attention settled on Talal and he bowed, “I’m honoured to take you back aboard, Sultan.” Seemingly not.

Talal nodded brief acknowledgement. “I’d be grateful if you could transport my guests, too.”

Guests – was that what Asad and Nephi were? Kit would prefer the term prisoners. And he certainly wasn’t going to allow... “I’ll take your weapons,” he said, stepping in front of Asad when he took a stumbling step towards the boat.

The boy king looked startled at the demand. Kit kept his expression level, extending a hand.

“I’ve no weapons.” Asad glanced at the boat and the city behind them, then the guard beside him for guidance.

Nephi unstrapped the swordbelt at his waist. “I’ll need it back,” he told Kit as he handed the weapon over.

“Certainly. When you leave,” Kit replied steadily, wrapping the belt around the scabbard and clambering into the boat to sit beside Talal. He settled with his shoulder pressed tight to Talal’s. The boat was small enough – and now crowded enough – for the movement to be unexceptional. Talal leaned hard against him for the space of a breath, and that was exceptional. Kit squeezed his beloved’s hand. Poor Talal must be exhausted – not just from today, but every moment since they’d been divided by Naisha outside Sakrabad. Kit had been granted chances to recover; Talal hadn’t. The poor man must be desperate for a bath, his bed and a decent meal.

Faisal pushed the craft away from the reeds and they slipped into the flow of the river. Kit’s gaze settled on their unwelcome visitors. Talal was right, as ever. Asad as their prisoner was more use than leaving the boy king roaming free in a country that may or may not still acknowledge him as ruler.

The river was busy with small boats, although fewer than Kit had expected given the size of the crowd fleeing. He supposed some had waited long enough to judge matters not as bad as they’d feared and return home. Their craft glided through the hubbub without a second glance. Kit didn’t take his eyes off Asad and Nephi the whole return journey, although he had a sneaking suspicion Talal was asleep on his shoulder much of the way.

The sun was high when they pulled up to the shallows outside Ryannah. Burhan stood on the riverbank, villagers crowded behind him.

When Talal stepped out of the boat, everyone dropped to their knees, heads bowed, subdued cries of welcome ringing out.

“Sultan.” Burhan spoke, reaching to kiss Talal’s hand.

Kit’s beloved was as remarkable as ever. He was exhausted, half-starved, had been close to death mere hours earlier and was unwashed beneath borrowed, shabby clothes, but the aura of a leader hung around him as he greeted his deputy. “Thank you, Burhan.

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