Read Online Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Ciara Lake - Free Book Online Page B

still keeps you?”
    Saleeya ground her teeth together. His seeming disregard for the others wore on her nerves. His attitude bothered her more than it should have. “Perhaps I should wait until they catch up with us. It’s rude to leave them so far behind. We can catch up with you.” She motioned to the lagging group.
    Kael eyed her tensely. “As you wish. I’ll wait for them with you.” He turned, arms at his side, his feet braced in the familiar “at ease” position of the military. His eyes locked on Saleeya, more heat in them than she was comfortable with. Kael awoke emotions and sensations she was not familiar with. The others finally arrived. They stopped to get their breaths. Kael turned. “Shall we resume our journey, Lady Saleeya?”
    Vitalion waved a hand at Saleeya, brushing her aside. “Yes, please don’t delay on my account.” Kael turned his full attention toward Vitalion.
    “I wasn’t speaking to you,” Kael enunciated too slowly.
    Recognizing a potential situation, Saleeya interrupted, “Kael, be tolerant with us.” She touched his arm and smiled sweetly up at him. “You must reduce your pace for the Minister. He’s older and not used to this environment.” To soften the rebuke she added, “Thank you for your tolerance.”
    “Miss Stayvel,” Vitalion commented when he reached her side. To her surprise, his fingers gripped her wrist in a tight band. “Your tone to the Admoncor isn’t appropriate. Apologize to Admoncor Braeden.” Saleeya caught the faces of her peers cringing. They clearly realized the Minister’s stupid mistake. Kael took two long strides, stopped right in front of the Minister. He spoke firmly in a rough, low growl.
    “Minister Vitalion, I’ll serve my Sovereign by offering you our hospitality and my personal attention. But,” Kael bit out, “don’t admonish Miss Stayvel in front of me. In fact, don’t admonish her at all. She and she alone may address me as she pleases. If I have an issue with her, I’ll inform her directly. Do we understand each other?” Vitalion turned a deathly white and nodded. Kael turned and took her hand before he proceeded on his trek to the west wing’s guest quarters. Deciding silence was better than creating further issues, Saleeya silently walked with him.
    The Palace opened up to an open-air, shaded garden. After crossing through they entered into another enclosed corridor to wait. Kael turned, a slight smile crossing his face as his gaze swept over Saleeya. “We’ve arrived,” he announced, and he resumed what she was quickly surmising was his relaxed stance while he waited for the rest of the group to arrive. Saleeya stood next to him, watching the group shuffle toward them. She sighed, irritation rearing its ugly head as she watched the group lollygagging. They should hurry the heck up. This walk shouldn’t take all day. After all, the Prince has taken his time to personally escort us. We’re wasting his valuable time.
    “Why are you so hard on Vitalion?” Saleeya looked up at Kael.
    “He’s unacceptable to me,” Kael answered without further explanation.
    “No wonder he fainted last time he was here.” Saleeya looked away, her irritation close to the surface.
    “He’s a weak male.” Kael nodded in Vitalion’s direction.
    The group entered under the archway to stop in front of Saleeya. The accompanying junior Xihirian officer brought up the rear. His expression was one of impatience. “This is the entrance to the west wing’s guest quarters. My father asked me to personally see you to your guest quarters. Minister Vitalion, your suite is right here on this side of the lobby. If you need anything further, Commander Tavitt will see to your needs.” Kael pointed to an arched door. “Inside you’ll find a living and dining area, a bedchamber, along with a cleaning chamber. Your luggage is already inside. Please take your rest now. I’ll be back for you to escort you to the dining hall for the midday meal in