Kindred Souls Complete Series: Books 1-4

Chapter Twelve

Bastian never returnedto his room. It was Kira who came for me the next morning to escort me to the Assembly.

“Have you heard anything?” I took the tray from her. “You didn’t need to bring me breakfast.” I wasn’t sure my churning stomach would let me eat anyway.

She followed me over to the sofa. “It’s no trouble. And no, I haven’t heard anything. All I know is the princess and her entourage arrived less than an hour ago and before they get started on their treaty talk, they want to deal with you first.”

“Lovely.” I sat the tray on the table and curled up on the sofa.

She took a seat next to me. “You didn’t lie, right? So you have nothing to worry about.”

“Right.” As long as Indigo figured it out fast enough not to give me away.

“Bastian is already there.”

“I figured.” I sighed at the porridge again. They really needed more fresh food here.

“Did you see him last night?” Kira asked.

I shook my head, a sharp pain stabbing through me. “No. If he returned, I didn’t wake up.”

She sighed. “Damn. He’s being incredibly stubborn.”

I shrugged like it didn’t bother me, like there wasn’t a hollow feeling in my chest. “I told you it’s better this way. It’s easier when we’re not together.”

“I still think you’d be good for him. Ever since his wife and son died, he’s been a ghost haunting the mountain, growling at everyone, stomping around in a temper, caring about nothing but his books. If you’d known him before, you’d understand better. He was always on the serious side, but he was patient and kind and cared about making our country a better place. Now, he’s stuck in the past, unable to take part in the present or even plan much for the future. She wouldn’t have wanted the solitary life he’s living for him. She would have wanted him to move on with his life instead of remain forever in mourning.”

I wished she’d stop telling me these things. It wasn’t helping, it just hurt. “He told me they decided if either or both of them ever found their kindreds, they wanted to have them join their relationship.”

“I remember. But you were off living in Failgrey and whoever hers was never showed before we lost her, so they never got a chance. And if she was still around, you joining along with your other four kindreds would be close to impossible.”

I snorted. “I can’t even imagine the size bed we would need.”

Kira snickered. “If you’re finished, we need to get on the move. And I’m not going to be able to look at Bastian without laughing now and imagining him in a pile of bodies in some ridiculous bed, so thanks for that.”

I grinned as I shoved away the food and stood, ready to go. “You are welcome.”

I was back in the more revealing outfit from my first day since I spilled dinner all over the other one the night before, so I covered myself with the cloak.

Kira raised her brows at me. “We aren’t going outside. The cloak isn’t really necessary. It’s plenty warm in here.”

“I know.”

“Don’t care for our fashions, eh?” She opened the door and held it for me to walk through.

I winced. “They’re beautiful, but take a little getting used to.”

“They suit you. You should definitely take the clothes with you when you leave us.” She took the lead since I still didn’t know my way through the maze of her home.

I’d need years to learn where everything was.

A pang hit me at the thought of never seeing this place again. Of never chatting with Kira again. I hadn’t known her long or well, but I would miss her and her company. And I really wanted to see how she and Elora got on. They would be fast friends, I was convinced. And it would be nice to have more friends around me. My kindreds had given me the taste of family and I was addicted to it. I craved more. As much as I loved spending time with my men, it was nice having simple friendships.

“I’ll take them, but I’m not sure I’ll ever have the courage to wear it in Faligrey.”

“You should and you can start a new fashion once everyone sees how amazing you look in it.”

As kindred to the prince, Kira had no idea how likely her idea was. “We’ll see.”

“That reminds me. Bastian mentioned something about a cloak of yours. I understand why after seeing how attached you are to your new one. But the launderer couldn’t save it. It was too stained and too ripped.”

I sighed, sadness welling. “I’m not surprised. That’s the second one I’ve lost and ruined.”

She poked me. “It’s a sign you should stop wearing them and let everyone actually see what you’re hiding under there.”

I shook my head with a snort. “You are ridiculous.”

She cast me an unrepentant grin, mischief in her eyes as we arrived at the Assembly chambers. She raised her brows at me in question, and after a hard swallow, I nodded.

Kira pushed open the door and gestured me inside. I crossed the threshold with damp palms and a thundering pulse so loud it drowned out my footsteps and Kira’s at my side.

I forced my gaze to the circular table, a little strain loosening as I met Indigo’s relieved and confident gaze. A little more released at the sight of Elora at her left side. My steps faltered and fumbled as I saw who sat at her right.

Aster.

With Whist standing at his back.