Chapter 6
Two weeks passed much too quickly for Katarine. She was more addicted to Santiago than ever. True to his word, at least thrice per week, he worshipped her in her bed. Never once did he take pleasure for himself or let her touch him.
“If I do, we will not stop, and I made you a vow.”
Now, more than ever, she wished this contest were not happening. Katarine had made her choice, and no other man, no matter how valiant or brave, would be welcome. Not as her king and certainly not in her bed.
The queen had been worshipped, and nothing less would do. She knew Santiago had ruined her for all other men.
And it wasn’t simply because of the pleasure he could give.
Every night, they talked late into the wee hours.
He was a man unlike any other she’d ever met.
A warrior forged in battle. A chieftain who had ruled with justice and honor.
A husband and father who had loved and lost and still found it within himself to not only move forward, but find joy and pleasure with her.
He was remarkable in every way, and every night, when he returned to the solarium for them to sleep alone in their respective beds, she prayed that God would will to make this man her husband and king.
Surely, it must be so. He couldn’t give this man to her, only to replace him with another, could He?
The morning of the new moon and the beginning of the contest dawned bright and clear, with a pink sky that sent warning shivers through Katarine’s chest.
She was to be on the beach, in her full ceremonial feathered costume and headdress, shortly after dawn to declare the contest begun. Once begun, no more could enter.
Lila’s knock came at her door.
“Come,” Katarine bid her.
“My Queen, you are already dressed.”
Katarine had been tending to herself … with some help … these last two weeks, and it was becoming a habit.
“It is a big day.”
“Yes, everyone is excited for the contest. May I fix your hair around the headdress? It has been looking beautiful lately. It shines even more than normal.”
Katarine knew it was because for two weeks, it had been carefully tended to by a chieftain who seemed fascinated by it.
“Please, but let’s be quick. I must get to the beach soon.”
“Yes, My Queen.”
As soon as Lila was finished, Katarine asked her for a moment alone. The second she left, Katarine rushed to the solarium door and opened it.
Inside, fully clothed, Santiago stood with a packed bag.
“You are ready?”
He smiled and held out his hand. Katarine did not hesitate to cross the room and take it.
“I am ready, My Queen. I will not fail you.”
“Please, you must be among the finalists. I could not bear it otherwise.”
“You will not have to.”
Her gaze dropped to the satchel in his hands.
“What is that?”
“I must move to the barracks with the others, Katarine.”
“But why? No one can make you go.”
She lifted her head and his emerald gaze met hers. “I must focus fully and completely on the task at hand.”
She wanted to protest, but she knew he was right.
“No more thrice weekly …”
He smiled. “When I am your husband and king, we will never have to stop again. That is what we have to look forward to, My Queen.”
“I will miss our talks every night.”
“And I will dream of you and what is to come.”
Katarine felt like her heart might break, and all he was doing was moving from this room.
“I am falling in love with you, Santiago, chieftain and warlord of the Clan of Wind.”
He leaned down and kissed her lips. “And I have long since fallen in love with you, Katarine, My Queen of Kataria.”
She wanted to beg him not to go as he kissed her, but she knew he was right. He needed to sleep at night, not spend hours with his face buried between her legs, as much as it pained her to admit it.
When he pulled back, she said, “When we are wed and you share my bed, your brief absence will have been worth it.”
“I promise it will be.” He kissed her again. “I must go. The queen is to meet the contestants on the beach in less than half an hour. She shouldn’t be late, and neither should I.”
Katarine watched him back away toward the other solarium door. “You will win. For both of us.”
“Or die trying, My Queen.”
As soon as he was gone, she strode into her bedroom to find Lila waiting for her.
“Lila—”
“My loyalty is yours, My Queen. I will say nothing. Ever. I just thought you might need my services to adjust your headdress once more.”
Katarine smiled. “Thank you.”
As soon as Lila set her back to rights, she whispered, “He does make an excellent lady’s maid, if I may say so myself.”
Katarine giggled with her for a beat before her expression turned serious. “He must win.”
“I believe he shall, My Queen. But first, you must go to the beach. It is time to begin.”