Page 16 of Home (Haven #7)

Au'revele moved calmly through the corridors of the third floor of the palace. As she reached the stairs she paused for a moment to look out over the expanse of the great room with all its floors, sweeping staircase, and the balconies looking over each level into the great room below.

“It is beautiful,” Zahn said.

She turned to look at Zahn who’d unexpectedly turned up behind her. “It is,” she said, her entire posture changing before she started down the stairs. To her surprise he kept up with her, almost as though they were together.

On the second landing, she turned to look at him. “Have I forgotten something?” she asked.

“Not that I’m aware of,” Zahn said.

“Then why are you shadowing me?”

“I’ve been assigned to get you home safely.”

Au'revele nodded, understanding dawning on her. “The Sirena…”

Zahn flashed her a quick, tight smile that could have been interpreted as a smirk.

“You don’t have to do that. I’m sure I’m safe; we are in the palace after all.”

“Agreed. But I cannot and will not ignore a direct order from Sirena Vivian.”

Au'revele watched him for a moment, not quite sure what she should say, then she realized if she just went to her quarters, he’d go back to Vivian. “Well, then, let’s get me home as soon as possible so you can return to our Sirena.”

“That’s unacceptable,” Zahn said.

“Why is that unacceptable?” Au'revele asked .

“Sirena Vivian told you to get something to eat. So, you’re going to eat. Then you’re going home to get some rest. I will see that you are safe in both those things.”

Au'revele descended two more stairs, then turned to look up at him. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“I do.”

Au'revele shook her head a little and started down the stairs again. “I’m sorry that you have to look after me.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“Because I know you dislike me. Greatly.”

“Why would you think I dislike you?” he demanded, his tone indicating he was offended that she would think that.

“Are you serious?” she asked.

“Very,” he said, taking the stairs a couple at a time to get in front of her so he could look her in the eye.

Au'revele opened her mouth to answer, then changed her mind and just sidestepped him to continue down the stairs.

“I would like an answer,” Zahn said, following along behind her once more.

“Does it matter, Zahn?” she asked, not looking back him.

He reached out and took hold of her arm from behind, stopping her and turning her to look at him. “It does. Who has told you these lies?”

“No one has had to tell me anything. It’s apparent.”

“In what way?!” he demanded.

“In the way that you scowl each time your gaze happens to meet mine. In the way that you snarl and growl whenever I’m nearby. In the way that you angrily leave any room I’m in that you aren’t required to be in. I’m sure that if you could, you’d convince the Sirena to send me back to Eschina so that you’d never have to see me again.”

“Those are all lies. I have never said any of those things.”

“You don’t have to say them, Zahn. Actions are more indicative of your thoughts and emotions than words are. Anyone can speak any word at all. It’s the behavior behind the words that tells the story.” She turned and walked away from him, making her way to the dining room to eat, just as Vivian had asked her to do.

Zahn, shocked into silence, simply followed along behind her.

She walked into the dining room, pretending that Zahn wasn’t behind her. She chose a table and sat down, perturbed that Zahn took a seat at the same table.

Au'revele met his gaze, then simply looked away. The one thing he was to a fault was loyal to Vivian, so she knew he wouldn’t go away until he’d seen the task she’d given him completed.

“Good afternoon,” one of the staff members assigned to the dining room said as he approached the table. “Is there anything in particular you’d like to eat or drink, or should I bring you the main meal we’ve prepared for the day?”

“Whatever you’ve prepared will do nicely. And I’d like a cup of Litah, if you have it available, please,” Au'revele asked.

“Of course, miss. And you sir?”

“I’ll have the same. Only I’d like whatever juice you have freshly prepared.”

“I’ll only be a moment,” the male said, smiling at Au'revele once more before he left.

Au'revele remained in her seat for less than a minute before she pushed it back and stood up.

“Where are you going?” Zahn asked.

“I’m moving to another table.”

“Why?”

“So you don’t have to share a meal with me. I’m sure it must pain you greatly to do so.”

Zahn pushed his own chair back and stood up. “Then I’ll move with you.”

“Why? I’m trying to get away from you!”

“And I am carrying out my orders. Sit down.”

“You sit down.”

“I will, once you do. We are eating, then I am seeing you safely home. ”

Au'revele sighed in irritation, her beautiful green eyes flashing her irritation at him as she firmly sat herself down, her arms crossed over her chest.

“Thank you,” Zahn said, taking his own seat.

“I’m not sitting with you for you. I’m simply bowing to my Sirena’s request.”

“Clearly,” he said.

“Here we are,” the male that had taken their order said, sitting a massive platter on the table between them and taking the dishes one by one and placing them before each of them. He placed a pitcher of juice in the middle of the table, and a prefilled glass of juice in front of Zahn. Then two cups in front of Au'revele. They both received several pieces of fish, an array of vegetables, breads, and a large piece of cake. “I brought you two cups. One of Lita and another empty to share your male’s juice if you should decide to. If you’d prefer a second cup of Litah instead, just let me know and I’ll be happy to get it for you.”

Au'revele looked up at the male. “He’s not my male. But thank you for being so thoughtful. If I need more Litah, I’ll let you know.”

“My apologies. I assumed he was your male,” he said, smiling at Au'revele even more so than before. “Have you ever tried Litah chilled? Our Sovereigna has begun to drink it that way from time to time. It is quite refreshing.”

“I’ve not tried it, but thank you for the idea. I’m sure I will try it next time.”

The male continued to stand there, smiling down at Au'revele.

“She said ‘thank you’. You can go now,” Zahn snapped.

The male casually turned his head to regard Zahn for a moment, then just grinned at him. “I shall look for you next time. I’ll bring the chilled Litah for you to try.”

“How very thoughtful of you,” Au'revele said. She began eating her meal, dismissing the male without another word, as evidenced by her unwillingness to engage in more conversation.

He smiled at Zahn again, then walked away, whistling as he went .

“I don’t like that male,” Zahn declared.

“Hmm. Surprising,” Au'revele said.

“What does that mean?” Zahn asked.

“You don’t like anyone.”

“I like the Sirena. And I like my fellow warriors. And I like our Sire. And I like…”

“I get it, Zahn! You just don’t like me.”

Zahn’s lips twitched as he did his best to stop talking. Obviously he was only making matters worse. For the rest of the meal they sat and ate in silence.

When they were both done, Au'revele stood and carefully arranged all her dishes and silverware in a neat stack for whoever cleaned her table to pick up.

“Why do you do that?” Zahn asked.

“I feel badly enough that anyone has to pick up after me. Anything I can do to save them even a few seconds is the least I can do.”

“It’s their job to pick up after you.”

“No, it’s their job to pick up after those who live in the palace.”

“You live in the palace.”

“I’m also a servant, just like they are.”

“You are not a servant. You are a trusted friend of the Sirena. And you will be a beloved carer of her new youngling.”

“I still don’t like to be taken care of. I’m capable, and don’t deserve any special treatment.”

“You are a stubborn female.”

“You are an unpleasant male.”

“You don’t even know me.”

“Nor do you know me. Are you ready to follow me to my quarters now?” she asked, standing from organizing her dishes and looking at him disdainfully.

“Lead on,” he said, dramatically gesturing with his hand in the direction they needed to go.

Au'revele walked past him, not looking back to make sure he was there — she had no doubt that he was .

As they turned into the corridor, she looked over her shoulder at him. “My door is right there at the other end. You can go now. I’ll be fine.”

“I know where your door is. And I was told to make sure you’re safe. I was not told to get you halfway home.”

“Zahn…”

“I’d almost believe you hate me,” he taunted her, with her own accusations of his feelings for her.

Au'revele ignored his words for the moment and just kept walking. Once she reached her door, she unlocked it and stepped inside, turning to face him. “I don’t hate you, Zahn. I’ve just spent too many years surrounded by people who so obviously don’t approve of me that I refuse to expose myself to the same thing again. At least not any more than necessary to be able to perform my responsibilities. I like our Sirena, and our Sire, and I can’t wait to form a bond with our newest Sire. I’m sorry you don’t like me, but I’m not going away. Neither will I endure your obvious disapproval. We don’t have to like each other, but we have to be civil. Can we please at least agree to that? Now, thank you for seeing me safely home.” She closed the door and locked it.

He stood there, facing her door, listening to the lock engage as he wondered what had just happened. Before he knew what he was doing he was knocking forcefully on her door. “Au'revele! Open the door.”

It took a few minutes, but eventually, Au'revele did return and open the door. “What is it Zahn?” she asked tiredly through a small opening in the door.

Zahn pushed the door further open until he could see all of her standing there and not just her face.

Au'revele looked at the door, now standing wide open, then at him. She started to speak to him about not having the right to force her door open, but he stepped forward quickly, took her face in both of his hands and held her still while he brought his lips down roughly on hers.

She was so stunned she didn’t even think to pull away or try to push him away from her. Instead, she allowed him to kiss her, opening for him when his tongue forced its way against the seam of her lips in its quest to tease her own tongue into play.

Zahn tilted her head, placing it where he wanted it as he devoured her mouth, turning his head to the right, then to the left to explore her mouth like it was the very air he breathed to live.

The kiss was something she’d never experienced, at least not like this. It was demanding, controlling, passionate and tempting all at the same time. She felt like the most desired female alive. But then, it stopped just as suddenly as it started.

Zahn lifted his head, but maintained his hold on hers, both hands framing her face, keeping her from fully pulling away from him.

Slowly she opened her eyes and looked at him with a dazed expression.

“I do not hate you. Quite the opposite. And if anyone dares to treat you as if they do, they will answer to me. Am I clear?”

Au'revele swallowed and licked her lips, savoring the taste of him still on her lips. “Not at all,” she finally managed.

One side of Zahn’s lips lifted into a smile, before he managed to control it. “Good.”

“Good?” she asked, thoroughly confused.

“Go rest, Au'revele.”

“Okay,” she said, but she didn’t make a move to go back into her quarters.

Zahn leaned forward and very softly kissed her lips, then he let go of her and walked away. He stopped after only a few steps and looked back at her. “Do not allow that male to spend any time with you.”

“What male?” she asked.

“The one in the dining room.”

“I don’t even know him,” she said.

“Keep it that way.”

“You can’t tell me…”

“Please, keep it that way!” he interrupted, though it didn’t sound like he was asking. It sounded like he was telling.

“Why do you care?” she finally managed .

“Remember what you said about behavior speaking to the truth more than words do?” he asked.

“Of course, I do, I said it.”

“What has my behavior just indicated to you, Au'revele?” he demanded.

Au'revele just stood there, watching him as he turned his back to her and walked away.

“Go rest!” he called out without looking back.

Au'revele smiled to herself, then closed her door and locked it. She leaned her back against the door and looked unseeingly around her quarters as she relived the feel of Zhan’s hands on her face, the feel and taste of his lips on hers. She inhaled deeply, searching for his scent, then let out a shaky breath. Pushing herself off the door, she made her way to her bedroom to get cleaned up and get some rest before going back to see if she could help Vivian. But even she couldn’t deny the smile she just couldn’t seem to force from her face.

~~~

The next morning Au'revele hurried up the steps to the third floor, her heart beating rapidly in her chest as the anticipation of seeing Zahn for the first time since he’d kissed her had every nerve in her body tingling. The moment she reached the third floor landing, she hesitated, looking back down the grand staircase toward the first floor. She closed her eyes, intentionally grounding herself in the moment. “What if he is his hateful, unpleasant self again?” she murmured to herself quietly.

“Au'revele!”

She spun around to see who was approaching.

“Chairman Bartholomew. Good morning.”

“And to you. I trust you had a restful night.”

“I did. Though I’m sure I could have been of better use here at Sirena Vivian’s side. ”

Bart shook his head dismissively. “Not at all. She’s surrounded by nurses and family that is more than happy to help in any way. When she’ll need you most is when we all go home and she’s left here with a son who behaves a little too much like his father.”

Au'revele laughed. “He is not the most docile youngling.”

Bart laughed, too. “No, he is certainly not.”

“He is perfect, though. I look forward to watching him grow.”

“I think we all do,” Bart agreed.

Au'revele smiled at Bart, then just barely dipped her head in a sign of respect. “I’ll be on my way, Chairman. I’m anxious to reach Sirena Vivian and do anything for her that I can to ease her healing.”

“I wish you a good day, Au'revele.”

“And I you,” Au'revele said, flashing him a quick smile.

“I doubt it. I’m on the search for a particular shraler.”

“Oh! Yes, you might need the wish of a good day,” Au'revele said.

“I don’t suppose you’ve seen him?” Bart asked.

“No, I’m sorry. I haven’t.”

“Well, I guess I’ll be on my way, then. It might be a long day.”

“Good luck,” Au'revele said, before hurrying on her way.

Bart stood at the top of the third floor landing, looking out over the great room and all that lay below on the second and first floors. He’d not seen Mirilla since the morning she made it quite clear she didn’t want to be associated with him publicly. She was perfectly happy to keep him a dirty little secret, but stand proudly beside him was not at all in her plans. He felt a little guilty about his less than tolerant treatment of her since the moment he’d realized her stance, but at the same time felt justified. She was ashamed of him, and it hurt to realize that.

Shaking his head at where they now stood versus where he thought they’d be, he started down the stairs, forcing himself to focus on nothing more than the task at hand. Locating Kitty. Vivian hadn’t seen Kitty since the afternoon before she went into labor, in fact, no one had. And since Kitty seemed to have an affinity for him, Vivian had begged him to see if he could find him. “Hopefully he won’t eat me when I do eventually find the stubborn creature,” he grumbled.