Page 56 of Spirit Rites

“Hi, Harper,” Rakel says, and Harper nods at her.

“And this is Kinsley, my mate,” Kaldar says, shocking me by slipping an arm around my waist. I hold myself very still and force a smile to my face, hoping I won’t have to talk. No such luck.

“Kinsley, you are beautiful, just as she said. I took the liberty of bringing over a few items of clothing. She said we wear the same size, but I do not think that will work.” My eyes drift over her frame, and I get exactly why she says her clothes won’t work. We might be the same height, but where she is thin and tiny, I am...not. My chest is probably three times her size, and my hips definitely are much...hippier. “I am a fast worker, though, and I should be able to have some pieces to you by the end of the day.”

I stare at her. “Um. I’m sorry. What are you talking about?”

Rakel stares at me a moment and then laughs. She has a beautiful laugh, I have to admit. “Let me guess. Mae didn’t talk to you.”

“No,” I say slowly. “No, she did not.”

“Rakel is a seamstress,” Kaldar fills in for me.

“Ah.”Now it’s starting to make sense.

Rakel smiles at me. “I get the honor and privilege of making your wardrobe for you. If you have any colors or styles you like, be sure to let me know.”

“You don’t need to do that,” I tell her.

She glances over my shoulder, and I know just who she’s looking at. “I asked her to do it,” Kaldar says kindly but with authority.

“Well, thank you. Please let me know how much I owe you.” I have like no money to my name, but maybe I can work out something.

“I’ve already taken care of it,” Kaldar says. His hand tightens on my waist for just a moment.

“Oh. Thank you,” I manage to say to both of them.

“Do you have in mind the kind of styling you like?” Rakel asks kindly.

“No. Whatever is appropriate attire for your kingdom will be great; thank you.”

“I am pleased to be of service. Is this a good time to get your measurements?”

Kaldar gives me one last squeeze and then steps away. I miss his warmth immediately but don’t say anything. “Sure.”

“Let me borrow my mate for a moment, and then she’s all yours,” Kaldar says, taking my hand a moment later. We walk back to his bedroom, and he shuts the door. “Sorry. I didn’t realize she was coming today, or I would have given you a warning.”

“It’s okay.”

He studies my face. “You don’t have to wear anything you don’t like. And if you have anything you prefer, she really is good. You can just tell her.” I nod. “Is this okay?”

At his question, I look up at him. “It’s fine. I mean I still don’t have my bag, but I didn’t have a lot of clothes anyway. And if I don’t find my bag, it’s not like I can just wear your shirts everywhere.”

He shrugs. “You could.”

I shake my head and smile. “No, I can’t.”

He walks over to his wardrobe and pulls out a clean shirt to put on. “I have to get going. I’m going to try to get back sooner today, so I can show you around.”

“I’d love that,” I tell him honestly. I watch as he puts his harness on and tightens the buckle on his chest before sliding his sword into its sheath on his back. I shake my head, knowing I'd probably take off my own head if I tried to do that.

“Okay, I’ll be back.”

“For lunch,” I add.

He turns to me. “For lunch?”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Mae says you don’t eat and don’t take enough breaks. If yesterday was any indication, then yes, for lunch. I'm going to make sure you eat.”