Page 57 of Spirit Rites

He smiles and takes a step towards me. “Are you worried about me, Kinsley?” His voice is low and soft, and I can hear the affection there.

“Nope. Mae is.”

He shakes his head, still smiling. “Okay. I’ll do my best to meet you for lunch...for Mae.”

He turns towards the door. “On that note, though, what do you do for food around here?”

He frowns. “What do you mean?”

“Just that there’s no food here. What do you eat?”

“Mae didn’t show you to the Grove? I can tell by your face that she didn’t. I’ll take you there today.”

“What’s the Grove?”

“It’s the gathering place of our people. Every meal is served there.”

My eyes widen in surprise. “Really? You all eat together there instead of in your homes?”

He shrugs. “People still eat in their homes, but food is always plentiful and available for those who want it in the Grove.”

“That explains so much. Harper and I couldn’t figure out why you had like no food in this house.”

He frowns. “I’ll get anything you or Harper want.”

I wave him off. “That’s not what I meant. I just didn’t know how you ate. Of course, your cousin is convinced you never eat.”

“Mae’s dramatic.”

I don’t argue with him because I caught that a little, but I do think she has his best interest at heart. Before I can say as much, a knock sounds on the bedroom door. “Your Highness and Miss Kinsley, Jorren is here.” Kaldar strides over to the door and opens it.

“Thank you, Rakel.”

She glances over at me. “I have a few items I think we can make work for clothes if you don’t want to wear the king’s shirt everywhere today.” Her lips turn up at the corners, and I appreciate her kindness.

“That would be great. Thank you.”

Kaldar turns back to me. “If you need anything, have Veyra reach out to Jespar.”

“Okay, I will. And you remember to eat lunch and dinner.”

His eyes soften. “I will. Mae should be coming here this morning; make sure she shows you to the Grove.”

“I will.” I stare up at him a moment, unsure what to do next so it’s not awkward. He shows no such sign of awkwardness as he steps close and wraps an arm around my back and pulls me close. He kisses me lightly on the lips, and my breath catches in my chest. The kiss is over far too soon, and he pulls back.

“Have a good morning; I’ll see you soon.”

Chapter 27

I don’t follow Kaldar out because I’m still wearing his shirt. “Should we get started?” Rakel asks.

“Sure.”

I study her a moment and wonder how she’s going to do this with a baby on her hip. But my curiosity is sated a moment later when she picks up a long piece of fabric and ties it around her and then crisscrosses it in front of her before slipping her little one inside. She grabs her bag from the hall and places it on the floor before closing the door. “Let’s get started,” she says brightly.

She spends the next few minutes measuring me and writing down all my measurements. “That’s really great how you do that with your little one strapped to your chest,” I point out about halfway through.

She glances down lovingly. “It’s much easier than trying to keep her occupied.”