Druidess Found (Druidess Trilogy Book 1) by Machelle Hanleigh (interesting novels to read txt) 📕

"It won't be much longer before we can leave without too much protest." Sari said as she squeezed his hand. He knew Sari wanted to comfort him as much as possible, all things considered.

"I just wish," Moto started.

Sari laid a finger across his mouth, "I know," she said.

Moto leaned closer to Sari. There was space around them for privacy, but not enough to prevent someone from eavesdropping on their conversation. "I need to find her." Moto said as he glanced in the direction of the other tents without making it too obvious. His voice contained an ache he couldn't hide. He didn't like that he couldn't control his emotions. He needed to know if Kaily was okay, and he needed to explain to her the bonding between him and Sari was a charade. He should have explained it that morning, but he thought he had one more day to talk to Kaily. She had been so happy about obtaining her talisman, and then she let him pleasure her, and then the day became lighter, and any number of other reasons passed through his mind at the time. Moto closed his eyes. Mainly, he didn't want to spoil the moment they shared. He was supposed to have one more day! Moto cursed to himself again. How was he supposed to know that she would be seen? He should have known. He should have protected her, but he didn't. He failed her.

"Patience," Sari said and rubbed the crease between his brows in the same way Niele did. She handed him a goblet of brey. "This will help."

Moto accepted the goblet from Sari. He took a drink and handed it back. He ignored the frown she gave him. Before he could add further comment, more villagers came up to congratulate them. Moto was grateful Sari took the lead in responding and all he had to do was smile, nod his head off and on. Sari was very good at drawing their attention to her into conversation, and then dismissing them without them realizing they'd been dismissed. Moto admired her skill. It certainly wasn't a skill he had acquired.

Moto looked around the meadow. He knew Kaily wasn't there. He didn't know when she arrived or when she left. Shimani told him earlier, when they shared a moment of privacy, she'd been brought in just before the ceremony began and seated under the tree where a blanket still lay on the ground. Apparently, she left right after the ceremony began. According to Shimani, Baridi let her leave without incident. Moto chalked it up to Baridi not wanting to create a scene during the ceremony. But then, even after the ceremony Baridi didn't go after her. Shimani thought it was because the point the Queen wanted made to Kaily, had been. It seemed they were content to leave her be, at least, until morning. They both knew the Queen planned to send Kaily to Celtan, actually, Moto corrected, the whole village and then some knew.

The Queen made it known a way existed to transport Kaily to Celtan. It had been a guarded secret even from the Kahoali people until then. Moto didn't understand. Why would she disclose it now? But then, maybe she had a point to make to all of them. Moto shook his head before he could catch himself. He didn't like when something didn't make sense, and he didn't like that he could seem to control his emotional responses.

Moto asked Shimani how Kaily seemed to be doing, but Shimani couldn't answer the question before others came up to offer congratulations. Since that time, he couldn't speak to Shimani again. He didn't like not knowing, but not enough to open his mind to her. He couldn't bear what he imagined she must think of him now.

Sari assured him Kaily was fine and they would go look for her as soon as they could leave the ceremony. After all, from Sari’s perspective, Kaily knew it was a charade, and until then, he needed to be patient and endure the passing moments, no matter how slowly they passed. Patience was another skill Moto had not yet mastered.

Moto hadn't corrected Sari's assumption that Kaily knew about the lie. It wouldn't help to have Sari upset with him too, and soon after, Shimani would be added to the list of those upset with him, because there was no way Sari would keep his misstep to herself. They both were very fond of Kaily.

Moto cursed himself. He should have told Kaily. He should have prepared her. He didn't reach out to her telepathically and he ignored just how cowardly it was of him. Part of him didn't want to know how she did for fear it wasn't good. His Kaily was an emotional creature, much like himself, and he couldn't endure her pain when he couldn't offer her comfort. Not physical comfort anyway. He wanted to be in her presence when he told her, to see her reaction, and to hold her while she came to terms with the lie.

Moto startled. He just caught Niele as she jumped onto his lap. She held the prized fruit he sent her off to find in her tiny hands. He recovered quickly and settled the child on his lap. "Well done." He smiled as she handed him the fruit. "Thank you." He took the knife Sari offered him. He cut the fruit in half and gave Niele half. He gave Sari the other half. "Don't forget to take a bite of the dark part too," he reminded the child who giggled.

"I know." Niele said.

Moto smiled and shook his head at her. She only giggled more. He held Niele while she ate her portion and smiled at Sari as she bit into her half with her eyes half closed. He didn't much care for the fruit, but these two loved it.

Sari smiled at him. She ruffled Niele's tiny braids. "You're going to make a great father someday." She commented to Moto.

He smiled