Exit Strategy (Tales Of The Citadel #58)(14)

They sat together and laughed about speedy weddings for four minutes before walking to the chapel a few minutes away.

Ahlgos whispered, “Are you sure you want to do this?”

Yna nodded. “It is fine. I am sure that it will make everything a little more manageable.”

“Are you including yourself in that package?”

“No. I am definitely not manageable.” She smiled. “I am guessing that it is a trait that your family looks for.”

“You are probably correct in that conclusion.” He wrapped his arm around her and squeezed.

Once in the chapel, it took only a few minutes to hammer out the contract between Ahlgos and Yna. She didn’t want money or property, just her occupation and the right to name any children that they had, though given that they were different species, children were unlikely.

Ahlgos wanted any children to have the Ikato name and his share of the family property if he predeceased her.

She signed, he signed, and both contracts were witnessed, and the seals were set.

As attendant, Nialloa handed her the ivy in between each clause of the contract. It was for effect, but after an hour had passed, it was a welcome distraction.

The moment that the final seal was set, Ahlgos turned to her and kissed her. Yna went up on her toes, and her gown changed from the black lace to a brilliant aqua silk that flowed around her, hugging her curves.

She held tight when he would have pulled back, and their kiss grew savage. He tried to bend her back, but she wrapped her leg around his hips, and his distraction was complete.

The ladies cheered, and she finally drew back. “Happy wedding day, Ahlgos.”

“Do you have an exit strategy for this as well?” His eyes were dazed.

She chuckled. “I don’t think I am going to need it; now, let’s let Li get married so we can begin wrecking her enemies.”





Chapter Seven


The family gathered around and watched as Li and Groven worked out their wedding contract.

The give and take were fun to watch. Nialloa and Huknos stood, leaning together, and Yna and Ahlgos did the same.

Srevesh looked around at the happy couples, including his parents, and shook his head.

The moment when Groven rescinded his family name was one that made everyone tear up.

“I don’t need anything but you and our family, Likiada Ikato. I will be proud to carry the family name.”

The door to the chapel burst open. “Groven, cease what you are doing. You don’t have our authorization to wed that woman.”

An angry couple stood in the doorway, and it was the woman who spoke.

Nialloa cleared her throat. “Set the seal, magistrate.”

The magistrate looked down at the melted wax and followed the order.

Groven smiled at Li before turning to the intruding couple. “I am afraid that your son is no longer here.”

Miett turned toward the intruders. “If you don’t mind, my daughter is getting married, and my new son-in-law is all I could have wished for her. Please leave, or we will make you leave.”

Srevesh stepped toward them, and the couple backed out.

Groven smiled. “Time for final signatures.”

With a few strokes of a pen and a line of witnesses, Likiada and Groven were finally, legally, allowed to have the child she was carrying.

Tears pricked Yna’s eyes, and she leaned against Ahlgos. “This was a pretty eventful day.”

“You are not kidding. I am amazed you are still on your feet.”

She laughed. “I am made of stern stuff.”

“You are. Do you have strength for the party?”

“Do I have to change my gown back?”

He grinned. “No.”

Nia sighed happily as the last contract was completed. “Okay, folks. I have a very nice party and dinner going on. Why don’t we head over there and enjoy my family’s hospitality?”

The Ikatos headed out as one, laughing and enjoying the enormous amount of change that they had just embraced. There would be time for justice for those who had attacked Li and Yna. Tonight, was a party.



Yna jerked awake with an arm draped over her, resting on her thigh. Her back was warm enough to let her know that the contact between them wasn’t recent.

She tried to still her thundering heartbeat, but it was difficult.

The moment that the hand started to move, it took all of her concentration not to cover herself in Masuo.

“I am glad you are awake. I was beginning to feel a little like a pervert.” Ahlgos kissed her shoulder.

“Um, why am I naked?”

“Because you told your Masuo to take the night off. It was our wedding night after all.”

She was nervous. “Did anything happen?”

“You tackled me and promptly fell asleep. It was the most fun I have ever had in this bed.” He chuckled and stroked her arm.

Yna blinked. “Anything else?”

“You snore a bit.”

She hissed. “You know what I mean.”

“Ah, that. No. I thought it would be best if we waited until we both wanted something of that nature. Frankly, I was exhausted as well.”

She smiled. “In that case, now that the wedding is over and your sister is safe, how long until we can return to Balen?”