To Seduce An Assassin (The Omaja Series Book 2)(84)

Graciella rolled over to face him, stretching her arms high over her head, causing one sweetly rounded breast to appear above the sheets. His groin throbbed to life at seeing her pink nipple, and he cleared his throat. “Are you hungry, Sheir-zin?”

She smiled. “Starved.”

He was just thinking the same thing, only not for food. He picked up the small table, being careful not to topple the food, and moved it closer to the side of the bed. “Here is some late breakfast.”

She sat up, glancing around the room for a clock. “What time is it? How long did we sleep?”

“I’m not sure.” He strode around the bed to open the window shutters as well as to avoid leering at her naked torso. He studied the position of the sunlight over the canyon. “It looks to be about one or two in the afternoon.”

When he looked back, she had pulled the sheet over her chest and tucked it into her armpits to scoot closer to the table. From this angle, he was treated to a view of her beautiful bare backside. Tonight couldn’t come fast enough for his wayward body. He prayed Volkan would agree to the hasty marriage ceremony. He pushed down on his cock through his robe, returned to the far side of the bed, and pulled up the chair to join her at the table.

He broke off a piece of flatbread and spread it with butter. “You are beautiful when you wake up in the morning.”

“I am?” she asked with her mouth full of porridge.

He chuckled, gazing at her long, dark hair in disarray, her rosy cheeks, her bewitching pale-hazel eyes. “Yes. I’m not accustomed to staring at such a desirable sight first thing in the morning. It’s affecting my appetite.”

She smiled primly. “Well, you’d better eat well today.”

“Why’s that?”

“So you’ll have plenty of strength later tonight.” She popped an apricot half into her mouth.

He laughed at that even as his erection strained upward under his robe. He sipped the tea, trying to ignore his body. “I’ll do my best to feed my strength, then. Speaking of which, the monks don’t eat or serve meat.”

“They don’t?”

“No. They don’t believe in eating the flesh of any sentient being. So we’ll have to do without roasted meat for our wedding dinner.”

“I don’t mind that. I like other foods just as well.” She chewed another bite of apricot. “These apricots are so juicy and sweet. Where do they get fresh fruit?”

“They have a well-kept orchard up here that never died out from the curse.”

“Oh. Well. If only we could spread the blessings that surround this monastery to all of Nandala, there would be no problem with growing food.”

He picked up a spoon, gazing at her lovely face. “We. I like the sound of that.”

She smiled. “Me too.”

§

Graciella smoothed down the front of her borrowed monk’s robe as she waited anxiously outside Master Volkan’s study.

Yavi squeezed her hand, smiling down at her before knocking on the door.

Master Volkan opened it. His kind gray eyes lit up when he saw her. “Graciella, welcome.”

“Thank you.” She beamed. “I am so happy to see you again, Master Volkan. Thank you for inviting me for a chat.”

“I’ll leave you two alone.” Yavi inclined his head to the elderly monk.

Volkan motioned her to come inside his study, then closed the door behind them. He indicated a bench across from a low table, then seated himself on the other side of the table as she sat down to join him.

He folded his hands. “Well, my dear. Yavi has asked me to perform a marriage ceremony for the two of you this evening, but I wanted to speak to you alone before I agree.”

She nodded. “Yes, Sir. I am pleased to have the opportunity to answer for myself on this matter.”

He chuckled. “You have the light of optimism in your eyes, child. When you are in the room, everything brightens. Darkness fades, and difficulties seem easier to overcome.”

She smiled, warmed by his praise.

“Never lose that gift, Graciella. It will strengthen Yavi, help him to face the challenges to come.”

She swallowed. “Yes, Sir. Does that mean…you approve of our wedding?”

“Do you love him?”

“Yes.”

“You answer quickly. But do you know what it means to love Yavi of the Zulfikars? To join yourself to this man as his wife?”

“I think so.” She faltered. “Not really, I suppose. I only know I’ve loved him madly from the first time I met him, just before I turned fourteen.”

“Yavi’s destiny is and always has been to rule as the supreme Emperor of Nandala. As his wife, you would be named empress of our land.”

“Yes. I can only hope to become worthy of that title.”

“You would outrank your elder sister, and alongside Yavi, you would assume the primary burden of governing this troubled nation.” His expression grew somber. “It is not an easy task.”

“Sir, I haven’t had an easy life. And I don’t expect one. Nor am I looking to climb in rank or grab power. I only want to love and care for Yavi.”

He stroked his long beard, studying her.

“Yavi needs me, I feel, Sir.”

“Yes, he does. In that, you are correct.”