To Seduce An Assassin (The Omaja Series Book 2)(85)

“And as far as power struggles between me and Jiandra, I would never allow that to become an issue, and she wouldn’t either. She’s my best friend, my surrogate mother, and my closest confidant. We have never been jealous, bickering, fighting sisters.”

He smiled, the corners of his eyes wrinkling. “You speak truly. I have sensed that about your relationship with her.”

Graciella hesitated. “If you say I shouldn’t marry him, or if you think I’m not ready, I will wait, Sir. I’ll respect your opinion.”

He shook his head. “It isn’t that. Not at all. I believe you and Yavi are meant to be together, and that you will bring him joy and strength as well as help him rule prosperously. I think Yavi as well as his nation are lost without you, my sweet daughter.”

Her heart surged at his predictions as well as his use of the term daughter.

“My only concern is for your happiness,” he continued. “I would spare you the challenges ahead, but even if I advise Yavi to send you back to Villeleia out of harm’s way, our blight would reach you there eventually. Uman will not stop at Nandala. He plans to invade your land as well.”

“Then we must stop him here, now.”

“Yes.”

“Give us your blessing, then. Father,” she urged softly. “I love Yavi and I will stand by him no matter what. I believe that is my happiness.”

“Then I am satisfied, daughter.” Volkan reached across the table and grasped her hand in his warm fingers. “Come, stand here in front of me,” he said, rising.

She stepped around the table to face him.

He folded her hands together inside his hands in prayer, then closed his eyes and murmured something in Nandalan. “May Tejeshwar bless and strengthen you,” he said in Villeleian.

Graciella felt a surge of warmth and confidence wash over her at his prayer, of a kind she’d never felt before.

“May you be protected and safe,” he continued. “May your husband achieve victory, and may you rule at his side with wisdom, joy, and love.”

“Yes,” she whispered. “May it be so.”

He smiled and released her hands. “Go, my daughter. Soak in the pools today, rest. Tonight you marry, and tomorrow your husband goes to battle. Rest so that you may enjoy this moment of joy and comfort to its fullest.”

“Thank you, father.”

He walked her to the door. “I never had a daughter,” he confessed.

“My father was killed when I was seven.”

“It seems we are a match, then.” He smiled.

Graciella turned to hug his neck. “Thank you.”

He patted her back. “Now go. Do as I say. Take plenty of rest today.”

“I will.”

He opened the door, and she hurried down the stairs of the tower to find Yavi.

§

Yavi saw her emerge from the archway at the foot of the tower and stepped forward to take her hands in his. He rubbed the backs of her soft hands with his thumbs, staring down at her lovely face. “What did he say?”

“He gave me his blessing to marry you.”

Relief washed over him, and he bent his head to kiss her sweet lips. They still tasted of honey and apricots, which only heightened his desire to make love to her again.

“And he called me daughter.”

“No surprise there.” He grinned. “I could see he felt bonded with you from the moment we brought you here.”

“We have to take care of him in his old age, Yavi. I’m claiming him as father. I want to visit him here often.”

“Done. Agreed.” He caressed her rounded cheek, then kissed her lips again.

“I didn’t ask him about the bride oil, though. Did you?”

“Yes. He said he could send a monk to purchase it in Parvata as a wedding gift to us.”

She stretched up to hug his neck, pressing herself against him. He encircled her waist with his arms, pulling her up higher to taste her lips more fully, caressing her back.

“Ahem.” Yajna’s voice came from behind them.

Yavi set her down and took her hand, turning to face his pest of a brother. “Can’t you see you’re interrupting?”

Jiandra came up behind Yajna and hit his arm. “Yes, husband. Stop annoying your brother.”

Yajna slid his arm around his wife’s shoulders and addressed Yavi. “Do you mind telling us what you are doing out here making love to my sister-in-law after having a secret meeting with Master Volkan?”

Yavi glanced down at Graciella’s face, then at Jiandra. “I’ve asked him to perform the rites for me to marry Graciella tonight. I hope you agree, Jiandra.”

She smiled broadly. “If that is my sister’s wish, then of course I agree.”

Graciella squeezed his arm. “It is definitely my wish, sister, and you know it.”

Yavi hugged Graciella in to his side, kissing her temple.

“Congratulations, brother.” Yajna extended a hand to him.

Yavi grasped his brother’s wrist, and Yajna returned the gesture.

Jiandra hugged Graciella. “I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you too.”

Jiandra released her and grasped Yavi’s hand. “I am happy for you, Yavi.”

Yavi brought her hands to his lips briefly. “Thank you, my sister.”