Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 76864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Skars reached out to wrap a long brown curl around his finger. “Why not?” he asked, taking a step closer to her.
With wide eyes, she started to take a step then stopped when she realized he wasn’t releasing her hair.
“Pardon me. Should I return later?”
Skars didn’t turn his head at the sound of a female voice.
“No, come in. I wouldn’t have sent for you if I didn’t want to talk to you.” Unwinding the curl, Skars turned Raine to face the woman who had just entered the room.
“Raine, I want you to meet Reva.”
Raine gave Reva a welcoming smile before giving him a searching glance. “I didn’t hear you call anyone?”
Skars turned his arm over to show the underside of the sleeve of his shirt. Using the tip of his finger, he showed her the symbols on a small pad. Using the same finger, he casually removed the thin wafer to place it on the sleeve of the shirt she was wearing. Pointing at one symbol, he explained, “Pressing this will notify me you wish to speak to me. I’ll teach the others you can contact later.”
She frowned up at him. “But what if you need it?”
“I don’t plan to leave your side anytime soon. I’ll get another when I go to the control room.”
Skars turned his attention back to Reva, who was watching them with a patient smile. “My apologies, Seeress. I don’t mean to keep you waiting—”
Reva held up her hand. “All is well, Skars. It is understandable she was confused, and as a husband, it is your duty to provide the explanation.”
Reva strolled across the plush carpet to stand before Raine. “May I?” Reva held out both of her hands, face up. “I wish to see if the vision of you from several years ago has borne out.”
Confusion filled Raine’s face.
Skars gave her an encouraging smile.
“Reva is our seeress. Lay your hands directly over hers,” he instructed his wife.
Raine did as she was instructed with a glance toward him. “Is she like a psychic?”
Skars let Reva explain.
“Throughout time, we have been called by many names, depending on what planet we are on.”
“Oh … On Earth, we call them psychics,” she said helpfully.
He would have to thank Reva later that she hadn’t become insulted at Raine’s lack of reverence.
The seeress’ serene face became expressionless. Even Raine seemed to understand the seriousness of the moment as Reva stared deep into her eyes for long minutes before dropping her hands and walking away, leaving Raine’s hands still outstretched.
Skars had never seen Reva act this way.
“Seeress?”
The seeress seemed to shake herself out of whatever vision she’d had to address Raine. “It’s my true pleasure to meet you. As wife to Skars, you will be an asset to our clan. Later, when you are more settled, I invite you to my quarters for a meal.”
The seeress turned her eyes to address him. “Excuse me, Skars. I must take my leave. I will give Thorsen my permission for the wedding. May the gods bless you with many daughters.” Turning on her rose-colored slippers, the seeress glided out of the room, leaving them both staring after her.
“I was hoping, when you complimented me, that compared to other females you had seen on different planets, that at least I could be considered passably pretty. She just blew that out of the water. Your seeress is beautiful.”
Reva was indeed beautiful, he acceded dispassionately. Looking toward Raine, he expected to see many emotions—envy, jealousy, and dislike among that had been shown to Reva whenever she was around other women. There were no emotions present on Raine’s face but fear.
“There is no need to be fearful of her vision. She likes you. I can tell.”
Raine began to look even more upset. “I could tell, too. That’s why I’m worried about her inviting me to a meal.”
Skars frowned. “And you were displeased with the invitation?” The woman sank lower in his estimation. He could ignore her other lacks, but to not like Reva was …
Raine shook her head. “Not displeased. She seems nice …” She stared at him like she was scared to say something.
“Do not be afraid of me. Do you have a question to put to me?”
“You swear you’ll tell the truth?”
His shoulders reared back in insult. “Já,” he relied stiffly. He shouldn’t have been so harsh with her. The woman appeared as if she wanted to cry. Skars forced himself to gentle his voice. “Ask your question.”
“Does she want to share a meal with me, or am I supposed to be the meal?”
Chapter 12
Skars
Dumbfounded at the question, Skars could only stare at his wife. He had made a terrible mistake. He must notify Thorsen that no wedding would be taking place.
His eyes dropped to Raine’s hands, where she was nervously pulling on her pants.
“The clothes I’m wearing make me look big, but I’ve lost weight. She wouldn’t get as much meat as she thinks. I’m mainly big boned—”