Kismet's Kiss: A Fantasy Romance (Alaia Chronicles) (47 page)

Yes, someday, with the goddess’s guidance. She glanced up at the sultan, and then at Varene, and slowly, as if a sun were rising, warmth radiated through her and a genuine smile rose to her lips.

Varene saw the shift in Sulya and took a deep breath, then stepped toward the wives. “Royal ladies, you are jewels among women. I came here to heal…but being here, with Kuramos and among you, has healed me, too. I cannot begin to express how much. But I can’t accept my happiness at the expense of your own, any of you.” She glanced around at them all, then focused on Sulya’s jade gaze. There Varene read of the end of a dream, and a new one just beginning.

“Royal Healer,” Sulya started, then stopped and began again. “Varene. Kismet has plans for all of us, woven by his divine fingers. If the sultan’s grace will permit Tahir the chance to rule Kad someday, then I wish you and Kuramos the luck and joy to match your love.”

Tears welled in Varene’s eyes as she kissed Sulya’s jasmine-scented cheek. “Thank you, dear one.”

Astonished, Sulya raised a palm to her cheek. “You are welcome.”

“Well now,” Zahlia’s droll voice rolled out, “enough tears. We’re not leaving
yet.
”

Varene chuckled, then sobered as she eyed Zahlia. Which option would that free spirit choose? But she didn’t want to ask any of the women about their choice. Not yet. She’d made her decision, and they each deserved the time to make their own. And, she realized with a pang, she might even regret it if they chose to leave. A family, indeed.

“Ah!” Zahlia waved a dismissive hand. “Now you’re looking sad. We mustn’t have that. I know what will cheer everyone up—the hammam! Which, you’ll be glad to hear, has been thoroughly cleansed since your adventures yesterday.” She grabbed Varene’s elbow and tugged her toward the door. “Come, my sisters! This conversation will be continued there.”

“But—” Varene said, turning back to Kuramos. She’d barely had the chance to speak with him, and now there was so much left to say!

He seemed equally surprised as the wives gathered around Varene and herded her toward the door.

“You can have her again later, O Lord,” Zahlia sang out. “And I’m sure you will.”

Ribald calls rang out, and the sisterhood left the sultan of Kad standing alone in his throne room, bemused, without any women at all.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

H
ours later, Kuramos paced his quarters, awaiting the arrival of the woman he loved. Orange blossoms scented the air and blood stirred beneath his skin—a sweet tension he only wanted to release with Varene’s arms around him, with her passionate cries filling his ears.

When at last she closed the door behind her and slipped the silken robe from her shoulders, clad now only in the rosy glow from the steam of the hammam, he knew the goddess had answered his every prayer.

His breath caught at Varene’s beauty and the fragrance of her flooded his senses. Though he wanted to ravish her from her golden hair to her delicate toes, he held still for a moment, basking in the knowledge that this lady of strength and compassion was truly his, and would soon be his wife and Sha’Lai.

She moved across the floor, her hips swaying in an erotic belly dance, and his pulse roared. His body hardened, rising toward her. “When,” he asked hoarsely, “did you learn to do that?”

“Your wives taught me in the hammam.” She spun on her toes and looked back over her shoulder, fluttering her lashes.

His head whirled as he imagined his current wives and his wife-to-be dancing naked in the baths together…

But the only woman who mattered was here with him. And he reached out and pulled her against him. “Rowr,” he rumbled in her ear. She shimmied her wonderful behind, rubbing him and making him taut with need.

He slid his fingers around her waist, then up to cup her breasts, which bounced and swayed as she danced. He turned her to face him and kissed her deeply, his hands roaming the satin of her bared skin. She tasted like the finest wine, a vintage like no other, and he drank it down, feeling it warm his soul and cascade through his limbs. “Varene, don’t make me wait any more.”

“Not even a little?” she said, throaty, smiling, her hands moving in beautiful serpentines around them. “Not even while I dance for you?”

“No,” he growled. “Now.” He picked her up, ignoring her gleeful shriek, and carried her toward his bed, his cock straining for her with every step.

She wrapped her hands around his nape and peered up through her lashes. “Impatient, are we?”

“Very.” He laid her on the bed and slid over her, capturing her mouth with his.

“Mmm, the hunter.” She wrapped a long leg around his own. “I like it.”

“I am the Lion of Kad,” he said. “And you are my Lioness.”

“Rowr,” she replied, and yanked him down to her again.

He skimmed his fingers up her thigh and found her slick and wet for him. He ached to plunge into her then, but forced himself back. Instead, he caressed her sensitive folds, gliding his fingers over her, into her, teasing and stroking until she pushed up toward his hand, greedily pressing against him. “You cruel thing!” she moaned in pleasure. “You said you didn’t want to wait.”

He covered her body with his so he could kiss her again and brand her with his lips. “Ah, my love. Your wish is my command.” And he slid his cock home.

Together they rocked, the air fierce with desire and tension. He slipped his hands beneath her shoulders until she was cradled in his palms. She moaned, nipped at his neck, dug her fingernails into his back, urging him farther, faster. Their hot breath mingled, sweat slicked their skin, and ever more they pushed, upward toward the peak.

When Varene cried out her climax, clamping her thighs around him, he, too, leapt over the edge with her into ecstasy.

W
hen languor cushioned them both, they talked, hands linked together. They laughed and nuzzled each other, planning their life to come and the wedding that would begin it.

“And Tahir and Burhan and Mishka should do something in the ceremony,” Varene said with a happy sigh.

“My children will all be involved. Agreed.” He tucked a lock of flaxen hair behind her ear.

“Sohad and Priya must be there, of course.”

“Of course.”

“And Gunjan, too.”

“What? The bird?”

Regally, she raised a brow. He smiled back. “Ahh, I see you’ll make an excellent Sha’Lai. All right, the bird, too.”

“Good. And he might bring company, you know. I’ll be inviting Prince Alvarr and Princess Jilian, and they’re friends with many jencels—”

He bolted upright. “You’re inviting the rulers of Teganne?
Here?
”

“And Fallorm,” she added sweetly, though the rising curve of her lips showed she was well aware of his reaction. “After all, I’ve given up my home for yours—having my friends here for our wedding seems an entirely reasonable concession on your part.”

He stared at her a few moments longer. “Goddess in Heaven.” His mouth quirked up as he relaxed on the bed and reached to pull her close.

She snuggled against his shoulder and grinned. “Don’t even
think
that Qiara of Fallorm will give you the time of day.”

He burst out laughing. “Love, I want no other woman’s time but yours.”

And he proved it, yet again.

Finally Varene, now feeling marvelously well-used, draped a boneless leg over his and reveled in the feel of his muscles, the crisp hairs against her smooth skin, the rhythm of his deep breaths as he slid into a peaceful, sated sleep.

Kuramos was her man. A generous, passionate lover, a wonderful father, a powerful ruler, and soon, her husband.

Mother Fate, you have blessed me with him, and with a new family. May we always bask in your joy.

Enfolded in the arms of her lover, Varene drifted into blissful dreams, safe and beloved in the palace of Kad.

High above them, their goddess smiled.

Author’s Note

It's been my pleasure to share the world of Kuramos and Varene with you. If you’re curious about the origins of Kad, check out my historical fantasy short story
Swords and Scimitars
, which stars the immortal Kismet himself. His twin brother Taso, founder of the realm of Teganne, is featured in the fantasy romance novelette
Sword and Lute
. And Varene herself plays a supporting role in
The Source of Magic
, a fantasy romance novel prequel to
Kismet’s Kiss
. You can learn more about them and my other published tales at
http://CateRowan.com
.

There are more novels of Kad and Teganne on the way, as well as stories of other fantasy lands. If you'd like to be notified about future releases, stroll by my
website
to join my newsletter. I’ll never spam you or share your information, and I generally send a newsletter only for new release announcements. You can also connect with me at my
blog
, or at
Facebook
,
GoodReads
,
LibraryThing
,
Shelfari
and
Twitter
. I look forward to your visit.

Two more things: I strive for perfection, so if you found an error within this book, please let me know at
[email protected]
. Then I can stomp that typo dead with my Kaddite bath shoes.

Finally, if you enjoyed
Kismet’s Kiss
, please (pretty please!) post a quick review at your favorite ebook store,
GoodReads
or another reader hangout—or tell your book club, mention it on Facebook or Twitter or a blog, or simply let your friends know about it. Good word of mouth is the breath of life for authors. You have my deepest thanks.

—
Cate Rowan

Acknowledgments

K
ismet’s Kiss
is the book of my heart, but it wouldn’t exist without the influence of many people over the years. My deepest gratitude goes to the following friends, family members and writing saints:

My parents, who fostered my love of reading (and forgave me—mostly—when I brought a book to dinner).

J.R.R. Tolkien, whose book
The Hobbit
blew my seven-year-old mind (extra thanks for the Rankin/Bass illustrated version, Dad!); Mike, my junior high school teacher who introduced me to Anne McCaffrey’s amazing Dragonriders of Pern series; Ursula K. LeGuin, whose words made me think, feel and dream.

My writing groups, including the now-defunct RWU (where it all began), as well as Jen Rashidi, who encouraged me to submit my first contest entry a decade ago and to write the sequels to that book.

The contest judges who have seen my work over the years. Their wisdom and ideas have been invaluable, and even the disagreements among them have taught me a great deal about writing and publishing.

All the cats who have warmed my lap over the years while I’ve typed away. Those of you who are gone are greatly missed.

Shelby Reed, Kendra Leigh Castle and Sandra Edwards: It’s been a long climb, ladies, and you’ve been there with me through the triumphs as well as the scraped knees. Your friendship means a great deal to me.

Robin D. Owens, Jana Oliver and Alyssa Day: I love watching your careers soar! Thank you for carving a path to follow.