Retribution (Kall Alien Warriors #3) - Sue Lyndon Page 0,64

and know how welcome you truly are here.”

Layla sputtered. “How, um, how did you know what I was thinking?”

Fallonn displayed a gentle smile. “I’m an empath, as most Flourishians are. I cannot precisely read your mind, but I’m skilled at reading emotions.” Her smile faded. “Forgive me if you think this is intrusive. If I could help it, I would stop, but I cannot turn my empathic abilities off and—”

“It’s all right, wife,” Xazzok said, patting his wife’s hand. “In this circumstance, I imagine your words must be a comfort to Layla.”

“Oh, it’s perfectly fine,” Layla insisted. “I was worrying over something and you made me feel better.”

Relief spread over Fallonn’s face and she nodded. “Good. I try to keep my mouth shut most of the time,” she said with a sudden mischievous look, “but when I think someone might benefit from my abilities, I often cannot help but speak out.”

Xazzok peered at his wife with a look of mild exasperation, and Layla thought perhaps Fallonn had a tendency to speak out more often than not. But the look that passed between husband and wife was also affectionate, and she sensed Fallonn possessed a kind heart.

“We are tired after our travels,” Zamek said, “and we intend to retire to my chambers for the evening. I will see you both in the morning. The funeral is at sunrise.”

Chapter 23

The sconces cast a warm, comforting glow over Zamek’s bedroom. A fire crackled in the hearth and Layla found herself relaxing to the point of almost-sleep.

Zamek’s servant, Gaias, who’d been with him on the Tammusha, had already brought their belongings from the ship upstairs. Apparently, he’d taken a separate airship and arrived here during their visit to the slave office. She was wearing one of the sheer nightdresses Zamek had given her, but thanks to the fire she was plenty warm.

All traces of the manacles were gone from her wrists, and when she rubbed them, she didn’t feel any residual soreness. Zamek had used a dermal regenerator on her the second they reached his bedroom, and her heart swelled at the memory of the many kisses he’d placed upon her wrists once her chafed skin was repaired.

Footsteps roused her to full wakefulness, and she straightened in the oversized chair she was sitting in, gazing at the door in hopes that Zamek was returning. He’d gone downstairs to contact a Holy One on a video comm to finalize tomorrow’s funeral plans.

Shessema. Rest her sweet soul. Though Layla had never met her and Zamek hadn’t shared many details about her, she thought the Kall female must’ve been an exceptionally kind soul. After all, she’d communicated with Zamek and given her blessing for his relationship with Layla. If Zamek believed Shessema had visited him, who was Layla to question it?

The door zipped open and Zamek strode into the bedroom. He walked straight for her and knelt before her. Even while she was seated in the chair, he was still a full head taller than her while kneeling.

“How do your wrists feel, human? Any pain?” Concern reflected in his dark eyes.

“They don’t hurt at all. I promise.”

He released a long, weary sigh. “I am glad to hear it. I did not enjoy dragging you around Sumlin, knowing that the manacles were likely hurting you. I know you didn’t wish to wear them, and I will not fault you for being upset with me for how I treated you in public today, though I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Her heart raced at the sincerity in his voice. She could scarcely believe he was actually asking for her forgiveness. She wasn’t mad anymore, and she carefully extracted her hands from his, then reached out to cup his face. He stilled at her touch, appearing startled, but the warmth soon returned to his eyes and he leaned into her touch. Excited flutters rushed through her because this felt like new territory between them. A new beginning.

“I’ve already forgiven you,” she said softly.

They spent a quiet night in one another’s arms. He didn’t claim her, but she suspected his mind was on the impending funeral. Even though Shessema had allegedly given her blessing for their relationship, Zamek likely wished to wait before claiming her for the first time while in his home. She didn’t mind and she drifted to sleep in his protective embrace, feeling at peace.

The next day, they rose early for the funeral. Kall funerals were typically held during sunrise, and the entire household—including all the servants—walked to a nearby