I was this close to making a proclamation. The moment I had my mate safely in the palace and in one piece, I wished to shout out to the whole of Xatis that I had finally found her. The one meant to complete me. But even I was not that reckless. Not even when I knew that that was what my mate wished for. What she needed. Those beautiful eyes were begging for it as I held her in my arms, giving me a glimmer of hope of a future together. Perhaps she would ask to be marked someday soon.
The thought made the temptation even more appealing, but as tempting as it was, I couldn't let any such words leave my mouth. For her sake.
Her life and that of my child had been threatened twice already and until I knew by whom, I would keep my promise to her. I would protect her. Even from her own blood.
