Chapter 77

~Kamari~

"Nye, don't be against it just because you don't like Mael. This is important." I sit next to him on the bed and hold out my palm. I already knew Nye wouldn't be happy about making my connection deeper with Mael by having him place a barrier in the land. Still, it was only to protect my Hearthstone and the Kingdom, "unless you have a better idea, I suggest you agree with this." Nye sits and leans back on the bedpost; at first, he gazes at my palm, then those icy blue eyes hold me in place. Why did it feel so long since I had been with Nye? Maybe it was because it had been a long time, but I couldn't help but smile at him. Nye raises a brow, "Stop it."

I purse my lips into a smile, "What?" 

Nye leans into me, his face inches from me; he lifts my chin and nuzzles my nose, "You know what that smile does to me," the trace of softness in his voice makes me weak. Only in private did Nye show these sides of himself, but I'm okay with that. I had a sneak peek into a different part of him. "You didn't answer me," I say softly. Nye half-smile, "You have a way of ruining a moment, you know that?" Nye sighs, then parts from me, "I'm not fond of the poisonous rat," his face contorts in disgust, " but part of yourself is within the land now, so it needs to be guarded." I wait for Nye to say "Yes," but he doesn't; I narrow my eyes at him with a smile, "You can't say it, can you?"

"You're lucky I adore you." Nye shakes his head while rolling his eyes simultaneously. I lean into him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders, and gently kiss his lips; a small moment of pause when we part. My eyes flutter open, and I feel a sort of jolt within my body, like a flint creating ember, and suddenly, I want to maul his man. I can feel my nails dig into his back. Nye makes a hum of approval. My body starts to heat up, and I notice Nye's wicked smile; he grabs my waist, pulling me closer, and my heart beats like a hammer, "Oh yes, Darling, I've been aching to see that look in your eyes," the rasp in his voice makes this moment more amplified. "You have no idea how much I want to tear into you right now," the grit in my voice adds to the primalness of my twisted needs, feeling like a storm cloud ready to burst, and when someone knocks on the door, the surge leaves me, and I suddenly feel like I'd been yanked out of the charged moment. Nye's eyes darken, "You might want to answer that door 'cause If I do, I'll snap their neck." He says between his teeth, still reeling from our heated words. I get up and answer the door, it was Calea. Her smile beams light the first light of day and gently warms my heart, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but we didn't get to finish our conversation." I hear the rumbling growl behind me; I step out and close the door. I clear my throat, "Yes, of course. Sorry, I had to save my whelp from Koas–"I pause, searching for the right word without giving away Koa's passionate side, "Rashness…" 

As I walked with Calea down the hall, the sun warmed the balconies, and the Ivy and other plants took on a vivid green. "So I have an idea that might strengthen the Barrier. With your blood, Mael's essence, and my magic, we can create a stronger attachment to the land and a more solid barrier. But I must admit I don't know how long this will last, Kamari."

I nod, "I know; that's why I have also come up with something else. We can't take on Javall alone." I turn to her, my voice is more serious, "We need alliances, and I have no idea what kind of supernatural life outside my Kingdom. I've been here my whole life. I have never ventured far." I admit. Calea's worry is evident on her face, "Kamari, that could be risky. You have no idea what intentions others could have."

"But if I do nothing, my family and Kingdom will suffer. I may have Dragon Mates, but that does not mean they come without fault." Goddess forbid they ever hear me say, "It is something we need to take into consideration, and honestly, I think I need to know who and what is around me." Calea's face contorts in confusion, "Why not ask the Pride? They've been everywhere, haven't they?" Calea asks. I scoff, "That doesn't mean they've paid attention."

I realize the risk, but I'm done being blindsided. I need to be more aware of the things around me. I have come too close to losing the ones I care about, and it's my responsibility to make sure I do everything in my power not to let anything like that happen again. I know I'll have more whelps, and that's what I feared the most. They don't stay with me for long; at some point, they venture out to become stronger, and if they make it, they return. I dreaded even thinking they wouldn't make it back. And it made me sick to think they were vulnerable to my enemies when they left the comfort of home. But there was nothing I could do about that. I can't go with them every time it happens. I pray to Kadea daily that Ignis returns unharmed and grown into the little spitfire I know she is. "Kamari?"

"Hm? Oh, sorry. I'm in my head." I shake my inner thoughts to the side for a moment. "Anyways, I was hoping you could assist me in finding the best way to reach those who could be beneficial allies." Calea stays quiet momentarily, then says, "This might be harder to do, Kamari. I can't promise this is going to work. Let's focus on the Barrier and go from there." 

"Yes, you're right." I agree with a sigh. Suddenly, I hear something thud behind me. I see Mael and Nye standing above him; Nye groans in annoyance, his arms crossed over his chest, "There's your Rat. Now, let's get this over with."