Fire Pearl (Beyond Ontariese 5) Read online

  “This is so sudden.” She touched her lips with her fingertips, amazed by the emotions he’d unleashed with a single kiss. “I don’t know what to think.”

  “I didn’t ask what you thought. I asked what you felt. It’s a simple question really. Do you feel more than friendship for me?”

  “Yes. But I’m not sure—”

  Indric placed two fingers against her lips and smiled. “I’m not asking for your answer now. I’m informing you of my intention to court you. We’ll explore the possibilities together.”

  She turned her head to the side, dislodging his fingers. “There are things you don’t know about me, things your people would never accept.”

  “If I can accept these things, so can my people.” His tone brooked no argument, then his expression softened and he added, “I’ve known you for nine cycles. What deep, dark secrets could you possibly harbor?”

  She swallowed hard. He had no idea. He knew there were forces on Ontariese determined to destroy her and Betaul. But unless Lord Drakkin had told Indric the details of her escape, there were still all sorts of damning facts Indric didn’t know.

  Rather than risk snuffing out this romantic spark before it had a chance to catch flame, she tried a subtle approach. “You’ve visited me for nine cycles; that much is true. But our conversations have always been polite and superficial. We really don’t know each other that well.”

  “Deepening our acquaintance and testing our compatibility is what courting is all about.” His hands gently stroked her bare arms, keeping her senses humming. “If you decide this is not what you want, you’re free to walk away at any time.”

  “And if I don’t want to be ‘courted’ by a king?”

  A sexy smile parted his lips and he swooped down for another kiss. “Then I’ll persuade you.” He whispered the claim against her lips then released her and stepped back. “Preparations must be made for you and Betaul. I shouldn’t be gone long. Ametto has already called in reinforcements, so you’ll be safe as long as you stay inside the house. Let Betaul sleep for a couple of hours. I’ll return at dusk with an armed escort to transport you and the boys to the palace.”

  All she could manage was a stiff nod as he kissed her hand and then flashed out of sight.

  About the Author

  Anything-but-Ordinary is Cyndi's creed and her writing reflects her dedication to the concept. She writes in a variety of genres, but seems happiest in outer space. Her books have been nominated for numerous awards, and Taken by Storm was named Best Fantasy/Science Fiction Romance of the year by Romance Reviews Today.

  She lives in Colorado with her high school sweetheart turned husband of many years. With a pampered cat curled on the corner of her desk, she dreams of fascinating words and larger than life adventures -- and wouldn't have it any other way!

  Website / Blog: http://www.cyndifriberg.com