Page 36 of Claimed By the Krijese

“I cannot speak for the Tavikhi healer and whether he would be willing to take on another apprentice, but if he does, is this something that would interest you?” Kala darts a glance at Sorin and then back to me. “Do not say yes just because our kit suggested it if it is not truly whatyouwish to do.”

I stare at him in complete awe. “You called Sorinours.”

He cocks his head. “You are his momo and I am his gogo. Would that not make him ours?”

My excitement bursts out of me and I lean over and give him a quick kiss. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome.”

“Can I have this kiss again, too, Momo?” Sorin asks.

I laugh, because he’s just too adorable. “Of course.”

He scrambles to his knees and I kiss him right above his brow bones. He returns to his place with a small huff of satisfaction as he glances around at everyone as if to see if they saw what just happened. Of course, the tribespeople stare in confusion, probably because kissing isn’t something Krijese do. They’ll just have to get used to it since I plan on smothering both my son and my soon-to-be mate with the affection they both so desperately deserve.

“We still have not come to a decision regarding the apprenticeship with Kyler,” Kala points out.

“If he is willing to take me on, then I’m definitely interested. I can’t promise I’ll be any good, but if I can at least learn enoughto help our people if one of them gets sick, then I’ll count that as a win.”

“Some time in the next few turns we will return to the Tavikhi village and speak with Kyler. If he agrees, then Sorin and you can travel back and forth. However,” Kala says quickly putting a damper on my excitement. “You must practice with the axe every turn between now and then.”

Is that all? “Deal.”

“Deal,” Sorin echoes.

“Let us clean up then and we will return to our tent for the evening so you can sort your belongings before we attend to the dreri with the others.”

Our kit rushes to his feet and takes mine and his father’s plates. Kala stands and helps me up, but doesn’t release my hand. Together, we follow the path Sorin took and make our way to the rushing river that grows louder the closer we get. We reach it while Sorin is quickly cleaning the dishes with something that suds.

“There is a shallow place just downriver from here where we bathe. We have a supply of cleansing bars you can use to wash yourself and your coverings. I only ask that you do not go there alone.”

“I’m not arguing with you when I ask this, but is there a reason I have to have an escort? When I lived in the Tavikhi village I often bathed and washed my clothes alone.” Granted, there were always scouts close by as well as warriors within shouting distance.

“There have been far too many sightings of wild creatures within the forest. It is too dangerous for anyone to go alone, so it is not something I ask only of you. It is a rule all follow aside from the male warlords, but only because they are able to protect themselves. All the elders, the few remaining females, and both kits all must have at least one other tribe person present.”

“While a little bit sexist, I can understand why you require it. I’ll make sure I don’t go by myself.”

Kala nods in appreciation.

“All finished,” Sorin calls out and carries the now clean platters over to us.

His father takes them from him and the three of us walk back to the village with Sorin holding my hand. After Kala’s placed the clean plates with the rest of them we head toward what I assume is their—our—tent. By now, most everyone has left the fire, but a large group of people sit outside another tent we pass and skin the dreri the hunters brought back from their hunt.

“We will join you shortly,” Kala tells them.

They nod and we continue walking. Sorin lets go of my hand, rushes ahead, and draws aside the hide flap covering the entrance.

“This is our dwelling.” There is pride in his voice.

I step inside and glance around. It’s neat and tidy, but also a little bare. There are two piles of furs on opposites side of the fire pit and it’s a lot smaller than the tent where I slept in the Tavikhi village. That’s understandable though since it was used as storage, and it had housed four women previously. Still, it’s the perfect size for the three of us. I’d call it cozy.

“Gogo sleeps here, and this is my pallet.” Sorin points out.

“Until I can gather a few more furs to create your own sleeping place, you can sleep within mine and I will sleep outside.”

Excuse me, but what? I turn to Sorin.“Sweetie, will you do me a favor and go start helping with the dreri. I need to speak with your father in private for a few minutes and then we’ll join you.”

He glances between his father and me before he gives me a short hug and then darts out of the tent. I wait until I’m sure he’s gone before facing Kala.

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