Page 45 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
Navuh would die for her. She knew that with the same certainty that she knew the sun would rise. And she would die for him. That was the nature of truelove mates, bonds forged by love that transcended logic or reason.
But dying for each other and living with each other were two very different things.
If he discovered the communicator, he wouldn't harm her, but he would express his displeasure and take it away. He would lock it somewhere she could never reach, and her connection to Annani and to her sons would be severed forever. There would be no second chances once he discovered that his impeccable security had been breached and a communicator had been delivered to Areana. He would make sure that it never happened again.
The loss of that lifeline would devastate her. To be cut off from her loved ones again was unthinkable.
She raised her hand to knock, then froze as the door swung open.
Navuh stood there, a broad smile lighting his features in a way that immediately eased her tension. It wasn't a mocking smile or a got-you smile. He just looked happy to see her.
"My love," he said, and before she could respond, he pulled her into the office and pressed his lips to hers.
The kiss was thorough but not demanding, affectionate rather than possessive. When he pulled back, his dark eyes studied her face with satisfied approval.
"You look good with some color in your cheeks," he said, brushing his thumb across her cheekbone. "You've been too pale lately, spending too much time indoors and not enjoying the harem grounds enough."
Relief flooded through her, making her knees weak. He didn't know. The call had gone undetected. She was safe for another day, another week, until the next time she risked everything for a few minutes of connection with her sister.
"You are absolutely right. I've been busy lately and haven't spent as much time outside as I should have. It was good to do that again." She leaned into his touch. "Even if the conditions were less than ideal."
"Tell me how they can be improved, and it shall be done." He guided her to one of the comfortable chairs in front of his desk, but instead of returning to his seat behind it, he took the chair beside hers.
Another good sign.
When Navuh sat behind his desk, he was the lord. When he sat beside her, he was simply her husband.
"It was insufferably hot, and there was nowhere to cool down except for the gazebo, but even that wasn't enough. We would have stayed longer, but the heat chased us away."
"I was told you and the ladies went to see your quarters. What's your impression?"
"The upper levels are in reasonable condition," she said. "The library survived, which pleased the ladies immensely, but since there is no air-conditioning, the humidity is continuing the books' slow destruction, and we need to get them out of there and dry them. I guess specialized equipment is needed for that, but I don't know what to tell you to get."
He nodded. "I will get whatever is needed. What else?"
"There is some water damage in the ladies' quarters and ours, but it's not significant if the crews manage to dry it out. Otherwise, we might face a mold infestation. The good news is that the ladies were able to retrieve some personal items. They were unhappy with what the island store had available for women."
He nodded. "I'm aware of that. I told the clothing store manager to order the type of dresses you and the ladies favor. I even selected several of the items for you specifically, and I hope you approve."
Areana smiled. "I'm sure I'm going to love them." She knew Navuh loved buying things for her, and she always accepted them with the proper enthusiasm to make him happy.
"Was it just the heat that cut your visit short?" he asked.
"The air inside the structure was oppressive, so we couldn't stay long. The heat and humidity made it difficult to breathe, and that's just on the second level. I can't imaginewhat the workers are enduring on the lower levels, even with their masks and frequent breaks."
He made a thoughtful sound. "I thought it would be difficult for you and the ladies on the harem grounds. You need a place to recuperate after being exposed to the heat and humidity for a while."
She blinked at him. Was he actually being considerate, or was it a prelude to him forbidding their visits?
"It's not so bad. We'll manage."
"You don't have to." He reached for her hand. "I've ordered a large tent with a strong air-conditioning unit to be erected near the harem. You and the ladies can retreat there to cool down between inspections. It will be installed tomorrow and ready for you when you arrive. I'll also order specialized equipment for drying the books from the library."
Areana stared at him. "That's incredibly thoughtful of you." And suspicious. "Thank you."
He cared for her but rarely stopped to think what she needed. If she had told him she wanted a tent with air-conditioning, he would have fulfilled her wish, but it just hadn't occurred to her to ask.
He inclined his head. "It is my duty and pleasure to provide for you and ensure your comfort. Have I ever been negligent in doing so?"
