Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Ciara Lake Page A

startling. Lush jungle trailed through the columns of stone with startling beauty. Saleeya softly sighed. The use of native flora mixed with the artistic architecture easily surpassed that of the simply functional buildings on Kriton. Open verandas and patios overlooked the outside gardens. There was no differentiating between inside and outside. Surprisingly, the temperature mixed with the humidity was moderate. It all reminded Saleeya of locations she had only read about in her many books. This world was richly colorful compared to the arid beige Kriton. Xihirah was a living work of art. Saleeya was in love with the world’s ambiance.
    With a grin, Saleeya turned to Kael, who watched her with a heated stare. “It’s so beautiful. I feel alive, as though it’s part of me. You don’t see such lavishness back home.” Surrounded by flowering plants, she inhaled deeply, enjoying the fragrant aroma of their bright blossoms.
    The elegant dining hall was a long room that opened out onto a balcony of similar size. The balcony’s view of a vast jungle was phenomenal. Hills, mountains of green, made up the landscape as far as her eyes could see. “My Deity, the sky’s so blue and the green, oh my.” She touched Mia’s arm in her excitement. “Have you ever seen such vibrant hues? It astounds me.”
    “Me too. This world is nearly too much for my Kriton brain to handle. I mean it in a good way.” Mia giggled. “It’s a fabulous place.”
    Kael led their small group out onto the balcony while the servants finished preparing the table. He had been too quiet on the way to the dining hall, as if deep in thought. Pointing toward the vast jungle, “What you see is the Ziriacan Jungle. It’s the largest jungle on Xihirah, possibly in the known galaxy. It’s one of our many treasures.”
    “It’s so gorgeous; there’re really no words to express,” Saleeya exclaimed, leaning against the balcony’s railing. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the warm, moist, tropical wind. It lightly caressed her face. The wind was sweet, exotic. It swirled around her, seducing her with the aroma of hundreds of flowers. “I want to touch and smell every one of your marvelous flowers.”
    “Yes.” His fingers slipped along her bare flesh. She shuddered at the heat that suffused her body. His hand on her arm sent glorious shivers of sensation through her body. “I, too, love the scent of a lovely flower. The feel of its softness against my skin is like nothing else, sweet Saleeya,” he murmured softly next to her ear.
    “Son, please introduce me.” The sudden commanding male voice broke the magical moment. A shaft of something hot and heavy ripped through her. When Kael stepped back, his eyes flashed dangerously before he masked the challenge. Within seconds, his demeanor shifted. Graciously he bowed before the older, regal man approaching.
    Saleeya noted the way the others clustered together, their eyes widened. They stared at the two men who sandwiched Saleeya between them. Swiftly responding to his father’s request, Kael said, “Father, may I introduce you to Ambassador Saleeya Stayvel of Kriton, her aide, Mia Tiller, the Minister of Kriton Government, Troyic Vitalion, his assistant, Jarvin Manntree. Ladies and gentlemen, the Lord Sovereign of Xihirah, Kliven Braeden.” Kael’s father spared the other dignitaries a moment’s attention before focusing his full attention on Saleeya. Her cheeks burned from the knowing look in his eyes before they cut to his son.
    “May I take her hand, Kael?” Lips twisting, showing sharp canine teeth, Kael nodded.
    Saleeya frowned, desperately trying to recall what custom this could be that she’d inadvertently forgotten. Drawing a blank, she glanced at Mia who paled but didn’t speak, leaving a heavy knot of tension within her belly.
    Kliven’s eyes met Saleeya’s, and he held out a hand. “Please, place your hand in mine, dear child.”
    Fearing insulting the king, she placed her hand