Page 38 of Vampire's Promise
“Yes. Yes, that would be a much kinder way to describe Hades. It does my heart good though to see him matured, and Mia is such a delight.”
“She has been good for him.”
“Gwen, I understand you lost your mother at a young age.” She set her glass on a coaster.
“Yes. Both our parents were killed in the Demonic war.”
“I would be honored if you would allow me to assist you with your upcoming mating ceremony.”
Gwen was almost left speechless but was quick to recover. “I would like that very much. Thank you.”
Netasis rose with a smile lighting up her face. “Then I must get to work. We have one week until Ra will bless you and Kian. In Edala, it is customary for the mother to choose her daughter’s gown. I will send for you once we are ready for your fitting.” Then she did the most unexpected thing and stepped into Gwen, giving her a hug. “Do not worry about a thing. It will all be taken care of.” Then she turned and walked away.
“Well, that was a surprise,” she muttered, picking up the tray and carrying it back to the kitchen. Netasis didn’t fit the goddess of destruction image at all. Or, at least, the one Gwen had formed in her head, but then she was smart enough to know the gods had many faces and they wore whichever one was necessary for the occasion. It actually relieved her that someone else was taking on the task of preparing for the upcoming bonding ceremony. Her nerves were already tied up in a ball.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Kian shuffledhis stance several times while he spoke with his father. “You say Zarek has come up with a plan to help save Edala?” With the loss of mortals to worship them, many of the gods and goddesses were at risk of fading away. Some had already.
“Today is your mating ceremony. Put all other concerns from your mind,” Argathos said.
“I’m trying to think of something else to keep my nerves from getting the better of me.”
His father laughed. “I can see by your fidgeting you are not being successful. Very well. Yes, Zarek has plans to ask Aidyn to speak to the people since they know him and offer a new world for them to settle in if they choose.”
“Neolia? I thought it destroyed during the war.”
“Zarek has restored it.”
“An entire world? Uncle is scary powerful.” Kian had a hard time picturing the world where mortals had once thrived and worshipped the gods and goddess of Edala as being whole again. When he had last laid eyes upon it, the destruction had been devastating. The world was nothing but scorched rock. No life ofany kind had survived, and it was proof of the destructive power that coursed through the beings of Edala.
Argathos jacked up a brow. “And this comes from the demigod who recently ashed a goddess? You forget the power our family carries and who we come from.”
“I suppose. Do you think any will take Aidyn up on the offer?”
“I am certain of it. Lowan left his scars on their world, and some will want to start fresh. Zarek has vowed that if any in Edala dare lay a finger on a mortal, they will face their king’s wrath. In exchange for a fresh start in building a new world, those who come to Neolia must make a weekly offering to the gods of Edala. That should keep everything in balance.”
“Sounds like a good plan.”
“Are you ready to have Ra bless your mating?” Argathos smiled.
“I am. Do I look presentable?” He had donned their traditional shendyt of red with a golden belt that wrapped around his waist and fell down the front. Around his neck was a collar of gold, onyx, and turquoise. He had tied his hair back and adorned his head with a gold and lapis piece, as well as outlined his eyes with kohl.
“Your mate will wish to whisk you away before the ceremony is even complete.”
Kian laughed, but he would be good with the idea of sneaking away with Gwen for a little time together. They had been so busy these past few days, there seemed to be no time for themselves. He would change that tonight. “Then let us go before we are late, and my mate has me flogged.”
Together, he and his father flashed to Ra’s temple where, for a moment, he thought he might be in the wrong place. Laid out along the passage were blue lotus flowers floating in large crystal bowls. Between them was a deep purple carpet threaded with gold glyphs that offered the couple a blessing. Lining both sidesof the room were several gods and goddesses. Some he knew and others he assumed had come from the realm where his family had been residing. At the front of the room stood their king, Zarek.
While his father stepped to the side and stood next to his brothers, Kian continued to walk the carpet to Zarek, where he dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “Majesty.”
“Rise my nephew and face the others.”
Kian did as commanded and looked out among the faces in the crowd. To his right stood Netasis. Her smile indicated her happiness. She liked Gwen, which was an enormous relief, and she had even helped his mate by setting up this entire event. From the decor to Gwen’s gown, down to the food and wine that would flow after.
“Today, you will bear witness to the mating ceremony of Prince Kian and his mate Gwyneth, which will be blessed by Ra himself. This union was fated by our sovereign, and my mother, Cera and will stand without question.”
On his mother’s name, the door opened, and Gwen walked into the room on the arm of her brother. A hush raced over the crowd as they took in the sight before them. Kian couldn’t take his eyes off his mate. Her long hair had been beaded and braided. Her eyes were lined with heavy kohl and her lips a red perfection. He suddenly had wicked thoughts about where he wanted her mouth planted, but he was quick to push them aside or face having an erection that would bring him nothing but embarrassment.
