Page 102 of The Savage Vow
A sister.
She had never had one. She’d never had anyone close enough where she would consider them one either. She’d had friends in Soza, but none she would call sister.
Not only was she gaining a mate for life, but she was gaining a sister…a whole family. Nargol’s parents and sister had welcomed her with open arms. They hadn’t cared once that she was human.
She turned and laid her brush down on the dresser and found her sleep cap. She placed it on her head and tucked her hair within it. She changed out of her robe and pulled a nightgown on. It was getting late, and Nargol had yet to return to their quarters.
Her mate had been extremely busy since they had arrived in Udenia.
But she still made time for Orlena.
She climbed up into the bed and slipped beneath the blankets. Tomorrow she had plans to visit the human women who had be brought to safety in Udenia. The chiefess, Dura, had arranged for housing in the southern quarter of the town. Orlena had heard that some of the women were wanting to stay in Udenia while a few wanted to explore and make their homes elsewhere.
The thought filled her with pride. Each of the women were able to make their own decisions about their futures. She was happy for each of them.
The door to their suite opened. She sat forward as her heart did a little pitter-patter.
Orlena’s breath caught at the sight of her mate stepping inside the room. She closed the door behind her with a soft thud. She paused and held her hand behind her back as if she were hiding something.
She still wore her official uniform. Dark leather tunic and pants fitted her powerful frame perfectly. The crest of the Nidani clan was embedded in her tunic in silver over her heart. Her thick black hair was braided tightly back from her face, and the firelight cast warm shadows across the strong lines of her features.
To Orlena, she looked magnificent.
Nargol’s expression softened the moment she saw her.
“You’re already in bed,” she murmured.
Orlena rose from the bed and slid out of it. She crossed the room before she could stop herself. Nargol met her halfway. Their kiss was gentle. It was slow, warm, and filled with heated passion.
It left Orlena trembling when they parted. Nargol bent down and rested her forehead against Orlena’s.
“I figured you would be here once I fell asleep,” Orlena said softly.
“The council meeting was much longer than expected, and then some other things came up.”
“Is everything all right?” Orlena tilted her head.
“Better than all right.” A smile tugged at Nargol’s mouth. She lifted the hand that she’d kept behind her back. In it was a rolled piece of parchment.
“What is that?” Orlena asked.
“A map.” Nargol chuckled. “Come here.”
She guided Orlena over to the table where they took their meals when they didn’t want to join the others. She spread the paper across the table. It was a map of Aghon.
Orlena gasped. She took in the beautiful artwork of the country.
Mountains carved in careful inked lines. Rivers winding across the land. Forest shaded in deep green. Small settlements marked with tiny symbols.
Aghon was enormous.
It was far larger than she had ever imagined. She looked up at Nargol, confused.
“What is this for?” she asked.
“I want you to choose.” Nargol’s amber eyes twinkled with excitement.
“Choose what?”
