Nikhil(41)

"Why does that surprise you?" She caught the look Luol gave Nikhil.

"Jerboaians are perfectly suited for the harsh conditions of mining. It's what they do. For them to have arrived with you and so few to have survived... It means you and your people were there much longer than we believed."

"And that surprises you. That such a small, insignificant species, one that doesn't even travel in space, could survive longer than one you do know."

"I do not consider you or your species insignificant, Mackenzie. But yes, I am surprised that you were able to survive so long. Zaludians aren't known for treating those they enslave... kindly."

"Know that first hand."

"Yes, unfortunately you do," Luol agreed. "Now let us make sure you can access the information the educator gave you. Do you know how far Crurn is from here?"

Mac thought for a moment. "Yes, it's three days travel from here."

"Good. Now do you know who Chancellor Aadi Rayner was?"

Mac saw Nikhil jerk slightly at the question and frowned. "I take it that's not a standard question."

"Why would you ask that, Luol?" Nikhil took a closer step toward his Ashe.

"I need to make sure she understands the world she is now in, Nikhil. Everything about it. This is the quickest way to make sure she does."

"Why are you so concerned, Nikhil?" Mac nearly reached out to touch him, then remembered she was mad at him.

"I do not want you further upset...” Nikhil glared at Luol.

"But why would...” Suddenly she knew why he was so concerned, and rubbed her temple as the information came flooding in. "Chancellor Aadi... He's part of the reason the Great Infection struck. Why nothing edible grows in the Kaliszian Empire."

"Yes," Luol confirmed.

"Is General Rayner related to him?" she addressed her question to Nikhil, wondering if he'd tell her the truth.

"Distantly," Nikhil instantly admitted, not wanting her ever to doubt he would tell her truth, "but he is nothing like his ancestor."

"Are you sure of that?"

"Yes."

"Anything else you want to ask me?" She returned her gaze to Luol.

"Just one more question."

"Alright."

"Do you now understand what it means to a Kaliszian to find their True Mate?"

"I...” Mac felt her throat tighten as she finally realized what having a True Mate really meant. It was like Soul Mates on Earth, but so much more. The bead that she wore, Nikhil's bead, allowed him to feel what she felt, to know if she were safe, well, and alive. She looked at Nikhil in shock, and saw the truth in his gaze. The True Mate bond was so strong between couples that when one met the Goddess, the other almost always chose to join them. She rose from the couch and walked directly to him, slapping both her palms against his chest, causing him to lean back slightly. "You will never do that!"

Nikhil grunted slightly at the sting of her palms against his skin, but he would always welcome any touch she was willing to bless him with. "Mackenzie...”

"Your vow, Nikhil. I will have it!" she demanded, gripping his vest, pulling him forward.

"I will never give you a vow that I don't intend to keep, my Mackenzie. So I cannot vow that," he told her allowing her to pull him down.

"That's ridiculous! You barely know me! There's no reason for you to...”

"There is every reason!" he growled his arms pulling her close. "I would already willingly sacrifice my life to protect you, and I have only known you one day. I cannot imagine how devastated I would be if you were no longer in my life."

"But...” That was as far as she got before Nikhil lifted her off her feet and covered her mouth with his.

Mac found herself sinking into Nikhil's kiss, the emotions behind it pouring through her.

Regret.

Loneliness.

Doubt.

Desire.

Uncertainty.

But the strongest most undeniable emotion that ran through it all was the all-consuming love... for her. Ripping her mouth away from his, she stared up at him with confusion-filled eyes.

"That's not possible...” she whispered.

"It is, because I feel it. Nothing will ever change it. Not even death. You make me whole and give me a purpose I never knew I was missing. You are all that matters to me now, Mackenzie."

"You have your people, your Emperor, your duty."

"All that, I would willingly forsake if it meant keeping you safe."

"Nikhil...” she reached out, running trembling fingers over his lips.

"It is truth, Little One. One I know will take time for you to fully accept. But never doubt that you are my True Mate, and I hope that one day you will be able to forgive my thoughtless words and agree to be my Ashe." He gently kissed her fingertips. "I will now take you to be reunited with your people, as I vowed I would."