Druidess Found (Druidess Trilogy Book 1) Machelle Hanleigh (best ebook reader under 100 .TXT) 📖

"Six, not including myself," Sari said. "I'm not here to impress. I prefer something much less formal in my attire, but pants are not what Kahoali women wear. As a Shanees, it is expected that I be an example to other women."

"You have pants? I would love to get my hands on a pair." Kaily said with wistfulness in her tone that she couldn't quite hide.

Sari smiled. "I'll see what I can do. Here we are."

Sari led her closer to the musicians where a soft to the touch satin blanket was spread out on the ground. On top of it stood two cushioned pillows that were large enough to pass for chairs. Big, comfy chairs. The blanket covered an area just large enough for the two of them. A low table was placed between the cushions with two filled mugs. Kaily suspected hers would be the nectar drink she drank earlier. She sat. "Oh my, that's comfortable." She closed her eyes for a moment savoring the softness of it. "I could fall asleep in this seat." As she looked around, she noticed other areas were set up similarly near and around the musicians. Shimani positioned them on the edge of the groups. They sat close enough to be included, but barely. It afforded them privacy. Not as much as during the meal, but still some.

"Then do. The evening repast is about winding down the day. Spending time with family and friends. So, relax and enjoy the music." Sari handed her a mug. "Thank you for passing a pleasant evening repast with me, Kaily. I have enjoyed getting to know you better." Sari saluted her with her mug.

Kaily picked up her mug and tapped it to Sari's. She took a drink as Sari did. "Wow, that is not nectar of brey."

Sari smiled, "No, Shimani watered it down for you a bit. Drink it slowly. The affects have a way of sneaking up on a person."

"Definitely," Kaily agreed. "That is very good." She couldn't quite describe the flavor, but it went down very easy. She could probably drink way more than she should without even noticing it. "Thank you. I enjoyed getting to know you too." Not that they spent much time talking about anything of substance, but still, it did feel like they knew each other better.

Sari nodded and smiled at her. "Sit back and enjoy the night, Kaily."

She settled into the comfort of the cushion and let the melody of the flute like sounds accompanied by soft beats of drums wash over her. She could get used to this. Her eyes found her dark warrior. She suppressed a sudden feeling of irritation at the various women or Shanees surrounding her dark warrior. She didn't know how many of the women were Shanees. It didn't matter. There were too many women vying for his attention for her comfort level. It looked an awful lot like holding court from her perspective. She knew she shouldn't be irritated or jealous.

As she watched him, her eyes narrowed. It wasn't just the women talking to him that bothered her. It was that his back was once again to her even though she and Sari moved to a different location and a different vantage point. She shook her head slightly in annoyance and let out a silent sigh. She settled deeper into her cushion, sipped on the brey in her mug. What did it matter who her dark warrior talked to? She closed her eyes. It didn't. She took another long drink and settled even deeper into the cushion with a sigh. The soothing sounds drifted over her and into her mind. She would figure him out later. This moment felt too good to spoil with feelings of irritation.

Kaily realized she fall asleep only when she woke to Shimani shaking her gently awake. Someone took the mug from her hands and placed it on the low table. "I'm sorry. I must have fallen asleep." She suppressed a yawn. The clearing was emptier than when she first sat down. She noticed a number of the villagers leaving.

"No need to apologize." Shimani said helping her stand. "I'll walk you back to your hut."

"Thank you." Kaily's attention drifted towards her dark warrior. He walked to the side of the Queen's hut with Sari. She didn't want to feel jealousy pangs towards Sari, but she suddenly did. She liked Sari, but why would she be leaving with him? She couldn't help but notice just how close Sari walked next to him as they rounded the corner and disappeared behind the Queen's hut.

Shimani guided Kaily with his hand on the small of her back. "Moto is just seeing Sari home. They are childhood friends." His words were spoken in low tones, but Kaily caught them all the same.

Her eyes met his. She wanted to reply in some way to show that it didn't matter to her however, the words refused to come out. His words didn't give her comfort. If anything, his explanation that was meant to provide comfort, merely deepened the pangs of jealousy she felt in that moment.

Shimani smiled at her in a reassuring way but didn't say anything else.

Kaily let Shimani guide her to her hut. "Thank you."

"My pleasure." Shimani opened the door to Kaily's hut.

Kaily stepped inside. The interior lit the moment they walked over the threshold of the door.

"Did you enjoy the evening repast, Kaily?"

She nodded. "More than I thought I would. Thank you for taking me, Shimani." She enjoyed herself. She felt embarrassed she fell asleep and she didn't get to say good-bye to Sari. She hoped she would get the chance to see her again.

"I'm glad. I know Sari enjoyed your presence as did I. Sleep well, Kaily."

"Thank you, Shimani, and you as well."

Shimani gave a nod of his head and closed the door as he left.

Alone, Kaily looked around the hut. It had been a good evening, better than she anticipated. But she felt tired. She suspected the brey