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

Why? What's wrong? He could feel the panic starting to form within her. Something was wrong, she could feel it in his thoughts.

Moto knew his tone was the source of her panic. He tried to calm his thoughts. He didn't have time to explain and he couldn't afford to split his focus between the throne room and Kaily. Sometime in the near future he would explain to Kaily the importance of just answering his questions. Make your way back to your hut. I'll explain later. He commanded.

Why? Kaily asked.

Just do as I say, Kaily, please! Moto pleaded. Remember your promise to keep your talisman secret. He didn't wait for her reply. He closed his mind off to Kaily. He didn't think she could hear what transpired from his thoughts, but he wasn't willing to take any chances. He would apologize later, if she noticed what he did. He focused his attention on the events playing out in front of him.

"Sari, step forward," Queen Shakti said. "This concerns you as well."

Moto focused on not frowning and maintaining a mask of neutrality. The last thing he needed to do was make matters worse by losing control over his emotions or temper. Whatever transpired was indeed grave for the Queen to call the Shanees to this meeting on such short notice. For other villager, including males, to be in attendance did not bode well.

"As you wish, my Queen," Sari said as she moved from her place with the other Shanees to stand beside Moto in front of the throne. Kesho took his place as a Chosen on the dais to the side and behind the Queen.

Moto glanced at Sari before he focused his attention on the Queen.

"Koa," Queen Shakti held her hand out to indicate the villager who stood to Moto's left "observed Kaily at Crystal Lake."

Moto's heart sank deeper. The last place she needed to be seen at, especially after his conversation with the Queen. He maintained his stone facade.

"He advised me she is in possession of a talisman." Queen Shakti said.

Moto closed his eyes for a split second before he could catch himself. A myriad of emotions warred inside him. He didn't know if he could maintain any kind of neutrality. He didn't sense anyone else at Crystal Lake with him and Kaily. He didn't know if it was because there wasn't anyone else or because he became so absorbed with Kaily he didn't notice. He feared it was the latter. He didn't expect anyone to be at Crystal Lake until the next morning when preparations would start for the evening ceremony.

Queen Shakti continued, her focused attention squarely on Moto. "Koa advised she was there alone."

Moto maintained his silence. If the Universe saw fit to give him this gift, he would not refuse it by advising this assembly he had been there, probably just moments before Koa arrived, and in fact saw Kaily pull the talisman from Crystal Lake. Encouraged her. It was a good thing Koa had not observed that part.

Queen Shakti continued, "It's unclear how she obtained one, but we must assume she pulled it from Crystal Lake herself." The Queen kept her focus on Moto as she spoke.

Moto didn't like being under her scrutiny. He struggled to maintain emotional distance and display only neutrality. He needed to get Kaily away from his people as fast as he could. He feared she was no longer safe among the Kahoali, not that the Queen would cause her harm, but she would send her to Celtan. That was a fate worse than death. "Baridi," Queen Shakti motioned for Baridi to step forward.

"Yes, my Queen."

Moto noticed Baridi didn't spare him a glare of disapproval as he normally did in these situations. It was not unusual for Moto to be the recipient of the Queen's ire.

"You will find Kaily and keep her confined to the guest hut." Queen Shakti turned her gaze to Moto. "Chances are she still remains at Crystal Lake." She raised a quizzical eyebrow towards Moto.

Moto remained silent and tried not to flinch.

"The bonding ceremony between Moto and Sari will take place at this evening's repast." Queen Shakti turned her attention to those assembled. "The Shanees will direct the preparations. Baridi, you will make Kaily presentable and bring her to the ceremony. It is my wish she observes the bonding between Moto and Sari." She spared Moto a glance before returning her attention to Baridi.

Baridi bowed low, "as you wish, my Queen."

The Queen waited for Baridi to leave to do her bidding before she turned her attention back to Moto. "In the morning Kaily will be sent to Celtan." There was an audible gasp followed by silence as the weight of her words sunk in to those assembled.

Moto did flinch at those words and a rush of anger rose from deep within his center. Sari laid a restraining hand on his arm. He didn't spare her a glance. His worst fears manifested right in front of him. He held the Queen's gaze.

Moto reached out to Kaily, Hear me, little one. Baridi is coming to escort you to your hut. Don't fight him and don't let him find the talisman.

Should I put it back? Kaily asked.

No, just don't let him find it. I'm sorry, little one. Moto added before he closed his mind to her again. The Queen continued speaking, but Moto stopped paying attention. His eyes scanned those assembled, but nothing registered. His mind raced as he tried to determine what to do now. How could he let this happen? He barely felt Sari's fingers lace with his or the reassuring squeeze she gave his hand. His world crashed in on him and there was nothing he could do about it. How could he not see this coming? The moment Kaily pulled the talisman from Crystal Lake he should have taken her back to her home world.

Sari guided him out of the throne room, and he let her. Whether she spoke on the