Dark Princess: Shadows (The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance #89)

3. Kian

3

KIAN

K ian gave Brandon a curt nod, but his mind was on the experiment about to take place later that evening. The gods were impatient to test removing the tracker from one of them and transferring it to the captured trafficker, and the truth was that Kian was eager to get on with it as well. But for that to happen, Julian needed to get back to the keep along with Merlin, and Bridget needed to take over the village clinic to care for Morelle and Jasmine.

In fact, Kian decided that he needed to accompany the doctors to the keep and supervise the procedure, even though his presence was unnecessary, and he would rather spend the evening at home.

Then again, tomorrow was Saturday, so he could compensate by doing a little less work in his home office and spending more time with his family. After all, Sari and David were going back to Scotland on Monday, and he didn't want to miss out on all the family lunches and dinners that his mother and Syssi had planned.

As if summoned by his thoughts, Bridget rushed in. "Hello, Kian. Brandon," she said in passing.

"Thanks for coming," Kian called after her.

She nodded as she opened the door to Jasmine's room, and a moment later, a dejected Ell-rom was ushered out.

He looked lost and stressed, and given what lived inside of the prince, it was important to keep him calm.

It wasn't that Kian was worried about Ell-rom lashing out with his death ray and killing random people, but until they could put the guy through thorough testing, it was better to play it safe.

He rose to his feet, walked over to Ell-rom, and put a hand on his arm. "Take a deep breath and relax. It's perfectly normal for transitioning Dormants to lose consciousness, and your mate is tougher than most. She'll make it through."

Ell-rom's shoulders felt like they were made from granite. "Why did they tell me to leave? What are they doing in there?"

Kian led the prince to a chair next to Brandon. "They are not hiding anything alarming from you. It's perfectly normal for Bridget to kick the worried mate out of the room while she is hooking the patient up to the monitoring equipment. She is quick, efficient, and she doesn't want anyone disturbing her workflow."

Letting out a long breath, Ell-rom sat down. "I understand all of that logically, but my heart can't stop racing. I feel lost without Jasmine."

"I get it." Kian sat down on Ell-rom's other side.

He still remembered how wrecked he'd been during Syssi's transition. It was much easier to give advice when it wasn't his own mate's life on the line.

"In a day or two, you will look back and realize that you were panicking for nothing." Kian imbued his tone with as much calm and confidence as he could, hoping it would ease Ell-rom's fear.

The truth was that he wasn't worried. If Jasmine encountered any difficulties, his mother would come and give her a 'blessing,' and she would be fine.

"We haven't lost a single transitioning Dormant yet," Brandon said. "And some of them were much older and in relatively poor health compared to Jasmine. You really have nothing to worry about."

Ell-rom cast Brandon a grateful smile. "Thank you. That puts things in perspective."

"Glad to help." Brandon clapped Ell-rom on his back.

"So, what now?" the prince asked.

"Now we wait." Kian crossed his arms over his chest.

The next few minutes passed in silence as they waited, and then Bridget and Julian emerged from the room.

"All done," Bridget said. "Jasmine is exhibiting the classic symptoms of transition, and her vitals are strong. I don't expect her to remain unconscious for long, but I've learned that every Dormant is different, so I can't make promises."

"Can I go to her?" Ell-rom asked.

"Of course," Julian said.

"I'm coming with you." Kian followed him inside. "Do you need anything?" he asked.

Ell-rom shook his head.

Kian chuckled. "You'll want to stay by Jasmine's side until she's out of the critical stage of transition, which means that you'll need a change of clothes and some toiletries. I'll pack a bag for you and bring it over."

"I couldn't ask—" Ell-rom began, embarrassment clear in his voice.

"Don't worry," Kian cut him off. "I'll have Okidu pack your bag, and I might send him to bring it over or I may come myself."

The tension in Ell-rom's jaw abated. "Thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

Smiling, Kian gave Ell-rom's tense shoulder a light squeeze. "Syssi's transition is still as fresh in my mind as it was when it happened, but I've also seen many others since. I know the protocol. Can I get you some coffee? Maybe a bottle of water?"

Ell-rom shook his head. "Thank you, but I don't need anything right now other than for Jasmine to open her eyes and look at me."

Kian's heart squeezed in sympathy. "I'll pray to the Fates for Jasmine's quick and successful transition."

"Thank you," Ell-rom whispered.

When Kian returned to the waiting room, Brandon rose to his feet. "How is he?"

"Distraught, as can be expected. It's never easy watching someone you love go through this."

Brandon nodded. "I bet, which makes me wonder how Jade is taking Drova's betrayal."

Kian chuckled. "You wouldn't know looking at her, but it's not easy. She pretends to be the tough Kra-ell, who is a leader first and a mother second, but she can't fool me. If I had suggested putting Drova in stasis, Jade would have risen against me despite the life vow she swore to me."

Brandon looked surprised. "Are you sure? Their whole existence is about honor and duty. They don't believe in love."

Kian wasn't sure that was the case. Certainly not with Jade, but she hadn't discovered it until after meeting Phinas and falling in love with him. She had also loved the sons who Igor had ordered slaughtered, and she'd acknowledged that a long time ago. Unlike most people who were followers and accepted dogmas without questioning them, Jade had a strong personality, she was a leader, and she made up her own mind about things.

"The Kra-ell might have beliefs and customs that are very different from ours," he said. "But they are more like us than they realize. They are not made from stone, and they love their children, or at least those who can think for themselves do. Jade loves her daughter, and she loved the sons she lost. She would give her life and her honor to protect Drova. Not that I have any clandestine intentions for the girl. For now, she's under house arrest, and we will figure out a more permanent solution later."

"Like what?"

Kian shrugged. "I don't know yet. I can only handle one crisis at a time."