Chapter 37

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

The warm sun kissed my cheeks and my eyes fluttered open. I found myself in the comfortable room Salah had provided to us. A chair stood beside the bed and seated upon it was a smiling Ben. He had an open book in his lap which he closed.

"How are you feeling?"

I shifted and winced. My arms were bandaged from wrist to armpit and my bruised shoulder complained. "Like I did a lot of stupid things."

He chuckled as he set the book aside. "Stupid and brave." He leaned forward with his bent arms on his legs and his beautiful blue eyes studied my face. "You saved the whole island from a fate worse than death."

I closed my eyes and shook my head. "It was all you and Lila. I was just support."

Ben scooted closer and set a hand over mine that lay atop the covers. His eyes twinkled with admiration and mischief. "Have you already forgotten that the aqasa showed us you had magic of your own?"

My eyes widened. "The Prima Staff! And my ribbon!"

He nodded at the dresser against the wall. The canister and the ribbon lay atop them. "Secured from the palace as thanks for our help, but you're diverting us from the topic at hand."

"I'd like to have that ribbon back on my hand," I mused as my eyes flickered to my empty wrist.

Ben leaned down and captured my lips in a long, tender kiss. He drew away far too soon, leaving me breathless. "Now that I have your attention, I'd like to remind you that you have a strength inside you that inspires others. In this case, the inspiration was quite literal." He lifted his hand that was over mine and studied the fingers. "I've never felt that much power before, even in my most furious form."

"Maybe Lila did it," I suggested.

Ben fell back against his chair and folded his arms over his chest. A smile slipped onto his lips as he shook his head. "You are quite stubborn, but I'll let it pass so we don't spoil the crowning."

I blinked at him. "Crowning? For who?"

"For Salah. Ramaal's been removed and Salah has been appointed by the people to replace him. The coronation will take place in a week's time after the dust has settled, figuratively and literally speaking."

"What about Diana and her team? And the Thaqiba?"

He chuckled. "You're full of questions, but fortunately I have answers. Diana and her team have been banished from the island and the Thaqiba are, unfortunately, permanently destroyed. There's no magic in these days that can bring them back."

My face fell. "So what happens now?"

"The storms will come and bring the rains, and the desert will vanish," he mused as he clasped his hands together in his lap. "The people will learn how to survive. I might dare to guess that the water will allow them to grow more crops which they can sell to the mainland. Whatever will come, the people of Kalea will find a way to continue living."

I fell back on the pillow and a deep sigh escaped me. "I guess that wraps everything up."

"Not quite," Ben spoke up. I lifted an eyebrow at him as he reached into his pocket and drew out a small box. My heart fluttered as he opened it to reveal a simple gold ring. "This is merely an engagement ring. Your wedding ring will be much finer."

Tears sprang into my eyes as I took the box from him and studied the simple but elegant ring. "It's. . .it's beautiful." I wiped some tears away with the back of my hand.

Ben grinned. "Does that mean you'll have me?"

I threw myself into his arms and the chair toppled over. He landed hard on his back with my squirming body atop him.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" I shouted as I sat up and grinned down into his bemused face. "And it's about time!"

He grasped my arms and grinned up at me. "I had intended to propose at Pernix, but my plans were unexpectedly put on hold."

"Better late than never," I teased as I pecked a kiss on his lips.

"Is that to be my only reward?" he countered.

I leaned in and pressed our lips together in a long, slow, passionate embrace. Ben wrapped his arms around me to deepen our union and I felt my body warm to his touch. We reluctantly drew apart and I found his cheeks as heated as mine.

I propped my elbows on top of his chest and cupped my cheeks in my hands. "You know, it's going to be hard to top this adventure."

Ben chuckled. "Indeed, but I have a feeling we'll find a way."

How right he was, and how terrifying would be our next adventure as we wheeled our way into haunted forests and forbidden places.