Page 27 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

“Please trust me. Be my ally and help me discern who I should trust. You are the chiefess and queen of ‘Anolani kingdom, after all. My people are your people now, too. Even though you did not grow up in our kingdom and may be indifferent to my people, I hope you will come to love them as much as I do.”

I never thought I’d hear the word “love” out of Keanu’s mouth. I mean, I only knew him for such a short time, but he seemed so obsessed with his duties and staying alive. He took my days to stay alive, after all.

But he did it for his people. I had never seen someone so devoted to people, and not just one person, but many people. Did he truly love al‌l the people in his kingdom? I couldn’t imagine being responsible for so many people. Taking care of Kiki and mother was a lot. How could someone possibly care for so many?

“Tonight will help me determine who to ally myself with,” Keanu said, then took my hand. He lifted it to his lips and pressed a kiss against my knuckles. Heat rushed up my cheeks, especially with him being so close to me, and I swallowed.

His thumb brushed over my fingers before he released my hand and looked past me. Other couples walked up the stairs to enjoy the view. Our private time together had ended.

“Will you dance with me?” Keanu asked, offering his arm again.

“I don’t know how.”

“You did just fine last night. Follow my lead.” He gave me a gentle smile, and I had no choice but to take his arm. He put his other hand over mine again, like he was claiming me. As we made our way to the ballroom, I tried to piece together who exactly this man was and what he asked of me.

Trust him? How many times would he ask me to do that? And the annoying thing was that he was right. He kept his end of the bargain, but he forced things on me, like attending this ball. Spending half the day with Malakai and part of the day with the noblewomen.

I would have a word with him about trust and my own boundaries, because if he wanted me to trust him, he couldn’t force things on me.

Before I could think further about my odd relationship with Keanu, he placed his hand on my waist, drew me close to him, and we danced.

Sure enough, I did not know how. I stepped on his toes more than once and moved in the wrong direction a few times, causing my body to clash against his. But he didn’t seem to mind, and instead wore an amused look on his face.

“All the chiefs and chiefesses from the island are here,” he said, leaning in so his face was close to mine, his lips about to brush my cheek. I shivered at the close contact. He smelled so good and felt so warm. While he pointed out each one, the person who stood out the most to me was Chief Kalanikupule, the man whose troops stood at the borders of Keanu’s kingdom.

Kalani, as Keanu called the man, was the face of intimidation. He was tall and broad, with brown skin and a scowl on his face. It didn’t help that there were tattoos on part of his face too. His long black hair fell down his back and, though he danced with his wife, he kept glancing our way.

The other person I noticed in the room was Malakai. He stood in the shadows, watching us, his arms folded, and a glare on his face. I didn’t even see my guard, Alohi, but something about Malakai’s expression made me uneasy.

Was he trying to tell me something? Perhaps remind me of our conversation earlier that day?

“Thank you, my beautiful wife,” said Keanu, and I realized the dance had ended. He kissed my cheek, and before I could respond, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone on the dance floor. A sea of people still surrounded me, but I didn’t know anyone. I searched in desperation for a place to stand, perhaps on the side. Maybe I’d see Malia.

Someone grabbed my arm, and I whirled around, face to face with none other than Keanu’s enemy, Kalani. And though nobody else could see, he forced me to look down at his hand, where he held a dagger.

“Dance with me, wife of Keanu.” Kalani’s voice filled me with terror, and my legs shook. He grinned when I scanned the room, horrified that I couldn’t find my husband. “Don’t scream,” Kalani warned. “Hurry now. Or else…” He drew the dagger towards my stomach, threatening me.

I nodded, every part of me wanting to melt into the ground and hope that none of this was real. But my hopes were in vain. My husband had abandoned me! How could I ever trust him? I took Kalani’s arm, and we began to dance.

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Tell me, is your husband fond of you?” Kalani asked, and I cringed a little. I mean… if I looked at the way Keanu treated me from a practical perspective, he showed all the signs that he liked me, maybe even romantically loved me. But I didn’t believe it. Anyone could pretend to be in love if their survival depended on it.

“Why does it matter to you?” I asked, finally finding my voice. Much to my relief, it didn’t tremble as much as I thought it would.

Kalani grinned, his tattoos creasing where his dimples were. “You don’t know what to believe, do you? I hear you bargained with your husband.”

My eyes narrowed. “And where did you hear that?”

“I have my sources. Now tell me. Do you really believe Keanu has your best interests in mind?”

“He’s my husband. Of course he does.” I didn’t believe that answer, but I had to say something.

“If you were any wiser, you’d know better and join me.”

“What do you mean? Why?” I scanned the room, but my husband truly was nowhere to be found. Oh, I’d have a word with him if I survived! Keanu begged me to trust him! But how could I when he disappeared, leaving me at the tip of his enemy’s blade?

I trust him as much as a storm cloud over calm seas, I thought woefully.