Free A Lost Kitten by Jessica Kong Page A

Since then, the only fragrance she uses is vanilla.”
    John went silent for a while as he ate his food. He mulled over what the king had revealed. Jasira was the owner of the vanilla scent. It made sense why he smelled her at the school. She was the headmistress. He had smelled her at the festivities because she was there. What about when he smelled her in his room?
    “Are there any secret passageways in this castle?”
    “If I tell you, then it would not be a secret,” Yudit casually replied.
    By his response, John concluded there were hidden passageways throughout the castle. It must have been Jasira who kissed him. His heart accelerated. While he ate, he casually touched his lips with his right index finger’s knuckle.
    John was unable to forget that incredible kiss. He had searched everywhere for the owner of that scent, believing it would lead him to his kisser. He was right. They were connected. And now he would be staying in her house. His soul trembled with excitement at the thought of experiencing that kiss again. He had to know more about his daring secret admirer.
    “Is she young?”
    “Very.”
    “Is she attractive?”
    “Very.”
    “Then why isn’t she married?”
    “No one has ever captured her heart.”
    “I know that feeling.” John took a bite of food and swallowed. “I couldn’t find anything in the house that spoke of Jasira. Can you give me insight into who she is?”
    “Why do you want to know?”
    John shrugged, though it could not be seen underneath the layers of clothes. “I’m half-feline. It’s in a feline’s nature to be curious.”
    “I see. And you get this half from who?”
    “My mother. She’s an Oceanan. Oceanans evolved from felines. My father is an Earthling. A human. Nonfeline.”
    The king nodded. “Jasira is an interesting woomuhn. Unique in many respects.”
    “How’s that?”
    “For one thing, she does not frighten easily. She sees life as a challenge, and she’s not afraid to confront it. I’m told she is not an easy woomuhn to be around; she likes to take charge and direct others on what to do.”
    “Those are not necessarily bad traits.”
    “She’s intelligent and hardworking. Dedicated to her stoodntz, famuhlee, and fends.” Yudit pointed to himself. “And to me. She is a patient and understanding woomuhn, but if you cross her…you will regret it.”
    John smiled. Jasira sounded like the type of woman he was looking for—strong-willed, independent, and family-oriented.
    “Do you have any idea where she could have gone? Maybe to visit her parents?” John suggested.
    “She visits them often.”
    “Do they live nearby?”
    “No. It’s a four-day journey on foot to get to their hohm.”
    “Who escorts her?”
    “Jasira accepts no escorts.”
    “What? Why?”
    “That’s Jasira.”
    “That’s insane. Granted, I don’t know much about what goes on beyond those walls, but I can guess those walls were built for a very good reason.”
    “You are very perceptive.”
    “Why do you allow her to go alone?”
    “I do not allow anything. I am the king, not her permanent mate. Jasira has no permanent mate to keep her from leaving the sitee alone. Perhaps if she commits to a lifetime companion, he will be able to stop her. Until then, Jasira listens to Jasira.”
    John gritted his teeth. He knew how pigheaded some women could be. His home was full of them, all descended from his stubborn mother or willful aunt. The men were periodically bailing the women out of trouble. He prayed Jasira did not find herself in a dangerous situation; he did not know where she was to be able to help her.
    Yudit noticed the concern on John’s face. “Do not worry about Jasira. She can take care of herself. She has been doing so for a very long time.”
    “How long?”
    “Too long.” Yudit motioned for more wine and tea. The maid quickly filled his goblet and John’s mug. “I pray she meets a man who will complete her soon.”
    John considered those words while