It's odd because the attention Property of a Gordon has gotten is bouncing off onto His Experiment and this story, and I didn't realize it until now. So there's quite a few more of you reading this than I thought, so thank you :) Enjoy the chapter!! PERSISTENCE OF A GORDON, do y'all like this title for Calyx's story?

Chapter Seventeen

Ever since Prince Gordon's surprise, the smile on Kai's face had not left. Even now, as we danced to the leisurely music the orchestra played for us, I could feel the smile in the crook of my neck.

His soft laughter fanned across my skin, infecting me with a smile of my own. "I'm so happy our village is getting rebuilt, südame. It'll be a memorial for our leap," he said softly, and I nodded in agreement, resting my cheek on his.

"So am I, Kai," I started, feeling his smile grow. "It will be the perfect place to begin our own little leap."

I could hear his chest rumble in agreement with me before my head found its way to his shoulder. It was then I saw Prince Gordon, my päästja.

He was currently talking to a slim female, one who smiled at him, although it wasn't as genuine as Kai's. Her eyes kept flickering around the room as if she would rather be elsewhere.

Prince Gordon's stance was both still and slightly awkward. His facial features looked cold in comparison to hers, as if he wasn't sure what he was supposed to be doing.

A frown settled across my face at the sight. I could fathom why it was so hard for him to be himself around others. Every time he was in public, he closed himself off and hardened his body.

However, around me, it was the opposite. He would allow himself to relax. He was never stiff or awkward, but kind and sweet. He would even smile, something I do not think he knew the definition of at this moment.

Kai turned us both to the music's sound, taking Prince Gordon out of my view with the movement. I then found myself listening to Kai's heartbeat.

It was strong and steady, as it should be. I could hear it pound against my ear, soothing me with its constant pressure. I felt my eyes closing, the sound my guide.

His chest began to rumble beneath me, my smile immediately returning. I had not realized it, but my hand had drifted to his back and began running absentmindedly up and down it. It had been the catalyst for the strong purr running within him.

The sound itself thrilled me because I knew shifters didn't purr for just anyone. They purred for those they felt comfortable around, for those that they placed deep within their hearts. They only purred for their loved ones, when in blissful moments.

"Kai?" I said softly, my eyes opening as something swelled within me. I didn't know what it was, but it was the main reason I needed his attention at this very moment.

I could feel his lips on my hair as a response before I began talking.

"I want you to know I could not imagine my life without you. You are my anchor, my lumeleopard, and my armastatu. Without you, I would be lost in a world filled with dangers.

I know I am not as ready for our relationship as you are; however, I do love every minute of it. Even if I do not show it."

His purr continued, only growing strong at the words. Kai had stopped our dancing but continued holding me as he listened to my words. Now, he grabbed my chin, making me face him, my eyes on his.

"I love you, my beautiful süda. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you would become the perfect mate and give me children that will almost amount to your beauty," he said softly, pulling me closer if possible.

His eyes were soft, but I could see a light within them. I could see how happy my words had made him, how elated he was at them. The smile was still on his face, softened by affection.

I knew then that I did not want to be anywhere else, if this was what I was rewarded with.

I leaned closer to him, moving my arms around his neck, resting them lightly on his shoulder. I pressed my lips to his, his smile never disappearing.

"I love you too, Kai," I murmured when I pulled away only for him to nip my ear. I pressed my nose against his collarbone before my teeth found his ear.

I could hear his chest rumble in warning, not enjoying being teased, but I only laughed. I nipped at his ear again before pressing my lips to his jaw, leaving them near there.

"Perhaps we could leave early," I said quietly, and at those words, his whole body coiled. He understood their intentions, but I suppose he wasn't sure if I did.

I knew it was sudden, but perhaps Kai had been right. Perhaps, if I listened to everything the leap had said and gave Kai what he wanted, this would be easier.

Perhaps the arguing would stop, and the hatred towards Prince Gordon would lessen. If Kai could continue to love me without thought, perhaps I shouldn't fight against him so much.

He began talking in our native language, the words like honey. I smiled, calming him down with another kiss, my face remaining close to his own.

"Ivy, are you sure? I don't want—" he started, but I nipped his nose as we did with the cubs.

"I cannot promise anything will happen, Kai, but—" I started and was then reminded that we weren't in our own little world.

"Kai! I knew it was you," a female said, and I turned, stiffening when I realized it was one of the sireenide from earlier.

She was smiling at Kai, as if they were the best of friends. "I would really love to dance with you, if that's okay?"

Two pairs of eyes were on me, and I was quick to snap, "No, it's not! As you can see, he's taken for the night."

It didn't matter that I wanted her out of my sight or that jealousy was in control of me. Kai still disapproved, his smile disappearing for the first time since this evening.

"You're being rude, Ivy," he chided before tilting his head to the girl. "I'm sorry for her behavior," he apologized, as if I were in the wrong.

It was incredibly rude of her to request a dance when I was sure she noticed our intimate moment. I began to wonder if that was the reason she came over here.

She simply laughed, unfazed. "It's alright, Kai. However, the only apology I'll accept is a dance," she tried once again, holding out her hand expectantly, a smile on her face.

I looked at Kai, surprise flickering across my face when I saw the question in his eyes. He wanted to know whether it was okay for him to accept her offer.

Even though I had told him that I was willing to extend our relationship, to deepen it, Kai seemed to have already forgotten about that. He was more interested in dancing with another girl.

"He's all yours," I said stiffly, pulling myself from Kai's arms and walking away.

I could briefly hear him call my name and sigh, but I only continued walking. I wouldn't let Kai know how much that had hurt me.

I walked to a spot near the wall, noticing how isolated I felt without Kai by my side. I could see everyone else surrounded by others, enjoying what the night had to offer.

I searched for Kai and found him dancing with her, listening as she talked. I could hear his laughter even from here, taking its time to pierce me. Kai looked happy, happier than he had looked in quite some time.

The sight of them together made me wonder if my future with Kai was as sealed as I thought it had been. Maybe the fighting and angry tears had only been foreshadowing for what was to come.

My thoughts rolling downhill were interrupted by a light touch on my shoulder. I looked towards its owner, finding a pair of soft eyes.

"Would you like some company?" Prince Gordon asked, and I found myself nodding, not greeting him as I usually would.

He came to my side, watching the crowd as I did. "Has the Princess fell for your charming ways?" I teased him, hoping to distract myself and attempt to enjoy the rest of the evening.

However, a frown fell onto his face at the question, and I realized perhaps his evening was going in the same direction as mine.

"My dear, finding love outside the village you grew up in is not quite that easy.

You and Kai were put together. You have spent your whole life knowing that the both of you would end up together and live with one another. There is no risk in loving him.

However, it is different here. I am not sure who I am supposed to end up with. I am not sure if I will end up with anyone at all.

Do you see all these people? None of them have a love as certain as yours and Kai's. Even my brother and his companion. They may expect children, but that does not mean they will be together forever.

There is so much uncertainty in love and in finding someone," he explained, for once his face holding a somber look.

I was quick to respond to him. "You will end up with someone, päästja; I am sure of it. No one would allow such a beautiful human to go to waste," I said, my voice firm. At the words, his lips turned up.

"You are the beautiful one, Ivy," he replied, and I laughed in response, momentarily forgetting about earlier.

"I was speaking about your heart, päästja," I replied before grabbing his hand and pulling him to the dance floor.

"Tonight is for us, so we should enjoy it, should we not?" I asked him, watching as his smile grew.

"That is a very valid point, my dear," he said, before pulling me closer. Not a moment later, we began dancing, blending in with the rest of the crowd .

It was easy to dance with him. We were equal in talent, as dancing was something that has been taught to us within our lessons here.

He was a graceful leader, and I followed easily. Together, we were as dynamic as the wind when it danced with the flickering flames of a fire.

I had not noticed when people began to move to the walls to give us space, nor had I noticed when they watched us with admiring eyes. I did not hear the bushes whispering or see the fingers pointing in our direction. My attention was centered around the dance and my partner.

It wasn't until Prince Gordon slowed us to a stop that I began to realize we were receiving attention. When the crowd started clapping, the sound a rippling effect, I could see the startled expression that flashed across his eyes as well.

"Your Princess looks impressed, päästja. This would be the perfect time to talk to her," I whispered, my eyes on the woman who smiled at him.

Prince Gordon hesitated in responding before saying, "I will, however, only if you are there to help me."

I smiled and said, "You do not need help. But I will go with you."

And so we went in her direction, me following behind him. However, I didn't make it there with seeing the expressionless look in my lumeleopard's eyes.

Are y'all interested in another writing contest? Prizes would be a dedication, shout out, a copy of Property of a Gordon that only three people will have (it'll just be in a binder, like the picture), or helping with Calyx's story.

[süda - heart]

[südame - my heart]

[päästja - savior]

[armastatu - loved one]

[lumeleopard - snow leopard]

[sireenide - sirens]