Honor Bound

by Michelle Howard

  Miki relaxed. So much planning had gone into the celebration for tonight. She wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. There hadn’t been a reason to dress up in a long time. She hoped the Warlords would see this as a sign the Raasa welcomed them. “Is everything ready?” Miki couldn’t help but worry that something would go wrong.

  Sera stood and grasped both of Miki‘s hands. “I went down earlier and it’s just as you wished. Cook prepared a special meal and dessert. Assa arranged for musicians, which means there will be dancing.”

  Miki laughed and hugged Sera tightly. “This will be the best night ever.” She’d prove to her mate that she supported his work to make their home safe and trusted him to protect her people. Once he believed she completely committed to him, love would flourish between them.

  Chapter 10

  Vaan sheathed his sword and offered words of encouragement to Balal. “As you continue to learn, you will not fall for such a move in the future.”

  The Warlord shook his head and grinned. “I should have expected it. I have seen you and Argan practice such a maneuver time and again.”

  Ramar came up and pounded Balal on the back. “He is the Overlord because he is our best fighter.”

  Vaan smirked at the praise. “Your words are bloated, Ramar. Many times I unarmed you with a similar move.”

  The Warlords laughed at the flush staining Ramar’s cheeks. As they entered the hall, it was easy to sense the festive air. Argan waved them over to the few remaining seats at the table. Colorful streamers hung from the rafters, Warlords and Raasa milled about. Food covered every available surface.

  Music blared through the hall. A quartet of Raasa males sat in chairs at the front of the dining hall playing the lutir. To his surprise, Vaan enjoyed the sounds they produced on the difficult instruments. A few females got up to dance, occasionally tugging a male to the circle to join them.

  The atmosphere in the room hovered on the verge of pleasant. The continued training exercises were making the Raasa more comfortable in their presence and his Warlords were accepting their new home with less animosity. It helped that Mikayla struggled not at all with his command of her home.

  Vaan devoured the tasteful food on his plate. His Warlords did the same and made ample use of the cider. Two days had gone by since his order to Mikayla to address the cook. If he believed his men, she’d done it on purpose. He hadn’t had a chance to address the matter with her because he could not fathom the lengths a woman would go to in order to attain something as trivial as this kissing she claimed to want.

  Laughter from the stairs caught his attention. Mikayla entered the dining hall from the upper level, smiling with the servant who walked beside her. Animated features so similar, except the servant stood shorter than Mikayla and her eyes were a lighter green. Mikayla spent many hours in the company of the house workers but he’d felt no need to restrict the innocent contact. It pleased her in a way he could not decipher.

  When she and the female reached the floor, Vaan jerked and choked on his cider. By the Blessed One, what did she have on? The green fabric left little to the imagination. It draped around her neck, revealing golden shoulders and arms. Silk hugged her sides, leaving her flat belly bare. A gold belt made of large hoops dangled about her waist from which thin layers of the same green silk fell to her ankles. Each time she moved, the fabric parted, flashing a glimpse of her slender legs and the dainty gold sandals she wore on her feet.

  Her hair hung in waves about her face and her green eyes tilted up in the corners. The servant girl wrapped an arm around Mikayla’s shoulders. Sera? Her name mattered not when he considered she wore a dress in a style identical to Mikayla but in a pink fabric. Vaan glowered at the two women but more females entered the hall in the skimpy attire.

  They joined the dance floor, laughing and kicking their heels in steps he’d never witnessed. Raasa males approached, spinning the women in the air, their hands in contact with the exposed skin.

  Argan noticed them first. His jaw clenched and his gaze zoomed in on Vaan. Vaan got to his feet slowly. More and more of his Warlords turned to follow his intense stare. First surprise then anger washed over their features. Only Balal came to stand next to him.

  Vaan pushed away from the table. Mikayla stopped at the door to the kitchens and kissed Sera on the cheek. The servant flushed each time his eyes made contact with hers. Like now. Sera darted into the kitchen.

  “It is celebration garb,” Balal muttered in his ear.

  “What?” Anger coiled in Vaan’s belly. How dare she come down scantily clad around warriors, flaunting her flesh.

  “A Raasa female wears the sari for special occasions.”

  Vaan had never heard of a sari. A Kabanian female wouldn’t be caught dead dressed in this manner. Mikayla noticed his attention and froze feet from the table. She’d been walking toward him but sensed his anger. Her eyes widened and her hands fiddled at her waist. Her naked waist. Vaan stepped in her direction. She worried her lower lip and stepped back.

  Balal’s hand gripped Vaan’s shoulder firmly. When Vaan raised a brow, the youth dropped his hand immediately. “I am sorry, Overlord.” He bowed his head and continued. “I but seek to warn you to…to go easy with her.”

  And what foolishness was this that one of his Warlords felt the need to tell him how to deal with his woman?

  Tesai distracted her by grabbing Mikayla’s arms and leading her to the area with the other dances. When the music slowed, the male smiled brightly and gripped Mikayla about the hips as they danced. Her hands were on his shoulders as Tesai lowered his bald head to speak directly in her ear.

  Her corresponding laughter sent Vaan’s anger flaring. Balal stepped in front of him. “She is but having a good time with a friend, Overlord. The male matters not to her.”

  “His hands are on her. I have warned them of this.” While Vaan watched, Tesai trailed those soon to be broken hands up her waist.

  “She sees him only as a friend. Her heart does not sense his evil.”

  Pressing his lips together, Vaan ignored Balal and headed toward Mikayla with rapid strides. He stopped inches from her, interrupting the so called dance.

  Tesai adjusted his hold slightly but did not release Mikayla. When his gaze met Vaan’s, he smirked.

  “Do you not remember my warning, Raasa?”

  Tesai tensed but then tossed Vaan a cocky smile. Secure, no doubt of his safety because of the crowd. “Dancing requires touching, Overlord. I believe even Kabanians would make allowances for this.”

  To prove his lack of fear in the face of Vaan’s displeasure, Tesai ran his hand up and down Mikayla’s hip.

  Mikayla aimed wide eyes in Vaan’s direction. “We are only dancing, Vaan.”

  Blood boiled at the deliberate insult and Mikayla’s naïveté at this show her guard performed. Vaan made sure to add power behind his blow when he backhanded him. Mikayla stumbled until Vaan caught her about the waist and shoved Tesai’s arm loose.

  “Tesai!” She shrugged from his arms but Vaan blocked her path to the fallen Raasa. She would scream her concern for the hapfe dung? “You will return to our room and change.” See? He could keep his tone low and even.

  “What? But why, Vaan?”

  Lack of brows did nothing to minimize the hurt and annoyance in her eyes. Were her lips always this red and ripe? Distracted by her enhancements, Vaan found himself leaning closer. A floral fragrance drifted on the air. She’d scented herself as well. “You painted your face,” he accused. “Are you trying to tempt another male?”

  Diamond pupils began to dilate and contract. Her tongue flickered. A hiss came from deep in her throat. “I have no need of another male,” she snapped. “I’m not pleased with the one I have.”

  Vaan pressed forward, bringing his body in contact with hers. His chest brushed along her firm mounds. “Too bad I am pleased with you. Your Raasa joining is until death severs our tie.” She inhaled sharply, putting her hands up between them. His own made their wa
y to her waist and the bare flesh exposed there.

  Vaan pulled her closer until their legs bumped. Hunger awakened. His toqa stretched his leathers. Her exotic features rivaled any Kabanian female. Burying his nose in her hair, he noticed the same floral scent but milder. Need burned. His fingers slipped through the hoops of her belt and touched more of her soft skin.

  “My woman will not dress in such a loose manner.”

  She struggled briefly but her fight proved futile. Her strength could not match his. “I’m not dressed loose. It’s a sari.”

  “You will change into the clothing you usually wear.” He much preferred the tunics and leggings. “I do not like your body on display for all to see,” Vaan grit out. “You belong to me.”

  Mikayla ceased her attempts to break from him. She lifted her chin to meet his stare. Her lips pulled back flashing her fangs in another low hiss. Her second such sound. Amazement held Vaan still. “Do you seek to threaten me, Mikayla?” Would she dare shoot her venom at him? He released one hand from her waist to touch his dagger in reassurance, though he hoped to have no need to use it.

  “I am not yours. I’m your mate.” Anger laced her tone causing her to stumble over the words and for the first time, he almost didn’t understand her use of Standard, so thick was her speech.

  When he figured out what she said, Vaan leaned low and placed his face side by side with hers. He rubbed his face along the softness of her cheek. His other hand came up to grip her chin tightly. “Be careful, Mikayla. Best you remember my rules and know your place. You belong to the Overlord not one of your weak willed males.”

  ***

  Several emotions coursed through Miki. Unwanted arousal from her traitorous body warred with rage to play havoc with her senses at his low voiced warning. She wanted to lash out but feared his reprisal. Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach.

  Could he not see the True Union celebration was for them? A party with dancing and music to acknowledge their bond. She should not have sought to dress for him. Her actions now seemed foolish. The green sari was a particular favorite but clearly her mate did not appreciate her efforts.

  When he stepped back a pace, Miki dropped her hands to her side. Their actions had drawn attention. The music came to a grinding halt as her people eyed them, uncertain if they should intervene. His Warlords stared with varying degrees of distrust. The ensuing awkward silence caused Miki‘s chest to hurt from the unrelieved pressure.

  Tesai slowly got to his feet, rubbing his mouth. Blood stained his bottom lip and already his skin darkened on his right cheek with the start of a bruise. She wanted to apologize to her friend but Vaan’s expression dared her to move in Tesai’s direction.

  Throat clogged and overwhelmed with her feelings, Miki fled from the dining hall. The customary Warlord at the stairs jumped back in time to avoid being run over.

  Miki ran down the hall of the upper level and burst into the room that always brought comfort. Her chest heaved but she strangled the cries. Her Noan glanced up from the book he read. He pushed it to the side with the stacks of others covering his desk and stood. “Miki?”

  She flew into his arms and the first sob escaped. Familiar hands patted her back and held her close. She inhaled the scent of honeyed nuts, his favorite snack. “I think he hates me, Noan.”

  “Shhhh, my little one. No one could hate you.”

  Miki sniffed and shoved her face in the curve of his neck, reliving Vaan’s actions. “My mate shamed me in front of everyone.” Her heart ached when she recalled the pitying expression on Assa‘s face as she ran.

  Eran pulled back and cupped her cheeks. “You will tell me all and we will fix it.”

  He always said such. Even when she was a youngling but nothing could fix this. She tired of being strong and brave. Tears welled. “It’s nothing like I expected, No-No. I’ve tried to be nice to his men but they hate me. I’ve performed my duties in the bedroom but he gives me nothing in return. He trusts me so little, he sleeps with a knife beneath his pillow. Is it so hard to love me?” The question broke on the end as she sobbed again and placed her head back on his chest.

  Her noan rocked her in his arms and Miki cried freely.

  ***

  Vaan glared at the staring crowd. “The celebration is over. Go to your homes.” They dispersed quietly, a few eyeing him with resentment.

  Tesai wiped his mouth but his eyes gleamed with pleasure. Vaan fisted his hands to keep from striking him again.

  “She will tire of your barbaric ways,” the Raasa claimed.

  Vaan cared not. “I but wait for the moment to end you, Raasa. Your life continues only because of her care for you.”

  Tesai thrust his chest out. “I guarded her for years. She values our friendship.”

  Boastful words with no meaning to Vaan’s way of thinking. “It is a shame you do not offer her the same level of respect for this friendship. You will only push me so far.”

  The Raasa hissed in his direction and Vaan braced for attack.

  Tolan came to stand behind Tesai. “Leave, Raasa.”

  For a moment, it looked as if Tesai would refuse. Vaan found himself offering a prayer to the Blessed One for just such an action. It would leave Vaan with the perfect excuse to beat the taunting smile from his face and soothe some of Vaan’s ire for the Raasa daring to touch Mikayla so boldly in his presence.

  Tesai eyed Tolan. When he faced Vaan, his look promised retribution. His bow defined slight. “I wish you a good evening, Overlord.”

  With that parting shot, he abandoned the hall. Vaan’s Warlords stood up one by one and watched his departure. Argan signaled he’d follow and Vaan nodded.

  He sighed and glanced around. The abandoned hall with its limp streamers and leftover food reminded Vaan of the reason for his attack on Tesai. He did not often question his actions. Several of his Warlords joined Tolan to stand around him. Their unbidden support did nothing to ease his concerns.

  “Do they dress like this all the time?” he asked aloud of them.

  Merik who traveled the most, spoke up. “Raasa are known for their sensuality. Their women dress provocatively for special occasions. It is not considered an insult to their men but a compliment.”

  Then Balal had the right of it. With one last look at the mess, Vaan dismissed them to spend the rest of the evening how they wanted and headed to the upper level. He didn’t like the discomfort in his chest. His steps slowed when he heard the murmur of voices from the next room.

  ‘Is it so hard to love me?’

  Vaan heard his mate’s voice when he approached the opened door. He leaned his back against the wall and listened further.

  “You’re wonderful, Miki. Anyone who has the chance to know you, loves you.”

  Vaan recognized Eran’s voice. He didn’t know why he’d followed Mikayla’s path. He could have left with his men who more than likely would start a game of Dilek. Balal’s frown fed his guilt. The Warlord constantly showed Mikayla the respect and courtesy she deserved without prompting.

  Vaan feared he’d not been so gracious with his actions and words.

  “What if I made a mistake?”

  Vaan stiffened and peered around the edge of the doorway. The old Raasa held Mikayla in an embrace. The view of her clothing from this angle showed the material dipped low on her back, almost revealing the curve of her buttocks. If any other male dared to touch her in a similar manner, Vaan would have gladly run them through with his sword.

  “Do you regret the joining, Miki?”

  Vaan’s breath stalled as he awaited her response. So far, he’d only considered his feelings and that of his men. They’d lost so much due to Thenl and Dakar‘s betrayal. They had no place to call home until they took care of the traitors. But Mikayla had lost as well. She’d bound her life to a stranger to save her people.

  “I don’t know.”

  “If you could have another, would you?”

  A long silence and then... “No.”

  Vaan
exhaled. He wasn‘t sure why her answer mattered, only that it did. He eased away from his position. There was much for him to think on. His lips curled, though he’d not let her wear that ever again.

  Chapter 11

  His bride stood to his left. She’d ignored him all day and the day before. He actually missed the kisses she managed to press to his cheeks and temple in the mornings. He’d begun to deliberately stall over morning meal, awaiting her appearance. She walked by him and took her meal in the kitchen with the cooks and servants around her.

  This evening, he’d make amends. He waited until Mikayla returned and approached the table to hand a cloth to the servant filling one of his Warlord‘s mug. She avoided eye contact and made no effort to speak with him. Assa, seeing his determined intentions, moved aside. “Tell me again of this kissing.”

  Mikayla jerked in his direction and Assa, hearing his words, spilled the cider. The servant flushed and grabbed the cloth to mop the table.

  “Leave us,” Vaan ordered. When they were alone, he shifted his leg to straddle the bench. “Sit,” he ordered his bride.

  Mikayla’s pert nose hiked in the air as she reluctantly sat. “I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

  He propped his arm on the table and leaned his weight forward. The move put him in close, invading her personal space. The flesh of her bare arms pebbled but she refused to lift her head from the table. His proximity unnerved her. “You did something to make the food unappetizing.”

  Her shoulders tightened. Vaan placed his palm over hers unsure how to convey his lack of anger at the knowledge. “My Warlords noticed immediately, though I was slower.”

  She remained quiet. Her silence confirmed her guilt. From what he discerned, Mikayla liked to voice her opinion. Argan’s assessment seemed to be correct. “Tolan says it is a woman’s way so I will leave it but my behavior the other night caused unwarranted pain. What would you have me do to make amends?”

  Green eyes peered up at him. The past two nights they’d been wet from tears when he climbed in bed. She slept with her back turned to him and he’d not disturbed her. Vaan reached out and tucked the sleek hair behind her ear to better see her face. Touching her was becoming an addiction and not just because he enjoyed their bed play.