Caelan's Captive (Limani Warriors Book 1)

by Faye Avalon

  “You will allow me to consider what you ask, my lord?”

  His own breathing none too controlled, Caelan stepped beside Thunder, his closeness seeming to pacify the irritated horse. “I will allow it, of course. But I will need your answer soon. Preparations will need to be made for the betrothal.”

  He would wait, he thought. But with her standing in front of him, her hair glistening in the morning light, her eyes warm and sultry as the overhead sun, her skin gently flushed, he had cause to consider that his proposal was perhaps no longer as distasteful to him as it had once been.

  ****

  Lahna had never felt so unsteady on her feet. Not even when she had stood alone on the small boat adrift in the vast ocean. Everything inside her was mixed up, as if she had been spun around and her body parts had been thrown into disarray. She felt hot, but chilled.

  Thankfully, Caelan had stepped away to placate his horse, giving her much needed time to regain her balance. Could she believe what he had told her? That there was little chance of Limani returning to independence? From what she had heard—all the sneaked whispers from the maids, the general air of excitement and anticipation—Caelan was planning to take back rule of his island and the surrounding lands from Zomotia. If that were the case, she would forever be protected by marrying him. The king would never be able to claim her back. Even if the king decided to change the law, allowing men to claim any woman they wanted regardless of her marital state, Limani would be outside his jurisdiction. She would be safe.

  But did the reality of her situation improve much? She would still in effect remain Caelan’s prisoner, his captive. She didn’t know what type of husband he would be, and despite his kind words to her a few moments ago, she didn’t really know much about him as a person.

  If Limani did regain its independence it could leave her even more vulnerable than she was now. Having achieved his people’s respect and admiration as a leader—for surely having liberated Limani from Zomotian rule would foster good feeling—she would no longer remain beneficial to Caelan’s plans. He could easily discard her, send her back to the king where she would face whatever the tyrant decided would be her fate. No doubt it would be doubly bad, since not only had she escaped but she had further betrayed the ruler by becoming the consort of his enemy. He might even believe that as the prince’s wife she had aided her husband with information about Zomotia that had brought about Caelan’s success.

  Oh, her frenzied thoughts were making her ill.

  Whatever she did now, the outcome would be the same.

  She would be trapped. A pawn. A slave to the whim of men still. Escape was still her only salvation. It seemed she needed to sail far, far away and this time find a land that was free of the king’s influence.

  Which meant she needed time to develop a better escape plan and to accumulate more provisions. She only hoped Caelan would allow her that time.

  But as he stepped close to her again, his eyes gleaming with a hunger that did incredible things to her insides, she feared that the time he granted her would be short-lived.

  Chapter Seven

  Despite Lahna’s determination to focus on her new preparation plan for escape, when Caelan slid his hands around her waist and held her gaze for long moments during which she forgot to think, forgot to breathe, she found it almost impossible to resist what was happening to her. Was he going to kiss her again? While she hated to admit it, she liked when he kissed her, liked it very much, but cursed herself for the silly hopes that trickled through her.

  In his arms she found it difficult to think about anything but him. It was madness, and she had taken leave of her senses. He seemed to fill every part of the space around her. He made her body fire with unknown needs and wants, and led her to wonder if she had fallen foul to some mysterious sickness. Had those days at sea, suffering beneath the relentless sun, the icy cold nights, weakened by hunger and thirst, made her vulnerable to some plague or affliction?

  Caelan hoisted her back onto her horse, then mounted Thunder. “We’ll ride along the coast to Buckler’s Bay. Our arrival should time perfectly with the midday catch, and we can enjoy a meal at the tavern.”

  Had she heard him correctly? “The tavern? Am I to be allowed in public?”

  He laughed, and she realized she loved to hear him do that. It wasn’t often. “If you are to become my bride, the people will expect to see us out and about amongst them. They will want to see who has captured their prince, and will want to share in our happiness.”

  Lahna wished he hadn’t said all that with the thickness of sarcasm in his tone. She wished, foolishly, that some of it could be true. “So I’ll be paraded,” she said with equal cynicism, attempting to hide that foolishness. “Scrutinized and picked over to ensure that I am worthy of their great warrior prince.”

  He laughed again. “How cleverly you try and provoke me. But as you can see, I am unmoved.”

  “You jump ahead, my lord. I have not yet consented, and we are far from an official announcement. Will it not be unseemly for you to be seen with an unattached female?”

  No sooner had the words left her mouth when she realized how ridiculous her statement was. She imagined Caelan was seen on numerous occasions with any number of eligible women. Indeed, she’d heard from a maid at the palace that Prince Caelan and his favored warriors received ‘special favors’ at the Doe Park.

  When she thought about the nature of those ‘special favors’ she became heated again. That feeling that made her breasts tingle and her feminine core dampen. She also felt a tightening in her chest which wasn’t at all as pleasurable. It made her feel irritable and angry.

  “I am sure my people will forgive me a minor indiscretion,” he said with humor in his tone. “And once I have your consent, plans will proceed with prompt efficiency.”

  They spoke no more until they had traveled along a rocky path, where Caelan was most attentive of her safety, and rode through a pretty glade that seemed to go on for ever. Dappled shade patterned the dusty ground, while the trees provided much relief from the approaching midday sun. Along the path, bright daisies bloomed alongside tiny pink and purple flowers which contrasted with rich green shrubs and ferns. Enchanted, she almost fell from her horse as her concentration on staying mounted broke to take in the view of her surroundings. She had never seen such a lush and stunning landscape awash with such beautiful botanical treasures.

  Oh, Limani was indeed a stunning place. Had she been intending to stay, Lahna would have enjoyed discovering more of this beautiful land. But her freedom and safety were far more important, and she couldn’t allow her head to be turned by thoughts of what might have been.

  On Limani, with Caelan, she was as much a prisoner as she was in Zomotia. Caelan might appear less cruel than the king, but he was no less tyrannical. What he decreed came to pass. It was that simple. She must never forget it. She must never forget her quest for freedom.

  As they came into the fishing village, men stopped to bow and doff their caps, and women inclined their heads and bobbed in curtsy. While deferent, they didn’t seem unduly awed by Caelan’s arrival, which made Lahna wonder if visiting his people in their own habitat was a common occurrence for their prince. How different to Zomotia where people all but prostrated themselves when in the presence of their king.

  Caelan acknowledged his people with a raise of his hand, or a nod of his head. It all seemed so relaxed and comfortable.

  A man hurried forward when they reached a small tavern on the quayside and after bowing gracefully, took their horses’ reins.

  Caelan dismounted and held out his arms for Lahna.

  She endured that unsettling feeling in her stomach as she looked into his eyes and felt the strength of his hands around her waist again.

  “You’ll be eating, my lord?” the man asked, holding on to the horses. “My woman has many fine dishes to tempt you this day.”

  “Indeed, we will, Barten. See to the horses, will you? Make sure they are fed also.
”

  The man tipped his cap. “Will do, my lord.” With which he walked the horses to a nearby water butt, whistling as he went.

  Barten’s woman came bustling out, wiping her hands on a square of muslin hanging from her waist. She was a buxom woman, as large as her husband was thin, but her smile was so genuine that Lahna found herself returning it easily. “It is an honor, my prince. Here, allow me to clear these tankards. Please. Sit. Sit.”

  Lahna sat where Caelan indicated and he took the bench opposite her at the wooden table. “We’ll have whatever is fresh this morning, Elena. And two flasks of your finest ale.”

  Lahna gasped. Ale? For women?

  Caelan looked across to her, raised his eyebrows. He kept his eyes on her, but spoke to Elena. “And perhaps a jug of lemon water.”

  With a curtsy, Elena bustled off, that big smile ripe on her pretty round face.

  “Something is wrong?” Caelan asked as soon as they were alone.

  Lahna felt her cheeks flush. “It just takes some adjusting, my lord. There are many strange ways here in Limani. In Zomotia, women are forbidden to imbibe alcohol.”

  Caelan sat back and rested his foot on the lower bar of the bench. “We are more tolerant,” he said simply. “Why should not a woman enjoy a drink as would a man?”

  “You seem to have a skewed way of looking at things. You allow women to consume alcohol, and yet they are forbidden to roam freely or choose what lifestyle they prefer to live.”

  He grinned, feral and teasing. “Not all woman are forbidden,” he said simply. “Just you.”

  Lahna sat up straighter, feeling the punch of his words as if he had delivered a sharp poke to her stomach. Did he choose to keep her a virtual prisoner because he guessed she was planning her escape?

  “Do you not trust me? Is that the real reason for my incarceration?”

  “I have explained my reasons.” He raised his eyebrows. “As Princess of Limani it would not be fitting, or safe.”

  “What if I decline your offer?” she said, taunting him. “Would I have more freedom then?”

  He looked at her for long moments, as if weighing his words carefully. “The recipients of my other options would no doubt have their own rules. If you please them they may grant you some latitude. It would perhaps depend on your ability to show them favors that they considered warranted such special treatment.”

  “Shh.” Mortified, and all too aware of his meaning, Lahna glanced around. “Your words are most disagreeable. Kindly extend me the courtesy of treating me with some consideration.”

  The corners of his mouth turned up and, Goddess of the Night, there was something utterly distracting about that devilish grin.

  Despite the curious glances they attracted, Lahna settled back as best she could. She couldn’t deny that Caelan seemed at his most relaxed surrounded by his people, as were they with him. There was that deference, of course, but there was trust, admiration, and respect.

  Nobody addressed him before first offering a respectful nod, a bow or cordial greeting, but she sensed a real regard for their leader, even love. Lahna could see it in their eyes. There was respect, but no fear. She had seen abject fear in the eyes of too many citizens not to recognize it. There was no sense of it here.

  Elena brought their drinks and their meal. A delicious selection of fish pieces and sweet potato. Throughout the meal, during which she imbibed only lemon water, Lahna asked Caelan more about the island. About its flora, fauna, and customs and traditions. He was the most agreeable company when he wasn’t taunting her, and he made her want to explore more of this beautiful island and meet more of its inhabitants.

  Her current socialization with the villagers of this pretty fishing port had gone a long way to making her feel relaxed and for the duration of their visit she had mostly put Caelan’s plans to make her his consort out of her mind.

  It had also, she realized, driven all thoughts of escape from her head. Which was not good. She should be keeping a watchful eye on tides or wind directions. Remaining alert to telltale signs on the sea that warned of reefs, anything that might prove hazardous in her efforts to flee this island. She should be watching for boats leaving or returning, checking how they were moored so she would face no surprises when she made her escape for freedom.

  The journey to this village had been simple enough. If her planned escape from the little inlet near the royal quarters was thwarted, she could surely find her way along the coast to this charming bay. It would be easy enough. First the long stretch of sand, then the rocky outcrop—her stomach spun a little at the thought of negotiating that in the dark—and finally through the pretty little glade with its abundance of greenery and flowers.

  As they prepared to leave, Elena appeared and presented Caelan with a flask of ale and a small package. “You may well have need on the journey back.” She smiled and shook her head when Caelan offered her coin. “It is my gift to my prince and his beautiful lady.”

  Lahna couldn’t help but be charmed by this lovely place and its people. For a moment, she wondered how it would feel to be princess of this land. How it would feel to be Caelan’s wife. She could so easily be captivated by both the man and his subjects, but to be so inclined would indeed be foolish if she hoped for freedom. She needed to keep all her faculties trained on protecting herself and keeping her feet firmly planted in reality.

  After saying their goodbyes, they mounted the suitably refreshed horses and started back. When they reached the edge of the glade, Caelan turned to the left and guided them through a clearing inland toward the mountains. Assuming they were taking a different path back, Lahna said nothing but simply enjoyed the stunning views. Although they moved into the late afternoon, the sun had yet to lose its strength and her tunic hung uncomfortable against her flesh. She had never ridden so far and for so long as she had that day, and consequently her muscles were aching and tiredness crept over her.

  Lulled by the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses, Lahna let her eyes drift closed. From nowhere came a memory of the time she and a friend had snuck from their school lesson during one incredibly hot afternoon and journeyed to a secluded cove where they had run into the cooling water, screeching and laughing as the water hit their heated flesh. It had been a wonderful afternoon, filled with innocence and fun.

  She opened her eyes to find that Caelan had been watching her over his shoulder. “You were reliving a happy time?”

  Astonished by his perception, and the fact that she must have had a silly smile on her face while recalling her memory, Lahna nodded. “I was with a friend and we were swimming in an incredibly cool sea during one very hot afternoon. Much like today. It was especially good since we were never discovered, so we didn’t receive punishment.”

  “You would be punished for swimming?”

  He really had no idea how bad things were for females in Zomotia, how restricting. “We would be punished for many things.”

  Caelan’s expression turned thoughtful. “Such as?”

  Lahna’s laugh was mocking. “It would be easier to state the things that would not require reprimand. At least for women.”

  Caelan gave her a last long look before turning away to continue on their ride. Lahna wondered if he disbelieved her or had merely dismissed the topic as being of little importance.

  The landscape moved from flat and open to hilly and dense. Daria negotiated the uneven ground with an adept skill that had Lahna wondering if the horse was used to carrying Caelan’s current woman into the mountainous terrain. She didn’t like the thought of that. It made her heat up inside, and something squeezed unpleasantly in her chest.

  Ignoring it, she decided to concentrate on the path in front of her. It was getting decidedly trickier to navigate.

  “Is this the best way back, my lord?” she asked when Caelan took them farther inland and into a forest-like environment.

  “Eventually. There is something I thought you might enjoy before we return home.”

  She couldn�
��t think what, but soon her focus turned to her stunning surroundings. Thin towering trees offered much-welcomed shade from the sun, and their path was paralleled by a charming little stream that seemed to be leading them ever onward into the forest. Birds sang cheerily, tiny creatures scampered out of their way, and pretty little flowers offered mosaics of color all around them.

  Enchanted, Lahna must have let out a sigh because Caelan looked over his shoulder. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. This really is so beautiful. Is this what you wanted me to see?”

  “No. But I am glad this meets with your approval.”

  “How could it not? Are there other parts of the island which are similar?”

  He turned to face forward again. “Limani boasts an ever-changing landscape. No two parts of the island are the same.”

  “Are there many villages?”

  “Yes. Many.”

  “What about forests?”

  “Several, of differing sizes.”

  She hesitated for a second. “And ports?”

  When he didn’t answer immediately, Lahna wondered if he’d heard her. But then he said, “A few ports. And all of them well guarded.”

  Did that mean he was suspicious of her motives for asking? Was she right and he had guessed she might be planning to escape again?

  She was lost in her thoughts, her fears, when she realized Caelan had stopped and was dismounting. He tied Thunder’s reins loosely to a tree and walked over to Lahna. She let him help her down and watched as he also fastened Daria’s reins.

  “This way,” he said and held out his hand, directing her forward.

  Lahna heard water before she saw it, the sound increasing as she stepped into a wooded area over broken branches which crackled beneath her feet and where blue flowers grew in abundance. Birds screeched overhead as they fluttered from tree to tree, from branch to branch.