Hakani prepared the way by complaining of cramps and discomfort to a few of the other females. She had to be careful not to overdo it, or she would trigger pressure from the others to see the Healer, but it had to be just enough for them to remember it later. Hakani was quite the master planner. Had she not been consumed by her hatred of Khon’Tor and Adia, she could have been a great asset to the People.
* * *
Acaraho’s messenger returned and informed him that the High Council members, five of them, would arrive within a week. This left Acaraho just enough time to complete preparations. Now that it was official, he would have to tell Khon’Tor—but not until he had spoken with Adia.
Honovi and Oh’Dar were involved in some kind of conversation when Acaraho arrived. Whether Honovi knew what he was trying to say or not, she played along as if she did, encouraging his babbling.
Nadiwani and Adia were at the worktable sorting their medicines. Acaraho entered, this time without knocking, which surprised Adia. She interpreted this to mean he had something important on his mind.
“Adia, may I speak with you a moment?” he asked, nodding to the others.
Adia stepped outside with him. Acaraho motioned away from the entrance, and they began walking. He turned to talk to her about halfway down the tunnel that led to her quarters.
“I have heard back from the High Council. They will be here within about six days. I need to tell Khon’Tor that a request has been made for their attendance to an issue. He knows he is not supposed to ask what it is, and I doubt he will, but I would expect him to be on edge in the meantime,” said Acaraho.
I am also going to be on edge, Adia thought. “I want to tell Nadiwani. She is my friend. I trust her.”
“I am sure you need a friend to go through this with you right now,” Acaraho replied. “I must continue to make preparations, so I will speak with Khon‘Tor tonight. I cannot put it off any longer, nor would it be appropriate to keep it from him now I know they are coming,” he added.
Adia nodded. “Thank you. I know you will keep me informed. Do you know who is coming?” she added anxiously.
“Ogima Adoeete, High Chief of the Brothers; Is’Taqa, Second Chief of the Brothers; Lesharo’Mok, Leader of the People of the Deep Valley; Harak’Sar, Leader of the People of the Far High Hills, and Kurak’Kahn the High Council Overseer. And of course, Khon’Tor will be in attendance as a High Council member, and as Leader of the High Rocks,” he answered.
“Will you be there?” there she asked. She wanted Acaraho to be present because he understood how difficult this would be for her. It did not occur to Adia that she might need him for protection; she knew Khon’Tor would be upset, but she doubted he would do anything to her with witnesses around.
“It would be appropriate for me to be, considering my role as High Protector,” said Acaraho.
Adia looked up at him with gentle eyes and said quietly, “Please.”
Acaraho gave one slow, brief nod, his eyes never leaving hers. Adia did not let herself think about how she would deal with their relationship as he became more actively involved in Oh’Dar’s life.
And then it hit her. The offspring she was carrying would also need a male role model. Does this mean Acaraho will also be this offspring’s mentor? she asked herself, somewhat alarmed. How did I allow this to happen? And how am I going to cope with seeing him so often?
Acaraho went on his way, and Adia went back to helping Nadiwani sort and process their large harvest bounty. She tried to keep her mind on their work but could not help reflecting that conversations with Acaraho were becoming longer and more relaxed.
Chapter 5
Hakani’s time had come. She had complained of not feeling well for a few days now. She had gathered the materials she needed from the community kitchen area at a time when no one else was around to see what she was selecting. She only needed enough to convince Khon’Tor that she had indeed lost the offspring. She knew he would be relieved and so would not question it; why should he? He was aware that she needed this offspring to secure her continued position as his mate. He would have no reason to suspect she would fake a miscarriage.
Khon’Tor came back to the quarters as late as possible, but his timing was still fairly consistent. Hakani had left the evidence in the personal care area, not so apparent as to be blatant, but not hidden enough that he could not notice it at some point. She knew he would not inspect it and planned on disposing of it in the morning so no one else would be able to either. She was confident it was enough to back-up her story.
Hakani knew if her seeding had been real, and the miscarriage had happened, she would be beside herself with anger at having lost her hold over Khon’Tor. So she prepared her mindset along those lines.
She made sure she was sitting in direct line of sight so he could not miss her when he came in. She arranged her position to indicate discomfort.
As soon as he entered, she spoke to gain his attention.
“Well, this is your lucky day, Khon’Tor,” she said, looking up at him as he walked across the room.
“Obviously, I do not know what you are talking about,” he replied blankly.
“You are going to find out eventually so I may as well tell you now. I lost the offspring. I am no longer seeded,” said Hakani, bringing as much disappointment into her voice as possible. She was watching him for the reaction she knew was coming.
Khon’Tor stopped walking and turned to look at her. “If this is another of your twisted games, Hakani, I am not interested in playing,” and he turned away.
“It is not a game, Khon’Tor. You can see for yourself if you wish,” she said, nodding toward the personal area where she had left the discarded evidence.
Khon’Tor continued to his sleeping mat, which he had located as far away from hers as possible.
Hakani had not counted on his not believing her. She needed Khon’Tor to spread the word throughout the community.
“Surely you do not think I would lie about something like this,” she hissed.
* * *
Khon’Tor did not know what to believe any longer when it came to Hakani. He did not put it past her to lie about this as well, only to torment him again by telling him she was still with offspring.
When he entered, he had been surprised to find Hakani sitting up in her sleeping area. Usually, she was asleep—or feigning sleep—by that time. He did not want to speak to her, but he did notice the way she was sitting seemed to indicate she was uncomfortable.
And now she is saying she lost the offspring? He did not want to, but he arose and went to where she had indicated. Though he did not know what to expect, Khon’Tor started to accept that this might be true and that he might be freed of her someday after all.
“I am not going to say I am sorry,” he said to her coldly as he came back out. “And I doubt you care that much either, other than that your hold over me has now been broken, and your spot in the limelight will now be dimmed,” he added.
“I am sure you will not waste any time letting everyone know either,” Hakani said.
“You are correct. However, instead of worrying about that, you should be considering your next move.” Khon’Tor looked at his mate with cold eyes.
“Since you are obviously capable of being seeded, I suggest you reconsider your position about providing me with offspring. I meant what I said before. You are of only one use to me now. I have no qualms about setting you aside and choosing another mate. I would prefer it.”
He stared blandly at Hakani.
She sat up straighter, her eyes blazing. “Just try to bring another female into these quarters, Khon’Tor. You think your life is miserable now? I would make you regret you ever met me!” Hakani spat out.
Khon’Tor laughed, “I already regret that, Hakani. And I have for some time. And do not worry—I would never try to live with two females under one roof. If I take a second mate, only one of you will be living here,” he said.
She was staring at him,
and he enjoyed her discomfort as she realized the implications of what he was saying.
Knowing he had her full attention and that his nonchalance enraged her, he continued,
“Of course, I will provide for you. You will have your own quarters, and your needs will be taken care of, but as for your position as my mate, that will be only a memory. And your position as Third Rank, of which I stripped you for the stunt you pulled with the Waschini, will naturally be transferred to the mother of my offspring.”
He looked at her casually, as if they were discussing the most mundane of matters, almost beneath his attention.
Hakani flew up and lunged at him, her nails clawing at his face. As before, he easily caught her wrists, only this time brutally shoving her down onto her knees. He trapped and held her there, as she looked up at him with narrowed eyes.
She struggled, but Khon’Tor just tightened his grip, hurting her and causing her to stop squirming. He then leaned over, bringing his face just inches from hers.
His eyes burned into those of his mate. He bared his teeth and whispered to Hakani in the lowest of growls, “As I said, I suggest you rethink your position. If it were not for your current condition, I would suggest we start tonight. However, all things considered, I will give you two days to recover. I will then expect you to submit to me. Let me say, I strongly suggest you do.”
“I hate you,” she spat at him, still trapped in his grip.
“As you will. I really do not care how you feel about me, or what you want.”
“I cannot possibly be seeded this soon, Khon’Tor. There is no point this early,” she offered up—anything to delay what seemed to be inevitable.
Khon’Tor chuckled. Then he leaned closer, and Hakani could feel his warm breath on her neck.
“Oh, Hakani. There is lots of time for you to be seeded. You are missing the point. I intend to enjoy my victory over you at every opportunity,” he sneered.
She was furious. She struggled again to get free. This time Khon’Tor swept her knees out from under her with one of his legs and knocked her to the floor, where she lay on her back. He dropped to lean down over her, trapping her under the inescapable weight of his body, her wrists pinned over her head, leaving her powerless against him.
“Do not push me, Hakani. I said we could wait, but that was out of consideration for you. There is no benefit to me in not proceeding this very moment,” and with that, he pressed himself against her with the clear intent of mating her right then.
* * *
Hakani broke. And as angry as he was with her right now, he was still nowhere near the level she had pushed him the night she had tried to provoke him to attack her. Even in that state, he had managed to back off when she revoked her consent. And yet he was sending her a message that he no longer cared whether he had her consent or not. I have finally pushed him too far.
And she said the words she never thought she would say, “Khon’Tor. Stop, please. You win. Please, do not. Not now, not tonight,” she asked, turning her head to avoid his piercing gaze.
She was practically begging him. He raised himself enough to bring her wrists down from over her head. But she could tell he was not done yet.
“Oh, and if you have any thoughts about repeating your little trick with whoever betrayed me, you can put that out of your mind. From now on, you will have a personal guard with you at every moment. You will never be alone with any other male again; you can be sure of that. The only one who will ever mate you will be me,” he continued.
Khon’Tor released her wrists and got up, freeing her. The moment he let go, she rolled over on her side, instinctively curling into a fetal position.
* * *
Khon’Tor had been bluffing. He did not want to bring another female into his life. As much as he hated Hakani, his status as Leader came first on his list of priorities. Having a female around who would require attention and dialogue would be a drain. While he had wanted exactly that when he imagined being with Adia, he now saw a real relationship as a drawback and a hindrance.
The most straightforward path would be for her to produce an heir and focus her life on raising the offspring, letting them continue in their cold stalemate of a union.
He looked down at Hakani, curled into a ball, and felt nothing but pleasure. I finally crushed her. I finally won with her, too. And I enjoyed that. It seems I am developing a knack and an appetite for defeating these unruly females.
He retired to his sleeping mat and envisioned the even more satisfying victory to come in three night’s time.
* * *
The next morning, Khon’Tor spread the word that Hakani had miscarried. He started with the morning breakfast assembly. He knew it would pass through the community like wildfire.
It did not take long for the news to reach Acaraho. Honovi was in the Healer’s Quarters when he came to tell them.
When Acaraho told Adia and Nadiwani, they could not but express concern for Hakani. It was a sad time for any female. No matter the tension or problems between them, Adia was the Healer. She prepared a mixture of sweet marjoram and sweet fennel for the ease of cramping and discomfort and asked to have it delivered to Hakani with instructions for how to take it. She expected Hakani would toss it away instead of using it, just because it came from her. But Adia wanted at least to try to help relieve Hakani’s discomfort.
Adia also felt sorry for Honovi, who had no idea what she had stepped into. Though the Healer would shield her from as much of it as she could, Honovi would still no doubt feel the tension and stirring in the air. Adia hoped it would not run the young woman off. No matter what happened, it was still imperative that Oh’Dar learn Whitespeak and they had intentionally started very early with his training.
* * *
Three nights hence, Khon’Tor kept his appointment with Hakani. He came back to the quarters a little earlier than usual. Hakani was there, though he had half thought perhaps she might not be. When he saw her, it confirmed in his mind once again that he had beaten her spirit.
“Good evening, Hakani,” he said, sliding the stone door after him and standing there in front of it for a moment as if symbolically saying there was no way out for her now. He wanted her to have no doubts he was in full command from now on.
“Did you forget our appointment?” he asked with a smug smile on his face. He walked slowly toward her, intending his approach to be menacing. Khon’Tor’s source of satisfaction had moved past the mere physical act itself to the pleasure of doing as he wanted to her.
“I did not, Khon’Tor,” Hakani said quietly.
He continued his slow approach, savoring her reaction. I have never seen her like this!
“I will let you choose, Hakani. Your sleeping mat or mine?” he asked.
“Are you really going to do this? Are you really going to go through with this?” she asked.
Her eyes are wide, he thought. He found the fact that she was frightened fueled his enjoyment.
In answer to her, Khon’Tor came to where she was sitting on the edge of her mat. He stood towering over her and looked down. He was starting to breathe harder in anticipation of his next move, and he noticed her eyes were full of alarm.
“I will not hurt you. Well—not unless you force me to,” he said.
With that, he pushed her backward on the mat and knelt next to her. He grabbed her hips and pulled her to him. Hakani said, “Khon’Tor, I do not give my consent!” to which Khon’Tor scoffed and replied, “You no longer have to, Hakani.”
And with that, he took her easily, swiftly, and deliberately—completing his defeat of her with no regard for her pleasure, only his own.
* * *
When he was done, he unceremoniously rolled off her, got up, and went to his sleeping mat.
“Tomorrow night, we will discharge your obligation to me over here,” he said nonchalantly, gesturing to where he was sitting.
Khon’Tor realized he found this arrangement immanently satisfying. Whereas he used to hate
returning to their quarters, he would now look forward to it with burning anticipation. The more she defied him, the more miserable she was, the more she hated him, the more he enjoyed forcing himself on her. Khon’Tor had discovered his appetite for mating and how to satisfy it.
* * *
Acaraho was still busy with preparations for the High Council. Adia was spending as much time as possible deciding how she was going to proceed with her announcement when the time came. She made a mental note not to look at Khon’Tor when she told them she was with offspring. She knew it would be an easy mistake to make, unconsciously betraying him to the others.
Within days of his messenger’s return, Acaraho called for an audience with Khon’Tor. They met in the meeting room Khon’Tor had appropriated for his personal use. Acaraho did not wish to drag this out because he was not at liberty to explain why the High Council was coming. He knew Khon’Tor knew this, but he expected the Leader to press him for details, nonetheless.
“Good Morning, Acaraho. You asked to meet with me. I assume this is a matter of some importance if it cannot wait for our regular time.”
“Khon’Tor,” started Acaraho, “I was asked to send a message to the High Council asking for their intervention in a matter affecting this community. The High Council members will be here within a day or so. I have been busy with logistics, and now that they have given me a commitment regarding the time of their arrival, I must notify you of their intercession.”
It was all Acaraho could do to look at Khon’Tor without imagining his hands around the Leader’s throat.
The Healer’s Mantle Page 7
