Callarn and Ronen stopped at a great hut in the middle of the village. Callarn helped me dismount. The two of them shapeshifted into their human form. I didn’t guess they would retain their clothing when they transformed into humans. Both of them were bare-chested, wearing leather breeches and boots.
It was bright inside the hut, lit by candles that had been enchanted to float in the air. Four men were sitting by a large, roughly chiseled wooden table. I suspected they were the Emagari masters. Three men talked with deep respect to the one who sat at the head of the table. He must be the lord of the Khimerians. Their conversation interrupted, they turned their attention to the door the moment I stepped inside.
“My lord.” Ronen bowed. “We have found a trespasser on the south border.”
The lord was the most beautiful man I had laid my eyes upon. His hair was the color of golden thread. His eyes were icy blue, sparkling like precious jewels. Unlike the others, he was clad in a soft sable jerkin and breeches. His muscles were well-defined. His arms were covered in intricate black ink work.
He motioned me to come closer. I trudged toward him shyly.
“Aren’t you a pretty little one? My name is Veredi. What’s your name?” His voice was deep and enchanting. A voice made to seduce and beguile one to his will.
“Elyra. Elyra of Drorknar.”
“You are from the Drorknar clan?”
I answered him with a quick nod.
“You are a Taerajaj.” Shadow-elf . “What were you doing in the Mainland? You were far away from home.”
I quickly directed my gaze away. “I went astray.”
Another round of laughter broke out among the men.
“I could see you strayed,” said Veredi, rather impatiently. “And you are not a mere common-folk.” He tugged my chin up again to meet his stare. “You are royalty.”
I wondered how the lord knew I was from nobility. I had no markings upon my person and the only evidence of my highborn was my clothes. But Ronen and Callarn had taken them away.
Veredi’s smile widened. “And you were on the run.”
By now, I was convinced the lord just loved playing games. I bet he already knew everything about me. Rumor said masters of Emagari possessed high magic that only the famous Rhakaran could rival.
“Are you not going to answer me?”
“My business is mine to keep,” I finally said.
“Stubborn wench,” Veredi said with a laugh, “she is a fiery little one.”
I glanced at Ronen and Callarn. They watched me with full lust. Suddenly, I needed more air while I ignored the fluttering urge in my sex.
“My lads have pledged their claim over you,” Veredi continued, “and I find you to be a suitable mate for them.”
Them? “I think not,” I hastily retorted. “I do not wish to be shared.”
“It is our law. And besides, my lads have taken a fancy to you. I think you should reconsider your decision.”
I turned to look at my warriors again. My heart started thundering. I hated to admit it but I had started taking a fancy toward Ronen and Callarn, but my fear got the best of me. “I cannot be shared between two men. It is forbidden.” I paused for a second, taking a deep breath as I decided to let the lord know of my predicament. “I cannot be their mate, Lord. I’m already taken. I’m married.”
Noise broke out over my statement.
“You are still pure,” Ronen said. “How is it you claim to be married yet untouched.”
I cast my gaze away from them.
“Is that why you were running away? You were afraid of joining with your husband?” Veredi asked me softly.
“My husband died just before our wedding night.”
“Then you are a free woman.”
“My lord does not understand. I am from royalty, and we only take one husband in a lifetime.”
“You loved your husband?”
“I barely knew him. My family had arranged the marriage. When he passed away, I was about to be burned in the funeral pyre with him. I was supposed to follow my husband to Paradise, so I could serve him forever. It was our tradition.”
More shouts of disbelief loomed around me. Everyone seemed outraged with the fate I had to endure.
“Is that the reason you were running?”
I gave a weak nod. “I want to live, sire.”
“I understand.” Veredi lovingly patted my hand. “As for my concerns, you are in our domain; hence you will follow our law. Since your husband has perished, you become a free woman. If you were deeply attached to your husband and were still mourning his sudden departure, I would not force you to change your heart. But since you have no attachment to your late husband, you should consider accepting Ronen and Callarn’s claim. These lads have been searching for a suitable woman as their mate for quite a long time.”