“But I do not wish to be shared.”
Veredi exhaled a deep breath at my defiance. “Do you know why we share our woman, wench?”
I shook my head.
“We Khimerian are unable to bear female offsprings. It was a curse placed upon our people in the ancient age.”
“A curse?”
Veredi let out a cynical laugh. “Lord Draeve’s curse that our kin not be given female companions. Since then, our centauresses are no longer bearing female offspring, and our female descendants are declining. Our foals are always male. To preserve our line, we are forced to take ordinary women as brides. As you may have noticed, we are humble folks. Taking woman brides necessitates a big dowry and not all unmated males have the resources. Hence, we share our women to ensure our future offspring.”
“Ensure the future offspring?”
“We are shifters; sometimes our seed is not well-suited to impregnate common women. If there is more than one male coupling with the woman, the bigger the chance of future offspring.”
I went quiet upon hearing his explanation.
“You are afraid?”
I didn’t answer.
“We are not a savage pack as others may say about us. We cherish our women and protect them to our last blood. You will find our women well-taken care off. “
Involuntarily, my gaze strayed to my warriors. The men who would swear to protect me, defend me with their last breath. They would also cherish me, warming my body and soul. My fear and thoughts of the perversion of being shared ceased a little.
“You do not know what you will get yourself into if you harbor me. My family hired the Jakael hunters to bring me back home. My presence here will bring bad luck to your people, my lord.”
Veredi laughed. “Aesterneum is a haven. Our demesne is protected by layers of wards and ancient magic. You shouldn’t worry. Well, will you accept Ronen and Callarn’s claim?”
“What if I do not accept this claim, will you force me?”
Veredi sighed. “We would never force a woman to become our dhamarani . Although, it has never occurred in our history that a free woman has refused the companionship of our unmated warriors. Many women say our charm is irresistible.”
Raucous laughter broke again.
“What if I do not wish to take…“
“While we will not force you, I’ll warrant that Ronen and Callarn would go to great extents to make you change your mind. You will stay with us, however, until I decide this matter later.”
“What if I still do not wish to take a mate?” I peppered him. “Will you let me free?”
Veredi’s eyes narrowed, slight agitation flashed in his face. “Eventually…yes. We will escort you out from our border, and you are on your own from there. Wouldn’t it be better to have Ronen and Callarn as your protectors instead of you wandering alone into the perils of the wilderness?”
“You cannot share love, sire. A woman should only serve one man in a lifetime.”
“You’ll be surprise what you are capable of loving.” Veredi’s voice turned warm. His annoyance and agitation vaporized. He turned to Ronen and Callarn, “Lads, what do you have to offer as dowry if she changes her mind and decides to accept your claim?”
Both Ronen and Callarn hurriedly rummaged in their pockets, and each one of them produced a small velvet pouch, tipped the contents out on the table. Gold, silver, and precious gems spilled on the rough wooden surface, gleaming inside the hut, sparkling an eerie glow on everyone’s face.
“My lads labored hard for their dowry, precious one,” said Veredi. “You might find what they have to offer is not as much as the way you are accustomed, but they offer you their hearts and souls for your contentment, and this cannot be measured with gold or any precious gems. Should you reconsider your decision…“ He gestured his hand to cast his spell. Seconds later, the dowries leapt back into the pouches and floated in the air above the table. “When you decide to accept their claim, come to me and take these precious gifts, and I shall bless your union .”
I cast him an uncertain look.
Veredi continued, “You will be given your own place, and you will live according to our custom. Since a claim has been bestowed upon you, you are not to be touched by men other than your claimers, Ronen and Callarn. They will show you your new lodgings.”
The decision had been made, whether I liked it or not. I nodded. “My lord…”
“Yes?”
“At least give me something decent to wear. I am cold.”
Veredi spoke to Ronen and Callarn. “Here, tend to her needs, lads. Take care of her well so she changes her mind about your claim.”