Was Giselle his pet? Did that even really apply to her? In Cadi eyes Giselle was just that, but the longer he knew her the more Kagan believed he met his match in the foreign little female.
Kagan was disappointed to see that even the warriors who were familiar with Giselle were stunned. Judgmental condescending looks twisting their expressions as they looked his way. They might accept she could speak and dress like them, but they couldn't seem to believe she was worthy of the conjugo mark Kagan had given her.
Kagan knew it was a hard thing to wrap your head around. Never in Cadi history had anyone mated a foreign species. Was it even possible? How could he bring forth heirs?
Kagan lifted Giselle into his arms and carried her to a tent. If this was how the men most loyal to him reacted it didn't bode well for how the province regents or cleric monks would respond. Kagan may be the Daimio of Vidya Cadi but he wasn't an island unto himself, he needed and valued their support.
Kagan held Giselle tight to his chest.
"What am I going to do little pet?" Kagan said, glad that she couldn't hear his concern.
Giselle looked up and ran her finger across his creased brow with a smile. He couldn't help but smile back at her even though his mind was in turmoil. As he looked at her sweet pale face and stunning blue eyes Kagan knew he could never give Giselle up no matter what his kinsman believed.
6 Forces
Giselle
Giselle relaxed. The day had been exhausting and frightening, wringing every bit of adrenalin out of her. First the battle and then the mob. Just as Giselle felt like she was making headway and gaining a bit of acceptance it all turns on end again. She was done with this roller coaster.
Kagan looked worried as he cleaned Giselle's arm. She knew it had nothing to do with her injury, it wasn't that bad. Kagan had looked pissed at his men earlier. She was glad his ire hadn't been directed at her, he had been positively frightening.
Kagan squeezed out the washcloth in a basin of cool water then ran it over her body removing the dust and sweat from the nerve wracking day.
Kagan stripped off the enemy red kilt he wore and reached for a black version of the same.
Giselle took the washcloth from Kagan and started cleaning him the way he had her before he got dressed again. Giselle couldn't help but stare at Kagan. She was so relieved he was okay. Giselle hadn't realized how worried she'd been till the terrible weight on her heart lifted, making her almost lightheaded. Kagan had scratches here and there but the worst of his injuries seemed to be from where she took a swipe at him.
"I'm sorry." Giselle leaned forward and kissed the scrape at the top of his abdomen. She let her mouth linger soaking in his comforting scent.
"You felt cornered. It's okay." Kagan said as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"Oh I heard that." Giselle smiled. "I thought the ringing would never go away."
"What happened?" Kagan asked concerned.
"I don't know. The warriors switched something on, on the cargo transport and then I heard nothing but a pulsing screech." Giselle shook her head.
"That sounds like the cloaking beacon." Kagan ran one large finger over the shell of her ear. "I'll have to remember that. It's pointless now, the enemy knows we're here."
Kagan seemed relieved she was okay but something in his demeanor was still troubled.
"Of course he's worried. The enemy army is breathing down our necks and people died today." Giselle admonished herself.
Kagan dressed in all black like the rest of his men. The dark sheer material was a drastic contrast against his red skin. It made him look imposing and sexy all at the same time.
"Thank you for helping one of my warriors." Kagan pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The kiss was sweet tinged with a desperation that spoke of how much Kagan must have worried. "But you aren't to go risking your tail again. You hear me." Kagan eyed her as he swatted her behind.
"Hmm, save a life and earn a spanking." Giselle nibbled on her lip as she debated Kagan's edict out loud. Seemed like a win-win situation.
"Jeezelle!" Kagan growled.
"I'll try to behave. I promise." Giselle relented. The man was worried about her safety and she wouldn't take that for granted.
"Here, sorry it's rather large." Kagan handed her a black cloak.
Giselle swiped one of Kagan's thin blades with a cheeky grin. He shook his head at her.
"Final meal will be soon. Come on out once you are dressed." Kagan cast her a lingering somber look as he left the tent.
Giselle cut off the bottom of the large cloak. She tied the strip of material around her breasts knotting it in the front, then did the same to create a wrap skirt tying it off at her hip.
Giselle walked out of the tent and was greeted by stares from the army as she passed.