Dance With the Enemy (7 page)

Chapter 11

The air crackled, charged with attraction as Nema presented Tahruk’s chosen to him. The older woman stood back, watching the couple drink in the fine details each offered. Tahruk had changed as well. His dark hair was caught back with a leather strap that matched his form-fitting, calf colored breeches. The white tunic covering his torso highlighted his bronze skin. Elenya’s eyes danced over him, her appreciation unmasked.

A slow smile spread across the warrior’s handsome features as he held out a hand to her. Without hesitation, she went to him, a vision floating across the floor in her sheer ecru gown layered over shimmering gold silk. The wide gold sash accentuated her tiny waist.

Nema had piled the maiden’s red curls high on her head, allowing tendrils to frame her lovely face, adding focus to the high cheekbones and fine arch of her brows. A cluster of longer strands snaked down her exposed back with a few stragglers strategically placed to the front. Tahruk’s eyes went to the flesh exposed by the low neckline.

“You approve, my lord?” The maiden’s voice was a husky whisper when she asked.

Tahruk reached for her, grasping her waist, pulling her to him where he began to caress the flesh above the silk folds of her bodice.

“Oh, my lord,” she breathed in a whispered pant, her head falling back, offering him an irresistible taste of her satin flesh. “Perchance we may put off this introduction a bit longer?” Her accompanying moan made him chuckle. He enjoyed this bit of wantonness he saw in the innocent beauty before him, forgetting it was most likely due to the effects of the marking.

“No, Little One.” His words against her neck made her shudder. “My father’s wrath is not worth even you.” She frowned and he laughed – a hearty sound deep in his belly. “Besides, I promise I will take my time with you, and that time will be most rewarding for both of us.” He sealed his words with a kiss to the rounded swell of both breasts, one after another, before rising to capture her lips.

“Soon?”

Her whispered demanded made him raise a brow and she blushed. He kissed her cheek before looking to Nema.

“There are no festivities planned after the evening meal, my lord. You are expected to dine with the family, of course.”

“Of course,” he answered Nema, though is attention had returned in full to the maiden. He gently tilted her chin up, kissed her lightly on the nose, and whispered against her mouth. “When nightfall comes, I shall fulfill your desires.”

“Yes, my lord.” Her tongue flicked out to touch his lips eliciting a loud groan from him as he crushed her to him.

“My lord!” Nema said quite loudly, knowing if this did not stop now there would be no turning back for the couple. The desires of the marking having gone unfulfilled were too strong.

“Hell fire and damnation!” Tahruk growled pushing Elenya away and turning his back. He breathed deeply for a moment then instructed the women to meet him in the corridor outside his quarters.

Tears welled in Elenya’s eyes. “Did I do something wrong?” she asked once they were outside.

Nema could not hold back another cackle. “No, love. You did everything just right.”

The door to Tahruk’s chambers opened, removing Elenya’s opportunity for further clarification. Nema winked at her as the maiden took the warrior’s offered arm.

Chapter 12

Elenya stood in a veiled room staring out at the finest hall she’d ever seen. She wondered if this was where their binding ceremony would take place as well as serving as the backdrop for her presentation to Tahruk’s father. Her family had but one great hall, though Zanak, being the Drille of the King’s finest warrior, most likely had several.

Her attention focused on the view from the curtained alcove, Elenya jumped when Tahruk returned to her side. He seemed not to notice as he fidgeted with the belt and gold neckwear engraved with the code of Zanak that indicated his elite status.

Nema entered from the other side of the alcove, followed by Tahruk’s mother. Lady Neria’s smile, as kind and lovely as Elenya remembered, wavered only slightly when she looked from Elenya to her son. There was concern, though Neria’s radiant smile returned when she turned back to Elenya.

“I have something for you, dear.” The rectangular box she took from atop a tasseled pillow held by Nema was made of wood carved with a lovely floral motif. Neria ran a hand across the carving. “This was presented to me before I became matched to Renaine.” She and Nema exchanged a peculiar glance. “It’s been passed down many, many times, from generation to generation.” She looked again from her son to his chosen. “I am honored to present this to you and welcome you into the Sharanis family, Elenya.”

Elenya gasped when the box was opened to reveal its contents. The stunning display of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and yellow sapphires had her staring wide-eyed. Neria removed the gem covered neckpiece and held it in place as Tahruk fastened it around Elenya’s slender neck, pressing his lips just above the clasp.

Elenya shuddered. Her fingers playing over the piece, she spun toward the warrior who nodded his approval. She smiled before turning back to Neria whose face mirrored hers. “It’s heavy! Thank you, my lady.” She curtsied low before Neria, knowing the presentation of this family piece was an outward indication of the woman’s acceptance of her.

“Rise, my dear.” Neria held out a hand and helped her to her feet where they embraced.

“The master is ready,” A herald told them from just outside the curtain.

Lady Neria released Elenya and nodded. She turned to her son, their eyes locking momentarily with some message Elenya wished she could read. Another nod from the house mistress and she and Nema were gone as well.

Elenya turned to her warrior, angst raising her brows.

“Come.” He offered his arm, though no explanation.

Touching the jeweled neckpiece with her free hand as Tahruk parted the curtain, Elenya closed her eyes for a moment in an attempt to tamp down the fear that tried to settle in her middle. She was Tahruk’s chosen, she reminded herself, and his father must simply accept fate, even if her family was the enemy Drille. She raised her chin and stepped out behind the warrior, wishing she felt the confidence she tried to exude through her stance.

Outside the curtained alcove, the maiden was once again taken with the beauty of the hall. Lush tapestries of deep gold, greens, and burgundies lined the walls. Similar coverings lay beneath their feet. Long, wooden benches, highly polished, carved with scenes matching those in the tapestries, lined the aisle leading to the diaz before them.

Two people rose from tapestry covered chairs in the center of the raised surface as the couple began their journey down the aisle. Elenya recognized one as the Master whose legs she’d attached herself to, begging mercy for the mismatch between her and the Zanak warrior. Worry overtook her – concerns that he somehow knew their relationship had yet to be consummated and he had come to absolve the ties. Whether that was possible or not, Elenya didn’t know. Either way, his presence caused her heart to sink just as her dreams surely had in the bottle thrown overboard.

“Fretting is unbecoming upon a woman of Zanak,” Tahruk’s warning echoed softly beside her.

Elenya’s head snapped toward him, his stance reminding her again that she must not forget who she was.

He glanced at her then looked back toward the front affording Elenya the opportunity to study him a moment longer. Her eyes roved over the defined lines of his raised chin, the set of his full lips, the power and prowess of his finely honed physique – it all portrayed confidence. He was not only of royal blood, he was elite, the King’s best, and she was his chosen.

She turned her attention to Master Daruh. His smile fixed on her allowing her confidence to grow. For the first time she looked upon the house master. As she took him in, she spoke to Tahruk, her lips barely moving. “My lord.” She cut her eyes toward him, and once he looked at her, continued, “Were you pleased that I did not run when you took me out?”

Tahruk fought to contain a sudden burst of laughter that bubbled within, attempting to maintain reverence before his father. “I am. Though I believe you were too preoccupied to consider running. Rather enjoyably so, I might add.”

Elenya’s face burned red. Still, she managed to swallow loudly and continued speaking. “Yes, my lord. You are correct. And I am quite certain I shall enjoy further exploration of this diversion.”

Mere steps from his father, Tahruk groaned. “Ah, but the true diversion stands lovely at my side.”

Elenya had no time to react to his words. They had reached the diaz requiring immediate action on her part. She released Tahruk’s arm and dropped into a low curtsy where she remained, awaiting the house master’s words.

“Rise,” his voice, deep and even, commanded. “Come forward, child.”

Elenya bristled at his reference to her not yet being a woman, though she obeyed, hopeful her shaking legs did not show through her skirts. With a deep breath, she turned to watch Tahruk moving to stand beside Daruh. Both men gave her a single nod.

“My lord.” She bobbed again directly before the leader of Zanak, noting his attention was captured by the neckpiece.

His brows furrowed. “What is your name?”

The harshness of his voice caused her to jump, though chin up, she answered more boldly than she felt, “I am Elenya Avenille of Aleone.” When he did not answer, she added with a sense of bravado beyond what she felt, “Chosen of Tahruk Sharanis of Zanak. Marked by the Masters in all their infinite wisdom.”

Behind her, gasps echoed at the indicated challenge of her words. Elenya’s insides quivered, though she held Renaine’s gaze.

Renaine broke the stare, his eyes falling again to the bejeweled neckpiece before his nose flared and he sniffed the air.

“And yet my son has not seen fit to fulfill his duties with his
chosen, marked by the Masters
.” His tone mocking, he quirked a brow at her.

Dislike fuelled the tone of her retort. “We had an … unfortunate beginning, my lord.”

Renaine’s snort was drowned out by a voice behind her. “Proving my brother is a fool for not taking you and exacting the punishment you deserve for your little foray.”

Elenya swiveled, her attention, and that of all others present, claimed by another warrior every bit as stately as Tahruk and Renaine. The other man stared at Elenya with desire so blatant she felt the need to fold her arms over her chest.

He laughed. “Perhaps
he
isn’t attracted by the scent of the enemy.”

“Redahn!” Lady Neria rose to her feet, a hand held up to her by her husband was the only thing that stopped her movement from the front bench.

The low growl from the other side of the diaz turned heads toward the warrior accused of slacking his
duties
. Daruh held Tahruk back with a hand on his chest and another around his upper arm. Hatred burned in his eyes as he glared at his brother.

Elenya started to go to him, feeling the pull again, only to be stopped by a hand on her arm. She turned to glare at Renaine, wrenching her arm from his grasp.

“You are a bold woman, Elenya Avenille of Aleone though your decision to flee from my son has already prompted questions of your loyalty. What have you to say in your defense?”

Eyes narrowed, she threw a scathing glance at Redahn following another snort from him. Turning back to the house master, she brought her chin up deliberately and squared her shoulders. “Upon the confirmation from Master Daruh that no error had been made, I immediately submitted to my warrior, my lord, with every intent to … fulfill my … obligations and duties to the Zanak Drille. Only,” She lowered her head and her voice, “exhaustion overcame me last night and … visitors at daybreak prevented certain … fulfillment … this morning,” she managed haltingly, embarrassment flaming her cheeks. “Still, I am honor bound to do all that is expected.” She forced her gaze up to look at the house master and waited, stifling her unease while she awaited his command.

At last, the elder man nodded. He motioned for Tahruk to take his place next to her. “I trust, my son, this …
issue
will be amended post haste. We would not want it said that Zanak does not honor the directives of the Masters, nor do we wish to prove ourselves disloyal to the King.” He looked from son to maiden. “At least she is not hard to look upon. It will make fulfilling your obligations easier…”

The unladylike snort that interrupted the house master prompted Tahruk to a hasty answer of assurance to his father before he turned her away.

“My son.” Renaine’s voice halted them a few steps from the diaz. “We shall dine one hour earlier tonight for your convenience.”

“Perhaps you should take the time between then and now to tend to your
obligations,
Brother
.
‘Twould be a pity for one so fair to fall into the wrong hands before you could attend to that little detail.” Redahn stretched his hand toward Elenya as the couple began to move away. Tahruk jerked her to his other side and squared on his younger brother.

“And I would be honor bound to relieve such a scoundrel from his ability to breathe should the Courts not do it for me,” Tahruk told his brother who, although mighty in his own right, could not have taken on the jealous elite warrior and emerged the victor.

“Boys!”

It was Nema who stepped between the two men. She pushed Tahruk back toward Elenya and took Redahn’s arm. “Come,” she urged him, tugging on him to follow in the other direction.

Tahruk ushered Elenya down the long aisle at such a fast clip she might have fallen had the pace itself not kept her upright. At the end of the aisle he shoved her into the curtained alcove, pinning her against the back wall. His hands began to move possessively over her even as his mouth sought hers. Her skin prickled. Surely he did not intend to take her right there.

“My lord!” Her voice was a mere squeak as his lips move to her throat.

“You are
mine
,” he growled, straightening, though never releasing the pressure that held her to him. “No matter what, my blood runs through your veins.
Mine
!” His hands rubbed along her bare arms, moving to the exposed flesh of her back and down to press her even tighter to where there was no mistaking his desire. “My seed alone shall spill into you.” His lips again on hers, he whispered, “With me, only me, shall you become one.”

Voices approaching had him stepping away. He stared down at her, his breathing ragged, labored. Elenya trembled in his arms.

“You are
mine
,” he repeated, before disappearing through an opening on the far side of the alcove.

Always her guide, Nema appeared seconds later. “Come with me,” she told the dazed maiden. “Let’s pay a visit to the family seamstress. She can begin to show you the fine fabrics we have available. We must take advantage of the short time we have.”

Elenya simply nodded and allowed herself to be led away, unsure the turmoil inside would allow ladylike words to spill forth should she speak.