Honor Bound Page 6

  Behind him walked the Ba’asi in his bright gold ceremonial robes. The heavy clothing draped down to his ankles with darker braided rope in gold across his shoulders. The Ba’asi’s stooped figure walked with prestige. His bald head sloped at the top and the diamond of his eyes slanted in the corners. A solitary position, the Ba’asis did not mate and lived their lives alone giving worship to the Blessed One.

  Miki appreciated his haste in arriving since she’d disturbed his praying hours with her request. No one touched the lone figure as his slow steps brought him closer to the table.

  Miki stood out of respect and met him half way. She didn’t touch him when she closed the distance between them. Bowing, the formal words fell from her lips. “Greetings and welcome, Ba’asi. I give thanks that you would perform my humble True Union.”

  The Ba’asi extended a shaky hand in her direction. In surprise, Miki placed her lips on his knuckles in a soft kiss. It was an honor to bestow a kiss of faith on the Ba’asi if granted approval.

  His skin had a chill to it more so than was common. When Miki straightened, she realized that the holy Raasa had to have more years on him than her noan. Death surrounded her on many fronts. She must not dwell in it. A new dawn hovered on the horizon.

  “It is a pleasure to be asked.” Even his voice sounded thin and wane, the hiss and clicks no longer melodic.

  Vaan rose to his feet and came to her side. “Is this your holy man?” He dwarfed the Ba’asi but the man nodded formally to the Overlord. Vaan inclined his head.

  “Yes.” She wondered how to warn him that no one could touch the Ba’asi.

  “Where do we perform the True Union? The sooner we have it taken care of the sooner I can return to my men. We must finish more important matters regarding the outer wall and your security. I will not spend a night of rest under these conditions.”

  Miki pulled in a deep breath. As far as she was concerned becoming mates was the most important thing he had to do today but she reminded herself of her plan to tame her future mate. “You are right, Vaan. If it would not offend the Ba’asi, we can do it now, right here so you can return to your warrior stuff.”

  His brow hiked, showing he’d caught the edge of her sarcasm but he didn’t call her on it. “You will call me Overlord or Overlord Vaan, if it pleases you.”

  Blessed One do not let me kill my mate on such an important day in our lives. Miki closed her eyes and murmured the prayer quickly under her breath. When her eyes opened, the Overlord folded his arms over his chest. His men gathered around them, forming a half circle behind him. Remembering his warning about public discord, she grabbed Vaan’s arm by the elbow and tugged, seeking a small distance from all the listening ears.

  Her noan seemed to enjoy her struggles and openly laughed. Sweet Miki, be sweet. Unable to budge Vaan’s solid weight, Miki gave up and hissed, “I am not calling the father of my young by his proper title. You may also call me Miki.”

  Vaan rocked back on his booted heels and Miki thought he’d demand she address him formally. At last he spoke, “Agreed. You may call me Vaan but I will call you Mikayla.” A crease appeared on his forehead. “I do not like this Miki.”

  Grumbled the way he said it, she wasn’t sure she wanted him saying it anyway. Instead she pasted a bright smile on her face until it ached. “Thank you for understanding, Vaan.” They could make this work. She’d show him how compromise formed the basis of a happy union.

  ***

  Mikayla. The name was unusual but he liked saying it. He’d hidden his surprise when servants presented food and drink on the table for him and his warriors. Until the smell reached their noses, they had not realized their hunger and thirst. Her thoughtful action deserved a peace offering and it was the reason he’d given permission for her to use his name. Vaan Galip was ever reasonable.

  Vaan ignored the glares from his men. His Warlords considered her their enemy. They did not want the woman greeting him in the familiar by using his birth name. It was a small concession for Vaan and one that seemed to meet with her approval since she was smiling overly bright. The action brought her fangs in sharp relief. He thought he’d find the sight disturbing but instead he felt a stirring in his lower region.

  Not a warrior to shy away from differences, Vaan knew of the rumored mating practices of the Raasa. It was said the women sent the men from their bed with scratches and bites on their body. Such animal like behavior stood as the main reason other races did not mix relations with Raasa. There was also talk of them using their venom to create a bond to enhance the feelings they expressed for one another.

  Only a fool would willing ingest deadly venom. Vaan was no fool. His men were all alert for the first signs that she’d poisoned them with her efforts to bring them from the deep sleep. Vaan would dwell on what this meant for them later. His heart pained him if he thought overly long on the knowledge that his mother had saved his life and that of his warriors, only to pass unto the hills without him there.

  She’d made a new life with her sister after Vaan’s father’s death. Became another man’s bride and raised her second son in the content family structure. A brother Vaan never got the chance to see again while he fought for Kaban and her people. A fight he’d have to start again if this Raasa female spoke truth.

  Chapter 6

  Miki decided her mate was insane. “You want me to do what?” Her outraged question caused those standing around to tense.

  Eran cleared his throat but Miki paid him no mind. The Ba’asi had finished the True Union prayer and she and Vaan were officially mated, but Vaan’s next actions caught her off guard. He’d pulled his long black tail of hair over his shoulder and offered it to her with his scary sharp knife.

  Vaan held the length of his beautiful hair she’d yet to touch with one hand and his blade in the other. “Cut it. The Kabanian woman I chose would have received the honor of shortening my hair so that all may know I am no longer open for invitations. I extend you the same courtesy.”

  “Invitations?” She swallowed. She had an idea of what he spoke but Miki refused to take the knife and she absolutely had no intention of cutting his hair.

  “Sexual invitations are plenty. I am Overlord.” Vaan stated this as an irrefutable fact. “My hair will serve as a visible sign that I have a woman.”

  “No. Absolutely not.” Her mating with a non-Raasa meant a chance to explore the differences between them and that included the hair on his body, which wasn’t present on a Raasa male. “You can tell them you have a mate and if that doesn’t work, I will make them wish they hadn’t offered any invitations.”

  Argan stepped forward. “I would do it if you wish, Overlord. She dishonors you with her refusal.”

  This was absurd. Vaan’s overloud sigh voiced his frustration. “It is an honor. One that should not lead you to react like this.”

  “I like your hair,” she blurted out, glad of her golden skin tones for keeping her blush from being vivid. “It’s beautiful and I have never seen the like. I will not cut it.” Miki turned to Argan and glared. “And if you let another cut it, I will think of a fitting punishment for the offender.”

  Her announcement brought all chatter to an end. Her people ducked their shoulders preparing for the worse. Vaan’s men shuffled their feet in anger. A few placed their hands on the hilt of their swords. A common practice it seemed.

  “She threatens me, Overlord.”

  Miki really hated Warlord Argan and his glare returned the sentiment.

  The Overlord released his hair in order to raise his hand palm out toward his warriors and studied her expression. Miki tried not to flinch from his black eyes. As the minutes ticked by, she considered what she’d do if he forced the issue. Hair was not worth this discussion. It wasn’t like he was asking her to shave it off completely. She’d still have a chance to run her fingers through the silken texture of the hair remaining.

  “This means much to you?” His head cocked to the side while awaiting her answer.

&n
bsp; Miki didn’t know if his gruff words were question or statement but nodded anyway.

  “Agreed. My hair shall remain uncut as a gift to my bride.”

  “Mate,” she corrected.

  “Mate,” he acknowledged without complaint.

  Miki didn’t need to turn to know his agreement displeased his warriors. She’d dismissed a core part of their cultural values. Concessions needed to be made. “Is there another custom of the Kabanian joining that we could use?” she called out.

  His big body was already in motion to get back to his important map reading and guard schedule but he paused. “You are interested in Kabanian rituals?”

  Not really, but she’d never voice the thought. “We’re in this together, Vaan. A life cycle is a long time to be with someone and not meet them half-way.”

  He turned to face her. “Then you would barter the kutthra?”

  Miki frowned and repeated the unknown word. Standard didn’t always have translations for some terms. “Kutthra?”

  He roughly pulled on his pony tail. “Hair cutting.”

  “No,” she gasped. “It’s mine. You gave it as a gift.”

  His full lips twitched. Miki waited and wondered if he’d actually smile but after a moment, she got nothing.

  “You have what you wanted, why would you offer?”

  “Because.” Anger flashed through her. Why must he be so persistent?

  “You seek to bargain?”

  “Fine, yes.” If all he understood revolved around negotiations then Miki would negotiate.

  Vaan searched the group for a servant. He pointed at Assa. “You, fetch bread and honey.”

  Assa jumped to do his biding. Miki worried her fangs and hoped she’d not made a mistake. There couldn’t be anything too bad with food involved.

  ***

  How wrong she was. Miki tapped her fingertips together and paced a few steps. “You want me to eat a piece of bread from the hand of every warrior?” It made no sense. “Argan doesn’t like me.”

  “They are Warlords, Mikayla. This is a higher status than mere warrior. You will address them properly and Warlord Argan has not given you permission to call him so familiar.”

  She needed more cider. It was too early in the day to deal with such and not have drink loosen the limbs and relax the mind. “Warlord Argan hates me.”

  “This is not the case. He has no feelings for you.”

  Miki ceased pacing to gape at him. She’d heard stories of men who’d lost the Blessed Ones favor. It was told they ran about without clothing and talked to people no one could see. Was it possible her new mate suffered a similar affliction? Miki shook her head. She wouldn’t continue that line of thought. She wanted younglings and would not have them weak in the head. “My apologies.”

  Assa returned, bearing a tray laden with two loaves and a knife. Vaan directed her to slice until fifteen slices lay on the plate. Miki watched with fascination. He instructed Assa to layer a thick coat of honey on each. Miki hated honey. It was good that she’d missed the afternoon meal because it looked like she’d be taking her fill in sweetened bread.

  All those present at the ceremony waited to observe what would happen next. Vaan’s Warlords seemed to know what to expect. Or they hid their expression. Miki leaned toward the latter.

  Vaan curled his fingers and waved Miki over. When she stood in front of him, he lowered his head to the side of her face. “Do not move. Do not break the circle and do not shame me.” With those ubiquitous words, he backed away.

  The Warlords took this as a sign and moved to surround her on all sides. They gripped their hands on their swords. Her noan remained silent and watched with curious eyes. Only Tesai thought to protest.

  “What are they doing? Miki, move way from them.”

  Miki didn’t have a chance to soothe her friend. Vaan pulled the knife from his thigh sheath and yanked Tesai close. He laid the sharp edge of the blade to Tesai’s nose. “If you call her by this name again, I will cut your nose from your face. If the lesson is not learned and I hear you call her thus again, I will remove your eyes while you scream for mercy.” Vaan trailed the knife to Tesai’s eyes and pressed the tip to the corner of his pupil. Tesai’s face paled. “Do you mistake me?”

  Tesai shook his head frantically and Vaan withdrew the weapon. Miki released the breath she hadn’t realized she held. Vaan’s Warlords didn’t let the interruption distract them. All fifteen warriors maintained a perfect circle around her. Vaan nodded at his men. “Behold the circle of honor. The circle symbolizes my Warlords willingness to stand between my bride and my enemies.”

  Miki searched for Argan. He stood slightly behind her and to her left. His dark eyes revealed nothing. Vaan murmured in Assa’s ear and the woman came to stand beside a Warlord holding the tray out.

  Miki’s two friends joined the gathering. Sera and Vesa served in the kitchens, and Assa must have told them to come out. The women had their black hair coiled up in a bun. Their simple black tunics sported stains from the meals they’d worked on. Their arms linked at the elbow while they looked on fearfully.

  Vaan spoke over the hush quiet of the hall. “Eating the bread is a sign of trust from my bride that she accepts my Warlords will provide for her on my behalf.”

  The first Warlord unsheathed his sword and placed the tip at her throat in a move so fast Miki had no time to prepare. Her people gasped and from the corner of her eye the Ba’asi took a step forward. Her noan gripped his gold robes and the holy man stopped. Vaan allowed the move thankfully without threatening to remove any body parts. Miki breathed easy. They did not need a threat to the Ba’asi and offending her people.

  Her mate’s focus remained on her and the ritual about to unfold.

  “I vow to protect you when my Overlord can not,” the Warlord holding his weapon to her throat yelled out the words.

  Assa held the bread aloft. The Warlord chose a slice without looking and held it to Miki’s lips. “I vow to provide for you if my Overlord is not able.” He held the bread between two fingers and waited.

  Miki hesitated and risked a glance at Vaan. He stared. Miki bit into the thick crust and the sweet topping. She chewed slowly and swallowed. Her nerves jangled as everyone watched. “Thank you?”

  The Warlord continued to hold the bread forcing Miki to eat it all from his fingertips. Only then did he remove the sword from her throat. The Warlords each took one step to the right and the next Warlord raised his blade to Miki’s throat and nicked her flesh. She gasped but didn’t move. The Warlord’s eyes glittered with malice as he reached for a piece of bread. Miki sought Vaan with her gaze but he only stared back, face blank. She focused on the Warlord as he placed the bread at her mouth with more force than necessary.

  He repeated the words and Miki ate the whole slice without prompting. She wanted him to move away from her as soon as possible. Another Warlord took his place and barely touched her with his blade. After she nibbled on the bread, he popped the rest in his mouth. Miki frowned in surprise but he winked and moved on.

  The sword at her throat and offer of bread went on until the last Warlord moved in front of her. She couldn’t eat another bite. Her stomach heaved and verged on emptying its contents right here on the floor. Argan smirked, whipped his sword out and placed it against her throat.

  The pressure caused her to wince. He placed the last slice at her lips. “I vow to protect you when my Overlord can not. I vow to provide for you if my Overlord is not able.” Miki had no choice, she ate the bread. She only prayed for a chance to excuse herself later in case her belly revolted.

  Another moment passed before Argan reluctantly withdrew the weapon and sheathed it in his chest harness.

  “I, Overlord Vaan Galip, am honor bound. I accept you Mikayla S’Apul as my bride.” He spoke in a clear booming voice so none could miss their meaning. His words stirred a strange emotion in her chest. Miki hadn’t expected to feel anything from the odd ritual or about him.

  “The Overlord ha
s chosen. “Argan’s voice rang out in response. “Warlords present.”

  In perfect synchronization, all fifteen dropped to one knee and bowed their heads toward Vaan. The formation created a small aisle. A path opened between the men on her left and right with Vaan at the end. He extended his hand to her.

  Mikayla was stunned.

  It was barbaric.

  It was different.

  It was beautiful.

  She stepped forward through the opening created.

  “The Overlord’s,” the kneeling Warlord announced.

  Miki hesitated but Vaan curled his fingers impatiently for her to continue. His dark frown warned her to not hesitate.

  “The Overlord’s,” another murmured.

  “The Overlord’s.”

  “The Overlord’s.” She heard again and again until she reached the end of the line.

  When she met Vaan, he clasped her forearm. “Mine.” Her fingers sizzled from the contact. The warm press of his fingers bit into her skin within his firm hold. Their eyes met but Miki couldn’t read the glow from his midnight stare. He looked as if he would speak but then wiped what little expression remained from his face, the moment lost.

  Vaan released her abruptly. He walked passed her as if she didn’t exist. Passed his rising men who clapped him on the back. Miki stared, unable to believe he’d left her standing alone. On the official day of their joining no less. Vaan accepted the well wishes but didn’t pause until he approached the lone warrior off to the side.

  Miki recognized him as the one who’d accidentally cut her. She reached up to her neck. The skin felt tender but no blood flowed. To her horror, Vaan pulled back his fist and punched the Warlord in the mid-section hard enough to cause him to bend over at the waist. While the man coughed and wheezed, Vaan said, “I trust you will have a care next time if you are to stand for me and protect my bride, yes?” Menace pulsed from his command.

  “Yes, Overlord.” The words came out muffled as the Warlord managed to straighten to his full height.