Honor Bound Read online

  Vaan punched him again and the force of his blow dropped the warrior to his knees. “Tomorrow you will make amends and show her your commitment to the vows you took today, yes?”

  Miki didn’t think the Warlord could speak but even she heard his raspy. “Yes, Overlord.”

  No one could doubt the sincerity conveyed. Or that she belonged to the Overlord.

  ***

  Kavan was lucky Vaan’s mood was a peaceful one. If not, he’d have taken more of Vaan’s fist for his malicious actions against Mikayla. No one harmed those under his protection and no one touched his bride in violence without recourse. The Raasa all gathered to stare at he and his men. More looks of outrage but Vaan paid them no mind. They would learn his way as well. As promised, Mikayla signaled one of her guards to bring in her other men for Vaan to scrutinize.

  The guard Tesai who had love sick eyes for Mikayla escorted their holy one from the hall. His presence no longer needed. The old man who raised Vaan’s bride approached him. This one held no fear and his green eyes while milky at the center reflected wisdom and pleasure.

  Eran, she called him, extended his hand. Vaan had no choice but to clasp the forearm in greeting. “You will be good for my Miki.”

  Vaan’s nose curled. He hated that name more and more. “I will keep Mikayla safe.”

  “I believe you will. I shall go to my eternal rest knowing she is in good hands.”

  Vaan eyed the Raasa, unable to determine his. The gold face Creases and wrinkles lined the golden face but life often left its mark and did not act as an accurate gauge for a person’s years. Eran released his arm and walked away, his steps slow and measured.

  Argan came over and Vaan gave him permission to speak. “Were you too harsh with Kavan?” his best friend asked. “His actions speak to the feelings that all of us share.”

  Vaan stiffened at the reminder and searched for the Warlord they spoke of. His Warlords stayed to the far side of the room, keeping to themselves. Kavan stood with them, drinking the cider the Raasa provided and talking.

  “It matters not if you all bear her no love. My heart is not involved either way but I am honor bound now and my Warlords will honor my choice or suffer my wrath. Mikayla S’Apul is under my protection and I will challenge any who think to harm her. Do you take my meaning?”

  Argan offered him a half bow. “Yes, Overlord.” Then his friend dropped to one knee. “And the others? No one let her know she need not eat the whole slice of bread. I forced her to accept more when I sensed her stomach sickening and her efforts already met the ritual needs. Will you seek reparation from us for the offense?”

  Vaan’s lip curled upward. His bride made him proud in the circle. She’d sought his eyes when Kavan scored her neck. Only Vaan’s warrior training kept him from answering her instinctive call for help. Her fear visible to them all, yet she stood her ground each time the blade approached, never knowing if one might take their anger out and end her. Blinding trust to that extent was a gift and another reason he’d publicly corrected Kavan. Such gifts were not to be taken lightly, nor rewarded with pain.

  “Yes. Fourteen of you will make amends to me on the practice field.”

  Argan winced and rose to his feet. “Yes, Overlord.” He paused. “Fourteen?”

  Vaan didn‘t dignify the inquiry with an answer, only waving him off.

  Twenty more Raasa men entered the hall, dressed in matching tan tunics and leggings. With their bald heads shining, it was hard to differentiate one from another. They joked and laughed until they met Vaan’s stare. Some straightened and others hissed baring fangs. His Warlords walked to stand behind him, presenting a united front.

  Vaan folded his arms across his chest and widened his legs. With his glare aimed her way, he knew the pose intimidated. “Mikayla, come.” She looked up from her woman’s chatter. Her put upon frown turned to a half-hearted smile when she caught his dark look.

  Once she reached his side, he pulled her in front of him and placed a hand on each of her shoulders. “You will cede leadership of them over to me.”

  She glanced at him over her shoulder, her eyes wide and curious. “I don’t know what you ask.”

  He grunted and turned her back to her people. He must be patient with her. Quick wits were obviously not her strong suit. He accepted this, since her womanly softness pressed against him and stirred his toqa. She need not be smart to bear his youngling. At the thought, his flesh hardened beneath the leathers and throbbed in want. Vaan would take care of his need later with his new bride.

  Between the crowd from their joining and these new males, roughly a hundred Raasa waited. “Tell them of our True Union and my initial rules.”

  A few looked surprised hearing his words but Vaan wished Mikayla to speak. Her people must see her willingness to give him rule over them.

  “Um, yes. This is Overlord Vaan Galip. He is Kabanian and my mate. The Ba’asi conducted our True Union earlier. You will respect the Overlord as the head of my house.”

  The temperament of the group ranged from confusion to anger but Vaan let her continue.

  “You will continue to address me as Su-Su but he prefers to be called Overlord and his men will be called Warlord. He has brought fifteen of them to stand with us against Thenl.”

  She looked back to see if this met with his approval. He leaned down and spoke in her ear. “You will tell them of the touching.” His hands lowered to her hips and pulled her firmly along his front so she would not miss his arousal.

  “Vaan, the Overlord also prefers that no male touch me without...” She cleared her throat and Vaan sensed her discomfort. “Without his permission.”

  It was done. They could accept it or receive his punishment for infractions. He took over speaking. “The first thing my Warlords and I will do is handle the securing of the premises. Tonight, we will own guarding the gates. Tomorrow, we will practice in the outer court yard at morning tide to select the finest of you as warriors. Those who do not meet our satisfaction will act as guards on the gate and signal when danger approaches. No one will enter this compound without my knowledge and no one will enter this home without my permission.”

  “Tesai is right. You would have us be prisoners in our home.” One Raasa male yelled out.

  So the hapfe dung already stirred his discontent. “Better prisoners with a generous Overlord than cattle for Thenl to crush in his march to unattainable glory. Are you so bold you speak for others if their family falls to his greed?”

  Some paled and a few cried out. They got his meaning. Blessed One save him if this was all he had to battle Thenl. Crying men and women. He almost expected them to fall to the floor and wail while tearing at their clothing. There was one more thing. He tugged on Mikayla’s arm. “Send in more food.” It was going to be a late night and the food of earlier had been tastier than he or his men expected. As she left to direct her servants, Vaan caught Balal’s eye and signaled his Warlord to approach.

  Balal came over and bowed. “Overlord, you have need of me?”

  “Tomorrow, after the practice to identify worthy Raasa to join our ranks, I will challenge my men to one on one combat. A much needed practice session.”

  Balal winced and bowed again. “Of course, Overlord. It will be as you wish.”

  “You will not meet me on the field tomorrow.”

  His Warlord frowned. “If I have offended the Overlord, I would make amends.”

  Vaan clapped the young warrior on the shoulder. “You will not face a beating tomorrow at my hands because you honored my bride. I will not forget.” Vaan left the man with those thoughts. He’d noticed Balal’s action in the circle. He’d been gentle in his vows to Mikayla during the circle.

  ***

  The task to find rooms for the fifteen Warlords began with unnecessary difficulty. When Miki mentioned them bedding in the guard house, Vaan firmly interrupted. “No. My Warlords will rest under my roof.”

  Her home supported several resting rooms but not enough to h
ouse an additional fifteen extremely large men. But Vaan remained adamant and turned his back, leaving the matter for her to resolve. It took well into the evening for Miki to get arrangements completed.

  Miki opened the cabinets in the storage room to remove more blankets. Tesai interrupted her harried efforts. “Miki, do you know what you are about?”

  She paused, her arms full of folded linen. His eyes dilated, revealing his concern. “We have no choice, Tesai. Warlord Thenl will destroy us if I do not agree to his plan.”

  Tesai slammed his fist into his palm. His passionate response surprised her. “We must fight. Let’s reach out to the other compounds. Together we can stand against the Kabanians.”

  Miki sighed, stirring the hair at her temple. She loved Tesai. His friendship guided her in her fledging years, and her heart rejoiced at the help he’d offered time and time again. “It is no use, Tesai. I sent messengers to them all and none want to confront the warriors. They hope Thenl will cease his tyranny if I commit to him.”

  Tesai’s lips thinned and pleaded. “What if they were right? Have you considered what this will mean to your life now that you’ve tied yourself to the Overlord?” He flung his hand in the direction of the hall and grimaced. “They are ill-mannered barbarians and he is the worst of the lot.”

  Tesai closed the gap between them and touched her arm above the elbow. His thumb feathered over the sensitive crease. “Think about it, Miki. Perhaps the others have the right idea.”

  Anger surged forward. She shook off his hand. How could he of all people be so blinded? “I will not risk my people on a chance. Thenl is bad news and my joining with the Overlord will save us.”

  She stormed from the storage room, leaving him behind. Assa passed by and Miki handed off the stack of blankets. She twisted her lips into what she hoped passed for a smile. “Please make sure these are used. It is the last of them.”

  Her friend rushed off to do her bidding while Miki returned to the main hall. As soon as she entered, several Warlords glanced in her direction and immediately dismissed her. The Overlord rolled the map in front of him and reached for another. Miki hesitated, unsure of her next actions.

  When she envisioned her joining day, her mind conjured images of her friends around her, Raasa from the neighboring compounds in attendance and a beautiful sari made of silk. Instead, she’d worn a bland tunic and leggings. Rough clothing she put on for outdoor work.

  Tears shimmered on her eyelids but Miki blinked them away. Now was not the time for sorrow. She stood by her decision and knew it gave her people the best opportunity against Thenl.

  Still, she couldn’t help thinking of what might have been. In a True Union from the heart, she’d laugh and dance the night away in the arms of her love. Looking at Vaan Galip didn‘t inspire dancing and she bet he’d never laughed a day in his life.

  His stern features sent another shiver of foreboding down her spine. He snapped a question to the Warlord standing to the left of him and the warrior answered instantly. Miki wrapped her arms around her middle before turning. Obviously, their planning wouldn‘t end any time soon. Her mate would be tied up for however long he felt necessary.

  On the verge of leaving, Miki looked over her shoulder and considered walking over to wish him good night. The Warlord Argan spoke and all of the warriors threw back their heads and laughed uproariously. Heart heavy, she turned away once more and pushed her dreams of love into a dark corner.

  Vaan had stationed one of his stone faced Warlords at the opposite end of the hall to prevent anyone from getting close to their room while they slept. The frowning warrior begrudgingly let her pass. It was with relief that she finally retired to her room.

  The sky darkened hours ago but she’d worked side by side with her servants for most of the evening preparing beds and airing rooms. Grateful to be off her feet, Miki changed into her thin knee length shift for sleeping. The sight of her thick bedding reminded her of her exhaustion. She doused the glow stone, plunging the room in darkness, and dropped to the bed. Sleep called before her head hit the pillow.

  She’d rested for what seemed like minutes before she heard the door open and close. Miki hadn’t bothered with the shiny new bolt Vaan had found someone to install but she knew it was him. Vaan’s heavy booted feet crossed the room and she listened as he disrobed. The bed shook and creaked from his weight when he climbed in.

  Her lids started to drift shut again when Vaan’s arm wrapped around her middle and pulled her close. He rolled his weight atop her body and braced above her. Miki’s eyes snapped open in puzzlement.

  “We must anoint the union,” he announced.

  Her brain slugged through his words to sort their meaning. She gasped as he slid her shift up to her waist. “What are you about?” Her hands landed on his shoulders.

  Her new mate merely grunted and parted her legs, allowing his weight to settle between her limbs, his purpose clear.

  “Vaan!” Sleep faded and Miki struggled to sit up. His large frame immobilized her efforts.

  A blunt finger probed her center and Miki stiffened from the unfamiliar touch. “Good. You are not so different.” With those words, he drove into her opening.

  Miki cried out more from surprise than pain and used her arms to push against his shoulders. This was not what she expected. Where were the soft kisses and tender caresses that a man gave a woman? His length filled her and stroked against her tender flesh.

  Her hips arched away from his attention but he continued to thrust, his low growl reaching her ears. The frame of her bed creaked and rocked into the wall. Its’ thumping sound overly loud in the room. She tried to catch a glimpse of his expression but his head faced the other direction as if he focused on his duty only and not her.

  Mikayla shifted her hands and tentatively touched the hair hanging past his shoulders and brushing her face. Thick and yet soft as the silk she’d bought from the market place. Her hands eased to his shoulders. Sweat slicked the skin from his efforts as he gasped and labored above her.

  She wanted to feel something but the heat of his toqa stroked roughly over her dry center. When he began to grunt, she worried her lower lip and watched his straining features. The tendons stood out starkly against his tanned throat. His motions sped up as he slammed her deeper into the mattress. He gave one last groan before his weight crashed upon her. Wet fluid trickled between her legs.

  “You performed well. We will have many youngling, Mikayla.”

  He pushed up on his elbows and rolled to the other side of the bed. A rough yank dislodged her as he pulled the covers over his chest. Miki stared in disbelief when his snores soon filled the now quiet room. She could think of nothing to say to his announcement. Her first bout of sex and it didn’t last long enough for her to determine if she liked the intimate act or not.

  Miki blinked back tears and curled to the small remaining space left on the bed. Vaan sprawled over the majority of the mattress, leaving her enough room to wiggle along his side. When her body came in contact with his, she sighed. Her arm tentatively reached out to rest on his chest. Her mate. Her decision.

  ***

  The next morning, Miki descended to the lower levels. The Warlord stationed at the bottom of the stairs reluctantly stepped aside as she approached. He sneered as she passed and muttered under his breath. Mikayla remained calm and kept her pace steady though she wanted to run.

  The soreness between her legs warned her from such action. Her warm bath did nothing to ease the tenderness below. Her mate’s rough handling had her revisiting the idea of young. Or sex for that matter.

  She eyed the subject of her moody thoughts. Vaan sat alone at the end of the table, finishing his morning meal. Miki contemplated walking straight through to the kitchen and ignoring him but it was not her way. She approached his end of the table and placed a kiss on his mouth. Her tongue licked his bottom lip softly.

  Vaan pulled away sharply. “What is this?”

  She took the seat next to him and
signaled a hovering Assa to bring her meal. “What is what?”

  “Do you seek to poison me?” Dark brows lowered at the thought and his mouth pressed into a firm line. It took Miki a moment to decipher his meaning.

  “The kiss? I can’t poison you with a kiss.” Her back hunched at the rude claim and she wished she’d followed her initial instinct to head for the kitchens to eat. Cook welcomed her company.

  “Your mouth made contact with mine.” His fingers rubbed roughly at his lips as if he could wipe away Miki’s touch.

  “Are you jesting?” Surely he’d been kissed before.

  “No,” he growled and shoved his empty plate away.

  “Well kissing will do you no harm. It’s a sign of affection.”

  “Kabanian do not kiss.”

  Too bad for them. “I did not know this.”

  He pondered her words. “Your venom can not release with this kiss?”

  Assa placed a plate of vegetables and a bowl of mashed fruit in front of Miki. She waited until her friend headed back to the kitchens before speaking. “It could but it’s simpler for a Raasa to bite and express our venom if we want to hurt someone or project it in attack. It’s easier than attempting during a kiss.”

  “Do you kiss others?”

  Miki wished she hadn’t made the effort. “No,” she paused in her eating to check if he was serious. “It’s intimate. For males and females to show care to one another.”

  “Ah.” He relaxed, his features smoothing out and stood. Her attention caught on the fine figure of her mate.

  His bare chest tapered to a lean waist. The black studded harness containing his sword criss-crossed his chest, defining the muscles there and leading ones eyes to his flat stomach. Black leather leggings encased firm thighs to thick calves and soft soled knee length boots in black completed the image. As usual, he was completely armed. The dagger, he favored strapped to his right thigh. Another in a small tan sheath on his lower left calf.

  “It is a frivolous gesture of affection from females and serves no purpose,” he continued. “I understand now.” He walked away to greet the Warlord entering the hall. Miki had yet to learn all their names. The two departed together, Miki forgotten.