It was the only way to show her just how much she meant to him. He’d give up a kingdom for her in a heartbeat.
Unable to stop himself, he sought her face among the crowd. She wasn’t cheering or placing bets. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her lips pressed together. Her green eyes glowed like gems, fierce and hard. And she was looking straight at him. He took one step in her direction before he stopped himself. Esau was beside her. The younger man gave him a nod, a reassurance he’d take care of her.
While the people grew restless, Zaxe centered himself with mental exercises. His body was bruised and tired, but he blocked the pain. He shut down his feelings until nothing remained but the need to succeed, to bring death to his opponents.
He’d completed his last mission, paid his debt to the king of Gravas. His sisters were safe. He was finally free. A sense of peace settled over him. A new mission roared to life within him. He must protect Jamaeh. Nothing was more important. Not revenge, not taking his place as rightful ruler of the Northern Territory. While he wanted justice and would embrace the challenge of leadership, he would let it all go to save her.
His iron will snapped into place just as the captain returned. The ancient war axe was a work of art. He had no idea where Artemis had obtained it, but she’d given it to him when he was a boy. He’d been instructed in the use of every known weapon, but the zaxe was his namesake and his favorite.
The captain held it out and gave a curt nod. Zaxe wrapped his fingers around the well-worn handle with a familiarity that came from long use. He didn’t swing it around like his opponent did with his, didn’t make it whistle through the air to the delighted cheers of the crowd. No, his weapon was like him—deadly and silent.
Lomar stood and raised his hands in the air. Everyone quieted. “We will begin. State your name,” he told the challenger.
“I am Novak,” the towering dark-skinned warrior stated. “I will be your executioner.” The last was directed at Zaxe.
He didn’t bother to reply to the ludicrous claim. Time would tell. Lomar frowned when he didn’t get any reaction. “Begin.”
Novak ran at him, swinging wildly. Zaxe stayed where he was, his muscles relaxed and ready, his war axe by his side. He ducked at the last possible second. The blade whizzed over his head, the momentum turning his opponent in a circle. Zaxe swung his own weapon. He didn’t miss. The bigger man fell facedown in the dirt.
The crowd went deathly silent. Zaxe looked at the next man in line and curled in fingers in a “come forward” gesture. The man swallowed, but stepped into the makeshift ring. This challenge took longer as his opponent circled, looking for an opening. But before long, he too was bleeding out on the hot sand.
The line had grown shorter, but there were still three men there.
“All of you at once,” Lomar roared.
So much for a fair fight. He saluted his uncle as the men raced toward him with battle cries falling from their lips. His brain gauged the distance, the odds, and all possible moves better than any computer program. He dipped and struck, sidestepped and struck again before jumping over a low shot. Blood speckled his face and chest by the time he raised his hands in the air in victory.
Would Jamaeh accept him now that she knew that he was capable of being so cold-blooded? He lowered his arms and walked toward the awning. “Is there no one else?” He glanced at Samar and gave a tilt of his chin. “Your son, perhaps?”
“I’m not afraid of you,” the younger man shot back. Easy to be brave when you didn’t have to back it up.
“I have a challenger,” a new voice interjected.
Zaxe inwardly swore and wheeled around. “Reman.”
“Did you think I wouldn’t hear you were back?”
“You know this man?” Lomar demanded.
“We had business together. He cost me a good man.” Reman was surrounded by guards.
“Your man’s reckless actions got him killed.” Zaxe swiped at the sweat dripping into his eyes and squinted against the sun. He was thirsty and hungry and tired. All his life he’d had to fight for everything. Would it never end?
Reman searched the crowd, stopping when his eyes landed on Jamaeh. Zaxe’s fingers tightened around his weapon, not liking the expression of satisfaction on the man’s face. “I see your pretty friend made it back alive.”
“She’s smart, not reckless,” he shot back. Standing tall and proud on the edge of the circle, she stood out among the other women, not only because she was dressed like the men, but because of her unique beauty. She didn’t see herself that way, but he did. Her green eyes burned with some emotion he couldn’t place. Was she angry? Scared?
“That’s debatable since she owes me a debt,” Reman reminded them.
“Your problem is gone.” The reminder that Helldrick was dead.
“But I am still out money.”
“You have your life. Be thankful.” Zaxe’s patience was legendary, but he had limits. “If you want more, take your shot in the ring.”
Reman threw back his head and laughed. “I think not.”
Zaxe glared at the crowd. “You allow yourselves to be ruled by cowards.” The rumbling of discontent grew louder. The guards were forced to draw their weapons to keep the people at bay. He pinned Reman with a look that had him taking a step back. “In case you haven’t heard everything, my name is Navar Zaxurus. I am rightful ruler of this territory.”
He caught the slight sound behind him before he heard Jamaeh’s yell of “Look out.” Dropping, he rolled and swung, burying his axe in the chest of one of the man who’d snuck up behind him. Jumping to his feet, he went on the offensive for the first time. No more did he wait for them to come to him. The zaxe was an extension of his hand, the battle a deadly dance—one he was master of. The sands were soon stained crimson. And he didn’t stop at the men who’d challenged. Reman and his men were in the ring. They were fair game.
Reman tried to run as his men went down one after another, desperately trying to protect him and themselves, but the captain of the guards halted his retreat. “You entered the ring, you fight.”
“Preposterous.” When Reman looked to Lomar and got no help, Zaxe smiled. The rats were turning on one another. Reman pulled a blaster from beneath his cloak and fired. Zaxe dove to the side, throwing his axe as he fell. The blast went wide, churning up the sand inches from where he landed. The blade spun once through the air before burying deep in Reman’s chest. An expression of disbelief crossed his face before he went to his knees.
Zaxe strode to him and yanked the blade out, watching dispassionately as the body toppled over. “You should never have threatened her.” He found Jamaeh in the crowd. Her hand was over her mouth, eyes wide with horror. Esau had his arm around her.
The cold inside him grew until it encompassed his entire body. A yearning for his twin filled him. She understood and accepted him. Both his sisters did. He would not be troubled over the deaths of the men here today. They’d chosen to try to kill him for money. They’d brought their deaths on themselves. Some would call him a monster. He was a survivor.
“I have defeated your challengers.” Standing before Lomar, he felt no sense of triumph or accomplishment.
“So you have.” Lomar pushed to his feet and raised a blaster. “I didn’t expect you to live. You’re tougher than your father.” A blast struck Lomar’s arm. He fell back into his chair, the weapon falling from his numb fingers.
Who shot him? Zaxe whirled around. Jamaeh’s face was ashen, her arms extended, a blaster raised. “No!” He raced toward her, throwing himself on top of her as several weapons discharged.
“Cease fire! Cease fire!” The captain’s voice rose over the screaming crowd.
Zaxe cared for no one but the woman lying still beneath him. “Jamaeh?” Had she taken a hit? Had he hurt her when he’d tackled her?
She choked, unable to suck in a breath. He sat her up and wrapped his arms around her. “Breathe,” he ordered as he visually inspected her body. No blo
od stained her clothing. He’d gotten to her in time. He bowed his head, pressing his forehead against hers. As she leaned against him, he yanked his battlesuit up and secured it. Not for his protection but hers. There were a lot of anxious, trigger-happy guards surrounding them.
“Why? Why did you shoot Lomar?”
“Couldn’t.” She gasped. “Let.” Another breath. “Him hurt you.” Her pupils almost swallowed the green of her eyes, making them appear even larger.
“But you were free.” With Reman and her father dead, the threats to her were gone. She could have gone back to her life.
She shook her head and thumped her hand against his chest. “Love you, you idiot.”
His heart seemed to burst in his chest. A euphoric sensation washed through him. It was intoxicating, almost like drinking too much Andalusan wine. He closed his eyes and said a prayer to the gods he’d long forgotten, the ones who had abandoned him years ago. He’d lost so much, but having this woman in his arms was his reward for all he’d endured.
“Arrest her.” Lomar’s voice was weak but unmistakable. “And him. They conspired to assassinate me.”
Zaxe brushed his lips over her forehead and stood, helping her to her feet. “Go to Esau.”
She shook her head. “Whatever happens, I’m with you.”
Chapter Eighteen
What have I done?
Lungs aching, chest pumping, and legs trembling, she stood beside Zaxe. He’d fought like a machine, his skill and grace both deadly and beautiful. His dark skin gleamed with sweat and was speckled with blood. His eyes, which had been remote and cold, warmed when they looked at her.
There were so many layers to him. In many ways, he was an enigma, but he was still her Zaxe, the man she loved. She nibbled on her bottom lip. He hadn’t responded to her confession. Knowing she’d signed her own death warrant when she’d taken the shot, she’d blurted it out in case she never got another chance.
He threw himself on top of me.
A warm sensation filled her, driving out some of the sickness churning inside her, calming the shakes from fear and the adrenaline crash.
People began to creep closer now that the shooting had stopped. Men and women, young and old, gathered to watch.
“Navar! Navar!” The chant began in the back, but rippled through the crowd, growing louder. Some looked uneasy, but many picked up the refrain.
Zaxe held his hand up, calling for silence. It didn’t surprise her when the crowd complied. He wore power and assurance like most men did a shirt. It was a part of his DNA.
“This is not done yet.” He pointed his axe at Lomar. “You sent multiple challengers at once and did not stop Reman from interfering.” A small group of guards were clustered around the ruler, protecting him and his son. “When the contest was won, you tried to murder me outright. You have proven yourself a coward.”
“I am the leader of this territory. You are nothing more than an interloper. You do not know the people or this world. You are a stranger here.”
He flinched slightly, but she only noticed because she was standing alongside him. She wanted to take his hand but knew he needed them both free. As did she. She’d dropped the blaster she’d taken from a nearby guard when Zaxe tackled her, but she still had a knife at the small of her back. His bloody axe was held loosely in his right hand. Not nearly enough to face the force surrounding them.
“And whose fault is that?” His voice carried without him having to raise it.
“This is pointless. I will not give up my position for you. I have the backing of the leaders of the other territories, as well as trade treaties.” Lomar pushed to his feet and addressed the people. “Are you willing to risk inciting the wrath of the other territories? For him?” He sneered as he pointed at Zaxe. “What can he offer but strife and possible war? Does he have allies? And where is his sister?” His gaze narrowed. “If she is alive, she is my ward. I could make an advantageous marriage for her. The leader of the Southern Territory has many sons. It would be a good alliance.”
Jamaeh’s stomach clenched as the people around her nodded. They were more worried about trade and their livelihoods than about what was right. She didn’t fault them for that. Politics was a game only the rich and powerful could afford to play.
Zaxe lowered his weapon, resting the head of the axe on the ground. His lips twitched. He was amused? Really? If they survived this, they were going to have a long talk about his odd sense of humor.
“My sister is already married.”
The calculation in Lomar’s eyes turned to distaste. “To a foreigner? Someone not from Zaxus? If you are indeed of royal blood, you disgrace your bloodline.”
Jamaeh flinched. It was the same argument that had made her life so difficult. Being of mixed blood or, in his sister’s case, marrying someone who wasn’t pure Zaxian was a mark against her. The gathered crowd murmured, dissent beginning to grown. Already the goodwill from his victory was fading.
“If you want to keep your tongue in your head, I suggest you choose your words more wisely.” She understood the protectiveness driving him, as she was the same way with Esau.
“Are you threatening me?”
Zaxe shook his head. “Not at all, but her husband might take exception.”
“Bah, I’m not afraid of some foreigner.”
Zaxe’s smiled deepened. “If that’s true, then you have no problem with me relaying your words to him.”
“None at all.”
He held his hand out to the captain. “My communicator, please.”
Jamaeh was almost afraid to breathe as the captain got a nod from Lomar and handed over the device. Was he really calling his brother-in-law? What good would that do?
“Put it on speaker for all to hear,” Lomar demanded. A smug, satisfied expression crossed his face. He’d thought he’d won. And why wouldn’t he? He had wealth and powerful connections. He was known to the people. While many disliked him, they knew what to expect. And his offer to make a good marriage for Zaxe’s sister went a long way with the traditionalists.
Zaxe winked at her. He was totally relaxed. Every piece of clothing she wore was damp with sweat. She didn’t know if she wanted to hug him or smack him.
“Contact Prince Ivar el Gravaso, prince of Gravas.”
The crowd gasped. Lomar paled and took a step back.
“Zaxe,” a deep male voice answered. “We got your earlier message. What’s going on? Do you need backup? We have ships in position. Your sister could not stay away.”
“Delphi is here?”
“Both she and Sass are. If we don’t land soon, I fear they’ll take out the guards and steal a ship.”
Was he serious? Jamaeh was curious, but at the same time doubt crept in. His family was here now. Zaxe no longer needed her.
“That sounds like them. Our uncle and current ruler of the Northern Territory had some choice words about her and you after learning she married an outsider.”
“Is that so?”
Lomar cleared his throat. “My apologies, your highness. I had no idea who you were. Zaxe did not say.”
“So if I wasn’t a prince, you’d be fine with insulting her?”
“No. No. Not at all.”
“I’d advise you to watch your tongue when we land. I don’t want my wife to kill you. It would be bad for relations.”
Zaxe gave a snort of laughter. “Looking forward to seeing you.” He ended the call and studied the man sweating before him. “I have two sisters. One by blood and one by choice. Both are married to princes of Gravas, but it’s not their husbands you need to be concerned about.”
Lomar tugged on the cuffs of his shirt and straightened his shoulders. “No?”
Zaxe shook his head. “No. If they want you dead, they’ll handle the job themselves.”
He’d barely dropped that bombshell when a ship suddenly appeared in the sky above them. A ripple of surprise and fear ran through the crowd. It wasn’t very big, but the one that came into view abo
ve it was huge.
“Is that a Gravasian battleship?” the captain asked.
“Yes.”
Respect gleamed in the man’s eyes. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”
He certainly was. Jamaeh inched away. It was best if she waited with her brother and allowed Zaxe to be reunited with his family. And someone had to keep an eye on Lomar and Samar. She didn’t trust them.
The sand began to swirl as the craft set down just beyond them. Jamaeh turned her head and took another step. She’d gotten two steps away when strong fingers clamped around her wrist. Zaxe wasn’t looking at her but at the ramp that lowered. She stopped trying to pull away as a huge figure appeared at the top.
At least six and a half feet tall, he wore a black battlesuit and helmet, obscuring all his features. An icy chill skated over her skin. A tall woman with black hair and dressed all in black appeared alongside him. As though some unspoken command had been given, they started down the ramp together.
Another man came into view. This one was slightly shorter than the last with golden-brown hair. He gazed over the crowd, his sharp eyes missing nothing. The scar on his left cheek gave him a tough appearance.
A smile broke across Zaxe’s face when a dark-skinned woman appeared. Jamaeh swallowed hard. Would he ever smile at her like that? It was hard not to be jealous, especially when the woman was gorgeous. Much shorter than the male, she nonetheless had a commanding presence. Thin corkscrew curls fell to just below her shoulders, softening her appearance.
“Delphi,” he whispered.
This was his sister. The man with the golden-brown hair wrapped his arm around her. That had to be her husband, Ivar, the prince of Gravas.
When Zaxe started forward, she dug in her heels. His frown of impatience made her glare back. “Just leave me here.”
“Never.”
****
Never before had he been so happy to see his brothers-in-law or grateful for who they were. The four of them headed straight for him. Delphi’s eyes widened when they landed on his hand, which was holding tight to Jamaeh. If he hadn’t stopped her, she would have left him. Fine tremors went through her arm.
Zaxe's Rule (Assassins of Gravas Book 4) Page 17