Dance With The Enemy

by Linda Boulanger

  “Honor!” he roared at last, releasing her and pushing away. “First you run, then you fall asleep. Twice, no less. Now you fight me and accuse me of betraying your honor?” Tahruk rolled from the end of the bed, his nakedness causing Elenya’s breath to catch. She sat up in the bed, watching him. What a glorious vision his silhouette made against the pale light filtering in from the garden exit.

  She looked away as he turned to face her. Fingertips against her forehead, she peeked through splayed fingers only to look away again. She hoped he could not see the redness creeping into her cheeks.

  Her head down, she heard him sigh. “There was another woman.”

  Elenya tensed, her gaze still averted.

  “She was waiting for me, expectant of my return.”

  Jaw tight, lips thinned, her head snapped up, her eyes locked with his.

  “She asked that I take her to my bed and make her my second.”

  Elenya bit her lip fighting the tears that threatened. Clamping her eyes shut against the pain, she spun away from him and collapsed into the pillows, sucking air as best she could to keep the tears from falling.

  His hands on her shoulders lifted her, pulling her back firmly to his bare chest. She could feel his breath on her neck and ear, though it only added to the misery that weighed on her own chest. She hated herself for feeling betrayed, hated herself for driving him to the arms of another even before their own relationship had been consummated. Honor said she could reject him for such and return to her people. Her heart told her she would not. A loud sob tore from her.

  “I could have taken her, Little One. But I chose not to,” he whispered against the cinnamon-honey curls covering her ear. “I told her my bed was nicely filled already.”

  Elenya reacted slowly, his words taking their time to register on her tormented brain. Finally, she turned toward him, twisting slightly so she could see his face.

  Tahruk waited as her eyes again implored his.

  “My lord.”

  Her whispered words, lips parting softly as she leaned into him was all the permission the warrior needed. Not needed, wanted. He wanted her to want him.

  With a gentleness matched to her innocence, he kissed her, his mouth remaining over hers even as his hands pressed the silken material from her shoulders. The dress pooled around her waist revealing a corset of the softest pink adorned with ribbons and lace.

  The need burning bright in his dark eyes reflected in hers. While his mouth again claimed hers, his hand explored the curves beneath the feminine garment. He was pleased with the barely audible sounds she made, sounds he more felt than heard, though her response to his touch quickened his urge. Experienced fingers deftly unlaced the corset before he pressed her, ever so gently, onto the bed. She trembled as he removed her remaining garments. Was it fear or expectation? Tahruk was unsure. He only knew it fueled his desire.

  Like a tiger upon its prey, he moved atop her, stopping just long enough to kiss the tender flesh of her belly. Soon, he thought. Soon enough her beautiful body would swell with his child. His child. He kissed her again before need propelled him upward.

  Tahruk cursed silently at the trepidation within her eyes beneath a fear wrinkled brow. “Shhh,” he attempted to whisper against her lips, though she turned her head.

  “Pl … please, my lord. Don’t…”

  “No, Little One. You are mine and I must have you.” He spoke firmly, his voice still soft next to her ear.

  Elenya tensed completely. Her whimpering pierced his heart without softening his resolve to have her.

  “Elenya!”

  She froze, her eyes connecting with his. Her only movement was the rapid rise and fall of her chest pressing against his. Tears welled in her green eyes.

  “Ah, Little One.” He kissed her softly, feeling the trembling of her lips. “What lies fill your head?” He kissed away an errant tear, continuing to nuzzle her cheek with his own, wondering how to allay her fears. The likelihood of unpleasantness before enjoyment made it impossible for him to promise he would not hurt her. He pulled back to stare at her. “Trust me.”

  She looked up at him, a war of uncertainty evident in the tightness of her features. At last she nodded, a short, stiff movement.

  He smiled at her. “Now, keep your eyes on me and breathe as I do.”

  She did as he instructed, relaxing somewhat until he began to move closer to her. He felt her slipping away again.

  “Elenya.” He spoke her given name for only the second time since she’d come into his life. This time his voice was gentle and caressing -- unlike the force with which he claimed her innocence.

  With eyes that said I will continue to trust you because you asked it of me, Elenya lay still beneath him, her lips quivering as she fought to hold back the tears.

  “The worst is behind you, I promise,” Tahruk told her, his thumb caressing away a stray tear. “Now I will show you what they failed to tell you. Tonight you will know the wonders of being a woman. Of being mine.”

  Elenya moved willingly into her new role, opening herself up to the warrior whose gentleness surprised them both. Tahruk reveled in her abandonment at her body’s response to his requests. Never before had he felt such oneness with a maiden as he did with Elenya, the daughter of his enemy, marked with his blood, chosen for him by the Masters in all their infinite wisdom.

  Tahruk stared down at the woman sleeping by his side. Propped on his elbow, he brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, allowing his fingers to enjoy the warm softness of her skin.

  He chuckled at the depth of her sleep, thinking of the two times before when she’d slept well in his bed. This time, no frustration remained on his part. He reveled in the sated look on her peaceful features. He’d heard it said that a woman in love glows. He’d rather think a woman well loved shone with a soft brightness, as did his chosen.

  He settled his head onto the pillow beside her, drinking in the scent of her tousled hair. It smelled of a sweet mixture of Oleander, her, and him. He released the handful of honeyed-cinnamon locks and moved closer to her. Elenya turned, her back to him, moving her body tightly against his. She sighed, a contented sound that made Tahruk smile. She was his. Her body knew it as well as her mind. Now he must work to secure her heart – a task he had no experience in.

  “Elenya Sharanis of Zanak. I shall have all of you,” he whispered, his palm resting over her heart. The feel of her warm skin filled him with renewed desire. He fought it down. Time was theirs. He need not wake her now.

  Chapter 16

  Light, feminine moans and the warmth of silky flesh moving against him roused Tahruk from a peaceful slumber. Even before he opened his eyes, the scent of the woman marked with his blood flooded his mind with heady visions of their passion filled night. Full lips twitched, the corners curving upward as he thought of the fulfillment in their meeting. She’d surprised him, giving of herself in a way he’d never expected. Or at least she had once her fears had been laid to rest.

  A spark of anger threatened as he thought of the lies she must have been told by those she should have been able to trust to tell her about the wonders of a man and a woman. Never had he known a maiden to be so filled with fear. A tightening within his chest accompanied the pleasure he felt at having been the one to put her fears to rest. This tiny woman who carried his blood, would carry his children, had awakened a nurturing instinct within the warrior he’d never have believed himself capable of possessing. He’d begun to realize it well before their coupling, though after becoming one with her, it had bloomed full and strong. He knew now, enemy or no, he would protect her with all he had even to the point of giving up his life for hers should it ever come to that. In a few short days, days filled with frustration and change, a transition had occurred. She was becoming his life. Was that part of The Masters’ plan? Was that the true reason for the mixture and the marking?

  He thought of his own father, gruff as he seemed. Yet he had not abandoned his chosen when she could not produce
the required heir. To this day, she remained as one of the family, had taken part in the rearing of his children and the running of the household. Only now did Tahruk understand the look that still softened his father’s eyes when they fell upon her. The gruff old warrior had fallen in love with her. Tahruk looked at the beauty nestled in his arms. Could he do the same if she failed to conceive?

  No. Duty be damned, he wanted her only. He would fight the Courts, flee with her if he must…

  “My lord?” she whispered, running soft fingers over his deeply creased brow.

  “Shhh.” He pulled her hand down, kissing the fingers that remained to play over his lips. Their touch tickled, deepening an already ignited need. Understanding brought forth a girlish giggle that made him smile, though the way she snuggled closer to him was all woman, leaving Tahruk little choice but to take what she was offering.

  He wouldn’t mind waking like this every morning. No, that wouldn’t bother him at all.

  Chapter 17

  The young woman from Aleone weighed heavily on Daruh’s mind through the early hours of the morning. Shortly before noon, he pushed his paperwork aside deciding instead to pay another visit to Zanak Drille. He wanted to find out what the elder Sharanis had heard about the instability to the Northwest anyway. With Renaine’s match being one of the few that crossed kingdom lines, his chosen hailing from the now unsettled Corigan, if anyone knew what was happening, it would be him. A quick stop at Zanak before lunch at the castle would serve Daruh two-fold.

  Daruh was shown into the main garden when he arrived at Zanak where he found Renaine hovering over several maps and correspondences laid out on a table not far from the roses Nema tended. Odd as it was, he couldn’t say he was overly surprised at Lady Neria’s absence.

  “What brings you to our corner of the Centrehead, Daruh? And so soon after your last visit.” Renaine barely lifted his eyes from the scrolls before him when he spoke.

  “Morning, Master.” Nema’s pleasant voice lifted in greeting as she walked toward the two men. “Should I ring for refreshments, my lord?” she asked Renaine.

  Brows drawn, Renaine looked from Nema to Daruh then out toward the sundial in the center of the garden before shaking his head. “Perhaps Master Daruh would like to join us for lunch since we’re so close?”

  Daruh studied the other man for a moment, wondering if he was truly being asked or told. He shrugged. “I had planned to take my meal at the castle, though this will give us more time to chat.” He glanced down at the maps in front of Renaine. “I was hopeful you might shed some light on the unrest befalling Travensworth’s kingdom.”

  Renaine’s eyes locked with Nema’s before again turning to the Master. Out of the corner of his vision, Daruh could see her body tense.

  “Would you mind letting Neria know we have a guest, Nema? We both know she doesn’t like surprises.” The shaking of Renaine’s head was barely perceptible when Nema began to step toward him. Instead, with a curt nod, she turned to make her way from the garden.

  Renaine watched her leave then went back to scanning the maps. “Women tend to worry needlessly when too much information is shared, would you not agree?”

  Daruh sank into the chair across the table. He watched the man studying the maps. When he didn’t answer, Renaine looked up, raising a brow.

  “You disagree?”

  “For some women, perhaps. Though I would think you might prefer Nema had firsthand, factual information. You know she’s bound to learn about it soon enough on her own, and I can attest to the many tales that are swirling out there she probably won’t get the truth.”

  Renaine regarded him for a moment before nodding his head. “I’ll take that into consideration, Daruh. Though I’m sure Nema’s need for information isn’t the real reason you’re here.”

  Daruh chuckled. The Zanak men certainly couldn’t be blamed for being anything but blunt. He looked out over the colorful pallet of the garden. “I suppose I was also wondering how the young couple was getting along. I didn’t see them about when I came in.”

  “Nor has anyone else.” Renaine’s gruff chortle surprised Daruh. “My son’s mother was not pleased to learn his chamber door had been barred against her unwelcomed entry this morning.” His brief explanation of Neria’s visit to Tahruk’s chamber the morning after the Dremis had Daruh laughing as well. “Neria may be a social butterfly with etiquette beyond measure, but she knows little of the ways and needs of a man, I’m afraid.”

  Daruh nodded, thinking of the peculiar circumstances that thrust Renaine and Neria together. The two did seem ill suited in all but procreation. Together they had produced beautiful daughters and two of the best warriors the King’s army had ever seen, at least until Redahn had been injured.

  As if on cue, the man materialized before them. “Daruh.” Redahn nodded at the Master while settling into the chair next to his father. He leaned forward, staring at the papers on the table before relaxing, a lazy yawn spreading across his stubbled face. “I heard last night he was going to marry Venderlay’s daughter to put an end to the squabbling,” he tossed out casually, pointing to the map of Corigan.

  The older men exchanged looks.

  “Is Travensworth not betrothed already? I was quite certain his marriage had been arranged from his childhood.” Renaine’s comment was directed at Daruh though with a frown thrown in his son’s direction.

  Daruh contemplated the news. “Are you quite certain that’s what you heard?” he asked Redahn.

  Redahn shrugged. “It’s what I heard. Some of Travensworth’s men were in town last night.” A closed-mouthed smile curved his full lips. “Though I can’t say my attention was centered on them. I suppose I could have heard wrong.”

  Renaine raised a brow, his equivalent to an eye-roll, then shook his head before again looking at Daruh. Both men knew the other would be paying a visit to town after their meal to see if the story about Travensworth’s could be confirmed.

  “Lady Neria has asked that you be informed lunch is ready. She’s serving in the dining hall, my lords.” The young woman curtsied then bounded away, though not before blushing from the once over she received from Redahn. The young warrior shrugged at the scowl he received from his father. Again Renaine’s brow raised at his son just before they took their leave from the garden.

  The meal was nearly over when Tahruk surprised them, slipping in through one of the concealed doors leading to Zanak’s hidden passages. His shirt, untucked and open, hung over hastily donned breeches. He too was unshaven and had obviously not been awake long.

  Without saying a word to anyone, he filled a platter from the sideboard then sat at one of the empty seats near the head of the table. “What?!” he asked after taking several greedy bites while all eyes watched his every move.

  “Pray tell, son, where is the girl? You haven’t harmed her, have you?” Neria blurted out, her words unleashing a low mummer running through the lunching party.

  Tahruk stopped chewing, then finished his bite and swallowed. He looked from person to person. “Good God in Heaven. Are the lot of you mad? Of course she’s fine. Why would she not be? She simply had … a most eventful morning.” A chuckle sounded low in his chest, the sound shared by Redahn. The two brothers exchanged a knowing smile in a rare moment of unison before it dissolved garnering Redahn a glare from his older brother.

  “All is well then?” Renaine asked after giving his son a chance to chew another bite.

  Tahruk slammed his fork to the table and pushed back his chair. “I suppose you want details of the event?” His snarling retort was accompanied by a rather ferocious glare that barely earned him Renaine’s raised brow. Others at the table were a bit more animated. Shocked gasps, faked coughs, and even a few covered ears were seen or heard.

  “I’ll take the details,” Redahn offered.

  “You’ll take nothing that belongs to me.” Tahruk rose with jerky movements. He looked around the table, mumbling about tasteless madmen, then stomped back to th
e sideboard to fill another plate. Daruh noticed his choices were made with much greater contemplation than before. It made the old Master smile.

  “I do not wish to be disturbed the remainder of the day,” Tahruk announced after moving toward the concealed door. He glared specifically at his mother until Neria looked down. Then he trained his eyes on Daruh. “Since when has Zanak held such fascination for you, Master? Our business seems suddenly yours for some small and feminine reason. Perhaps it is time you found entertainment elsewhere,” he grumbled before disappearing.

  The old Master’s chuckle was met with obvious relief from the parents of the disrespectful warrior. Moments later, Daruh announced his departure. Though Tahruk had not said much about the young woman, his actions were enough to make Daruh feel comfortable about her well-being. He would call on her specifically in a few days. But for now, he’d focus elsewhere as her warrior had suggested. He needed to shift to the priority of finding out all he could on the situation in Corigan. Though a smaller kingdom, her forces were strong and they were too close to the border of Dorengar to let any concerns lie unchecked.

  Chapter 18

  Tahruk fought against the dour mood that threatened to encompass him as he walked back through the hidden corridors. Only the thought of the young woman waiting in his bed kept it at bay. The morning had been far more fulfilling than he’d anticipated, at least until his grumbling stomach had demanded a trip to the dining hall. He rolled his eyes. To think they’d considered he might hurt her. As unconventional as everything had been between them thus far, he wouldn’t change a thing. He smiled, thinking about his chosen. She’d surprised him, surprised them both actually, and he was sure the pleasures would continue…