by Missy Lyons
"Have you found any leads?"
"Xanther has not allowed me to meet many people. I think he is trying to protect me more than letting me protect him. It is almost like he doesn't respect what I do."
"I have been taking advantage of the king's recovery. I met all the servants, especially those who have access to the kitchens. I met with the alchemist and the local witch to check and see who may have bought arsenic lately. I have a list of eight people. I hope to see them all soon and interrogate each one of them."
"Wow, Elsbeth, it won't take you long to figure out who is behind this. I think there could be more than one person. I wonder why Xanther hasn't given me the same kind of freedom? I feel so wound up. I need some kind of outlet."
At that moment, Xanther walked in. He padded to Alyssa's side and pulled her to him in a quick kiss. “Good morning. I missed you in bed when I woke up."
"Good morning Xanther,” Elsbeth said before taking a bite of her roll.
"Good? I don't think I would call it good, Xanther.” Alyssa pushed against his chest.
"Nay? I would call any day good when I get to wake up next to my mate. Of course, next time you should wait for me to wake up before leaving the bed..."
"Stop calling me that."
"Calling you what?"
"Your mate!"
"Why not? It's what you are. As soon as you accept that you are mine, the sooner every morning will be good for you, too. Better still will be the mornings when we mate and you won't be getting out of bed early at all."
"You are intolerable!"
"Just admit that I am your mate."
"You have got to stop saying that. I need you to give me some breathing room. Can I leave the castle today? There is someone I
would like to find."
"Someone from your father's business?” He wished she would trust him. He would protect her with his life, if she could just trust him enough to let him know what needed to be done.
"You might say that."
"Alyssa, if you tell me what you need I might be able to help you."
"I need some space. I need some time to myself. Which I may never get again the way you make me follow you around constantly. Why is Elsbeth able to have more freedom than I do?"
"Yes Xanther. Is there a reason you are you afraid to let her stray far?” Elsbeth asked.
A male dragon never let their mate stray too far. It was their protective nature that took over, but if she would just admit her feelings, he could relax a little. Xanther ignored Elsbeth's question, instead asking Alyssa, “Wasn't that the job you signed up for? Guarding me?"
"Yes.” But I have my own job to do too, like find Drake McAllister. “Yes, but I do need to keep my skills up. Do you ever spar with your soldiers? Or practice swordplay?"
"Did you want to join them in some sort of swordplay this morning?"
"It would keep up my skills..."
"No."
"I am getting so bored. I need a little roughhousing once in a while. Come on, Xanther, fight me. I promise I won't hurt you."
"Hurt me? Never.” He laughed a full-bodied laugh that warmed her.
Alyssa smiled brightly, “Okay, maybe I will hurt you. Just to show you I can. It would do you good to knock that smile off your face."
"If you could not hurt me, would you admit you are my mate?"
"No. It might make me admit I like you too much to hurt you. People don't pick mates where I come from. When two people marry, it's because they love one another. This,” she gestured between them, “isn't love."
"Then what would you call it?"
"Infatuation? A crush? Does it matter? Why don't you let me practice with your soldiers today then?"
Xanther grinned; in a way she had admitted she felt something for him.
"So you want me to set you loose on my poor men?"
"Please, for me?"
"I was thinking of my poor men."
Alyssa laughed. “Come on, all I need is a little practice to keep my skills up. It's not like I want to kill someone, or asked for a punching bag. I just want to scrap. It's not like my safety is at risk—no man can touch me."
"Just what would you be willing to wager on that?"
"I think any wager with you would be too high. I don't have anything left to wager with anyway."
"There is one thing."
"What?"
"Tonight you could give yourself to me. All of you."
"And if I win?” Alyssa didn't want to accept the wager. This was too dangerous a game. Her heart was on the line.
"Then you could still give yourself to me."
"No.” The pompous man was arrogant. Wager with an Elisaid warrior? To win in a fight with honor? She could win this wager and be finally free of him and his insufferable claiming.
"I'll wager with you, but on my terms. Your men won't touch me in a fair fight. If I win, you stop pursuing me, if one of your men bests me, I will give myself to you willingly.” A secret thrill went through her spine at the thought of becoming his lover. Perhaps she could accidentally lose ... She would be winning in a way.
"Your terms are too high, but the winnings are worth it. I accept your wager, Alyssa,” he said.
She almost expected him to seal the deal with a kiss, but he didn't. Why not now? He took every other opportunity he could to kiss her. She pursed her lips together. At least she could use this as a physical outlet for some of her pent up energy and sexual frustration. “Well then, what are we waiting for?"
"Elsbeth, gather my men. Tell them I will give fifty crowns to the man who touches Alyssa, and a hundred gold pieces to the man who bests her. I want everyone there. So get moving and spread the word."
"I want my leathers back."
"If you want to be a warrior, clothes don't matter."
"True, but it does give your men the advantage. This skirt doesn't allow freedom of movement."
"I told you, I had those rags burned."
"Fine.” Alyssa raised her skirts to reveal the knife strapped to her thigh. Holding her skirt taut, she stabbed it, tearing the skirt at a length to just cover what was necessary. The skirt was sheared above her knees. It would give her little protection, but it would offer a greater range of movement. If she was really lucky, it would offer greater distraction to his men too. Trouncing his men would be fun, but some freedom would mean one step closer to her plans coming to fruition.
"You don't need any kind of advantages, Alyssa. I don't expect any of my men to beat you."
"Then how do you think you will win our wager?"
"I expect you will surrender to your mate when I claim you."
"Is that why you want the whole rest of the world there, to see you stake your claim? Well, you can forget it, mate. As I said before, the man who claims me will have to best me!"
"Then I will have to best you, won't I?"
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Chapter 14
All of the men looked at her. It was obvious that many of the men did not like allowing a woman to have such an unwomanly place among them. Many others refused to fight a woman at all. Still, even with those reservations at least fifty men-at-arms awaited to accept her challenge.
"Xanther, hand me your handkerchief if you will."
"There is no dishonor in surrender, ma Kerima. Especially when surrender can lead to something so heavenly.” He took his white handkerchief from his waistcoat pocket, handing it to her gently. He let his hand linger in hers.
"Here are my rules.” Alyssa tucked the scrap of fabric into the wedge of her breasts. “The challenger has to be able to take this from me. Once they are disarmed, the fight is over. There will be no rematches or second chances."
"Are you going to limit the fighters?"
"No, but I would prefer one at a time."
"That is not what I meant. After a few fights, you will be tired."
"All the more reason to not turn this into a sword dance, but get it to end quickly."
"What about choice of weapons?
"
"They are free to use any they please."
* * * *
Funny how the freedom she sought from Xanther was the same thing she hated giving up. Alyssa would miss Xanther's attentions when this was over. It had never been like this before. She felt such an unreasonable hunger for him.
No man had ever treated her with such caring, been so generous, or been so frustratingly arousing and sexy at the same time. Just looking at his body made her lusty; she could feel heart race and stomach warm. Never had she been made so aware of herself as a woman. His possessiveness was flattering even if it did put a damper on the space she needed. So why did she feel like she could be losing the man of her dreams with this silly wager?
Alyssa stepped into the circle of men and looked around for her first victim, raising her short sword in invitation. It was her favorite sword, commonly favored on ships for its agility and maneuverability. For Alyssa, it was the perfect weight and size.
The first challenger was not much more than a boy. His face was still smooth and his muscles wiry. But she had to give him credit for his courage. Men much older than him and larger held back, assessing her skills. It was only seconds before metal rang in the air and swords struck. The dust settled, leaving the boy neatly disarmed.
"Next."
Alyssa raised her sword in invitation, once more awaiting her challenger.
Ten more challengers passed before Alyssa began to pick up a sweat. The sheer number of challengers made her have to hasten her pace. If she spent the hour or more that averaged a sword dance with each man, she would be exhausted by the end of the day. So she shortened her match lengths to be only half of what they should be.
The day was hot and sticky, making the dust that kicked up stick to her skin. But this is what she wanted to feel her muscles tingle with exertion. Meditation and exercise always cleared her mind. Unfortunately her morning routine had been interrupted by Xanther, and she desperately needed to refocus her mind and energy. Every waking thought seemed to be on that man lately and she needed her mind for other things.
Alyssa stopped to catch her breath after twenty of his men failed to take the handkerchief from her bosom. Her sword arm was tiring but she was not about to give up.
"Are you sufficiently tired yet?” Xanther's voice purred.
"Me, tired? Not in the least.” Alyssa tried to keep her voice cool. Her sword arm was tired. It felt sore and ready to give out, but she wouldn't stop until this was done. “I won't be stopping until I win our wager.” Ooooh, that man could be irritating.
"Just let me know when you have tired sufficiently to fight me or if you see the error of your ways and wish to surrender to me."
"Surrender? Not bloody likely. This ship doesn't sail a flag of surrender. If you want to fight me then get in line,” she said defiantly.
"Then I will have to look forward to my lesson on manners at the tea party."
"Your lesson on manners?” Alyssa questioned sharply. She narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
"Yes, the same you gave Elsbeth or would you have some other kinds of lessons in mind this time?” Xanther arched a brow suggestively. His smile spoke volumes on what kind of lesson he had in mind. “I like to get lessons in bed and you did brag that you are well learned in the art of seduction. Or maybe you would prefer I give the lessons this time?” He let the words drift out suggestively.
"Ooooh!” She growled. “You were in my mind even then, weren't you?"
Xanther watched as the emotions passed over her face, disbelief, shock, and a little awe.
"Are you ready to surrender?” His voice was low and rough, but she knew what he had implied. If he could read her like a book when she had her shields up, he would know every move she was going to make.
"No.” Alyssa gritted out the word before shouting, “Next!"
Was he using her own plan of attack against her? Be the last to fight, wear down your enemies. Alyssa shook her head in disbelief.
She was still fuming, laying into the contender all her frustrations. She used far too much power with that strike, the impact nearly striking the soldier down where he stood. Good thing he let go of his sword so quickly. Fearful eyes looked up at her before she recognized the weasel's eyes.
Finally, someone she could vent some frustration out on.
"I KNOW YOU!!!” her voice bellowed, stunning the bystanders with her fury.
"You do?” he squeaked. The soldier's eyes were wide, and filled with fear. She could sense he did not recognize her yet. Oh yes, he had a reason to be afraid of her when he did finally recognize her. She relished the fact he showed that fear now. He deserved a little something special for the torment and pain he put her through.
"Don't you know me, Gideon?” She let his name fall from her pink lips with all the contempt she felt in her heart.
That did nothing to bring about his recognition. The man was backing up rapidly, gaining ground between them.
"I know nothing."
"That's because you are a dolt. Try again."
"Are you one of the Prince's concubines?"
"Concubines? Just how many concubines can a prince have?” Alyssa glanced over at Xanther; his demeanor was ever cool, casually taking in the scene before him without a word, his body leaning against his sword. Why didn't the man protest? She wasn't his concubine. Is that what he had told everyone here? That was the last straw. Two people would be dying today. Starting with this one.
"Concubine?” She arched an eyebrow, sharing her displeasure with Gideon.
"'Twas a guess.” His voice wavered uncertainly.
"Pick up your sword so I can kill you like a man!"
Gideon was retreating fast, scurrying to back up against an outbuilding's wall.
"Alyssa, no killing please. You promised it would only be a bit of fun and exercise,” Xanther's voice interrupted, clearly amused; he wasn't going to interfere.
"Pick up your sword, man, before I strike you down where you stand."
"Alyssa, I do not know you. Have mercy."
"How could you forget your favorite witch?"
There was a sudden glint of understanding in his eyes now. Yes, she hit on a memory. There was no room to retreat anymore, and he was backed up against a wall. Alyssa raised her sword to threaten his neck before speaking. “Go tell your master, that the witch is back and she will be taking back what is hers. I expect to meet him here by tomorrow night or I will have satisfaction. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
"Yes ma'am,” he muttered, clearly surprised and distraught at the change from the girl to the warrior woman before him now. Alyssa watched him scamper away.
"Next!"
When no one approached the circle, it was Xanther's voice that broke the silence. “Who was that?"
"A soldier who held me down for Drake while he had me marked and stole what was mine. I would have killed him, but I want to kill Drake more...” A fist of anger clenched her chest, and she wanted to return her unsatisfied fury to the waiting soldiers.
"Alyssa, it can't be good for your spirit to want such blood. You need healing yourself, not another war. Let me handle the matter. It should be me who protects you and I would gladly do it if you let me."
"No, it's my battle and I will be fighting it."
"Your battles are mine as well. It's my duty to help my life mate and to bring you happiness. Surrender now, and let me fight with you, for you. You are my mate.” He stood there, claiming with such confidence that she was already his, it warmed her. It also scared her.
"No."
"Why must you be so contrary?"
Alyssa scowled in response.
"You act as if you don't want a barbarian and then all but issue a challenge to be conquered. Is that the only way you will let me help you? The only way you will let me love you? Well rest assured if that is what it takes to have you as my mate, you will find yourself thoroughly conquered."
Shivers kissed her spine. A man who would best her in battle? She imagined on
ce in bed the conquering would not stop. She closed her eyes, and the images of him covering her body with his, gifting her with kisses, sliding his tongue down her body—
Alyssa opened her eyes to feel a rush of blood flood her cheeks and a warmth spread through her.
No, this would not do. She was acting like some lovesick puppy, with adoring eyes. A woman who would bend easily to his will.
"I tire of waiting. When you are ready I would fight you in the circle, Alyssa."
Xanther handed his sword to a nearby soldier, before stepping into the circle. He had also removed his coat and shirt. Did the man know the sight of his flesh made her witless? Was he using his body as a weapon against her?
"Are you ready, Alyssa?"
"No,” she shot back. “Where's your sword?” And your shirt, she wanted to add, but bit her tongue. It was enough he went into the circle unarmed.
Alyssa was suddenly leery of stepping into the circle herself, watching the slow smile take over his face. The man completely bewildered her sometimes.
"My sword is in my pants as always, until I sheathe it in you.” Which raised a few too many chuckles from the crowd for her comfort.
Could he be any more blunt? She blushed furiously before replying heatedly, “Be serious! How am I supposed to disarm you? By unmanning you?” She tried to keep her tone firm, but couldn't help but smile at him as she said it.
At this time he was grinning fiercely, but his eyes were unrelenting. “Well you can try unmanning me. But the only place my sword is going is into your sheathe."
Alyssa blushed, trying not to think of the night ahead. He probably would win. Maybe she should just give in now and save herself some embarrassment. He was just too big and too strong, and with no weapon they were no longer equally matched. He was definitely superior in strength, weight and power. She wished she had the strength to take him down a notch, during this fight. Still it was all she could do now, fight with honor and dignity, and hope to Lughna that she could wear him out.
"I would have you fight fair or not at all, Xanther."
He did not respond immediately but when he did, it was to say, “You accepted our wager. There is always surrender ... Unless you want to believe you can still win. Then you can try and pin me."