Page 18 of Oath of Betrayal
‘We have much to talk about, but right now, you’re scaring the young maidens. The mayor may be a little inept, but there’s no need to spoil the atmosphere for everyone else.’
‘Fine,’ I whispered back, schooling my expression into one of false contentment. I needed time to think and understand what he really wanted before my fear drew the conclusion … but not while I was pressed to him in the middle of the bloody town square.
I knew I would have to push through this welcome ceremony, but I hoped if he insisted on taking me because of Vahin I could try negotiating.
What if I tell him I’ll come, but as a battle mage? With the recent Vel attacks, this could be a reasonable compromise and maybe even the reason he wanted me in the first place,I thought, setting the plan in my head.
I could come with him as an asset. Surely it was a better alternative than fighting an unwilling mage who could set his arse on fire? All I had to do was smile and nod, endure the evening, and talk to him tomorrow. Then he’d be free to choose one of the other women patiently waiting for our little drama to play out.
That would be the best solution for everyone,I assured myself, relaxing my stance, surprised by the prickle of uneasiness that came with the thought.Oh, for fuck’s sake, get a grip,I thought, taking a step back before addressing the man.
‘The pleasure is all mine, Commander. I hope you find Zalesie to your liking. As for knowing each other better … now is not the best time. I would like to return to my companions, and I’m sure your compatriots would like to meet our local beauties instead of standing around waiting for this greeting ceremony to end as well,’ I said loudly enough to satisfy the onlookers.
Orm frowned, as if it had only just occurred to him that he was keeping his men waiting.
‘Of course, my lady,’ he replied, bowing his head before turning towards his riders. ‘Be at ease, men. Enjoy the celebration.’
Orm observed his men as they approached the young women, the poor girls suddenly becoming very shy, only answering with polite greetings. He watched for a while, seemingly assuring himself all was well. Once the first of the girls had smiled, the commander turned back to me, but I was already sitting between Bryna and Helga.
My friends would be the perfect shield until I could think of a good argument so that tomorrow, the commander would accept my plan. I knew one thing, however. Vahin and his touch had awakened not only my conduit magic but many painful memories, and with my power playing tricks, I didn’t want to be sober tonight. I elbowed the blacksmith to get her attention.
‘Do you have any more alcohol? I need so much more than a sip to survive today,’ I muttered, making her chuckle.
‘Ask the commander. I’m sure he’d love to satisfy your … thirst,’ she commented, ‘If an attractive hunk looked at me like that, I’d have my trousers around my ankles before he could say hello and let him have his way with me as many times as he pleased,’ she finished, roaring with laughter as I rolled my eyes.
‘Knowing you, it’d be the man losing his trousers after you ripped them off him and stole his innocence,’ I retorted, shakingmy head. I didn’t need her ribald jokes right now. I was already painfully aware of the way I reacted to him.
Ormond stood where I left him, exchanging pleasantries with the town officials before the innkeeper and his helpers began carrying out food for the feast. Dragon riders were well paid, and this feast must have been their doing, as there wasn’t a single sour expression on the officials’ faces.
The innkeeper brought out the best produce from his basement, together with several barrels of beer, wine, and mead. Soon, the town was more interested in eating and drinking than in the dragon riders’ presence, so I took the opportunity to quietly observe the gathered crowd.
Time passed quickly, and I relaxed a little, watching Ormond entertain several women. I was happy he hadn’t returned to my side or tried engaging me in conversation. I still couldn’t understand what had happened in the town square, and it worried me. My magic seemed to be drawn to him, like it had a mind of its own, but I refused to be a slave to its urges.
As expected, none of the riders approached the crones’ bench, and—contrary to my previous reservations—I enjoyed being a part of the gathering. Bryna had already slipped away in order to, as she put it, ‘sample the wares,’ leaving me with a bottle of wine and a sleeping Helga snoring beside me, but I didn’t mind.
These last few months, I’d felt under siege. Monsters had appeared with no rhyme or reason, as if the earth had spit them forth, and I was tired from my relentless pursuit to hunt them down. As I was already as drunk as a proverbial log, I decided that tonight both Zalesie and I needed a bit of joy.
As dusk settled over the celebrating citizens, in a gesture of goodwill—and well-laced with alcohol—I conjured a few small fairy lights. They danced in the air to the music of the band, brightening the evening and adding a romantic splendour tothe event. Just as I started drifting into a relaxed stupor, a tall, imposing figure paused in front of me.
‘Ani? I believe I’ve given you enough time. Would you do me the honour of joining me for a stroll?’ The commander stood in front of me, patiently waiting with his hand outstretched in my direction.
‘Don’t you have to look after your riders? What if one of them gets overenthusiastic before they’re given permission?’ I said out of sheer defiance.
‘The Maiden’s Day Choosing is only meant to find women to work in the fortress, not enter any man’s bed. No rider would force their touch on a woman without her consent. That’s why I’m asking instead of throwing you over my shoulder and taking you somewhere quiet to talk.’
I choked on my wine.
‘What?’ I coughed before taking a deep breath. ‘Let me guess, you won’t take no for an answer.’
‘You’re an intelligent woman, Ani. I can see you don’t want to be chosen, but that creates a dilemma for me. I need you to come with me, and I would prefer you came voluntarily,’ he said, and I sighed, feeling the walls of a trap closing in.
Orm must have noticed my stubborn expression because his gaze softened. ‘I don’t bite, Ani. On the contrary, I want to earn your trust. I’d like to propose a contract that will benefit us both, but that involves disclosing things that should not be overheard in a crowd. So, my lady, shall we? Or should I behave like the brute you clearly expect me to be?’
I had to remind myself that I’d hoped for this chance to negotiate, but I also felt like I had to prove I wasn’t a fool. ‘I don’t consider you a brute, Ormond. If anything, you are unnaturally calm, and that proves you are a dangerous man. I can see you like to be in control, but I’m not some simpering child who wants to hang on your every word,’ I smirked.
‘This town means a lot to me, and I suspect you had a hand in intimidating the town council. They think disagreeing with you will incur your wrath, stripping this place of the dragons’ protection if they don’t do everything you ask.’
Seeing his appreciative nod, I knew I’d guessed right. Ormond was the reason for my forced appearance. Still, if he thought he could play me, he was sorely mistaken.
