Page 73 of Infala: Bonded to the Enemy
“Buthehas.”
“Preposterous.”
Shalia felt her anger rising, and with it her runes powering her body, a new energy flowing through her. “He has. I swear it on my life. If you’re going to do anything to him, you’ll have to do it to me as well.”
The shocked crowd muttered, questions, confusion, and anger rising among them. Shalia noted that Zepharos had apparently returned from wherever he’d been and had joined the group and was now standing toward the front. Rohanna was displeased at the disruption. She angrily waved her hand with a frustrated gesture for silence.
“Let us see what the prisoner has to say about this. Remove his gag and bring him forward.”
Adzus did as he was commanded, removing the gag, unbinding him from the chair, and pulling the prisoner to his feet. Valin’s hands were still bound, and his legs were likewise fettered, though with enough slack to take short steps. The guards stood close, guiding him forward to stand before the tribunal.
“We are meant to believe you are not like the rest of your kin,” Rohanna said, glaring at him with clear dislike. “You clearly do not look like your kind. So, what kind of beast are you? What Shalia claims? A half-breed, then?”
“I am,” he replied, his quiet voice rumbling deep and low, the sound making Shalia’s heart leap with joy despite the circumstance.
“And yet despite your shortcomings, you rose in their ranks.”
“I did.”
Rohanna nodded, her line of questioning going precisely where she intended. She glanced at Tikanna, handing off to her peer.
“Only the most brutal could ever hope to attain the rank of commander, possessing your blood,” she said.
“It is true. And yes, I was brutal. Violent. I have harmed, and I have killed, and I have done unspeakable things in my life, you are right. It is the Dohrag way. And while I regret what was done in the past, I am willing to face whatever punishment you would mete upon me.”
“No! Don’t say that!” Shalia blurted. “You can’t go along with this! You’re a good man, Valin!”
He turned his eyes to her, love burning bright in his gaze. “I must. It is what is right. I just hope you can accept that, one day.”
“No! I won’t let them hurt you!” she shrieked, rushing forward.
The guards moved fast, grabbing Shalia, stopping her charge no sooner than it had begun.
Valin stared at her with the saddest expression of both pride and love she’d ever seen, then turned his attention back to the tribunal’s leaders.
“Do what you will with me. I will not resist. I just beg of you, please leave my mate out of this.”
The crowd erupted in startled chatter, everyone’s eyes wide with shock, from the lowest commoner to the village elders.
“Yourmate?” Rohanna gasped, anger in her eyes. “We recognize no claims upon those your kind have abused. As the offspring of such a union, you should appreciate that more than most.”
“No, it is not like that,” Shalia said, her voice faltering with emotion. “We are bonded.”
Rohanna laughed. “Dohrags do not bond. Not ever. All know this.”
Shalia struggled against the guards’ grip. “They don’t, it’s true. Not normally, anyway. But it’s the truth.” She looked at Valin, her eyes gleaming with emotion. “Show them.”
He flushed, his cheeks darkening with emotion. “No. It is ours. A miracle between just you and I.”
“And as your mate, I’m asking you to show them.”
He shook his head, stubborn pride flaring hot. “I love you. You know I do. But you know I will not.”
She stared at him hard. He was not going to do this. She had one option. She had to play the one card left in her hand. “Nixon,” she said, eyes locked with his as she uttered her safe word.
His heart visibly beat harder in his chest. This was the first time he’d heard her say her safe word since she’d told it to him. Since she explained what a safe word even was. He could push and push and she’d take it, but this was different. She was exercising her power. Her control.
“Very well,” he said with a resigned sigh, pulling his shirt up over his head, the material bundled up at his bound wrists.
