Page 76 of Infala: Bonded to the Enemy
Rohanna seemed satisfied with his response. “Very well. In that case, I welcome you to the Oraku village, Valin, formerly of the Dohrag.”
“Thank you. I will not let you down.”
“It is not me you must not let down,” she replied, nodding toward his mate. “And addressing your new union, when, exactly, did your Infalas fully bond?”
Shalia stepped forward. “I wasn’t actually one hundred percent sure until just now. We knew they were moving that way, but the markings stopped changing just after I was brought here.”
Rohanna’s demeanor lightened, a small knowing chuckle escaping her lips. “So, you have not yet consummated the union. That must be addressed at once. I will see to it you are provided private lodgings suitable to your particular, uh,needs. They will be ready for you shortly. For the moment, however, the sun has set, and it is time to dine. I invite the newly bonded couple to eat at my table. Given your situation, I suggest you eat well. You will certainly need the energy.”
Tikanna burst out in laughter, and Rohanna’s own smile spread wide. The tension broke in an instant, the situation shifting from danger to celebration in a flash. Shalia stepped forward and hugged the woman tightly. “Thank you, Rohanna. Thank you so much.”
“It is my honor. A very unusual one, but an honor nonetheless.”
Tikanna walked closer, stepping between the couple, taking each by the arm. “Come along, you two. I will take you. Word will spread quickly, but for the moment it will be safer if you walk with me.”
Shalia leaned her shoulder against the old woman affectionately. “Thank you, Tikanna. We’re honored.”
Rohanna watched them leave, pondering just what thisparadigm shift might mean for not just her village, but society as a whole. If Dohrags actually could Infala bond, who could say what the future might hold?
She stepped outside and walked slowly to join them for dinner. They had much to talk about now that things had been settled. A Dohrag was on their side. A commander, no less. A man of his rank knew things. Valuable things. And now he was an ally. Life was about to get much more interesting if he stayed true to his word.
Rohanna shifted her path, veering toward the man seated by himself against a far building, lost deep in thought. His demeanor was not what she was used to seeing from him.
“Zepharos.”
“Rohanna.”
“You seem unusually ponderous this evening. Introspective, I might even say.”
“There are things to think about, I suppose.”
“Ah, yes. Shalia. You were rather fond of her, I know. You two had become close in her short time with us.”
“I-I thought… I don’t know.”
“What?”
“I-maybe it could be possible for me. I don’t know. Maybe I could actually have a mate.”
“You’ve had many.”
“No, I mean a proper one.”
“And yet you helped your rival by helping her. And of your own volition, no less. I know what you did, Zepharos. You took it upon yourself to help the Dohrag, and at some risk to yourself. All the while knowing where Shalia’s heart lay.”
He sat quietly a moment, his jaw flexing as he mulled it over. Zepharos’s shoulders relaxed a fraction. He gave a little nod and sighed.
“It was the right thing to do.”
Rohanna smiled brightly at him. “Why, Zepharos, are you actually becoming a good man?”
He looked up at her, a grin cracking across his lips. “Don’t tell anyone, okay?”
“My lips are sealed. But I will say this. You are truly growing. Honestly, I doubted I’d ever see the day, but you surprise me.”
“Uh, thank you?” he replied, a tiny grin curling his lips as his jaw finally unclenched.
“I have hopes for you yet that one day you will find what you are looking for. Until that day, however, I hope you continue down this new path. I think the gods just might favor you if you do.”
