Page 64 of Infala: The Bonding Games
The woman actually cracked a little smile. “Because, my dear. She is a human, like you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The cavern finale of the prior day had drawn a great many visitors to the city from far and wide, and while Dorrin and Ziana toiled away, fighting for their very survival against hot, cold, and even beasts, the gambling community swelled in size as it accommodated the newcomers. Among them, however, were a rather unusual pair. A Nimenni prince and his human mate.
Heydar and Darla had arrived in a modest ship, not drawing much attention or fanfare as others made far more overt efforts to be noticed. When his name, rank, and lineage were announced, however, all the stops were pulled out for this most unusual and honored guest.
“Your Highness! We are graced with your presence!” the official concierge for the elites and their friends exclaimed as he rushed to greet the couple.
He nearly did a double take when he saw that this decorated and renowned warrior’s companion was the same as one of their replacement competitors. Ahuman, of all things. Credit given, he did manage to hide most of his shock, though Heydar’s trained eyes picked up a few micro-expressions the man had been unable to prevent.
“And I see you have brought your…consort?”
“She is mymate,” he said plainly, showing no sign of annoyance, as one would expect of someone of his standing. “MyInfalamate.”
The concierge couldn’t contain his surprise this time. It was all far too much. “My apologies. I meant no disrespect, I assure you,” he said giving Heydar a little bow.
“Of course not.”
“Still, Infala mated? With a human? How unusual. Did you know we had two humans in this year’s games? Though one was already eliminated.”
“Yes, we are well aware,” Heydar replied, glancing at his woman to gauge her mood.
Darla was perfectly capable of speaking for herself, and under most circumstances she wouldn’t have held back like this, but the situation wasunique, and it was very important they raise no attention while carrying out their plan.
The concierge smiled as he gave Darla a quick once-over. “Might I ask, and I hope it is not out of place, but I was under the impression those of her world did not possess the Dotharian runes.”
Heydar let out a warm and friendly laugh, though Darla could sense he very much wanted to punch this smarmy man square in the face. “Yes, it is true. But when my mate was welcomed in by one of the many friendly races on this world, they recognized her plight and provided her with a full set of Dotharian runes.”
“But you said you areInfalamated. How can that be in so short a time? It is unheard of.”
At this his laugh was genuine, a look of the deepest love cast at his mate. “Her kind areunusualto say the least. Exceptional, even. And her abilities with the pigments are, indeed, unheard of. And, to my greatest delight, we are most securely bonded.”
He leaned over and gave Darla a kiss on the head, this powerful warrior simply unable to contain himself for a brief moment. They’d bonded recently, that much was clear, and the intensity of their devotion to one another was readily apparent. And for this woman, thishumanwoman, to have secured so impressive a mate spoke volumes for her.
“Now, speaking of her kind, my beloved expressed great interest in meeting this competitor from her homeworld. There are so few within the Dotharian realm, as I’m sure you know.”
“I do. But there is a restriction on visitors for her. I’m sure you understand. She is, after all, a replacement partner and as such is subject to a more stringent set of guidelines.”
Heydar frowned. From anyone else it would be a benign expression, but coming from one of the Nimenni royals, and a general no less, it was enough to shake the man to the core. But he was diplomatic, opting for the carrot rather than the stick. At least, for now.
“I do understand, and of course that is a perfectly normal parameter under normal circumstances.”
“I’m relieved you feel that way.”
“Butmy mate is not a normal visitor, nor is this a normal request. I am, after all, High Aldwin Heydaricus Afflantia Matzur, heir to the Nimenni throne, though I am not one to leverage my position normally. But for my mate I will do anything, and if you can help us, I would be personally grateful to you for your understanding in making an allowance just this once.”
The man blushed despite his years of training. For the crown prince of the Nimenni to address one of his lower status in such a manner was utterly unheard of, and it was a heady feeling filling him from the experience.
“Well, itisonly a guideline. I think I can arrange something.”
Heydar smiled bright and grasped the man warmly by the shoulder. “You have no idea how happy you have made my mate. She sometimes longs for her home, and this will please her greatly. Thank you, my friend. You are a good man.”
That was the bright red cherry on top of an already overwhelmingly wonderful cake. This sort of thing could make one’s career. If the Nimenni prince was pleased with him, there was no telling what position he might ascend to when the elites heard of it.
Of course, Heydar and Darla had ulterior motives, but if they did this right, no one would be any the wiser. At least, not until it was too late.
The concierge spoke quietly into his lapel, a tiny mouthpiece relaying the request to the appropriate staff. He paused, listening a moment, then turned his full attention back to his guests with a smile.
