FOREVER KNIGHTS: #17 Marked As Mine

Norris willed him not to move.

“He has been a good comrade to me-”

“Doesn’t his Captain pay ye to be his companion?” Derision tinged her voice and her green eyes skid to Mardichi beneath lowered lashes.

“Don’t bait me.” Mardichi boomed. Giving her a warning look. “I know what ye do.”

Norris tapped her knee gently making her slap his hand as she jumped. “Look at me.” He pointed to his eyes.

“He is a good man. And he has missed you. I’d like to get to know this woman that means so much to him better.”

She drew a deep breath and her shoulders relaxed.

“Please have dinner with us.”

“Only because you can speak to a woman as one should…” She relented.

Mardichi grunted. Biting his tongue so viciously he wondered if it bled.

She rose, heading for the large Dining Hall. Mardichi fell into step slightly behind her. She barely spared him a glance.

His hand dropped to her lower back to escort her.

She flinched away. Sidestepping to evade his reach.

His lips twitched and a low growl rumbled in his throat.

Norris appeared next to him. Putting a staying hand on his shoulder. “Calm. Bast said subtle touches. Incidental.”

Mardichi’s chest was heaving in frustration. “Incidental.” He shook his head in aggravation. Like a furious horse. “Since when have I needed men’s coaching to woo a woman.”

“Since this one.” Norris nodded to her back. “Trust me.” He persuaded.

Seating next to her and gesturing for Mardichi to take the one on the other side of him. Mardichi’s brows drew together as he looked around Norris as she sat. Giving Norris a long stare. A threatening stare.

Norris mouthed. “Trust me.” He rounded the table and bumped into someone he knew who gestured for him to sit. Norris promptly did.

Mardichi tried not to eye the bare seat next to Zuriena. She was giving it as many nervous glances as he.

King Jonis entered and took his seat. Eying the eight empty seats at his long table. “What is this?” He gestured to the empty seat between them. “No woman sits without a man by her side at the Dread King’s table. Mardichi sit next to your wife!” He ordered.

Mardichi lifted a brow at his tone. Immediately flushing at the directive. Though he happily complied anyway. Waiting an appropriate period of time to look at her. Opening his mouth to speak to her.

But Norris motioning across the table drew his attention. Norris was gesturing with both hands for Mardichi to stare straight ahead. He imitated looking next to him and shook his head furiously. Gesturing in the negative.

Mardichi’s head lowered and his chest heaved but he stared at the feast laid out before them. Driter meat soaked in sweet sauce. Vegetables slow roasted in dark sugars making a heavy glaze. Small stuffed brush birds laid out on a massive platter. Skin golden from slow broiling. The aromas tantalized his senses. But even more so was the sweet smell of underbrush and birds which emanated from near him.

A lovely, womanly smell despite its wildness. Her scent.

He fought the groan burbling up his throat.

Immediately recollecting that smell on her kin as she’d sashayed to his table in the tavern. “Are you RedBayne?” She’d asked with an impudent chin lift.

“I am.”

“Do you like what you see?” She asked invitingly.

“Any man would.” He remarked coolly but his eyes roving her nonetheless in the skin baring clothing. “Ye’re a dancer.”

“I am.” She gave a single nod. “But I’d offer you more.” She breathed.

“In return for?”

“Training.”

He’d felt interest light his face. “Training in what art, Miss?”

“All arts. Knives, swords, arrows. I hear tell you are good with,” She glanced pointedly into his lap. “All your weapons…”

He’d gave her a half smile. “They tell true.”

“Would you impart some skill in return for…?” She’d gestured down her length invitingly.

“Perhaps. What amount of training?”

“As long as it takes. The work repaid each eve.”

“Hmm.” He’d murmured. “Interesting proposition.”

“More interesting then you know.” She leaned over to whisper against his lips.

Seeing what she encouraged, he took her lips with his own. Pulling her onto his lap. Slightly surprised when her sweet mouth froze.

As his hand dived beneath the bodice, he felt the stiffness in her body that contradicted her warm offers.

“What is this?” He retracted his hand. Frowning at her reaction. “What are ye about?”

“I-I…”

He gave her a sideways look. “Ye’re either not as intrigued by my manhood as ye say or ye’re a complete innocent.” He said perceptively. Watching as her face flushed guiltily.

“Nay.” Lips tight he shook his head. His arms swinging wide from her. “Off.”

“Excuse me.”

“Off my lap, Dear.” He softened his tone. “I’m not the man to be taken ye’re innocence.”

“I offered it as payment.”

“Exchanging skill for flesh is reasonable but innocence for pain is not. I’m not yer man.” His words were intended kinder than they emerged.

“You’re cruel.” She leapt off his lap. “Evil.”

“I’m evil for not taking ye? For destroying yer first moments? Nay.” He argued with another head shake.