But Ashared was not obvious. On the contrary. He had proven time and again to be a complete surprise. A set of opposites. He was strong and weak, gentle and unyielding. He knew his desires and limitations.
And he knew how to wield the duality.
Lannahi thought she knew him. She thought he was a swordsman whose ambitions focused on perfecting his skills. Mahrur’s nephew who risked incurring the wrath of his family.
A man who could love her.
She was wrong.
Ashared was kind, but he was also just as cunning as the other participants of the Sabbath. Even Mahrur inclined his head to Sezar, though the latter might become Lannahi’s ally in the future. This wouldn’t have been possible if not for Ashared. Sezar became interested in her because of him… and the way he treated her. The swordsman rocked the Gameboard as much as the dice thrown by the Arbiter.
Ashared was on her side now, but what would happen when Lannahi lost his affection?
She didn’t want to think about the possibility of Ashared leaving her and turning against her. The thought sickened her, more so than the sharp jab of jealousy. When Hadad and Nizzar said their farewells to Ashared, the expression of grim understanding in the woman’s eyes had elicited in Lannahi as much sympathy as satisfaction, but her triumph didn’t last long. How could Lannahi have missed the longing glances thrown in Ashared’s direction?
Why would she believe she was someone special to him? More so than his other admirers?
Lannahi recalled her stay in Goldfrost. Ashared’s eyes following her every move. His cool composure and later outburst of passion.
I want only you, Lannahi.
How many women had he promised fidelity to? And for how long?
For him, was Lannahi only a casual lover or an ally whose power he intended to use one day?
Stop, she told herself.Stop.
What happened to her pride? She didn’t want to become a plaything in the hands of men. Why was she now acting as if her whole life depended on the affection of one?
Lannahi forced herself to focus on her surroundings. When she saw that the swordsmen were no longer fighting in the center but on the side of the arena, she frowned. She’d missed a fight that would be on everyone’s lips for the next few weeks.
Good job, Lannahi.
“Avah is losing steam,” Sezar noted.
“But the tail helps him catch his balance,” Ashared said. “His swing is stronger.”
When the rainmaker attacked the tailed firebringer, Ashared’s leg twitched as if he was dodging the attack himself. His arms were crossed over his chest in a relaxed pose, but his body was tense. Lannahi sensed his excitement.
Where is his kindness and composure now?a thought flashed through her mind. And then,I really don’t know him.
She forced herself to shift her attention to the arena again, but once she noticed the slight movements of his body that were evidence of the emotions tossing him, her senses involuntarily focused on Ashared. Soon nothing existed in her mind but his presence. His powerful physique. His muscular arms. His big hands with which had stroked her thighs…
Lannahi swallowed. Memories of his touch tingled her skin and a desire pulsed between her legs…
“Fuck,” Ashared hissed as if he was hit and not the fighter below.
Cheers of joy mingled with angry shouts. The fight was over.
Lannahi focused on the arena. The rainmaker was kneeling on the ground, pressing his hand to his stomach. His sword lay broken on the floor. Avah had won.
“You’d better replace your sword with a new one before fighting him,” Ildar advised Ashared.
Ashared chuckled softly and then leaned in toward Lannahi. “Did you enjoy the fight—” His nostrils suddenly flared.
Lannahi read in his surprise that he sensed her arousal. This was another reason why he was dangerous to her. What was even more dangerous was that she wanted nothing more than to kneel before him and caress him with her mouth. He should be the one to kneel…
She fixed her gaze on the swordsmen who were just entering the arena, praying that the bout would begin quickly.
