He had won.
Zolan strode over to Mak, his chest still heaving, putting out a hand.
‘Well danced,’ he growled with a twist to his lips.
Mak inclined his head and smiled, leaning in to speak into his ear, his hand banded around one of his shoulders.
‘This is no game, Asivan. I’d gut you right here and now for touching my bride and bringing dishonor to the Essen house. However, I’ll permit you to walk free, for demanding your neck on this night would taint my wedding. Remember this, though: only a strong man lets his enemy walk away from him with a scar.’
Mak pulled back and announced to the entire party.
‘Let us return to this auspicious night of celebration.’
While more roars of approval reverberated around them, Zolan leaned in, face heated.
‘We will meet again.’
‘Asivan, you’re afokkin’ sucker for punishment. Name the time and place, and I’ll be there,’ Mak drawled.
Zolan bristled, flames burning in his eyes.
Their faces drew closer, and they almost touched, snarling at each other, till a soft hand fell on Mak’s arm.
He turned in impatience, only to see Saba at his elbow.
Her eyes widened at him in warning.
Then, curiously, she did the same to Zolan, as if cautioning him, as if she knew or was intimate with him.
It rankled Mak until her voice cut through the heated silence.
‘Sante, for your attendance at our wedding,Šarkhan Zolan,’ she said, her tone polite but laced with steel.
‘Please let me have some time with my husband now. You’ve hogged him for far too long.’
She accompanied her words with a sweet smile. Then, before his cousin could respond, she led Mak away, his gaze burning into their backs.
Mak allowed Saba to guide him, surprised at how she’d commandeered him with a force of presence he had not expected.
He paused his stride, and she came to a quiet stop beside him at the foot of the bridal party platform, facing the ballroom.
Their guests gave them space.
With eyes fixed on her, Mak slid on thesafinthat one of his sentinels had thrown at him.
Fokk, how was it that she’d calmed him?he wondered, pulling his cloak on.
Only Kaal, sometimes Xander, had the same effect.
Without thinking, he grasped her forearm and turned her to face him.
She glanced at him in surprise, brow raised.
‘May I have this dance?’ he rasped, holding his other hand out to her in an open invitation.
For a moment, Saba hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
He leaned in to whisper into her ear.
