“Now isn’t the best time,” Magni interjected and whisked Laura away with an arm around her, leading her out of the room.
She was looking back and almost running to keep up with him, her long ginger-colored hair falling down her back in soft waves. My eyes narrowed when I turned around to confront Boulder and Khan, who were now inside as well. “What is going on? Why isn’t she allowed to speak to me?”
“I don’t know what gave you that idea,” Khan said innocently while Boulder looked away. “Please forgive my brother for being a bit overprotective of her, but with all the men in the area he prefers that she stays in her room.”
“Fine, then I’ll go and talk with her in her room.” I started walking in the direction they had disappeared.
“Wonderful, but could you wait just a few minutes?” Khan called when I had almost reached the doorway. “I was just about to present you to the crowd.” He gestured to the balcony.
I stopped, unsure what to do. Boulder was quick to guide me with a hand on the small of my back, and a minute later I stood between the two large men on the balcony.
Khan fished out a small device from his pocket and handed it to Boulder.
“Are you ready?” he asked me but didn’t wait for my reply before he nodded to Boulder, who tapped the round thing and cleared his throat. The sound of his deep voice resounded loud and clear all over the park and arena, making the masses look up to the balcony.
“Men of the Northlands, hear this message from your ruler, Khan Aurelius.”
Boulder stood with his back straight and a look of importance. “Men of the Northlands,” he repeated and complete silence fell upon the park.
Nervous energy surged through my body as I witnessed Boulder hand the small device back to Khan, who calmly placed it on his leather shirt.
“What a blessed day to be meeting and fighting,” Khan started and cheers broke out.
“It is my great honor to introduce you all to Christina Sanders, who has joined us from the Motherlands.”
My legs started shaking when Khan pushed me forward. We were on the second floor with all their faces looking up at me some of them smiling, others looking more like hunters watching their prey. It frightened me, and deep down I knew what I saw in their faces was connected to something sexual.
Taking a step back, I was stopped by a wall of a chest behind me when Boulder made sure I stayed visible to the men while Khan spoke.
“Tomorrow night, when the five winners have been selected, Christina will make her choice of champion. The ultimate winner shall be honored with the title of Protector and receive a bonus of one million dollars.”
The crowd erupted in wild cheering and Boulder released his hold on me. I immediately hurried back inside to get away from the unwanted attention.
“One million dollars?” I asked accusingly when Boulder followed me inside. Khan was still waving from the balcony to his people.
I brushed my hair back, feeling my hands shake. “Why would you pay someone one million dollars to be my bodyguard?”
“The man you pick wins honor, status, and financial freedom.”
“So that’s why they risk their lives?”
“Yes,” he confirmed. “I’ll be fighting in half an hour and I would be honored if you’ll cheer me on.”
“No, Boulder, don’t – what if you get hurt?”
He drew his brows closely together. “Why do you think I was picked to protect you in the first place? I’m a good fighter.” His gray eyes locked with mine. “You asked me to fight for you.”
“Yes,” I said, finding it hard to breathe with his intense gazing into my eyes. He looked fierce with his long hair pulled back and his broad shoulders visible in a tank top that revealed he had several tattoos on his shoulders.
“Christina, you asked me to protect you.”
“Yes, but…”
“Then stay with Khan and watch; I must prepare for my fight.” With those words, Boulder left us.
CHAPTER 9
Powerful Words
