Read Online Dance With the Enemy by Linda Boulanger - Free Book Online

gently tilted her chin up, kissed her lightly on the nose, and whispered against her mouth. “When nightfall comes, I shall fulfill your desires.”
    “Yes, my lord.” Her tongue flicked out to touch his lips eliciting a loud groan from him as he crushed her to him.
    “My lord!” Nema said quite loudly, knowing if this did not stop now there would be no turning back for the couple. The desires of the marking having gone unfulfilled were too strong.
    “Hell fire and damnation!” Tahruk growled pushing Elenya away and turning his back. He breathed deeply for a moment then instructed the women to meet him in the corridor outside his quarters.
    Tears welled in Elenya’s eyes. “Did I do something wrong?” she asked once they were outside.
    Nema could not hold back another cackle. “No, love. You did everything just right.”
    The door to Tahruk’s chambers opened, removing Elenya’s opportunity for further clarification. Nema winked at her as the maiden took the warrior’s offered arm.

 
    Chapter 12

     
    Elenya stood in a veiled room staring out at the finest hall she’d ever seen. She wondered if this was where their binding ceremony would take place as well as serving as the backdrop for her presentation to Tahruk’s father. Her family had but one great hall, though Zanak, being the Drille of the King’s finest warrior, most likely had several.
    Her attention focused on the view from the curtained alcove, Elenya jumped when Tahruk returned to her side. He seemed not to notice as he fidgeted with the belt and gold neckwear engraved with the code of Zanak that indicated his elite status.
    Nema entered from the other side of the alcove, followed by Tahruk’s mother. Lady Neria’s smile, as kind and lovely as Elenya remembered, wavered only slightly when she looked from Elenya to her son. There was concern, though Neria’s radiant smile returned when she turned back to Elenya.
    “I have something for you, dear.” The rectangular box she took from atop a tasseled pillow held by Nema was made of wood carved with a lovely floral motif. Neria ran a hand across the carving. “This was presented to me before I became matched to Renaine.” She and Nema exchanged a peculiar glance. “It’s been passed down many, many times, from generation to generation.” She looked again from her son to his chosen. “I am honored to present this to you and welcome you into the Sharanis family, Elenya.”
    Elenya gasped when the box was opened to reveal its contents. The stunning display of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and yellow sapphires had her staring wide-eyed. Neria removed the gem covered neckpiece and held it in place as Tahruk fastened it around Elenya’s slender neck, pressing his lips just above the clasp.
    Elenya shuddered. Her fingers playing over the piece, she spun toward the warrior who nodded his approval. She smiled before turning back to Neria whose face mirrored hers. “It’s heavy! Thank you, my lady.” She curtsied low before Neria, knowing the presentation of this family piece was an outward indication of the woman’s acceptance of her.
    “Rise, my dear.” Neria held out a hand and helped her to her feet where they embraced.
    “The master is ready,” A herald told them from just outside the curtain.
    Lady Neria released Elenya and nodded. She turned to her son, their eyes locking momentarily with some message Elenya wished she could read. Another nod from the house mistress and she and Nema were gone as well.
    Elenya turned to her warrior, angst raising her brows.
    “Come.” He offered his arm, though no explanation.
    Touching the jeweled neckpiece with her free hand as Tahruk parted the curtain, Elenya closed her eyes for a moment in an attempt to tamp down the fear that tried to settle in her middle. She was Tahruk’s chosen, she reminded herself, and his father must simply accept fate, even if her family was the enemy Drille. She raised her chin and stepped out behind the warrior, wishing