Read Online Honor Bound by Michelle Howard - Free Book Online Page A

treated those he interacted with in a
respectful manner. His body was acceptable and well maintained. The tan tunic
and leggings fit his lean frame with no room to spare. His bald head gleamed in
the light of day. Many admired its roundness and perfect symmetry. Miki
supposed his facial features were attractive as well.
    Behind him walked
the Ba’asi in his bright gold ceremonial robes. The heavy clothing draped down
to his ankles with darker braided rope in gold across his shoulders. The
Ba’asi’s stooped figure walked with prestige. His bald head sloped at the top
and the diamond of his eyes slanted in the corners. A solitary position, the
Ba’asis did not mate and lived their lives alone giving worship to the Blessed
One.
    Miki appreciated
his haste in arriving since she’d disturbed his praying hours with her request.
No one touched the lone figure as his slow steps brought him closer to the
table.
    Miki stood out of
respect and met him half way. She didn’t touch him when she closed the distance
between them. Bowing, the formal words fell from her lips. “Greetings and
welcome, Ba’asi. I give thanks that you would perform my humble True Union.”
    The Ba’asi
extended a shaky hand in her direction. In surprise, Miki placed her lips on
his knuckles in a soft kiss. It was an honor to bestow a kiss of faith on the Ba’asi
if granted approval.
    His skin had a
chill to it more so than was common. When Miki straightened, she realized that
the holy Raasa had to have more years on him than her noan. Death surrounded
her on many fronts. She must not dwell in it. A new dawn hovered on the
horizon.
    “It is a pleasure
to be asked.” Even his voice sounded thin and wane, the hiss and clicks no
longer melodic.
    Vaan rose to his
feet and came to her side. “Is this your holy man?” He dwarfed the Ba’asi but
the man nodded formally to the Overlord. Vaan inclined his head.
    “Yes.” She
wondered how to warn him that no one could touch the Ba’asi.
    “Where do we
perform the True Union? The sooner we have it taken care of the sooner I can
return to my men. We must finish more important matters regarding the outer
wall and your security. I will not spend a night of rest under these
conditions.”
    Miki pulled in a
deep breath. As far as she was concerned becoming mates was the most important
thing he had to do today but she reminded herself of her plan to tame her
future mate. “You are right, Vaan. If it would not offend the Ba’asi, we can do
it now, right here so you can return to your warrior stuff.”
    His brow hiked,
showing he’d caught the edge of her sarcasm but he didn’t call her on it. “You
will call me Overlord or Overlord Vaan, if it pleases you.”
    Blessed One do
not let me kill my mate on such an important day in our lives . Miki closed
her eyes and murmured the prayer quickly under her breath. When her eyes
opened, the Overlord folded his arms over his chest. His men gathered around
them, forming a half circle behind him. Remembering his warning about public
discord, she grabbed Vaan’s arm by the elbow and tugged, seeking a small
distance from all the listening ears.
    Her noan seemed to
enjoy her struggles and openly laughed. Sweet Miki, be sweet. Unable to
budge Vaan’s solid weight, Miki gave up and hissed, “I am not calling the
father of my young by his proper title. You may also call me Miki.”
    Vaan rocked back
on his booted heels and Miki thought he’d demand she address him formally. At
last he spoke, “Agreed. You may call me Vaan but I will call you Mikayla.” A
crease appeared on his forehead. “I do not like this Miki.”
    Grumbled the way
he said it, she wasn’t sure she wanted him saying it anyway. Instead she pasted
a bright smile on her face until it ached. “Thank you for understanding, Vaan.”
They could make this work. She’d show him how compromise formed the basis of a
happy union.
     
    ***
     
    Mikayla. The name
was unusual but he liked saying it. He’d