Read Online Stardancer (Tellaran Series) by Ariel MacArran - Free Book Online Page A

damp hair back. “She is impossible! I give her wine from my own cup, I let her sleep while I labor and she gives not even a smile in return!”
    Dael nodded solemnly. “Truly none would believe you care for the doings of a slave, foster-brother.”
    Aidar scowled at him. “Pity your sword is never as cutting as your tongue, Dael.”
    Dael laughed. “Ah, for this I do apologize. Cenna shares this trait but I think it is better in a woman to have sharp words.”
    “Our sister could learn much from the Tellaran woman.”
    “A shame she is clanless. She would make a good mate for you.”
    “She!” Aidar exclaimed. “She is contrary, rude, stubborn—!”
    “A good match indeed.”
    Dael ducked back grinning as Aidar took a threatening step toward him.
    “I cannot control her,” Aidar grumbled. “She shouts at me. She calls me coward.”
    “I cannot believe it so!” Dael’s dark eyes were amused. “Women of the Empress’ City fell weeping when you left.”
    “She is not Az-kye. She is pleased only when she looks on Tellarans .”
    Dael shifted his weight and his gaze dropped to the floor.
    “Foster-brother?” Aidar frowned. “Something troubles you?”
    “I have looked on your Tellarans much while your duties involved you elsewhere.”
    “This I know,” Aidar said, puzzled. “I am grateful for your labor.”  
    Dael looked off to the other side of the Circle. “I am pleased to look on one of them.”
    Aidar blinked. “Which female pleases your eye, Dael?”
    “The one with the golden hair and eyes as blue as Lashima’s sacred pools.” Dael’s words came out in a rush. “She is delicate as a little bird and she has a quick, sweet smile. The Tellarans call her Nisara .” His color rose and he avoided Aidar’s gaze. “I think . . . I think it is not displeasing to her to look on me.”
    “I remember this one now,” Aidar said, crossing the floor to retrieve his sword. “Others have remarked on her.”
    “Others? Who?” Dael hurried after him. “You have not promised her to another?”
    “I think she would be pleasing to Malm.”
    “ Malm! He is clumsy and stupid! He will be brutal with her! How can you give him her when I—” Dael suddenly stopped, staring. “You tease me.”
    Aidar laughed. “You do not hesitate to tease me, foster-brother.”
    Dael’s face flushed again. “I should not have done it.”
    “Well, is my task done if you remember that. But come, Dael.” Aidar clapped his foster-brother’s shoulder. “Does she please you so, she is yours.”
    Dael’s face split into an unwarrior-like grin. “I thank you, foster-brother.”
    “Your problems are easier solved than mine own.” Aidar poked at the floor with the point of his sword. “She calls me ‘bully.’”
    “What is this?”
    Aidar explained, and Dael shook his head. “Why does she call you so?”
    “Because today I was such, though I sought only to teach her the proper way to behave. What am I to do when her behavior offends another? I can bear it but should she offend another I must give her over or lose my honor.” Aidar stabbed hard at the floor, leaving a dent there. “She disobeys, she is disrespectful, and still I cannot punish her.”
    “Give her to another to train.”
    “I did so! I gave her unto Barin to train. She was badly treated.”  Aidar raised his eyes. “In my anger I have sent Barin to work with his slaves.”
    Dael’s brow furrowed. “It is not your way to lose your temper so easily.”
    “She says she is not a slave because the Tellarans do not keep such.” Dael’s eyes widened and Aidar held up his hand. “Tellaran logic will make your head ache.” He sighed. “I sent for comforts for her fellows and still she is not pleased.”
    Dael shook his head. “You cannot be ruled by your own slave.”
    Aidar spoke quickly, “I think, perhaps if I give her to you—”
    Dael nodded. “I will—”
    “No! I do not know why I have said this. I will not give her to anyone.”