AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Humming, I didn’t like that at all. “Most may not have known their mate before they were claimed. They might not know the scent before the males use it to drug them. It might even mean they do not care for the smell afterward, as it would signal danger. That is sad.”
“Your experiences were singular. You could write them down.”
“Unmated females are forbidden from reading such things. Males would read it though, wouldn’t they? Hoarding all the information for themselves. Unless things change, there is no point in sharing my secrets.”
Eyes glued to General Aegir, who ventured closer, I said, “And change will not come without good men willing to admit our world is broken. Only a worthy man would have one of my daughters.”
The stranger’s eyes were dark, like mine, his stature almost as imposing as Cyderial’s. Approaching without invitation, General Aegir dared speak to me. “I could be made worthy, if you tell me what I must do.”
11
He was a handsome man, his silver hair only an enhancement of his features. But what of his character? Turning to face the male who would barter for my unborn daughter, I asked, “Do you feel that I should have been your mate, General Aegir? Would you have been worthy of me?”
The question made him grow guarded, his expression blank, as he said, “That is irrelevant. You are mated to my friend now.”
Even the man at my back grew more tense, as I pressed, “Humor me. Had you heard my song, would it be your belief that I should be yours?”
Glancing to Cyderial, cagey threat in his glower, General Aegir said, “If I had heard your song, you would have been mine.”
“Buy why you and not him, or him?” I gestured to his companions, General Boreal and General Murdoch. “Why not one of them? Why would one of the three of you be preferable to someone who has known me for ten years?”
I did not know these men, their histories or motivations. I knew nothing about their character. So my questions were fair. I was even gentle as I asked, “Would any of you have waited all that time for me to age? Would you have hidden me away from the others, even though it might cost you the chance to have me?” And to myself, I asked, Would one of them have forced a knot into me, even though I begged them to stop? Because I believed all three of them capable of it. “Would you have trusted me with my freedoms? Supported me? Why should it have been you? You don’t know anything about me. What if my personality failed to suit you?”
Failing to blink, Aegir watched, rapt. “I don’t believe that would’ve been possible. Nature does not make mistakes.”
It seemed all males found the idea inconceivable, the burden solely on the female to accept a life partner they may not like. “What if your personality failed to suit me? The four of you are no doubt different people, with different interests. So how could I possibly suit all of you, if each of you heard my song? Sharing a genetic ancestor does not signify mutual appreciation.”
His stance grew more conversational, the male shifting his weight to his left foot to ponder. “I see your point. But you are failing to realize that the male adapts to the female.”
“Then why are the females locked away? It seems to me they are forced to conform to the male’s ideals if they ever want to smell the fog again.”
Fingers tapping his chin, Aegir grew thoughtful, silver hair shining. “And you are concerned I will do this with your child. That I want her for her song and not for her person.”
“It is a reasonable concern for any female you might hear sing.”
“Forgive me, but—” Hand to his chest, another man bowed. Broad-shouldered General Boreal, his voice deep, shared his opinion on my concerns. “—your behavior is irregular for a newly mated female. You are not trying to run. Cyderial claims you have not attempted to kill him. The nature of females is violence. That is why we keep them in their nests.”
Aghast, my eyes went wide. “If that is how newly mated females behave, then it is your fault it is happening!”
Unoffended, entirely direct, he demanded I explain. “How is it my fault?”
“If someone locked you away against your will for years on end, wouldn’t you try to run at first chance?”
Puzzled, General Boreal said, “Males are supposed to keep females in their nests until they form an affectionate emotional attachment. We have centuries of experience to back up that custom. Only then can they be trusted not to harm themselves without constant supervision.”
I’m not sure which of us was more confused. “It’s barbaric. Have you not heard the women tell you of their suffering? You could have prevented a great deal of it.”
As if gently correcting a child, Boreal said, “To interfere with another’s mate is not permitted. It is a sacred bond, and no mated male hybrid has ever hurt his female.”
Noting his use of “mated males” only, I narrowed my eyes. “Psychologically, they have. Or does that not count, since it doesn’t leave a mark?”
My question was ignored for one of his own, Boreal gesturing at the way I was tucked against Cyderial body. “The entirety of this situation is irregular. How is it that this is happening?”
My confusion at his question led him to address the man whose arms were around me. “She is touching you without persuasion, and you have been mated less than a week. How did you earn her affection so quickly?”
How strange it was that the males considered tolerance affection.
The backs of Cyderial’s fingers ran down my arm from shoulder to elbow, pride in his voice. “I prepared for ten years, learned what I could of her tastes without overly interfering in her life. We are not strangers.”
