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Ashanie took me to the cookery and gave me my chores. I met the other women in the village. They were all nice to me and welcomed me with warmth. While the warriors hunted for food, the wives prepared a lavish evening feast. Every night was a feast night in Aesterneum. Some women were in charge of the nursery, taking care of the foals while the adults indulged in wine, roasted meats, and carnal pleasure. And some were responsible for feeding the whole village. Since the weather in Aesterneum was forever summer, game and fruits were abundant. The life in Aesterneum was relaxing, filled with laughter and joy. Before long, I fell in love with the way they lived. Unlike in my homeland with strict rules and backstabbing political games in the Elven court.
I was given a chore to bring water for the warriors who were training in the field. Lord Veredi rotated his warriors between hunting and patrolling the borders. They who were off duty were expected to keep their fighting skills sharp.
I hauled a bucket of fresh water onto the training ground. There were a dozen warriors currently honing their skills. Some warriors practiced archery. Some practiced sword-fighting. Some trained the foals. Ronen and Callarn were among the swordsmen They smiled at me but didn’t stop their practice. They each had a sword in their hand and both tried to hack each other to pieces. I put the bucket down and sat to watch.
Under the high sun, Ronen’s golden hair shone like spun gold. And Callarn, he looked breathtakingly ethereal with his pale hair. They were stripped to their loincloths when their practiced. I entertained myself with the display of hard muscles and perfectly sculpted bodies. Their skin glistened from sweat, shimmering like tempered honey under the sunlight. Ronen and Callarn moved with the grace of wind dancers, the swords flashing with deadly precision. They parried, cut, jabbed, dodged, attacked. Steel against steel.
Watching them practice made heat rushed to my head. There were two men who desired me and pledged to protect me to their last blood. Any woman would be a fool to refuse their claim. That fool was me. I was raised with iron rules and proper manners. Ronen and Callarn were so carefree and joyous. I envied them. At heart, I wanted to be like them, living life to the fullest, free from social bondage.
Callarn and Ronen stopped their practice. Callarn wiped his brows and stalked toward me. His gait was predatory and his smile melted my heart. He was a stunning man just as Ronen was heartbreakingly handsome. We Elven folks pride ourselves as a beautiful race. Humans adored us while others worshipped us. But these Khimerian put us to shame. They possessed a natural beauty and raw animal magnetism that drew others to them like moths to a fire.
“Can I have some water, Elyra?” Callarn asked.
For a moment, I just froze watching him. I imagined myself touching his gorgeous body and licking his naked skin. Would he taste as good as he looked? My mouth suddenly watered.
“Elyra?”
“Sorry.” I cleared my throat and dipped the ladle into the bucket. I handed the ladle to Callarn. He drank thirstily. My thoughts skittered to the night when he marked me. Was he the one who put his mouth on me? Fluttering aches throbbed in my sex. “Would you like some more?”
“Please.”
I dipped the ladle into the bucket and gave him more water. He drank. Ronen and others also came for a drink. I served them all. Some of the foals thought my elongated ears were interesting and asked my permission to touch them. But Ronen’s stern glare scared them away. My bucket was empty when they went back to their training. Callarn and Ronen stayed. My heart beat faster. Ronen eyed me in such a way I felt heat burn within me.
I swallowed hard and decided to break the ice. “You two are very good with your swords. You practice every day?”
“Anytime we have a chance,” Ronen answered. “How do you fare, sweet thing?”
“I fare well. Ashanie showed me around. I met with the other women too. They are very nice.”
“Have you made friends?”
“I think I have.”
“Do you like Aesterneum?”
I took a few seconds reflecting on my answer. “Aesterneum is paradise.” It was. The place was what a sanctuary should be. I felt content just being here. I watched Ronen and Callarn. My heart wept for their beauty. Then, I couldn’t hold back my curiosity that had been nagging me since they kidnapped me. “Why do you agree to share a woman? Shouldn’t you want a mate for yourself?”
Ronen and Callarn traded gazes. They smiled.
“Callarn and I are bond brothers,” Ronen answered.
“I don’t understand.”
“See, we have the same mother but are sired from different fathers.”
“Oh, half-brothers.”
Ronen nodded. “Since we share blood, we are also bound spiritually. We want the same thing. Same food. Same clothing. Same woman. When Callarn is in trouble, I can feel him too. If he’s in pain, so am I. Our bond is strong, stronger than twins.”
I found the whole thing interesting. “Will you introduce me to your parents? I can’t wait to meet them.”
Ronen’s face darkened. “I’m sorry, sweet thing. My mother died years ago when she was in labor. She and my baby brother didn’t survive.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“My father and Callarn’s grieved. They died soon after.”
I was astounded.
