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Thala shrugged. “The knowledge is passed from mother to daughter, each generation trying to add more to the art before passing it down to those who follow.”
“So you have this whole underground market based on trade,” I said, flabbergasted. “Why not open shops to freely buy and sell from each other?”
Thala frowned and shook her head. “Females do not own credits or earn wages. Our males wouldn’t buy things they consider frivolous and pointless. And in our current economic situation, it would be even less likely to happen.” She tucked a strand of her long, dark-brown hair behind her ear. “In truth, even if we could, I doubt any of us would want to, at least not here on Braxia. Sure, it would be flattering for off-worlders to want our products. But bartering is more than just getting pretty things that are indeed mostly useless, it’s about the social interaction, bonding, and friendly rivalries between Braxian females. I would hate to see that go away.”
“Are Braxian females happy?” I blurted out, instantly kicking myself for it.
She blinked, taken aback by the unexpected question. I was considering apologizing and withdrawing my question, but Thala didn’t appear offended. Instead, she seriously pondered the question.
“Interesting question,” she said at last. “Had you asked me that six or seven years ago, I would have said mostly not. But the Magnar has made some wonderful changes that have significantly improved the living conditions of females.”
Her pale-grey eyes bore into mine with a strength and force of conviction I hadn’t expected from someone, at least in appearance, as submissive as she.
“Braxia must appear strange, backwards, and even barbaric to you in its ways and customs. On some fronts, you would be right. On others, I would disagree. We do not feel diminished to not be ‘allowed’ at the main table in the Clan’s Hall for evening meals. We do not wish to look at pleasure workers groping each other during our meal, or listen to the boasting and mostly idiotically belligerent conversations between the men to prove they have the bigger cock.”
My eyes bulged at the unexpected crudeness, and Thala’s face turned bright red. Seeing me burst out laughing reassured her I hadn’t taken offense.
“Yes,” I said, between giggles, “they indeed do a lot of that.”
“Indeed,” she echoed, rolling her eyes, no doubt reminiscing one of many such situations. “We do not mind not being allowed into the military or hunting parties. Our males are literally ten times stronger and faster than we are. We have heard of your prowess during the hunt but Braxian females do not have the speed you possess. In truth, we had no idea Guldan females could move as fast as you did seeing how you are the first any of us has ever encountered.”
Guldan females can’t. Veredian females of the Warrior breed can.
“Braxian females are naturally submissive and gladly yield the power to our males who thrive on wielding it, proving themselves worthy males, but doing so in a sensible manner.” Thala shrugged. “Some may say it’s because of our upbringing, but even the most liberal among us likes a dominant male. Even a female as strong and independent asyoufell for the apex alpha of Braxia.”
The way she said the last sentence held a challenge, daring me to speak to the contrary. But I couldn’t. I loved being dominated by him, feeling fragile and vulnerable in his powerful embrace.
I smiled noncommittally, and she smiled back, knowingly.
Touché.
“But surely, some women aspire to greater power or control over their own lives, over government?” I asked.
“Yes,” Thala conceded. “And we have it.” She chuckled at my dubious expression. “Behind every great male in power, there is a strong female in his ear, giving him counsel. For generations, every good Magnar had an influential Dagna by his side. In some cases,shewas the true ruler while he was merely her voice, her enforcer.”
“Then why couldn’t she be simply declared as such?” I challenged.
Thala laughed like I’d said something cute or naïve. “Look at me,” she said, waving her hands at her body. “Even with your combat skills, neither I nor any other Braxian female before or after me, will ever be able to hang on to power. There’s a reason that, despite his many detractors and those opposed to change, Ravik is still Magnar. No one, and I meanno one, has ever defeated him in single combat. You saw him carry out the sentence on Torvin Sedrak for his betrayal in the forest. Did the Magnar look even remotely in danger of losing?”
I shook my head. The battle had been almost insultingly easy for my man.
“Believe me, if anyone thought they had the slightest chance of winning, they would seek to depose him, but they can’t. No female would survive a challenge,” Thala said casually. “Like Guldar, Braxia’s foundations rely on the survival of the fittest. We want the Magnar, our ruler and protector of the realm, to be the fiercest, wildest, most vicious beast of the land. When it comes to fighting for what we want, do not be fooled by our submissive dispositions. Never underestimate the power of words whispered on top of soft pillows.”
Chapter 13
Mercy
Morning found Ravik in a foul mood. I didn’t have to ask why. The closer we got to departure time to my brother’s house, the fouler it became. Knowing concern for my well-being fueled it stirred a sliver of guilt within me. However, I initially came to Braxia with a specific goal in mind that had been derailed by the hunt and the Guldans’ arrival.
I couldn’t believe that only one week had gone by since Ravik and I first met at Anton’s penthouse. My overprotective baby sister and my mother were certainly worrying about me… as always. I had hoped to delay a bit until I had good news for them the next time I sent them a com message but, with Clan Grumar’s trade request, I’d have to send her a message tonight or tomorrow at the latest. The chances of finding my brother’s clients list in my first day of search were slim to none. Still, stranger things had happened.
Casting a sideways glance at Ravik, I bit the inside of my cheeks not to laugh at the vicious way in which he glared at Gorav, Anton’s youngest half-brother. It wasn’t the poor man’s fault that I insisted on going today.
“Stop giving my son the evil eye,” Krygor said, slapping the back of Ravik’s shoulder in a friendly way. “He and my clansmen will keep your female safe. Don’t forget that Anton initially entrusted her protection to me,” he teased.
“She has me,” Ravik snarled, grumpier than ever.
Far from being intimidated, Krygor appeared amused by Ravik’s tantrum. “Only because you snuck in before I could. We both know had she met me first, she’d have recognized me as the better man.”
