“Only if you beat me,” Joachim replied, smug expectation coloring his face.
The man truly thought to win and become king.
“I’ve changed my mind about the fight,” Shaye muttered. “He deserves a royal spanking pronto.”
Valerian reached back, palm extended, waiting for her to willingly place her hand in his. To his delight, she laced her fingers with his without a moment’s hesitation. Her hand was soft and delicate, the bones fine, the skin smooth. Her perfectly rounded nails were painted the color of coral shells.
One day, he would suck them into his mouth.
She tightened her grip, and his delight only magnified. Was she offering him...comfort?
Was she coming to care for him?
Perhaps, perhaps not, but he had made progress with her. Never had a woman reacted so passionately to him, erupting from ice-cold to white-hot in seconds.
I’ll have that—her—again, he vowed. Soon.
“I’m waiting,” Joachim said, tapping a booted foot.
“So ready to die,” Valerian snapped.
His cousin ignored the threat. “Unless you’ve decided to challenge me to a staring contest?”
Valerian lifted his chin. “Come,” he said to Shaye. As he ushered her down the rest of the hallway, determination fueled his steps.
He barreled past Joachim, shouldering the foolish man out of the way. Such disrespect would only ever be met with pain—more than the warrior had ever before experienced.
By the time their private war ended, any other male who’d ever harbored thoughts of taking the crown would apologize.
A thought occurred to him. Should he have Shaye escorted to his chamber rather than take her with him, allowing her to watch the fight? If she bore witness to his most vicious side, the animal inside him...an animal that maimed and conquered...
She might grow to fear him.
The thought of her cowering from him...
It was more than he could bear.
But already she doubted his ability to win. Let her see the true depths of his strengths and know beyond any doubt he could take care of her at all times, in all ways.
“Um, I feel silly saying this, but it’s got to be pointed out,” Shaye said. “He’s wearing armor. You’re still shirtless.”
“I know. He is such a fool,” Valerian replied.
“He’s protecting vulnerable organs, and he’s the fool?”
“Have you ever been in a sword fight?”
“Metal, plastic or lightsaber?”
There were other kinds of swords in the surface world? Might be worth another trip topside to gather supplies. The lightsaber, especially, piqued his interest.
“Metal,” he finally said.
“Then no. No, I haven’t been in a sword fight.”
“I’m unencumbered. He’s weighted down.”
“Quick reflexes over blocking. Got it.”
Wait. He stopped to gape down at her. “Are you taking notes, actually planning to engage in a sword fight of your own?”
She lifted her chin in a mimic of him. “Perhaps I’m planning to challenge you.”
He couldn’t stop his smile. “I look forward to the day you do.”
A blush stained her cheeks.
Joachim stalked past him, his boots flinging sand in every direction, and a chorus of “boo” rang out.
Valerian resumed his journey and the chorus turned to cheers. The arena overflowed with men and women brimming with anticipation and eagerness.
The females were draped in traditional nymph robes—scarves that had been woven together with golden thread. Fine, metal links cinched the material at the waist, showcasing the shapely curves of some and the lean delicacy of others.
He would love to see Shaye draped in one of those robes.
Valerian stopped in front of Broderick. “Is all ready?”
“I’ve taken care of every detail.” Broderick grinned and wound his arm around the curvy beauty at his side. “Women and war in one day. Would only be better if I could watch the battle while having sex and eating grapes fed to me by a bevy of beauties.”
“Our definition of better differs,” Shaye muttered. “Hey! New card idea. Barbarian Mentality 101 for women stuck with a Neanderthal. It could say something simple like, ‘Got Razors’ or even ‘Ugh’?”
Valerian sometimes had no idea how to decipher her words, but this he understood. He grinned. “Broderick, my friend, you’re going to watch this little morsel for me.” He gently thrust Shaye in the warrior’s path.
She humphed.
“Guard her well and allow no one to touch her.” He paused, considered Broderick’s past liaisons and current desires, and added, “Not even yourself.”
Broderick lost all traces of amusement. “What do I do if she tries to run away?”
“She won’t.” He turned his gaze on Shaye and met her rebellious stare. “Will you?”
She buffed her fingernails. “We never agreed on a time frame.”
He expelled a hot breath. “Promise me you’ll stay here while I fight. If I’m worried about you, I won’t be able to concentrate on the sword being swung at me.”
She paled, a lovely ice queen. “So. The only thing I get out of this newest bargain is the life of my captor?”
“Contain your excitement. This isn’t a dream,” he said dryly. “Just...promise me.”
Her expression softened ever so slightly. “Fine. I promise. But after the fight...”
Satisfied, he looked to Broderick. “When I return, I want her in the same condition I’ve left her.”
“What about him?” Shaye hiked her thumb in Broderick’s direction. “Do you want him in the same condition?”
Valerian fought a grin. “Yes. Please.”
The woman at the warrior’s side pointed an accusing finger at Shaye. “You’re standing too close to my Broderick.”
Shaye rolled her eyes. “Sue me.”
Broderick puffed up his chest. “Martina is possessive of me, what can I say?”
Valerian crossed his arms over his chest. “Just make sure your Martina keeps her hands off Shaye, as well.”
“You mean I won’t get to catfight over a man I have no interest in?” Shaye twisted her fists under her eyes. “Tears. Sadness.”
“Fine,” he said in a mimic of her. “You can catfight her if you desire, but if you break her, I’ll owe Broderick another woman.”
Broderick nodded. “He would.”
Martina hissed at the warrior. “You would let someone hurt me? You wouldn’t protect me with your life?”
“Yes?” he said, looking to Valerian for help.
Shaye held up her hands, palms out. “All right. I can admit when I’m wrong, and I was wrong about the pheromone. It can’t overcome a bad personality.”
Valerian wanted to laugh. He wanted to kiss his woman again. Wanted to luxuriate in her heat and wetness as he tasted her sweetness.
She licked her lips,