Free Honor Bound by Michelle Howard Page B

couldn’t eat another bite. Her stomach heaved and verged on emptying its
contents right here on the floor. Argan smirked, whipped his sword out and
placed it against her throat.
    The pressure
caused her to wince. He placed the last slice at her lips. “I vow to protect
you when my Overlord can not. I vow to provide for you if my Overlord is not
able.” Miki had no choice, she ate the bread. She only prayed for a chance to
excuse herself later in case her belly revolted.
    Another moment
passed before Argan reluctantly withdrew the weapon and sheathed it in his
chest harness.
    “I, Overlord Vaan
Galip, am honor bound. I accept you Mikayla S’Apul as my bride.” He spoke in a
clear booming voice so none could miss their meaning. His words stirred a
strange emotion in her chest. Miki hadn’t expected to feel anything from the
odd ritual or about him.
    “The Overlord has
chosen. “Argan’s voice rang out in response. “Warlords present.”
    In perfect
synchronization, all fifteen dropped to one knee and bowed their heads toward
Vaan. The formation created a small aisle. A path opened between the men on her
left and right with Vaan at the end. He extended his hand to her.
    Mikayla was
stunned.
    It was barbaric.
    It was different.
    It was beautiful.
    She stepped
forward through the opening created.
    “The Overlord’s,”
the kneeling Warlord announced.
    Miki hesitated but
Vaan curled his fingers impatiently for her to continue. His dark frown warned
her to not hesitate.
    “The Overlord’s,”
another murmured.
    “The Overlord’s.”
    “The Overlord’s.”
She heard again and again until she reached the end of the line.
    When she met Vaan,
he clasped her forearm. “Mine.” Her fingers sizzled from the contact. The warm
press of his fingers bit into her skin within his firm hold. Their eyes met but
Miki couldn’t read the glow from his midnight stare. He looked as if he would
speak but then wiped what little expression remained from his face, the moment
lost.
    Vaan released her
abruptly. He walked passed her as if she didn’t exist. Passed his rising men
who clapped him on the back. Miki stared, unable to believe he’d left her
standing alone. On the official day of their joining no less. Vaan accepted the
well wishes but didn’t pause until he approached the lone warrior off to the
side.
    Miki recognized
him as the one who’d accidentally cut her. She reached up to her neck. The skin
felt tender but no blood flowed. To her horror, Vaan pulled back his fist and
punched the Warlord in the mid-section hard enough to cause him to bend over at
the waist. While the man coughed and wheezed, Vaan said, “I trust you will have
a care next time if you are to stand for me and protect my bride, yes?” Menace
pulsed from his command.
    “Yes, Overlord.”
The words came out muffled as the Warlord managed to straighten to his full
height.
    Vaan punched him
again and the force of his blow dropped the warrior to his knees. “Tomorrow you
will make amends and show her your commitment to the vows you took today, yes?”
    Miki didn’t think
the Warlord could speak but even she heard his raspy. “Yes, Overlord.”
    No one could doubt
the sincerity conveyed. Or that she belonged to the Overlord.
     
    ***
     
    Kavan was lucky
Vaan’s mood was a peaceful one. If not, he’d have taken more of Vaan’s fist for
his malicious actions against Mikayla. No one harmed those under his protection
and no one touched his bride in violence without recourse. The Raasa all
gathered to stare at he and his men. More looks of outrage but Vaan paid them
no mind. They would learn his way as well. As promised, Mikayla signaled one of
her guards to bring in her other men for Vaan to scrutinize.
    The guard Tesai
who had love sick eyes for Mikayla escorted their holy one from the hall. His
presence no longer needed. The old man who raised Vaan’s bride approached him.
This one held no fear and his green eyes while milky at the center