Knightqueen (Oronis Knights #3)

The next morning, Carys smiled at the women in the village. They were all a full head taller than her, with long bodies and interesting white markings on their faces. Every person’s markings were a little different, but from what she could tell, they appeared to be natural, not a tattoo.

One woman brought her a drape of colorful fabric in a brilliant blue.

“Thank you, it’s beautiful.”

The woman nodded shyly.

Carys was dressed in clothes similar to the women, with long skirts and a fitted, sleeveless top. It was clear that they were children’s clothes that had been altered to fit her.

She spotted Sten talking with Azulon and some other Ti-Lore men and women. He was deep in discussion with them.

A child shyly came forward and handed Carys a red flower.

She smiled and touched the girl’s hand.

Then Nythoria arrived, smiling. “You look…well-rested.” The Ti-Lore woman shot a glance at Sten.

Carys fought back a blush. “I slept very well.”

“I see how much your man makes you happy. And the way he looks at you…” Nythoria’s smile turned sad. “It makes me miss my mate.”

“You lost him?” Carys touched the other woman’s arm. “I’m so sorry.”

“I miss him every day. Malthor was still growing inside me when the Gek’Dragar killed Jalaron.”

Sorrow wrapped around Carys’ throat. “I promise you, Nythoria, I will stop the Gek’Dragar. I will make them pay for all the suffering they’ve caused.”

The other woman took Carys’ hand and squeezed hard. “I believe you. You’re strong, you have a strong man at your side, and I suspect your people won’t hesitate to follow you.”

“Yes. And we have powerful allies as well.”

“I wish I could join you in battle.” Nythoria’s gaze moved to her son who was running around with the other children. “You will have my prayers.”

“And one day, I will return here, when Ti-Lore is a free planet once more,” Carys said fiercely.

Nythoria nodded. Then there was a commotion as several Ti-Lore rode in on chiru.

Carys’ pulse skipped.

“They are from the neighboring village,” Nythoria said. “Go. Your man is watching you very intently.”

Carys looked up and saw Sten looking her way, his brow creased. As she crossed to him, her belly fluttered. He wore Ti-Lore clothing as well. Brown trousers made of a tough fabric tucked into shin-high boots, and a black, sleeveless shirt trimmed in fur that showed off his muscular arms.

Now she knew he could do amazing things to her body. Last night had been the best night of her life. As he’d promised, he’d shown her so many wonderful things.

She knew in her bones that this man was hers.

She just needed to prove it to him now.

Azulon was talking with the newcomers and introducing them to Sten. When she got close, Sten held out a hand to her, and she took it.

“Carys, this is Wexor,” Sten said. “He’s the leader from the neighboring village.”

She nodded at the tall Ti-Lore man, whose long hair was in thick braids. He had beaten metal jewelry in his ears. She bowed her head. “Thank you for coming.”

“Azulon said you are enemies of the Gek’Dragar.” His voice was deep and steady. “That makes us allies.” Wexor waved a hand.

Another Ti-Lore warrior stepped forward and set some fabric on the ground. He rolled it out to uncover several metal parts inside.