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"I'm ready." Karv's determination pulsed between them. "I want to earn my place here."

"You've already earned it," Maya protested. "Thetahaduproved that."

"Thetahaduproved his heart," Zexx corrected. "Now he must prove his skill. Starting with proper blade work."

He took another bite of bread, letting the simple flavors ground him. This was who he was—not some lovesick fool aching after a female who could never be his. He was a warrior. A protector.

The morning breeze carried the sweet scent of night flowers giving way to day blooms, and the jebels stamped restlessly in their pens, eager to be exercised on the dunes. Life in the oasis continued as it always had.

"When do we start?" Karv asked.

"Today." Zexx stood, his head finally clearing. "After you've said a proper goodbye to your mate."

Maya blushed as Karv pulled her close. Their happiness radiated outward, and Zexx had to look away.

He strode toward the training area, his heels kicking up sand behind him. Warriors were already gathering, their blades glinting in the sunlight as they performed morning exercises. The familiar sight centered him, reminding him of his purpose.

Today he would focus on teaching Karv the ancient forms passed down through generations of Dothvek warriors. Today he would lose himself in the familiar rhythm of blade work and combat drills.

And if sometimes his thoughts strayed to soft skin and plump lips, well... No one had to know but him.

ChapterNine

The Crestek city's stone walls loomed against the blue sky, the weathered stone casting shadows across the market square. Linnea stood at her balcony, the morning air already thick with heat despite the early hour. The walls that had once made her feel safe now seemed to press in around her like a cage.

Below, cloaked figures hurried through the market stalls, their heavy garments concealing the revealing dresses beneath. Linnea touched her own cloak, remembering how freely she'd shed it at the wedding celebration. How different things were here, where every gesture was watched and judged.

"The tea you requested, Chancellor."

Linnea turned to find Zelina entering her chambers, a tray in her hands. The attendant’s dark hair was elegantly arranged, and her cloak was perfectly draped, but Linnea knew that underneath she wore one of the thin dresses popular among Crestek females, even those who worked for her.

Linnea moved from the balcony to her desk. “How is the mood in the city?”

“Since your brother was overthrown, you took his position, and then you attended the wedding of your other brother who decided to become a Dothvek and marry a human?” Zelina set down the tray that held an earthenware cup of the tea Linnea preferred.

Linnea choked back a half-laugh half-groan. “Yes, since all that.”

Zelina smiled and handed the tea to her. “Some grumblings, though not as much as we feared. Many support your leadership, especially since they prefer your style to your brother’s.”

“You mean they prefer leadership to cruel authoritarianism?”

Zelina glanced toward the window. “Riz was not popular with the people, but he did have his followers, especially those who despise the Dothveks and hate the idea of peace with them.”

Linnea curled her fingers around the warm cup. “And are there many of those?”

“There are always those who need to focus their hate on others and blame them for their own unhappiness. The Dothveks filled that role for many Cresteks for a long time. Long held prejudices are not released so quickly.”

Linnea nodded as she sipped the tea and let the warm liquid slide down her throat. “If only every Crestek had the chance to spend time with the Dothveks like I have. Then they would not be so quick to judge.”

Zelina perched on the edge of the desk. “Your opinion changed even more after you returned from the wedding. Do you wish every Crestek experience what you did on the sands?”

Heat crawled up Linnea's neck. The female who served in the city couldn’t know what happened in the oasis village, could she? She straightened and schooled her expression. “Maybe I do. The wedding celebration taught me a lot about our former enemies.”

Zelina eyed her. “Did it now?”

The knowing look made Linnea want to squirm. “I told you that I had productive conversations with the Dothvek leader.”

“You did. Are those conversations why you've been different since you came back?”