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He grunted and tried to twist free, but he was stuck and eventually forced to give up. I rolled off him and helped him to his feet, grinning at his sour look.

“I hate that move. You always win with that move.”

Laughing, I clapped him on the shoulder. “Then don’t let me use that move against you.”

He growled, trying to get me in a headlock in retribution for my tease, but Maman’s voice called out to us, and we separatedto look at her. She was standing on the edge of where we were training, her hands on her hips and a frown on her face. The tribute stood next to her, his eyes locked on me. Or more specifically, my body. He’d given me the same look that morning when we washed. It had stunned me to find myself reacting to it, and I had to get into the water to cool myself down.

This tribute was dangerous.

Uttin noticed the look as well and chuckled, elbowing me. “Careful with that one. He looks like he wants to eat you.”

I shot him a frown. “I am not interested in males.”

He flashed me a bored look. “Tell that to your cock.”

Surprised, I looked down, and he barked out a laugh. There was nothing to see. He was just being an ass. It was my turn to get him into a headlock. I was a lot less kind about it when I ran my knuckles roughly over his hair.

“Boys!” Maman scolded. “When will you stop acting like children?”

Uttin shoved me away, and we separated again, both of us grinning. Uttin and I were not blood brothers like Rath and Godr, but we were born within weeks of each other. Our fathers were both warriors and friends. We were raised together.

“Apologies, Maman,” Uttin said with a charming grin. “You look radiant as usual.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Go do your duties, Uttin, or I will tell your mother I heard you wishing you could settle down.”

His face fell, and he put his hands up in surrender. “As Maman wishes. Please do not tell her that.”

He darted off like a shadowstalker was chasing him, disappearing through the nearest line of tents. I heard the tribute snicker, and I turned to look at him, but he sobered quickly and masked his smile before I could see it. I wanted to question his response, but Maman interrupted my thought before I could.

“Simon is hungry. Take him for lunch.”

His mouth fell open. He might not have understood what she said, but he heard her give me his name. Something he seemed determined not to give me. He shot an incredulous look at Maman, screeching in the town tongue.

Maman lifted a shoulder,a smug look on her face. “It slipped out.”

I wished I could follow along with their conversation. Whatever she said, it made him crack a smile before he forced it away again. What little I saw transformed his beauty into something almost magical. I wished I could have seen more of it.

Simon scurried away. Not out of sight, just far enough away to allow him to hide his expression and avoid me and Maman. I allowed it because I didn’t think he’d run again. Not after what happened last time.

Maman turned back to me and raised an eyebrow. “You’re staring, son of mine. Are you perhaps more interested in this tribute than you let on?”

I frowned. “I am not interested in?—”

She waved away my argument. “Yes, yes. You’ve said this. And maybe not all males. But your face says more than you are willing to admit. Perhaps this male is different.”

Eight

SIMON

We were heading back to the tent when someone jogged up to Feigrind, his expression foreboding. Before he even explained why, Feigrind’s entire demeanor changed. He swapped out the stoic man for something more fierce and warrior-like. It was the same expression he’d had when practicing with his friend earlier. Like he was ready for anything.

It was kind of hot, actually.

“The Fer’na clan is coming. They will be here by nightfall.”

Feigrind cursed under his breath. “Why do they approach? We have done nothing to them.”

The other warrior shook his head. “It is not known. But Orthorr wants us all to be there, just in case.” His gaze flicked to me for a moment, his brow furrowed. “Is there someone you trust with your tribute? Someone to keep him safe?”