Page 52 of Oaths & Vengeance (Realm of Zadrya #1)

Aella

T hree days had passed since the ball and seeing my husband.

My uncle had questioned me about dancing with him, but I’d managed to make up a believable story that Darrow had done it to taunt us.

As for my restrictions, my uncle kept me confined to the castle and training area.

The guards were instructed not to let me anywhere near the ring without his advance permission.

I might not have been allowed that much freedom, but Lord Morgunn received word that he must bring me to see the Andalagar Prime Chieftain. After all the abuse I’d suffered, I’d needed every moment to get back in shape.

We were about to head to their territory now, and I was more than a little nervous after several months of preparation for this day.

I wore a new outfit my uncle had tailored for me.

It was different than anything I’d worn before because it used animal skin rather than cloth.

The brown pants were thick and tight, and the matching top was a flattering halter style with ribbing for armor that would protect my chest and most of my back from blades.

I also had a custom belt and leg harness to hold numerous weapons.

It was a surprising splurge for Lord Morgunn to have it made when there was no guarantee the betrothal would happen, but he certainly had high hopes. I didn’t look forward to disappointing him.

He’d stopped acting cold and furious with me, but it wouldn’t take much to anger him again. The strain was evident every time we spoke to each other. Unknowingly, the Andalagar had saved me from further punishment .

We walked toward the ring outside Tradain, accompanied by half a dozen soldiers.

My uncle had exchanged back-and-forth messages with the leader these past months while I’d been preparing at Tradain and had finally received the invitation for a visit.

Lord Morgunn made it abundantly clear that I had better do well at this meeting.

I had little idea what to expect other than being tested in some way that they kept secret from outsiders.

The trip through the portal took about seven seconds since the tribe’s lands were on the northeast corner of Therress.

When we stepped out of the ring, a beach stretched before us with the Pazakian Sea’s waves crashing gently to shore.

The water was crystal clear with a cerulean blue tint, the same as the other end where the druid continent, Alavaar, dwelled.

“Aella,” my uncle called sternly.

I spun around and gasped. In the sky, there were several Pegasi with riders. Having never been on Andalagar tribal lands, I’d never seen the winged horses. It had been centuries since they’d had a reason to leave their home territories.

There were three other tribal land sections in Zadrya, but this was the only one in Therress.

The borders were negotiated more than thirteen hundred years ago after centuries of war with the natives as the Seelie fae fought to obtain enough land to thrive after being forced from the fae home world.

The Andalagar, with their Pegasi, were impressive, honorable warriors who certainly fought valiantly, but their magic had more limits than ours.

It put them at a disadvantage, which cost them dearly when facing us.

I clasped my hands behind my back as a beautiful dapple-gray Pegasus landed first with a large, muscular man riding him. He wore a brown vest and pants made of animal skins like mine. His belt also had two daggers strapped to his hips and a sword scabbard.

The power emanating from him told me this was the Prime Chief of the tribe.

As he leaped off his winged horse, I took in his full appearance.

He was about the same height as Darrow, who was quite tall, but this man had even broader shoulders.

The muscles in his arms and chest were also well-defined.

Multiple scars crisscrossed his dark, honey-colored skin, proclaiming him an experienced warrior.

I looked up at his strong face, framed by wavy russet brown hair with single braids running from each of his temples.

One of his ears protruded from his locks enough for me to see that it was rounded rather than pointed.

His gaze was deep and intelligent as he assessed me just as thoroughly as I did him.

I tried to keep my expression neutral, unsure of what would help gain his approval.

As far as I knew, no Therressian lord had ever successfully married one of his female relatives to an Andalagar leader.

Only the occasional lowborn fae had ever intermarried with the tribal folk, but not their chiefs.

There was no precedent for me to rely upon.

Both sides felt they were superior to the other.

Several more Pegasi landed behind the Prime Chief, carrying men who had similar skin tones, though their hair ranged from brown to black shades. All of them appeared battle-hardened with many scars. I wondered who they could have been fighting since we certainly didn’t bother them.

“I am Orran,” he said, moving toward me with strident steps. “Prime Chief of all the Andalagar tribal sects.”

Meaning that the other three throughout Zadrya also answered to him.

I dipped my chin. “I am Lady Aella, niece of Lord Morgunn.”

He held out a hand. “Come, meet my mount, Stradii.”

“Thank you.” I placed my palm in his, and he led me toward the large Pegasus.

It was several hands taller than any horse I’d ever seen, with a larger body and thicker muscles than other equines and massive wings that it had folded upon landing.

A smooth black saddle rested on its back.

The halter and reins were also black, except for the silver metal pieces to link the leather straps together.

It was an intimidating animal with feral ice-blue eyes that watched me closely. As all druids could do, I called upon inner feelings of calm, letting them emanate from me to the beast. Within seconds, the Pegasus relaxed, and its eyes softened as it dropped its head to greet me.

“Good boy,” I said, running my hand down his forelock. “Aren’t you beautiful?”

He nickered .

Orran gave me a surprised look. “Hmm, he does not normally allow strangers to touch him, especially elves. I half-expected him to bite you when you reached out.”

One way to greet an intended bride was by putting them in danger.

I should have known this was the first of many tests today.

My uncle had warned me that the Andalagar leader would put me through a series of them without direction or warning.

It was frustrating that I had to endure these trials even though I would never marry this man.

On the other hand, seeing a Pegasus up close almost made it worth it.

I scratched Stradii’s forehead, and he nuzzled me. “I’m half druid, so I used the same calming technique as I do when meeting dragons.”

“Have you ever ridden one?” Orran asked, curiosity in his gaze.

My uncle said my druid side was the main reason I was being considered as a potential bride at all. Perhaps the Andalagar leader didn’t know I visited Alavaar often to see my sister since that was the only place on Paxia where they lived. I didn’t know what exactly Lord Morgunn had told him.

“Yes, a few times over the years. It is not easy to gain their acceptance since they don’t see me often, but I’ve learned how to befriend some of the more amenable dragons. They can be a pleasure to ride.”

He smiled. “Yes, I can imagine.”

“I heard you bond with your Pegasi. Is that true?” I asked.

“For some of us, yes.” He patted his mount. “They can choose to have only one rider, and if we bond, we can sense each other’s emotions and desires. No words are exchanged, but there is communication between us, nonetheless.”

I continued petting Stradii. “Those who bond with dragons on Alavaar can speak with theirs, but a few can speak with all of them. My sister is one of those as a beast healer.”

“Interesting.” He turned and shouted at his men in a language I couldn’t understand, then returned his focus to me. “We will go for a walk now.”

“What about my uncle?” I asked, turning my gaze to Lord Morgunn. He stared at us with annoyance and impatience, probably because Orran had failed to greet or acknowledge him .

“My men will take him to the village where he may eat and rest until we arrive,” the Andalagar chief said, taking my hand.

He guided me toward a wide path in the nearby woods.

I suspected this would be my next test, and I widened my senses to prepare myself.

No way would it be a simple stroll, especially when an ominous feeling overtook me as the tall, thick trees enveloped us.

It was almost like nighttime, with little sunlight reaching the ground.

Orran didn’t let go of my left hand, keeping a tight grip on it. A thrum of magic ran between our palms, but I had no idea what sort of spell he used. It didn’t seem to affect me in any way I could discern.

“Are you an obedient woman, Aella?” he asked, voice breaking the silence of the still woods. No birds sang, and I couldn’t make out any sounds from insects or small animals.

I knitted my brows. “Obedient?”

“Yes.” He squeezed my palm. “And tell me truthfully.”

This had to be some sort of test, and since I had little to lose, I chose to be forthright. “I straddle a line. In front of my uncle, I’m as obedient as possible, but I admit to doing things he would disapprove of when he isn’t watching.”

“Hmm.” Orran’s expression was neutral, giving nothing away.

“Is that what you’re looking for?” I asked, unnerved at how hot his hand had become. “An obedient wife?”

Mirth transformed his features, and he let out a deep chuckle. “I doubt there is such a thing—at least not among women worth having.”

Well, that was a refreshing answer.