Earth Forged - Gifting #7 - Sample - OUT NOW!

Chapter Two

Oyaz slammed his fist into his palm while he paced. This was not happening. He raised his gaze to King Xeus, who held a private council on the dais speaking to Madyx's father and Adviser Cales. To the left, Madyx sat on the white Fuyra-stone bench, his knees spread wide on which he rested his elbows. He was pale under his bronze cheeks.

A female's whimpering and sniffling gritted Oyaz's teeth. He swung his head to glare at Lady Azian. The deep purple of her ceremonial wrap enhanced her beauty. Black hair swirled around her, belying her dismay. Had she truly been violated as she alleged, her hair would reflect her emotional state. He snorted. So not intelligent to leave her hair down when she deceived. If she wanted to fool King Xeus with this silly claim of abuse, she should have braided her hair.

Oyaz clenched his jaw. The urge to stomp across to Madyx and berate him again tore through him. His mind had reeled when Madyx had presented his version. How Azian had seduced him, then when he'd left her bed, she'd screamed he'd assaulted her. He'd reacted by gripping her upper arms and shaking her, thus bruising her. The dark marks she'd used to justify her claim.

Had she spoken the truth, great dishonor would have brought Madyx and his father low. Perhaps that had been her goal from the start? Oyaz scowled. So many times he'd pondered her motives and remained puzzled.

Her goal couldn't have been a pairing. For most ladies, it wasn't. Only the Ethera could determine that. So time in each other's arms was all Azian could've hoped for. Unless she birthed a female from their...antics.

Lady Larian, Azian's mother had made demands for reparation, claiming her daughter had been sullied, demeaned, and her honor questioned.

Honor? If only Larian knew of her daughter's poor behavior. Azian had tried to work her wiles on Oyaz, but he'd dismissed her. His last sexual encounter had darkened his soul more than he'd expected for a male fresh from the planet, Gikaet. He and Madyx had known each other since they were damu, had become the best of battle-bonds before experiencing their first battle. They'd just finished their trials into adulthood. Madyx was wilder and a tad younger, his soul not yet in jeopardy. As charming as Azian, they were well suited. But no matter what Oyaz said, Madyx ignored him.

"Mistreating a female is never acceptable, no matter the circumstances," King Xeus said. Beside him, Todyx, Madyx's father folded his arms across his chest, his lips pinched.

Ice shivered across Oyaz's shoulders. This couldn't be good.

Madyx pushed off the bench and strode across to stand before King Xeus. He spread his legs and clasped his hands behind his back, trapping the thick braid brushing his heels.

Oyaz did the same, standing beside Madyx. Todyx stepped off the dais and flanked Madyx.

"To claim such when it is not the truth is also unacceptable." King Xeus gestured to the wailing Lady Azian to join Madyx.

Her cries pierced the great throne room, echoing off the painted, vaulted ceilings.

King Xeus winced, as did they all. "Irritating me will not go well for you, Lady Azian." He clipped the words and faced Madyx. "One month in the Fuyra mines and two feet of honor."

"My King, that is too leni—" A glare from King Xeus silenced Lady Larian.

"Your punishment commences now." King Xeus gestured at Adviser Cales.

"But he is innocent." Oyaz leaped in front of Madyx.

"Is he, Warrior Oyaz? When he ignored your warnings? When he expected such behavior from Lady Azian based on her reputation alone? When he reacted to her manipulation with more anger than an Etterian warrior should display?" King Xeus shook his head. "I am being as lenient and understanding as I can be within our laws."