MarIK clutched his hands into fists under the table. He listened to Sharon as she spoke calmly. “I appreciate that, Leader OrIN, but I am dating TanAR.”
OrIN leaned in closely and sniffed at her. He wouldn’t detect the scent markers either. “I could order you to my room.”
Sharon smiled at him. “You could, but why would you force yourself on a female when I’m sure there are many who would welcome your attentions?”
OrIN laughed, pleased with her answer. “You’re right, of course. I am in no need for a bed partner at this time. Eventually, I will mate with the future mother of my young, and I want to be ready.”
“Sounds like you have the girl picked out already.”
“I do. She is tall and shapely, holds herself with the regality worthy of being my prima. She is everything Goddess KatieRI created a female to be.”
“She sounds like an amazing woman. Does she know how much you hold her in your esteem?”
“Not yet, but she will. Currently, she is with a male who is not worthy of her. He will be taken care of and then I will make her mine. Together, we will rule all of Katiera, and bring honor and truth back to our nation. It will be a great time of rejoicing.”
“Sounds great.”
Movement on the far corner of the room caught both MarIK’s and OrIN’s attention. MarIK was about to stand up and to investigate what the disturbance was, but OrIN waved him to sit. “Stay here, MarIK, and entertain our guests. I have some pressing matters I need to attend to. Maybe take her to the observatory to view the stars.” OrIN was already walking away.
Sharon turned to MarIK. “What observatory?”
He looked away from the doorway where OrIN was exiting the banquet hall and turned his gaze to Sharon. He stood up and offered his hand. “I’m happy to show you.”
“Okay.” She placed her small hand in his and the sparks between them intensified. She stood up and TanAR was immediately at her side.
“What’s going on? Where did OrIN go?”
“He said he had something he needed to attend to.”
TanAR looked at their hands and frowned. “Where are you going?”
MarIK was displeased when Sharon released his hand. “I am going to show Sharon the observatory. When we are done, I will escort her back to her quarters.”
“I should come along.” TanAR reached for her hand, but Sharon moved away from both of them.
“TanAR, I’ll be there later. Come on, Commander. Show me this observatory that OrIN wanted me to see.”
MarIK moved past TanAR, almost smirking “I am happy to show you anything that you would like, Sharon.”
Sharon rolled her eyes and mumbled something that sounded like, “Men.”
