“And those people might call you a fool.” The emperor chuckled. “Some of my people believe in it as well.”
Zahra’s head snapped to the side as she stared wide-eyed at him. “You believe in love at first sight?”
The emperor let out a low growl that she was coming to recognize as a laugh. “I’ll let you know once I experience it.”
Zahra rolled her eyes. “Well, it hasn’t happened here.” She turned her attention back to the males who were still sizing each other up. The suspension was almost as bad as seeing Khaazai being attacked.
As if reading her thoughts, the hulking Khuuz’eth launched himself at Khaazai in a mass of angry muscle. Zahra gripped the side of the table as she watched them exchange blows, her knuckles turning white. This male was finally giving Khaazai a run for his money. Each clash of their spears echoed in her ears and had her cringing at the sheer force. If it was her in his place, she’d have broken arms, and would probably be a bleeding pulp on the ground by now.
Yet Khaazai took each blow with a calculated calm, almost absorbing each blow, as if he bided his time. She found herself holding her breath, and never noticed the intense way his cousin watched her every move. Finally, Khaazai launched himself at the other male, his motions a blur as he went on the attack, his every move fluid and as he blurred between a defensive and an offensive position.
Zahra felt herself chanting inside her head for his victory. With a few more skilled movements, he felled the massive male, who crashed to the floor, his knees hitting the ground that seemed to shake the room. Then Khaazai pressed his spear tip to the man’s chest, and again, a silent moment passed over the crowd before Khaazai stepped back. Granting his opponent mercy, because Zahra felt certain bloodshed was not uncommon at these events.
With another roar, Khaazai held up his spear before turning and facing Zahra. Eyes darting, she noticed everyone now looked at her. It was as if they all waited for something. Something from her.
"Umm, Holly?" Zahra asked, as she leaned slightly to one side, her eyes never leaving Khaazai’s. She felt the primal part of her tell her that a predator stood in front of her and she shouldn’t remove her eyes from him, lest he jump the table and come for her.
"So," Holly said as she glanced through the tablet in her hands. "It looks like it's now your chance to challenge him."
Chapter 7
"What?" Zahra squeaked, as a male stepped up to her and presented her with a plasma spear. She glanced at the weapon and then up at the male’s face. He’d better take it easier on her because she wasn’t keen on the idea of being pulverized.
“If you don't wish to challenge, you place the spear on the ground at his feet." The emperor explained as Holly continued to scan through the tablet in her hands.
"And if I challenge?" Zahra asked, unable to refrain from voicing her curiosity.
"Then you will either have to kill him or wait until he subdues you." The emperor informed her.
Zahra accepted the plasma staff and stiffly rose from her seat. "If I challenge and win?"
Holly shook her head knowing what Zahra truly asked. "You need to give the marriage a full year for the treaty to be in effect. If you win and refuse him, there’s no treaty because there’s no marriage."
"Wasn't like I'd have a shot in the galaxy at defeating him." Zahra mumbled under her breath as she walked around the table. She caught the general shaking his head out of the corner of her eye. He knew her too well. How tempted she felt to challenge Khaazai. But she wasn’t a fool. They needed the alliance, and she didn’t want to embarrass herself challenging a stronger opponent. She intended to yield to her future husband.
Zahra stepped up to him and placed the staff in both hands horizontally. As she prepared to go down to her knees in front of him he uttered, "No challenge? What female have I bound myself to tonight?"
Grinding her molars, Zahra met his electric blue eyes which swirled with his challenge. Sending a silent apology to the general, she launched herself at Khaazai. His electric blue eyes flashed with pleasure as he stumbled back. A growl rumbled up his chest, and she knew he was pleased rather than angry.
Squaring up, Khaazai deactivated the blue plasma on the end of his spear. "Wouldn't want to hurt you, wife."
Zahra's eyes narrowed on him. "I'll keep mine activated. And I’m not yours… not yet." She said as she brandished the glowing end of her spear.
"Good. I do enjoy a little pain with my pleasure." He teased her.
Was Khaazai flirting with her?
He didn’t leave her much time to ponder his playful mood as he attacked, and she defended. Again, she knew he held back as their spears met and her arms wobbled under the impact. He could have driven her to her knees in one single blow, instead he held himself back. She’d think he was toying with her under normal circumstances, but she felt like this was some sort of courtship dance for him.
He backed up and allowed her a few swings.
“End this.” Zahra hissed at him through clenched teeth. “We all know you are a better and stronger fighter than myself.”
“As you wish.” He whispered back.
In the blink of an eye, her spear soared into the air, and he shoved a hand against her chest, knocking the breath from her before she landed on the ground. Zahra gazed up at him from where she laid sprawled out on the floor. Khaazai had definitely pulled his punches, but it still hadn't stopped him from kicking her ass fully.
"Forfeit." Khaazai demanded as he prodded the end of his plasma spear against her throat.
