36

He set his jaw. Agony had shot through him when she’d declared, no, implied, she had not only taken a lover, but she’d chosen one who abused her. He’d had the sickest feeling of failure and loss, and a grief so fresh that furious searching for the lover had been the only thing to keep it at bay. All of that, only to discover her new ‘playmate’ was a villi! If he hadn’t already spoken to Jayems for her hand, he would have right then just to have the right to beat her!

Enunciating very clearly, he said, “I am going back to the others. You will be right behind me. If you are not…”

Fallon sighed and freed himself from Keilor’s grasp. He straightened his shirt and smiled wryly. “Rest easy, cousin. I have myself in hand. We’ll be right behind you. After all, I am rather fond of breathing.”

***

The first day of the tournament dawned bright and clear. Jasmine was nervous, but excited as well. Today promised to be an event to remember.