"This won't hold up in-- " Her last word didn't translate.

"Nishani, welcome to your new home," he said, and rose. "My sisters will instruct you in the behavior I expect of you."

And he left her sitting on the bed, aware of how much more work his lifemate would create for him.

* * *

The behavior I expect of you.

Refreshed the next morning, she still couldn't fathom the statement. Rather, she couldn't fathom how something so medieval could have been directed at her.

The behavior I expect of you.

It bounced around her head, first in disbelief, then in shock, and finally, in anger. As for the remainder of their conversation … It was unreal. It made no sense. Yes, he had named three conditions, and yes, she remembered agreeing after that fantastic kiss. But damned if she didn't recall the third condition. Had she been that smitten or so desperate to leave?

Other thoughts were skittering through her brain, those that reminded her she was no longer on her own territory and he hadn't told her something she hadn't heard before. Their last conversation sounded eerily like something Evelyn had tried to tell her.

You're a guest of Romas right now, but if he decides to put you on the market, so to speak, pretty much anyone can … um … claim you as a … you know, a bride. What else had Evelyn neglected to tell her? The idea of being stuck on some strange planet made her want to panic and run screaming for the first spaceship she found. She tried to push the thought away and distract herself by wandering the mansion. It wasn't anywhere near the size of Romas's, and the dwelling showed signs of wear and use. It was well-kept, if aging.

She wandered until she found an exit and stepped into a beautiful midmorning. A set of boy-warriors were practicing with grey swords in the grassy courtyard. They couldn't have been past thirteen but rivaled her in height. They appeared to be playing rather than training; there were five, two standing and mock battling while the three younger ones watched and cheered.

It was unfortunate the cheerful youths would turn into unsmiling, frozen warriors one day. She drew as near as she dared without disturbing them. They battled with great vigor and exaggeration to the cheering of the three younger boys until one turned and noticed her. All five rose and straightened, offering her deep bows. They straightened again and stared at her. She stared back.

"Are you enjoying the day?" she asked awkwardly.

"Yes, nishani," the eldest replied. The word did not translate at all.




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