Page 139 of Twisted Sins

Uma nodded with a smile. “Okay.”

“We’ll be outside,” said Rumi. “Once you are done, we’ll prepare you for the feast.”

Nandini nodded.

Rumi and Uma stepped out, but Nandini remained standing in the middle of the huge bathroom, feeling dazed by the events.

Each time she thought she had her demon husband figured out, there was always another shocking surprise.

Sucking in a breath, she took off her clothes and stepped into the stone cubicle, and turned on the shower.

A delighted laugh escaped her as warm water fell over her.

***

The welcome feast began just as the sun began to set.

It was a lavish spread set on several long stone tables in an outdoor dining area lit by fire torches and lamps. Drums and conch shells, along with primitive cries of cheering, filled the air.

Nandini was reminded of the midnight wedding celebration when she had been terrified. But now, she wasn’t scared of her demon husband. She was highly aware of him as he stood beside her while people celebrated.

Uma, Rumi, and a small army of women had helped her prepare for the feast. They dressed her similarly to the wedding ceremony with heavy, tarnished silver jewelry. The demon hadn’t come to the bedroom while she was there. He must have bathed and gotten ready elsewhere. She noticed his hair and beard were trimmed, and he wore finer clothing with the Kabali heir accessories.

She felt a strong need to touch him, which she suppressed.

“Feed your bride, Rudra!”

Nandini recalled her mother mentioning the Thakvar clan tradition, where the husband was to hand-feed his newlywed bride. She was surprised that a similar tradition existed with the Kabali clan.

She opened her mouth while he fed her a piece of thick roti dipped in rich, aromatic curry. Thankfully, the feast included some vegetarian and chicken dishes.

When it was her turn to feed the demon, she picked a piece of chicken and placed it in his mouth. It was a simple gesture, but her cheeks burned when her fingers brushed his lips.

She was reminded of the previous night.

The demon seemed to have the same thought as his grey eyes looked at her with a hunger he didn’t bother to hide.

Her stomach fluttered wildly.

“May the Thakvar tigress give many cubs to our clan heir!” someone shouted.

Nandini’s face flamed, and people cheered on.

The rest of the feast continued in a similar vein, followed by music and dancing to the sounds of drums. The Kabali warriors joined the dancing along with their wives. She noticed a few who hadn’t stayed at the encampment, but she recognized a few men who had come to the encampment briefly when the demon had been shot.

She realized the demon must have ordered them to protect the Kabali mansion while he was away. He seemed to trust them and be at ease.

More people came to see her. While many were happy with the alliance, there were some who weren’t happy with the choice of the bride from the enemy clan. But none of them showed disrespect to her. She knew it was because of the demon.

The Kabali people respected and were loyal to their leader.

Soon, the moon rose high in the sky, indicating it was close to midnight. But the feast and celebration continued.

A yawn escaped her even as she tried to suppress it.

Even though she was curious to learn more about the Kabali clan, she was tired from the long day.

“Go and sleep,” the demon commanded.

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