Page 23 of Forbidden

“It can be. Which is why it is seldom used. And then only when the throne is in question.” He turned to her now. “A link like ours will destroy Kazar. But I’ll just bet there’ll be no talking him out of this.”

Chapter Seven

The Temple Beyond was the largest structure Anna had ever seen. Its four spires rose elegantly into the clouds and the sun reflected off its walls and windows like gold and diamonds. It looked like a massive cathedral, only hundreds of times bigger and more ornate.

At the top of the steps leading to the temple doors, they were met by a thin, aging man dressed in gold from head to toe. The High Priest, she figured.

“The situation is grave, my son. Kazar will listen to no one, including myself and the king.”

Kahn’s expression was neutral, but his feelings were volatile to say the least. She was afraid he’d explode any second. She was definitely glad she was not Kazar. “And you expected anything different? If the souls do not kill him when this is over, I probably will.”

The priest gave Kahn a stern look. “You will do no violence in this temple, Kahn. Future king or not.”

Kahn growled and tugged Anna after him as he made his way through one great hall after another. Finally, he came to an intricately carved door plated in silver and surrounded by windows. Anna couldn’t see anything inside. It was either pitch black, or the windows were tinted.

“Kazar!” Kahn bellowed. “Get your sorry carcass over here and let’s be done with this.”

A man almost as tall as Kahn and even more solidly built approached them. Anna stepped behind Kahn as she saw the menacing look on the man’s face.

“Gothe’mar will never have a human, or anyone not of Gothe’maran heritage, on the throne. You lie about your claim that she is your soul’s mate.”

“You’re a fool, Kazar. If we step into that chamber, you’ll die. My link to Anna is at least as strong as Father’s was to Mother.”

“My father risked everything rather than see a human share the throne. I can do nothing less,” Kazar stated. He seemed resigned. He was obviously doing what he thought honor demanded.

“You disgrace your family and dishonor me,” Kahn growled. Anna took his arm, guiding him away from his cousin.

“Let’s just do this. If he dies, then you’ll have satisfaction without getting that priest all upset.”

Kahn turned to her. “Do you know what I meant by ‘physically joined’?”

Anna took in an exasperated breath. “So we’ll hold hands going in. Let’s just get this over with.”

“No, Anna.” He grabbed her shoulders and looked at her. “We have to have sex and this little worm will be there the whole time.”

“So,” Anna swallowed, self-consciously looking at Kazar, “if we aren’t…joined, then we age too?”

“Exactly.”

“Do we have to enter the chamber joined?” Anna was getting a bit apprehensive. No way did she want to have sex for an audience.

“No,” the priest supplied. “You will have several minutes to complete the union. You will know when the time is right to join your bodies.”

Anna looked to Kazar. “Where will he be?”

“On the far side of the chamber. But he will be able to see us the whole time.”

“What if he tries to stop us from joining? You know. Tries to take us with him?” Anna was getting really concerned.

“The souls will not let that happen, assuming you are true mates,” the priest said. “This is usually done to embarrass the couple held in question. However, if your link is as strong as Kahn has suggested, it could very easily, and most probably will, kill Kazar.”

Kahn walked to his cousin to stand toe to toe with him. “Do you understand that once you enter that chamber with us, you’re as good as dead?”

“If the souls even recognize this human. I’m betting you’re the one who will be sadly mistaken.” Kazar turned to the priest. “Open the doors.”

The priest shrugged. “So be it. Let it stand that Kazar, son of Mikkril, so challenges Kahn and Anna, son and near daughter to Kerrek, in their claim of soul’s mate. Enter the Chamber of Souls.”

Kahn tugged at his clothing angrily. Anna assumed she was to do the same and removed all but her underwear. “Can I leave this on until we get inside?” she whispered to Kahn.

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