Page 242 of Primal Bonds

Fane pushed himself between her and the king. “Enough, Sindre. Let the woman go. She’s done nothing to deserve this.”

The room went silent, save for the hushed, otherworldly music. The temperature dropped. Goosebumps prickled Marjani’s bare arms. “Fane.”

His look seared her. “I’ll be damned if I let you take his geas.”

The king’s eyes narrowed at his envoy. “I see you’ve decided today is a good day to die.”

Her entire spine tightened. “No,” she rasped.

Fane narrowed his eyes right back at Sindre. “She doesn’t want you. She wants me.”

“My lord.” Arne slung an arm around Fane’s shoulders and eased him backward. “I apologize for my son. He’s still young.”

Sindre’s perfect features could’ve been carved from marble. “Not too young to know he shouldn’t interfere with a negotiation.”

Roald shoved his way into their little group. “By the Goddess, boy. Have you lost your mind?”

Fane shook off Arne’s arm and glared back. “I’m. Not. A. Fucking. Boy.”

“Enough.” Sindre’s nostrils flared. “On your knees. Apologize to me, and I may let you live.”

Fane’s knees bent. With an effort, he locked them. His mouth opened and shut as he fought the order to apologize.

“No,” he gritted, tight-lipped. “I’ve done nothing to be sorry for. And I’ll be damned if I ever go on my knees to you again. I, Fane Morningstar, am breaking the geas.”

Roald’s fair skin reddened. “Like hell.”

“Fane!” Marjani said. “Stop this, damn it.”

Neither he nor the king seemed to hear her.

“You’d break your sworn oath?” Sindre asked. The already cool room grew even colder. A light snow began to fall.

“I am. And Marjani Savonett goes with me.” Fane grabbed her hand. “I’m claiming her. She’s mine. My mate.”

“And what does that leave me?” Sindre returned.

“You get everything I’ve earned since accepting the geas.”

“But I’d get that anyway,” he reminded Fane in silky tones. “Those are the terms you agreed to. No, I think I’ll keep the fada.”

Fane’s chin lifted. “Then take my Gift as well.”

Chapter 33

Shock reverberated through the room.

Marjani slowly shook her head from side to side. She had to stop this. She tugged at her hand but Fane tightened his grip.

“Trust me,” he mouthed.

“Be very certain,” Sindre said. “You’ll have nothing. You might as well be a human. And your name will be known far and wide as an oath breaker.”

Fane swallowed audibly, but when he spoke, his voice was strong. “I’m certain.”

“No,” Roald growled. “He takes it back. No grandson of mine breaks his word.” He swung to Fane. “Have you no honor?”

“I can speak for myself,” Fane retorted. “And I will not serve a man who would force my mate into his service.” He glared at the king. “There is no honor in that.”

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