Page 119 of Planet Zero
And it changed everything.
So engrossed was Addie in her reflections, and so intense were her thoughts about Zoark and the baby, that she missed completely when Iguell’s fight was over and another began. She shook herself and looked around. Her gaze connected with Illied who hastily looked away.
Chemmusaayl’s yellow robes filled Addie’s line of vision once again as the High Counselor stepped into the arena.
“This warrior will bring a lot to our tribe!” Chemmusaayl was saying, and recognition triggered. It was Shur, with his hair tangled, and his magnificent physique sporting an impressive array of muscle. He had just defeated one of their stronger warriors.
He fits right in,Addie thought, noting how the chief and Vuskas assessed the male with approval.
“This winner deserves a reward!” Chemmusaayl announced in his best sports commentator voice. Rewarding contest winners was never a custom, but anything went today, presumably to boost the tribe’s flagging morale.
Whatever Qalae had told the chief, it had a long-reaching ripple effect, with even their sour-puss High Counselor acting like a benevolent spirit. That woman could get things done when motivated.
Addie chuckled and realized everyone was looking at her. “What?”
Chemmusaayl, face full of surprise and concern, addressed Shur. “If this is your wish…”
“Yes,” Shur confirmed.
“Only with the chief’s approval,” Chemmusaayl beckoned to Addie. “Walk this way.”
Addie looked wildly around. “Me?”
“Yes, strange woman, you.”
Hesitantly, she rose to her feet and approached the arena. The women chattered around her like excited birds. Shur smiled encouragingly.
Chemmusaayl grabbed her hand and yanked her closer. He then put her hand into Shur’s. “Chief Net’ok. The warrior Shur wants a union with the woman Addie, and asks humbly for your consent.”
Blood drained from Addie’s head. The sudden ringing in her ears was deafening. Her mouth formed a soundlessNo.
“I consent,” the chief said, and he sounded pleased. “You’re now mated.”
She tried to wrestle her hand away but Shur held firm. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.”
Hurt me?she thought crazily. Her head spun, and the world around her rotated.
Where was Zoark? She searched around with blind eyes, noticing nobody in particular.
Melmie and Oh’na rushed her, with Chele following on their heels. Oma came up with congratulations and even Illied.
“I’m so happy for you, Addie!” Melmie hugged her warmly, love shining from her weird eyes that she turned to Shur. “I trust you take good care of her, warrior. Addie is a precious gem.”
Addie wanted to laugh. She wanted to cry. She wanted to breathe, dammit, but her chest seemed unable to expand.
“I will, I promise,” Shur responded with all seriousness.
Tugging her by the hand, Shur led her away from the arena so that the contest could continue. “We will talk later,” he promised. “We will be happy together, Addie-woman.” Giving her hand one more warm squeeze, he let her go and jumped lightly over the rock to join the men’s ranks.
Helpless, Addie stood frozen in place. The women’s animated faces swam in front of her eyes, their kind words making as much sense as they had when she had first arrived at their tribe.
“He’s a great warrior, this Shur.” Addie turned to find Melmie still by her side. “I like him. You should be so lucky he’s now your mate.”
He’s now my mate.The words reverberated in Addie’s brain like thunder, filling her head to bursting with their meaning.
Two more warriors walked into the arena, about to begin another fight. Out in the distance, Qalae was holding court next to her mate, the chief. She glanced at Addie only once, and her eyes were full of sadness.
Chapter 35
