This is for Outlaw At Large...as you requested My friend.
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The chains rattled as he moved. He stood, head bowed, muscles tight and quivering with the effort not to resist. He listened to the murmurs around him. His lowered eyes glittered. His lips curled back from his teeth in a silent snarl as his large, powerful hands clenched in fists.
A sudden silence. Although his eyes still glittered, he relaxed his hands and smoothed his expression. The woman that strode into the room was tall. She moved with a fluid grace that made every male eye in the room follow her. And she wore the paired blades of a top ranked D'ashai warrior.
"Look at me, slave." Her voice was rich and husky. A voice meant for passion. He could not help the growl that rumbled deep in his chest. Or the sudden stirring in his groin. Slowly, he raised his head, his eyes traveling up from her well worn boots, over her long legs, to her generous breasts, and finally to her cool hazel eyes.
His angry gaze did not make her uncomfortable. A glint of amusement touched her eyes. This huge man stood in rags and chains, no weapons in reach—and he was obviously no stranger to weapons as his muscles and scars proved—and he had the temerity to growl at her. Her cool hazel eyes met his hot amber gaze. Unusual eyes.
"So, slave," she said, her lips twitching as he growled again, "how came you here?"
"Betrayal," he growled. She raised an eyebrow. "My…cousin," he spat the word, "gave me drugged wine and sold me to slavers." He saw a brief flash of distaste when he mentioned slavers.
She looked past him, her eyes now cold. "Slavers?"
"No, D'ashai," replied a woman behind him. His amber eyes blinked. Only one person was called D'ashai. The queen. "My patrol found an encampment in forbidden territory. When we approached, we were fired upon. He is one of the spoils of the engagement. Along with the others." He saw the queen look over at the other slaves from the camp. Exhausted, frightened men and women chained together, huddled in a corner.
"The slavers?"
"Killed or fled, D'ashai."
The queen nodded. She looked over the other slaves. Turning to the young warrior who had spoken, she gestured to the slaves. "You and your women may have these as your spoils. Treat them well that you may prosper." She turned again to look up into amber eyes. "This one is the queen's tithe." The young warrior bowed in thanks. They gathered their booty and left.
"Come with me," said the queen.
The big man followed, his eyes on her hips. Another twitch in his groin. Her worn boots were calf high. Her warrior's garb of leather and linen covering her. Mostly. He had a good view of her long legs and strong back. He growled softly again. Long legs had gotten him into this. That slave of his cousin's.
Ravia, D'ashai, queen, smiled as she walked in front of her new slave, knowing he could not see her expression. He was growling again. It made him sound like one of those huge striped hunting cats. She led him to her chambers.
"Kaly!" she called as they entered.
A middle aged man appeared and bowed. "D'ashai."
"Have a bath prepared and call the armorer." She looked up at the big man again. "And bring some tunics and trews," she said. "Very large ones."
Kaly bowed again. "D'ashai."
Within moments the armorer appeared and bowed.
"Sivan," said Ravia, "remove those chains." She gestured to the big man.
"D'ashai?" Sivan looked doubtfully at the big man. Ravia just gestured again. With a sigh that said as plainly as words that he hoped she knew what she was doing, Sivan took out his tools and began removing the chains.
The big man shuddered as the chains fell away. His first thought was to get his hands on weapons and escape. He moved, cat quick, only to find her blades bracketing his throat. He had not seen her move. He felt a trickle of wetness slide down his neck.
"You'll not try that again," she said softly, "will you." It was not a question.
He held statue still. Then he sighed carefully. "No, D'ashai."
Her cool eyes held his. "Your word on it." Ravia saw the tremor pass through him. She was asking his word. As a warrior. If he gave it, he was bound until she released him. She did not move, her blades still at his neck.
"If I do not give my word, D'ashai," he rumbled, "what then?"
"Shackles." Her tone was uncompromising, telling him to choose.
"And if I give my word?"
"A collar. To mark you as mine."