The Consort (Tellaran Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

alone, Tellaran,” Jazan snarled. “And in an hour I will kill you in the Circle.”
    The Az-kye warrior stalked off. With a final look of distaste in his direction, the empress whirled on her heel to stride away, her attendants flying after her. The High Priestess drew the princess along as the court exchanged shocked, excited whispers.
    Alari looked over her shoulder at him, her dark eyes wide with horror. 
    “Oh, fuck me,” Kyndan managed. “It’s a fight to the death?”

A little less than an hour later Kyndan stood barefoot and dressed in only a loincloth, awkwardly gripping the Az-kye sword Aidar had found for him.
    So much for dignified . . .
    “You could have spoken up,” he said to Aidar.
    Aidar looked at him impatiently. “We did all speak up for you! Why did you not refuse? Why did you not listen when my mate begged you not do this? The Empress Azara-behn the Heart of Heaven’s Children herself excused you. And did you insist to undertake this fool thing I sought to give you time to train and you did not even plead for that!”
    Kyndan looked at the wicked sharp blade in his hand, flashing in the light of the warrior’s prep room as he turned it this way and that. “So I have to kill him?”
    “Or he will kill you.”
    “Actually kill him?”
    “Or he will kill you !”
    Kyndan shook his head. “Why the hell did she do it anyway?  Why choose me ? Why not an Az-kye warrior? Gods, there were dozens there.”
    “It was a scandal, an affront to Jazan and his clan, that she should name another just before the final vows,” Aidar said. “It is generations since such was done but the First Imperial Daughter has the right to name any man not already mated or betrothed.” His head came up, his dark eyes suddenly hopeful.  “Are you betrothed, Kyndan?”
    “Sorry, no.”
    Aidar sighed. “A shame. But any warrior the princess could name, Jazan of the Az’rayah could fight and defeat. I cannot but believe she thought he would not agree to the Challenge. Truly, it is unseemly that he has.”
    “Because it’s beneath him to fight me,” Kyndan said tightly.  “Because it shames him to have to fight a Tellaran.”
    “Yes,” Aidar said bluntly.
    “So she names me because she thinks it’s a solid out for her and no one has to fight. At least she wasn’t trying to get me killed when she did it.” Kyndan tried a practice swipe with the blade. “Well, that’ll make marrying her a smidge less awkward for me.”
    “I hope you survive to do so,” Aidar said solemnly.
    Kyndan’s brow creased. “Have you ever thought of becoming a Fleet Counselor?  You have a real talent for inspiring positive thinking.”
    Aidar gave a nod. “It lifts my heart that your humor has not left you.”
    “Aidar,” Kyndan said, lowering the sword. “Why don’t you use this time to tell me how I can win, rather than tell how sorry you are that I’m not going to?”
    Aidar shifted his weight.
    Kyndan blew his breath out. “Okay, how about this?  How would you win, if you had to fight him?”
    Aidar considered. “He is taller, his reach longer, and he is extremely well trained.  Jazan is a warrior mighty enough to be the empress’ choice to sire a ruler . . .” 
    “Okay,” Kyndan gritted out as Aidar trailed off.  “He can beat the snot out of me.  We know that. Does he have any weaknesses?”
    Aidar looked grim. “Jazan is intelligent and well versed in strategy. He is renowned to be fearless in combat and his clan is an ancient and mighty one.”
    “The perfect warrior,” Kyndan murmured. “And the perfect mate for an Az-kye princess . . .”
    Maybe he should get out of this. He probably still could. Go to the High Priestess, complain that he didn’t know it would be a death match, say he had reconsidered. Claim that he , a lowly Tellaran, could never be worthy of being the mate of the First Imperial Daughter.
    But then she’d marry Jazan.
    And she’s terrified of him.
    It was in the way she