Tiger's Promise Read Online Free PDF

or not
     to my liking, Isha will suffer horribly. Do I make myself clear?”
    “Yes, Father.”
    “Good. Now cover your face. The men here have ogled you enough tonight, I should think.”
    “Of course.”
    Immediately I worked at reattaching my veil, and when it was done to his satisfaction,
     he left me alone again with Hajari, who whispered hotly at my ear, “You think this
     is your chance to leave, but you aren’t going anywhere. I see you strutting around
     like you’re the king’s prize when we both know you’re nothing but a plaything. A broken
     little doll.”
    Hajari risked running his hand up my arm. I stiffened but said nothing. “You see,
     I know what all these other men don’t. That you like being knocked around, and someday
     when your father isn’t watching as carefully, I’ll show you the proper way to play.”
    Fortunately, another suitor appeared at that moment and Hajari backed away. The rest
     of the evening, I was kept busy being escorted on the arm of various men, each attempting
     to coax my favor in one way or another despite the fact that we all knew the decision
     rested with the king and my father and not with me. Had I been able to choose, I would
     likely go with Devanand. The idea that Isha and I could disappear on a ship to a faraway
     land was appealing.
    Through the night, I caught glimpses of the quiet stranger as he wandered the hall.
     There was no doubt he was a warrior. His powerful build and the way he carried himself
     made it obvious. Once a servant carrying a tray of sliced fruit stumbled, and he not
     only caught it but he helped the woman right herself. At that moment, he turned and
     I sucked in a breath. He was the most handsome man I’d ever seen.
    On the arm of Devanand again, I asked carefully, “Who is that young man? The one there
     dressed in black?”
    “Where?”
    “The one talking with Vikram Pillai,” I murmured quietly.
    “Oh, that’s the younger Rajaram son.”
    “Rajaram?” I prompted.
    “Yes. His brother is heir to the throne so he wouldn’t be a good match for you, if
     that is what you’re thinking. I am not surprised you asked about him though. He is
     young, and I would think a girl such as yourself would find him attractive.”
    I quickly patted the Mahabalipuram king’s arm and reassured him. “Not at all. I simply
     haven’t been introduced to him yet.”
    “It is unlikely he will wed before his brother. Perhaps he is here to negotiate a
     match in his stead.”
    “It has not come up. Besides, being as young as I am, it might behoove me to be matched
     with someone with more experience. An older man can help me navigate the troubled
     waters of youth. Wouldn’t you agree?”
    He laughed, pleased with my reference to his city, and introduced me to some other
     men he considered allies.
    Finally, the festivities were concluded, and those staying at the palace were escorted
     to their various chambers to take their rest. Hajari and I trailed behind a servant
     girl who led us down a series of long halls. It was late and the full moon cast its
     mellow light over us as we walked. Every few feet, an open archway allowed the soft
     night breezes to ruffle my skirts.
    When we arrived at an elaborately carved double door, the servant bowed and opened
     it, indicating I should enter. Hajari narrowed his eyes in warning but said nothing.
     After the doors closed behind me, shutting out the sight of my father’s man, I breathed
     a sigh of relief and followed the servant.
    She led me to a spacious chamber with a huge bed. A bath had been drawn, and she stayed
     long enough to help me. A sleeping gown had been left for me, and after I was made
     comfortable, the servant departed. I was alone. Truly alone. I didn’t know what would
     happen to me when the sun came up the next morning, but for the moment, I was out
     of danger.
    Unable to sleep though I was exhausted, I rose from my bed and walked out to the balcony.
     The moon had sunk