Kept by the Zandian (Zandian Brides 5)

“Well, I need to debrief with Master Seke and King Zander.” I glance around the bay. “Looks like we got everything in order. You’ll finish up here.”

“Yes, Captain.”

I stride off, and don’t make it more than a hundred yards before I’m joined by another fighter, Bryann.

“Drayk.” He slaps my shoulder. “So you brought in a human.”

“That’s right. Taisha.” I increase my pace. “I am needed with the king.”

“I will not keep you. I’m just curious if you know whether or not she’s been selected already as a mate? My two friends and I would like to petition for her if she’s available.”

“She is not available,” I growl. “She has not even received asylum at this point.”

“Ah, I see, but I had heard that she—”

“Rumors are unreliable at best,” I point out. “Excuse me.” I put up my hand and bow my head, and then walk on.

Veck. How has everyone already fallen for her?

This is unacceptable. Don’t they understand that she might still be a threat to Zandia?

I will have to put an end to this.

Taisha

My palms sweat as I sit in a waiting area in the capital of Zandia, under heavy guard. I am to be seen by King Zander, who will determine my fate.

The warrior who guards me, a Zandian who appears a bit younger than Drayk, tells me not to worry, that King Zander is just and kind.

I have to believe him.

If he’s wrong, Leylah sent me here for no reason. I can’t believe she would make a mistake like that.

As I sit, my mind keeps going back to Drayk, the mighty captain. Where has he gone? Will I see him again?

I was angered by his mistrust, but now, sitting here alone, I wish he were the warrior guarding me. Wish he would accompany me to my visit with the king. I have to believe he would advocate for my freedom after the way I helped with his mission.

After the way he touched me.

But maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s normal for Zandians to give sexual pleasure to their prisoners and then disappear.

Stars.

I drop my head into my hands.

I’m so off-balance here I don’t know my head from my feet.

Chapter 10

Zander

I flip my daughter Kaylar upside down and tickle her as she shrieks and screams with delight. Her brother Zander darts in to add a few tickles, too, while all the palace staff look on with smiles.

I flip her back up and toss her high into the air.

Too high for Lamira’s comfort. She holds her breath beside me and grips my arm.

I catch the tot and toss her to my shoulders, grinning at my mate. “Did you think I would drop her?”