Ashes of Chaos (Legacy of the Nine Realms #2) - Amelia Hutchins Page 0,112

to fight my brother for you, no matter how fucking enchanting you smell. You may find it barbaric, but that is the law within the Nine Realms. You’re not in your world anymore, little girl. You’re in ours.”

“That’s the law in Norvalla or the entire Nine Realms?” I questioned carefully, as Knox’s lips curved into a dark, wicked smile. “If anyone wants me, they have to fight Knox to get me, just because he bit my shoulder?” I frowned, my brow creasing. I studied the dark look burning in Knox’s eyes while I added up what Brander had just disclosed.

“The Nine Realms all share laws,” Brander confirmed. “Once someone has claimed you, the only way to remove the claim would be to challenge the one who placed it there. Unlike the other men in this camp, I know what happens when you challenge Knox, trying to take what he’s already claimed. I’m not willing to fight my brother for you, no matter how tempting you are. If you’re smart, and I know you are, you’ll allow Knox to place his scent on you so you have more than just his mark. You’ll have his protection. Let him protect you, Aria. He’s willing, and your body is willing too, or it wouldn’t smell so fucking delicious, causing a disruption within the camp of warriors.”

“Pass,” I muttered.

“It isn’t a pass tonight, Aria. You’re going to allow me to place my scent on you, or I’ll put you inside a tent and let you take your chances with whoever among them wins the right to mark you. You see, I won’t fight my army for you. Not when this is a simple thing to fix.”

“You said that about the tattoo, and that shit worked out smashingly for you, Knox. It didn’t work out so well for me, though, now did it?”

“It worked out rather well for me, didn’t it? That was me as an evil prick. I saw something I wanted and took it by any means necessary. This is to protect you, and yeah, I can’t say I won’t fucking enjoy it. If you’re a good girl, and I know you can be so fucking good for me, I’ll let you come too, Little Witch.”

“How kind of you,” I muttered, jerking forward as he grabbed the cuffs and pulled me toward his tent.

The tent’s inside was impressive and included a large, opulent, white fur blanket over a feather mattress with large pillows placed at the head. A dark-gray fur sat at the foot of the bed, and I marveled at its softness. I ran my fingers over it while Knox watched.

A table sat in the tent’s far corner, and upon it was a decanter of whiskey and two glasses. Rugs covered the floor, made from the same soft gray fur, soothing my weary toes as they dug into them, uncaring that Knox studied my reaction to his belongings.

A brazier lit the tent before we entered, expelling soft heat that warded off the chill. I moved toward it as Knox stared, snorting when I dismissed him, adjusting the cuffs on my wrists that were chaffing the skin raw.

The chain between the cuffs was roughly three-foot-long, giving me a little room to move. I held my hands up to the flame, groaning as the welcoming heat soaked into my bones, warming me.

Brander entered the tent with another man carrying a large chest that they set at the end of the bed. He let his gaze slid down my body, smiling at the angry glare I aimed at him.

Chicken.

His smile turned dark and sinful. He nodded to Knox, who watched our brief interaction before clearing his throat, dismissing Brander as he nodded toward the tent’s opening.

“Right,” Brander said, clearing his throat. “I stationed guards around the tent and camp’s edges. We cleared the woods. There is no trace of magic within fifteen miles in each direction of our camp. The women are currently placing crystals around the perimeter to add an extra layer of protection for the night, in the event someone tries to rescue our little witch. Unless you need something else, you’re all set, and I’ll retire to my tent for the night.”

“Thank you, brother.” Knox lifted his glass, watching me from where he stood beside the table. “Take off your wet clothes, Aria.”

“I have nothing else to wear,” I pointed out.

“You don’t need clothes for what we’re about to do.” When I just stared at him blankly, he exhaled. “Sit down and