Storm Born Page 0,96

to favor, but the women's gowns ran the gamut of bell sleeves and velvet to Grecian wraps and gauze.

"And now, my dear, we must part ways."

I jerked my gaze away from the assembled throng. "What are you talking about?"

He waved his hand. "These are the greatest nobles in my kingdom, not to mention the other kingdoms. I must mingle, listen to their simpering, act like I care. You know how it is."

Panic seized me as I looked back at all those gentry faces. "Why can't I go with you? I mean, we coordinate and everything."

"Because if I keep you on my arm all night, I'll look possessive and insecure. Leaving you on your own shows I have absolute confidence that you'll leave with me tonight, regardless of other solicitations."

"Oh, my God...I'm going to be hit on all night."

He laughed. "Don't worry, that's all they'll do - unless you wish otherwise. Anyone who touches you against your will would incur the wrath of my entire guard, not to mention most of the guests. It would be a shocking insult."

"And yet I could apparently go off with anyone if I wanted to."

"Of course. You're free to choose as you like."

"Wouldn't that be an insult to your manhood or something?"

"A bit. But then I'd just take five or so women to my bed and redeem myself fairly quickly."

"Whoa. I feel like I'll be holding you back."

"Don't worry. I'll recover once you're gone tomorrow."

I swallowed and looked around, the jokes unable to allay my anxiety. "I don't even know anybody."

He turned me to him and gave me a soft kiss on the lips. I had to consciously work to keep my body relaxed. It was still a shock each time he did that.

"You'll just have to meet them, then," he said.

He strolled off toward the first group of people he saw, and I heard a flurry of exuberant greetings at his approach. Feeling stupid and awkward, I wondered where I should go and whom I should talk to. I didn't really do big parties. Too much of my time was spent in solitude to really know how to interact in a group like this. That wasn't even taking into account that these were all Otherworldly residents. Two of my deepest phobias combined into one long evening.

"Wine?" asked a servant who had suddenly appeared at my side.

"Yes, please."

I seized one of the goblets from her proffered tray and took a hasty gulp of a sweet, fruity red. Picking a direction at random, I took five steps and was immediately intercepted by a tall gentry in scarlet velvet. He had black hair and a neatly trimmed beard.

"Lady Markham," he oozed, taking my free hand and kissing it. "It's a pleasure to meet you at last. I am Marcus, lord of Danzia in the Rowan Land."

"Hi," I said, knowing I would never again remember his name once he left.

He kept holding my hand and let his eyes run over me from head to toe. I suddenly wished the dress wasn't so tight or the neckline so low.

"I must say," he murmured, "I'd heard reports of your beauty, but they are paltry things compared to the reality."

"Thanks."

I tried to take back my hand, but he held on to it.

"My family's nobility extends all the way back to the migration to this world. We are renowned for our fierce warriors. Magic runs strong in our blood, usually calling to one of the elements. My own inclinations run toward control of the air."

As if to emphasize the point, I suddenly felt the slightest of breezes blow against my arms.

"My heirs will inherit a vast estate. My house has always served in an advisory capacity to royalty. Even now, I am a close personal friend of Katrice, the Rowan Queen. She is a powerful ally."

I realized then he was laying out his pedigree for me, quickly and efficiently, much as a breeder might show off a prize dog's papers. I opened my mouth, ready to tell him I wasn't interested, but he just kept going.

"Some men would fear having a warrior consort. They would seek to control you and seize the power for their own uses." He inclined his head ever so suggestively toward where Dorian conversed with a tall, dark-skinned woman. "Not me. I would not use you to further my own ends. You would rule by my side as an equal, sharing in the guidance of our children."

Yikes. This wasn't even our first date. I managed to break my