Chapter 20
Chapter
Twenty
Leda
After Bokkan left, I did exactly as he directed. I stayed in the bedchamber.
But I also searched it thoroughly for weapons. I found a crossbow beneath one side of the bed and two sheathed swords tucked between the end of the mattress and the footboard. One was too large for me, but the other was just right.
I had a feeling that Bokkan used it more like a dagger since he was so much larger than me, but the length suited me. It was heavier than I liked, but well-balanced.
I also found daggers and knives tucked in every corner of the room. I found three that suited my need for a knife that I could hide more effectively on my body. I tucked one in my bra and the other in the top of my boot when I put them back on.
When Masu tapped on the door to check on me, I told her I wasn’t hungry or thirsty yet. She said she would be back shortly and not to worry too much.
I nearly laughed aloud at her admonishment. Not worry? That was impossible. In fact, I was worried about so many things I couldn’t pick just one to focus on.
I decided to sit on the couch and distract myself with a book. I really wanted to practice my fighting techniques, but I was already tired from training with Bokkan all day. If I had to defend myself or run for my life, I needed to be rested.
I’d just stretched out on the sofa with my back against the armrest when the front door slammed.
I was on my feet by the bedchamber door within seconds, listening intently to the thud of boots on the stairs.
I knew as soon as he entered the hall that the daemon coming toward the bedchamber wasn’t Bokkan.
The footsteps were too heavy, almost plodding.
I wasn’t sure, but my suspicion was that the male headed my way was Bokkan’s commander, Guldan.
I backed away from the door, setting the book on a table and tiptoeing to the bed, where I crouched to pull the crossbow from beneath it. I’d never shot one before, but it was set up with a stock and trigger that resembled a rifle, something I was familiar with.
If nothing else, I could fire a bolt to distract the daemon if he managed to break through the thick door.
I jumped when his fist pounded against the wood.
“Female, open the door.”
“I don’t think so,” I mumbled to myself.
There was a pause. “I heard that.”
I raised my voice. “Good, because it’s not going to change. Bokkan told me not to open the door for anyone until he returned.”
Another brief silence. “You want him to return?” The daemon sounded almost incredulous.
“Of course I do,” I snapped back.
“If I told you there was a way you could help him, would you be willing?”
It was my turn to remain quiet. Finally, I said, “It depends on what it is. If you mean become a sex slave, then no. If you mean speak to the authorities about how I ended up here and how Bokkan has treated me, then absolutely yes.”
“I’m afraid it will be more complicated than either of those things,” he said.
I sighed and closed my eyes. Of course it was. I’d had nothing but complications since I’d been kidnapped and brought to this place.
The silence stretched on so long that Guldan called out, “Human, did you hear me?”
“My name is Leda, and yes, I heard you. I’m thinking.”
“Can you think faster?”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine, I’ll think while you speak. What exactly do you want me to do to help Bokkan?”
“Mate with him.”
Of everything I expected him to say, that was the least likely. “What?”
“Or at least accept him as a potential mate and allow him to pursue you in the way of daemons.”
“How exactly will this help him?” I asked, my question laden with suspicion.
“As a human, you have no standing as an honored guest. You are either bound to servitude or slavery by a contract with another daemon. They even produced a forged contract saying as much for the magistrate. But as a potential mate or bonded mate, you are protected by our laws and traditions. Right now, the magistrate is not inclined to allow Bokkan to claim hosting obligations toward you. But there are a few daemons who have mated humans, and our law prizes the mating bonds above all other family ties except for offspring. If you are his mate and acknowledge that you are letting him pursue you, his actions today will be considered acceptable in the eyes of our laws.”
“Wait, you’re saying someone has a contract that I supposedly signed stating I agreed to this?”
“Yes, but that isn’t the important part.
The contract will easily be proven as a forgery.
The problem lies in the fact that Bokkan will have to claim you as either a slave or a servant.
In either of those situations, his actions toward Darkblade are not defensible by our laws.
He nearly killed the male for trying to touch you.
That is attempted murder according to the laws. ”
“So, he could have grabbed me and harmed me and that would have been fine?” It was my turn to sound incredulous.
“He would have been legally obligated to make reparations to your owner, but that is all.”
I wanted to cross my arms over my chest, but the crossbow was still gripped in my hand. “Your realm fucking sucks, Guldan.”
Another heavy sigh was his only answer to my insult.
Instead, he continued with our conversation.
“If you accept Bokkan as a potential mate, his actions will be considered part of the mating instincts and rituals. Daemon males are very protective and possessive of their mates, even before a brand and bond are established.”
“I wouldn’t have to actually mate with him, right? Just say I’m considering it?”
“Yes.”
“Yes, I would mate with him or—”
“Yes, you would only have to say you’re considering it.”
There was something about the tone of his voice that set off my inner alarm bells.
“If I don’t agree to this, what happens?”
“Bokkan is held in custody until he is tried. If found guilty, which is highly likely, he will be sent to a labor camp for a decade or two. He will be stripped of any titles or property, including this estate. You will be considered part of this estate and sold with the rest of his property.”
Fuck. I really had no other choice right now. Though my main motivation was not to be sold to someone who likely wouldn’t care what happened to me, I also didn’t want Bokkan to lose everything because he defended me. It wouldn’t be right. He’d put himself in a bad position to keep me safe.
“If I agree to your proposal, will you guarantee my safety until Bokkan is free?”
“What do you mean, human?”
“First, my name is Leda. Not human. Not female. Use it, or I will stab you in the ass cheek when you least expect it.” I waited a moment until I heard him grunt through the door. “Second, you have to promise that neither the males training here nor you will touch me in a sexual way. Ever.”
“I prefer daemon females, hu—” He stopped himself short. “Leda. You are safe from my attentions.”
“That’s reassuring,” I replied, making sure my sarcasm was clear. “But what about the males training here?”
“I will ensure they do not touch you again.”
This time, he was telling the truth. His sincerity rang in his voice. As much as I wanted to push him for more information, to clarify his lies, I really had no other options. Regardless of what he was omitting, I couldn’t risk being sold into slavery.
“Fine.”
“I will need a promise from you, hu… Leda.”
“What sort of promise?”
“That you won’t run away or try to escape before the general is cleared of any wrongdoing.”
“Won’t he be cleared of wrongdoing when he’s released?” I asked.
“Possibly, but there will likely be a cursory investigation into your relationship.”
“What will that entail?” I asked.
“Leda, Bokkan or I will answer all of your questions. Whatever they are, they will not change the fact that your choices are to help him or become the property of another daemon.”
Double fuck. He was right. We both knew it.
“Are we leaving right now?” I asked flatly.
“Yes.”
“Fine, but I’m not going anywhere without a weapon. Understood?”
“Understood.”
Hoping I wasn’t making a huge mistake, I put the crossbow back beneath the bed and walked to the bedchamber door. My hands were damp as I fought with the heavy wooden brace, shoving it up and out of the brackets holding it firmly against the door.
Once it was leaning against the wall next to the door, I unlocked it and pulled it open. The commander stood outside with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Let’s get it done,” I stated.
I couldn’t be sure, but I thought I saw the gleam of approval in his eyes.