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in their arms. Living among
the Raasa cut down on all of their frequent sexual activities so being home
excited them. Vaan eyed the door leading to the upper levels and his former
bedroom. A servant nudged his hand and refilled his mug. The man in the
familiar blue and silver Galip livery smiled warmly at Vaan and bowed before
walking away.
         Saran approached
and clapped him on the back, his smile wobbly from drink. His brother toasted
him each time more warriors arrived in the huge central hall to greet their
Overlord. “I am pleased to have you here, brother.”
         Vaan nodded. “You
have done well.” And he had. Saran, with his twenty warriors, battled to regain
Vaan’s home on his behalf. Now all settled down awaiting the Overlord’s next command.
But all Vaan could think about was his pretty mate whom he’d left behind.
         “How is your
little Raasa?”
         Vaan allowed
a small smile to play about his mouth. Compared to the tall frames of
Kabanians, the Raasa were indeed smaller and lean of build. Everyone who met
Mikayla referred to her as his ‘little Raasa’. If Saran saw her now, he’d not
think her so little. “Mikayla is heavy with my youngling.”
         Saran dragged
over a chair to the left of Vaan’s throne and slouched in the blue cushions. He
raised his mug in Vaan’s direction, a drunken smile tipping his lips to the
side. “She will honor you with the birth of a fine warrior. How goes her
confinement?”
         Vaan rested
an elbow on the arm of his chair and leaned in his brother’s direction so no
other would hear. “The Raasa females do not seek confinement before the birth.”
         Saran’s black
eyes widened and his brows shot up. “You speak truth?”
         Vaan nodded.
         “What does
she…” Saran chewed on his thoughts and plunged forward. “What does she do? How
does she handle it?”
         Vaan wanted
to laugh but his brother’s question rang with sincerity. He thought on the last
six months, his mate’s pregnancy and all that he’d learned. “Mikayla cries.”
         Saran
snorted. The snort turned into a chuckle and soon both men laughed hard enough
to draw stares their way. When they managed to get their mirth under control,
Vaan added, “In truth, she continues to run of our home without pause. She does
it with a care for all. For her people, for my Warlords and anyone who crosses
her path. Mikayla cares for them with an open heart.”
         His brother
studied his expression closely and Vaan faced him squarely. He had nothing to
hide and felt no shame in the love he bared for Mikayla.
         “You are a
fortunate warrior, Vaan. I envy the happiness you have found.”
         Vaan grunted.
He knew not how to respond but Saran continued. “Think you, a time will come
when you live here in Kaban once more.”
         Vaan didn’t
hesitate. “No. My life is among the Raasa now. I will continue to enforce my
rule over the Warlords and warriors from there.” Vaan gave his brother a
considering look. Now was as good a time as any to test his brother’s feelings on
the plan he hoped to put in place. “I hoped you would stay in my stead and rule
as my right hand.”
         His words
sobered Saran. Finishing the drink, Saran voiced his next words slowly. “It is
an honor, brother. What of your loyal Warlords?” Saran straightened in his
chair, his eyes seeking Vaan’s men. Only Eatan remained, climbing unsteadily to
his feet. His flopping hand waved off help as he left the hall under the
influence of too much drink.
         Holding back
his humor, Vaan turned from the sight and thumped his fist on his brother’s
shoulder. “They have no desire to return to Kaban either.” His Warlords were as
content as he was without worry of constantly going out to battle.
         Saran’s black
eyes glinted. “I think we must speak further in the morn when my thoughts are
clear of wine.”
         A