ETAN

Etan watched, shocked—and slightly aroused if he was honest about it—as Ayleth tripped Sarya backwards and bore her to the ground.

He could immediately see that his wife was holding back—using open handed slaps rather than thrusts, pulling hair instead of striking. But Ayleth was also using her training. Sarya was unable to keep a hold on her, and with grim satisfaction, Ayleth blocked every one of the strikes the Lady Playn attempted.

After a few moments, Borsche caught his eye over the top of the cat fight and raised a brow. "You aren't going to stop this?"

"I'm not her father," he shrugged. "And she deserves to be offended."historical

"She might kill the Lady Playne and start a war."

Etan raised both eyebrows. "You don't think we've likely already done that?"

"Fair point."

Falek was less amused. He watched the women like a hawk, no doubt concerned about weapons. But Etan was fairly certain that Sarya—while strong—was not a fighter. She probably had hoped that the men would step in on her behalf. And Etan would, eventually. If for no other reason than to stop Ayleth from actually killing her.

However, deep in his gut, his anger continued to boil. He knew he was wrong to have deceived Sarya. But his intentions had at least been the defense of his wife's life. Sarya might not have understood the death she was unleashing by reporting to Ayleth's mother, but was that an excuse? If she'd really cared about him beyond her own interest, she would have been hesitant to put his life in danger.

Clearly the woman was far more devious than he'd given her credit for—and more na?ve with it. A dangerous combination.

He didn't reach in to pull Ayleth off Sarya, because a part of him wanted to leap into the fray himself and land a few blows—something he would never allow himself against a woman. But the urge was there. He shook his head at his own anger. Ayleth had the right of it. She'd only ever use that against him. But she'd almost gotten both of them killed!

He stared down at the two women. Ayleth was now on top of Sarya and had her head craned back, Sarya's hands straining to keep her grip, desperately trying to break Ayleth's hold while his fierce wife whispered something in her ear.

Borsche tipped his head, and fought a smile. "I'm reminded of the day one of my brothers tied two cats tails together, then lett them loose in the barn."

Still holding Sarya by her hair, Ayleth snapped her head up to scowl at Borsche. "I'm reminded of the night my father roasted a bull for the pleasure of the Court. His testicles were delicious!" she snarled.

"Okay, that's enough I think," Etan muttered, grasping Ayleth by the hips and pulling her to her feet. She slapped his hands away, but when she was loose, she only brushed the dirt off her leathers and finger-combed her hair back into the semblance of a braid.

Sarya was left to roll to all fours, then stumble to her feet unaided, as all three men and Ayleth glared at her.

When she'd made it to her feet, a hand-shaped red mark marring her cheek, she raised her chin. "I never imagined you were such a.. Savage," she hurled at Etan.

He gritted his teeth so hard they wanted to crack. But he kept himself in check even before Ayleth's hand landed on his arm again.

"You didn't value my life, or the life of my wife. You have manipulated and deceived for your own ends. I understand that I deceived you also, but my conscience is clear before you, Sarya. I will allow you to break the engagement and report that we have found things.. disagreeable, and you wish to return to your family. I will not stop you. You may even tell them what you will about the Summitran savage. But if I ever learn of you attempting to sully my wife's name, or sharing our secrets in any way that puts her life at risk, I will end you, woman or not."

He snapped his mouth closed after the statement. Sarya blinked. But then her face hardened.

"I would not marry you for all the livestock in Andeluve," she snarled. "You are dishonorable, and a liar."

Etan's upper lip curled, his hands twitching towards her. Without her, none of this would have happened! Without this woman, they likely would have successfully deceived Ayleth's parents and at least been able to approach this diplomatically. But now.. Etan's eyes strayed to his wife, standing at his side, her arms folded, a wisp of hair sliding back out of her braid. The color was high in her cheeks, but her eyes were bright with anger and indignation.

But before he could come up with the right words to set her down as she deserved, Ayleth shook her head and snarled, "I pray no good man is taken in by your false beauty. It hides a black heart."

Sarya huffed, her mouth open, then she grasped her skirts and turned on her heel. "I am not staying here another moment to be hurt and insulted."

Ayleth's eyes went to her backside as she strode away, and Etan caught her arm before she gave into the urge to kick the woman in the ass. They watched her leave, bracketed by their men, all of them ensuring she was actually gone before they spoke.

"You can't allow her to spread this to your parents before you do, Etan," Borsche said quietly as they watched Sarya's dark head pass under the shadow of the trees on the trail.

"I know," Etan muttered. "I need to speak with them. Right now."

"We need to go together," Ayleth said. "I'm not leaving your side any moment."

Etan stared down at her, love bubbling in his chest to overwhelm the anger. "Me either. But we will have to manage this carefully. I need to prepare my parents for this news before I put you in front of them. We should all go to my parent's tent together, but you all stay outside until I've filled them in. They're likely having their evening meal already. My father is always more amenable with a full stomach."

Ayleth finally looked away from Sarya and up to meet his eyes. "You're certain?"

He nodded. "I can't risk them hearing from anyone else. And I refuse to hide you for another second."

They stared at each other for a long breath, then she nodded.. "Let's go."