Her skin was fair, and she had a whip tied to her belt, opposite her sword. A stunning woman. She reined up close by, and I could see that her eyes were brown, and flecked with gold. She was the loveliest woman I had ever seen.

“Xylara, Daughter of Xy.” She inclined her head in a regal manner. “I thank you for this opportunity.”

All the breath left my body. Goddess above, she was the Warlord Osa.

Just as well that she turned then to wave off our escorts, and reached to tie bells in the mane of that lovely white horse. It gave me a chance to snap my mouth shut and recover my wits. Even my warrior-priest guards obeyed without question, melting away in the heat of her confident authority. She took no note, as if she expected to be obeyed. Her attitude reminded me so very much of Keir. That alone was enough to tell me that her power was equal to Keir’s. In every way.

She was a picture of perfection as she turned and smiled at me. “I am the Warlord Osa of the Fox.”

“Women can be warlords?” I blurted out. “I know they can be warriors, but—”

One perfect brow rose, but Osa was polite in her answer. “Of course, Xylara.” She tilted her head, and studied me with warm brown eyes. “I’d heard that your ways are far different from ours, but surely not that different.”

I opened my mouth, but words failed me. How could I explain my culture to this woman? I settled for the simplest explanation. “Woman warriors are rare in my land. Woman warleaders are rarer still.”

She nodded then, knotting her reins in front of her, and starting to pull off her brown gloves. I was suddenly very conscious of my tangled hair, and my clothes. A little brown bird next to a phoenix.

I had to know. “Have you ever slept with Keir?” I blurted out, my face flushed in embarrassment even as the words left my lips.

Honestly surprised, Osa gave me an elegant shrug. “No, Xylara. Once I met my obligations to the Tribe, my bedmates have all been women. Men are not to my taste.” She gave me a sly glance. “Which is why I asked to court you. I’m told that you had no experience before Keir. You might find the ways of loving between women to be more to your liking.”

Goddess above.

Just as well that I was seated on a horse. My entire body went cold, then flushed hot as the world tilted around me. And I wasn’t sure if it was fear, embarrassment ... or curiosity.

Goddess above.

Osa’s gentle chuckle brought me back, a gentle sound for so fierce-looking a woman. “I’ve shocked you. Maybe your ways are so very different from ours, yes?”

I swallowed hard. “I—I’d not give offense.”

“I take none. And it didn’t occur to me to ask for your token, so I hope I have given none.” Osa shook her head, and her red curls danced in the sun. “What does it matter who sleeps with whom, as long as it is by agreement?”

A thought occurred. “Osa, is there rape here?”

“Rape?” I’d used the Xyian word without thinking. I explained and she grimaced in understanding. “Rare, Xylara. There are too many blades among us, and all are skilled in their use.”

“Even the theas?”

“The theas are some of the deadliest of us all, Xylara. They guard and guide the young.” She gave me a smile. “I suppose Ultie offered to show you his body and skills?”

I rolled my eyes. “He dropped his trous to show me his ‘weapon’!”

Osa laughed, a warm, rich sound, then crinkled her nose. The gold flecks in her eyes seemed to dance. “And you wonder that I would choose women over men? Or you over Ultie?”

I choked on my own laughter, and coughed to clear my throat. “I am promised to Keir.”

“So?” Osa gave an elegant shrug. “What of that?”

“My people do not have sex outside of a bond,” I tried to explain.

Osa moved her horse closer, and she leaned in toward me. “What of that, lovely lady? You are not yet bonded. You are free to taste the pleasures of many before you commit to one.” I watched mesmerized as she leaned in, her breasts moving within the leather, close enough to touch. Close enough to ... kiss.

I jerked my head back in surprise. Greatheart shifted under me, responding to my movements, putting a bit of distance between us. Her smile gone, Osa pulled back and watched me intently, like a phoenix might study its prey.

I licked my lips. “Osa, I—” I had to breathe. “I can’t.”

She shrugged again, and somehow I knew that her elegance was as natural as breathing to her. She probably killed with the same exquisite movement.

“I was told that you had honor, Lara.” Osa’s smile was back. “And that your ways are strange. I take no offense.”

“Thank you,” I replied, still feeling a bit unsettled.

“So. Since I cannot court you, perhaps you would come to my tent, and we can share a meal. I wish to know more of your healing skills. I can promise to be better company than Ultie.”

I made a face. “That wouldn’t be a challenge, Warlord.”

She laughed, and gestured for our escorts to follow us.

After Osa, I went to the tents of the next five warlords with my escort, and made my position to each one very clear. Keir of the Cat was my chosen Warlord, and my decision was final.

I was gracious, and kind, and they were polite in their acceptance of my refusal.

Exhausted, I’d returned to my tent. The last of the warlords would have to wait for the next day. All I wanted was my bed.

Only to find that the Tribe of the Snake was holding a dance near my tent, with much joy and laughter. I was too tired to watch, so I went inside, complained about the lack of a real bath to Amyu, and crawled between the blankets with a grateful sigh.

Oddly enough, the drums were more soothing than anything else. I fell asleep with no trouble.

They were still beating when I awoke with a start. There was a cloaked figure crouched by my bed.

I gasped, startled half out of my wits. The figure moved, reaching out a hand. “Healer, will you come?”

It took me an instant to understand. “Amyu?”

She moved closer, pressing her fingers to my lips. “Yes. There is a need. Will you come?”

I threw off the bedding and quickly dressed in the clothes she pressed into my hands. I ran my fingers through my hair, thrust my feet into my shoes, and grabbed my satchel. Amyu threw a cloak over my shoulders, and took my hand.

It was dark in the depths of the tent. I could hear the drums of the dance, but their beat was slower, and more sensual. I yawned once, cracking my jaw as I did so, and tried to shake the sleep from my eyes.

Quietly, Amyu headed for the back area, where she worked and slept. I couldn’t make out the details in the dim light, but she walked up to that tent wall, and knelt, pulling it up just enough so that we could squeeze under. I paused, suddenly uncertain.

Amyu sensed my hesitation. “Please. We need a healer.”

I nodded and knelt, pushing my satchel before me, and squirmed outside. Amyu followed, and we got to our feet together. “Your guard watches the dance.”

Mentally, I rolled my eyes. I could just imagine the kinds of ‘dances’ they were watching.

Amyu’s voice was the barest of whispers as she took my arm. “Come.”

We hadn’t gotten five steps when a large man loomed up before us. “What’s this?” he asked.

“Prest.” I spoke as I sagged in relief. He took a step closer, and I could make out Epor’s warclub in its harness over his shoulder.

Another voice came from the shadows behind us. “Warprize. This is not safe.” Amyu spun, hand on her dagger, but I wasn’t surprised to hear Rafe’s voice.

“Someone needs my skills,” I responded.

Amyu recovered. “You are Keir’s men.” I could tell she was surprised that they’d caught us.

“We guard the Warprize,” Prest said.

“And we do not watch dances,” Rafe responded firmly. “Now why do you lure the Warprize away?”

“She is needed,” Amyu whispered urgently. “For a healing.”