A Star is Born: The Coming Dawn: Book I by Austen Knowles Read Free Book Online Page A

growled.
    “She glows, Cobaaron,” Airia said.
    “I didn’t look,” Cobaaron stressed.
    “Then why is she wearing some of the scales to your skirt under that robe?” a woman asked which convinced everyone in the room that Cobaaron certainly saw Ky’s naked body.
    “Well, correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t binding unions have the ability to shape shift their partners until the union has been fulfilled? It seems to me they have been united. Whether he saw her or not, they’re clearly bound together .” Airia’s skin shone brighter; she lit the room with the intensified glimmer. Her face contorted with anger. “Tell me, Cobaaron, did you consummate the bond only to leave her to die? Because you clearly don’t want to admit this union occurred.”
    “Remember who you’re talking to, Airia!” Cobaaron bellowed with murder in his voice.
    There was uproar among the council; their shouts were near hysteria. “No one is accusing anyone of anything. We’re simply trying to find out the best course of action,” a woman gently implored, trying to calm everyone down.
    “You don’t think I can hear you? I’m a warrior. I have hearing like a dog. You have all whispered it. Why not ask her if I touched her.” Cobaaron gritted his teeth.
    Airia smiled at Ky, “Did he? You will have no harm done to you for telling the truth. There is no need to be afraid. You’re a queen. Any command, any desire, or wish will be granted. This man is just a warrior whose sole purpose in life is to protect you . There is no need to be afraid or lie for a chief who is beneath you.”
    Cobaaron shook his head with fury. He looked as if he would pounce on Airia any moment. Slowly, Ky began to realize why Cobaaron felt he had to puff up his position and tell her cities existed because of his work. With a grandfather who fought in WWII, she had great respect for the military. And because she cared how he felt, she quickly defended him. “No, he saved me in the cave. He protected me, led me here unharmed, and not once did he do anything inappropriate. He was a gentleman.” She glanced over to him. Her fist tightened, determined to conceal her palm that had his name on it.
    “Don’t look at him. Look at me,” Airia insisted in a sugary tone. “What else did he do?”
    “He saved my life. He did nothing more,” Ky stressed.
    A woman smiled at Ky as she asked, “Do you swear it, because if you end up with child ten months from now, we will know? You might as well admit it now. Being a Star, means you are pure. There are ways of finding out if you have been with a man.”
    Ky blinked, shocked by the bold statement and questions. “You’re questioning my integrity, and accusing me of lying? I’m eighteen ! I’m barely starting my life, and the last thing I want is to be tied down by a forced marriage or have a child. I would never sleep with a strange man I’ve never met! And if I’m a queen, as you claim I am, you cannot speak to me like this. If my wish is your command, then I demand you believe me and not question me about this anymore. What you’re suggesting is repulsive! And I demand more respect than you’re showing me.”
    “Well, I believe you then,” Airia said relieved. “She is chaste. Listen to her. She’s pure of heart.”
    “So, how is it that both of you are so...attractive?” another woman asked, confused.
    “Obviously he saw her naked,” Airia replied. “Show us your hands, please.”
    Cobaaron and Ky instinctively did the same thing, revealing palm up, the opposite hand that was void of each other’s name. Airia wasn’t fooled. “The other hand.”
    “Do you know who you’re talking to? In any other city, I’d be considered royalty, and you a lady in waiting, Princess. I’m Cobaaron ! I answer to no one. One city is not going to bring me to my knees. If we say we aren’t bound, you should never question it.”
    “Well, you both clearly are under some significant union, warrior . Either way,