Conquering Lazar by Alta Hensley Read Free Book Online

he was, after all, Malachi of Lazar.
    Standing up, she straightened the blanket and pillows beneath her on the bed before she found her way back out into the other room, where a fire burned and a pot bubbled away, full of some thick stew. She was surprised, as she didn't know many men who could cook anything, let alone what she saw over the fire. She found a large wooden spoon and gave the pot a stir before she found a towel and pulled a pan of biscuits off, setting them carefully on the table. She looked around the little place, which clearly had only those two rooms. Still, it was well-built, and neatly kept, save for some dust, which she expected was impossible to keep out. It was nowhere near as impressive as the accommodations of the Palace of Lazar, but it was still cozy and welcoming. Elegance and opulence were replaced by quaint and inviting.
    The only thing missing was Malachi. As if the thought had drawn him in, the door opened and swung closed as the handsome man stepped in, carrying an armful of freshly split firewood. He paused when he saw that she was awake before putting the wood near the fire, turning to look at her in silence for a moment before he spoke, at last.
    "Did you sleep well?"
    She nodded gently, fidgeting with the edge of her silk. "Yes, thank you."
    "How are you feeling? Has all the tightness in your chest gone away?"
    "It has." She thought for a moment, chewing her lip, before she added, "I'm sorry to be such a burden. I feel much better, and can join the rest of the harem now."
    He paused a moment, nodding slowly. "If that is what you truly want." Then he crossed the room and cupped his hands on both sides of her face. "But is it truly what you want?"
    She tried to turn her head away, but he held it firmly in place. Averting her eyes, she said, "I do not want to make my problems yours."
    "Look at me," he commanded.
    She did as he directed.
    With his hands still cupped on her face, he asked, "Do you want to stay with me? Or do you want to join the harem?"
    "I feel safer with you."
    "Then the decision is made. You will stay with me until we return to Lazar."
    "The entire time?" His declaration surprised her. She didn't know what to make of it. She had never been apart from the harem. Not even for a night.
    He smiled, his eyes reflecting the firelight, the flames dancing in them. "Yes, the entire time." He let go of her face and turned toward the meal, stirring as he spoke. "My quarters are small, but secure. As long as I am here, you are protected. And when I am not here, I will make sure you are still protected." He turned to look at her with another reassuring smile. "I promised you that you would always feel safe. I plan to honor my word."
    There was an awkward silence between them, neither seeming to know what to say. He was the first to break it, moving to gather a couple of plates so they could have dinner. "I would like you to continue to train with Nico and his men during the day. He has assured me that he will keep his tales to a limit from now on." Malachi smirked and gave her a playful wink.
    She nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry I ran out like that. I really made a fool of myself. Here, let me," she went on, moving to stand in front of the stove, taking the plates from him. She didn't like standing around doing nothing the whole time while he was on his feet; it didn't feel right to her.
    He relinquished the plates and instead took a seat at the table, reaching up and rubbing at the back of his neck. "I do not want to hear you talk about yourself in such a manner again. You are not a fool. Fools are people who have no fear at all. Fools are people who do not approach life with caution. Fools are people whose confuse bravery with thoughtlessness. You, Elbi, are not a fool."
    Placing both the plates, now filled with food, onto the table and sitting down across from him, she frowned. "What will people say about me staying with you? It is not the way of the harem."
    He shook his head, picking up