Eleazar sheltered Larissa from such hateful speech, positioning his body directly between her and Silus. The male scurried out of the hall like the rat he was.
Chapter 34
Larissa’s hands trembled as the gavel hammered down. Her heart clattered against her ribs with the finality of the verdict. The Council recognized her bond with Eleazar, and her marriage to Silus would soon be annulled.
The moment Silus stormed out of the hall, she should have suffered a great relief but she remained on full display. Every male watched her as they openly discussed her most intimate relationships for all to hear.
“I want the paperwork drawn up immediately,” Eleazar ordered, speaking to several elders and a few other males under his command.
Larissa tried not to listen. Hiding in plain sight, she sat on the front pew and hardly moved a muscle, anxious to return to the privacy of the bishop’s home.
Eleazar was a force of nature within these walls. Assertive and secure in his authority, he did not waver in any decision. She had discovered a softer side of the male she believed others did not know.
Her lips pressed tight, the musings of a smile taking hold as she considered that she was the only female in the world with such knowledge of Eleazar King. His comfort with her in private translated, on some level, to trust. And here, deference to him today did the same.
She had not obeyed him because he was her bishop or her mate. Instead, she accompanied him, followed his request, and trusted him to protect her. The skittishness faded, and an unbelievable connectivity had formed. She could sense her soul lacing tightly to his.
His eyes found hers, and he smiled while discussing council business with several other men. Something warm and unmistakably Eleazar touched her heart as if to say soon.
Soon they would leave. Soon they would return to the privacy of his home, where he would hold her protectively in his arms and worship her body as they met each other’s needs. Soon this would be over and they would be wed. Soon the cause for sorrow would disappear.
The realization came with such welcome and acceptance, it left her shaken. Her composure threatened to slip away as tears of relief prickled her eyes.
Her affection for Eleazar grew from a slow burn, but what existed already would be impossible to extinguish. She cared for this male very much. The safety he provided filled her with such a sense of security that she hoped she found the courage to be her true self—a female both she and Eleazar grow to know together.
As the hall emptied and bodies drifted into the corridors, the volume of baritone chatter lowered. Females were not permitted in the hall unless requested and always under the escort of an honorable male. The more vacant the room became, the more the nervous energy fizzed.
Her testimony made her the focus of every male and, even as they left the hall, they did not hesitate to stare. When Eleazar finally approached, energy bubbled in her veins. Looking up at him, she silently communicated how desperately she wanted to go back to his room and be alone.
He arched a brow and grinned as if to say he looked forward to the same. “I have a few more details to discuss and then we can be on our way.” Holding out a hand to help her rise, he said, “Why don’t I take you to Adriel’s bench and you can wait together.”
The thought of passing the time with another female comforted her, and she gratefully accepted his hand. Eleazar escorted her through the groups of males still milling about. When they found Adriel occupying the bench just outside the Council Hall doors, she milled up at them with clever green eyes that always appeared rich with secrets.
“You can finally exhale,” Adriel greeted with a proud grin. “You did well.”
Still shaken, she whispered a quiet thank you and took a seat.
“I must finish a few things, Adriel. Can Larissa keep you company for a bit?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.” Eleazar tipped Larissa’s chin, pulling her mouth to his. “I know this day has been trying, but you were wonderful in there. I’m very proud of the way you kept your composure, my brave lioness.” His eyes darkened as if to say he knew a brave lioness hid inside. “Later, when we’re alone, I’d like to see you lose it.” With a meaningful glance, he pinched her chin then walked away.
Adriel chuckled. “I’d be embarrassed for him if he didn’t appear so happy. This is a new side of Eleazar.”
Larissa flushed and lowered to the bench. She was coming to rely on his kindness.
“I told you he would not let you down.” Adriel adjusted the material draped over her lap and expertly stitched a seam.