Forbidden

Chapter Eleven

Rommath entered the library to find his daughter standing before the painting of the years before the plague. He took a moment to admire what a beautiful woman Liadrin had turned into. Though her face was no longer the gentle one he remembered. It was now hardened by years of service. "You dishonor her memory by taking another lifemate," Liadrin said without turning toward him. "You promised to be true to her in life and death."

"Forever is a long time, she wouldn't want me to be alone …"

"Bah, I bet there hasn't been a night that you have been 'alone' … you change bed partners faster than most women change shoes. What makes this one so special she earns the title Lady Phoenixfire?"

"I don't appreciate that tone of voice young lady!" Rommath growled.

"Young lady?" she laughed.

"There is more going on than you know," he said.

"That's always your answer … there is more going on than you know … you are not a God, Father. You may have the Prince's favor but there are rumors …"

"And if I listened to every rumor that went around," Rommath said placing a hand on her armored shoulder.

A gauntlet covered hand covered his. "Well, you could have at least told me, your daughter, instead of letting me hear it through the grapevine. Was I even going to be invited to the ceremony?"

"We haven't been on the best terms this past year; I didn't think you would be interested." Rommath said wrapping an arm around her. "We're having a dinner party tonight with some of the socialites would you like to join us?"

His daughter nodded. "It would be an honor, Father."

There was a knock on the door and Thanell stepped inside. "Your guests are starting to arrive; Lady Amaya requests your presence."

Rommath nodded. "Of course I'll be down shortly; I need to go freshen up first." He kissed his daughter on the cheek before leaving the room and heading to the bedroom.

He wasn't surprised to find Obito sprawled out on the bed; his mate had made it into a game these past couple of weeks of tempting him without the desire to follow through. He walked over and ran his fingers lightly up the inner thigh of the sleeping man. His hand was snagged before he reached all the way up.

Pulling his hand back he said, "Our guests are arriving, get up and get dressed. And make sure the long sleeves you wear are buttoned around the cuff to stop them from rising up easily." Obito sat up slowly stretching like a cat on all fours. Rommath ran a hand down his back and then patted him gently on the rump. "Someday, that teasing is going to get you into trouble."

He might as well been talking to a stranger for the cool reaction he got through the life-bond. Sighing he went and got one of his robes, dressing quickly. As he fastened the collar around his face he glanced over at Obito who was lacing up a pair of simple dress boots. He had on black silken pants and a soft green shirt. His red-hair hung freely down his back like always.

"You've learn to control our bond skillfully in a short time."

"Had to for my own survival," Obito said standing. "I'll give you a few minutes head start then join you and mother."

Rommath reached up and traced Obito's jaw wishing for some sort of warmth but all he got was the same distant look he'd received recently. Sighing he kissed the cool cheek and then saw himself out of the room and down to the large foyer where the others were gathered.