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But he couldn’t stop her questioning And while Prince Zander was difficult to read, Damon believed he’d be compassionate with the female She was, after all, one of only three fertile Zandian females alive A precious commodity to their near-extinct species

“I did,” Eslyn choked “Forgive me, I did I wanted to leave Zandia with them, but my mates wouldn’t allow it So, instead, I hoped for company I’d had no one but my mates and children for fifteen solar cycles I’d been so lonely”

Zander tapped the ar to be mainly Sankro’s idea or all three of your mates?”

Grief flickered over Eslyn’s face For her round his teeth The word around the palatial pod was that they weren’t honorable males Talia seemed to believe Eslyn’s behavior was coerced “Every idea was Sankro’s” Bitterness lowered her tone “But the other two follow”

“Like you did”

She bowed her head “Yes, my lord I am sorry”

Why did she not defend herself? Tell the prince if she’d been pressured?

“Did you fear reprisal if you did not?” Zander prompted

“There was always reprisal” Again, he heard rancor in her words

Had her mates abused her and the children? Veck, he would make them pay if they had

“I offer you no excuses, my lord Yes, I was afraid of Sankro—always But I should have tried to warn Talia or Tomis of their plan”

Zander nodded “I understand you at least did not sound an alarm when Tomis returned to rescue Talia”

Eslyn’s lips parted and a pretty blush stained her cheeks She ducked her head “It only gave hie, and I don’t believe he needed it, anyway”

Prince Zander considered her for a long moment “Eslyn, I understand the situation on our planet forced you together with the only other re Zandians Is it your intent to remain mated to the males you lived with?”

“My lord, I do not presume to make plans for my future, other than to ensure the happiness and health ofI was told when I arrived to await your decision on my fate”