The Pride Council didn't care males outnumbered females seven to one, or that few females got pregnant. They were all up-in-your-ears about what should be and paid no mind to what was. Maybe same-sex love affairs were no big deal on Tarth, but if it got out to his Kin fans? They'd boo instead of cheer; throw stones instead of roses. He was no freer here than he was back home.
Having to hide from everyone made him as much a prisoner as he would have been back home. The difference was that back on the planet he had no hope at all. Here, he had band mates that needed him.
Still, he walked a tight line that grew more fragile with every mistake he made.
Half the followers of Kumwhatmay were Kin. If he lost the group's followers, then where would he be? A drummer with no band, that's where.
Back to the planet in disgrace, where the Pride Council would execute him.
Izzorah paced his room, ten steps back and forth between his bed and the wall. There had to be an answer. Some way out that let him stay in the empire.
He'd run away from a planned marriage to a female who'd since become the tzesar of the Falehla clan. They were as good as married. Only death would separate them. Never mind that she'd have beaten him whenever she felt like it. He'd have been hers to use or abuse as she wished. Once it got out he couldn't see, her other mates would have scorned him as less than a slave.
He couldn't go back to his family. He'd disgraced them by running away the night before the wedding. They'd thought he was dead until months later when he made it to Tarth and his cousins let them know he was alive.
If the Tarthians sent him back, he was dead.
There was no going home.
Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
You’ve brought his dilemma vividly to life, Kayelle.
Thank you. He’s trapped, right in the middle of everything he wants.
This is a great book
Living a lie, even in a gilded cage, is not a good place to be. He needs to find somewhere he can be himself–and maybe someone who will accept him?
Thank you, Janet! Fiona, that’s so true. He’s trapped and just keeps seeing the hole being dug deeper. This book is one of hope and acceptance as well as a pretty rockin’ love story!
Love, Love, Loved this book.
Music to a writer’s ears. Thank you, Kryssie!
Boy talk about between a rock and a hard place. Interesting concept. Thank for sharing.
for sure, Tena :)