Queen of the Gryphons: Ishtar's Legacy: Books 1 & 2

by Lisa Blackwood

  Like now. Her sleeping mind was open to him, and he basked in the fact that she loved him as a friend but was also starting to desire him as a man.

  At last, he finished up and was just resealing the small pot of cream with its wax plug when Enkara rolled against him, seeking his warmth. As he caressed her hair away from one cheek, he knew he’d never do anything to betray the great gift of her love.

  His gryphon nature and the foreign power that his gifts arose from stirred and purred their agreement, saying in a wordless way that Enkara was theirs.

  After basking in her love for that short time, it took a great deal of willpower to smooth down her shirt, tuck a blanket up to her shoulders and return to his own lonely chamber.

  Chapter 14

  The day of the celebration officially naming Kuwari as Crown Prince dawned bright and warm. A breeze rolling in off the ocean carried the scent of brine and distant storms. But Enkara’s instincts told her that the day was going to be free of rain, or at least of the wet variety.

  Unfortunately, every member of the nobility was going to be descending upon Nineveh like rains during the monsoon season. Which might be the reason for Kuwari’s foul mood. He’d always hated big gatherings for as long as she could remember.

  “If you poke that pin into my head one more time,” Kuwari growled, a sound that was more gryphon than human.

  Enkara rolled her eyes at him and then shooed away the cluster of nervous servants. Kuwari’s mood had only grown darker throughout the morning. She took up the spot the servants had vacated and began to fasten the gold beads into Kuwari’s thick black braids.

  “I feel like a male bird with all his plumage on display trying to attract a mate.”

  “An apt image. Though you forgot to mention the dancing and strutting that’ll be expected later.”

  “Oh, Goddess. Let’s run away now.”

  “And miss seeing your brothers and sister? No.” It had been over three and a half years since she’d seen any of them and she missed them all terribly.

  “Fine,” Kuwari grunted unhappily.

  “Just think,” she said as she wove another of the gold beads into his hair. “By this time tomorrow, it will all be over.”

  “Ha. You know nothing. The nobles will still be drinking and partying tomorrow night.”

  “Then look on the bright side. Burrukan said he plans to have his usual training session tomorrow, bright and early, and he wants you there too.”

  “The man is evil. Who orders a training exercise the morning after a night-long celebration?”

  It was Enkara’s turn to laugh.

  “Burrukan of course, but don’t worry, I’ll keep you from having too much fun or drinking excessively. I remember your father’s cautionary tale about his coronation night.”

  Kuwari glanced over her shoulder at her, disturbing the coil of hair she’d been working on, but that wasn’t what halted her work. It was the thoughtful look he was giving her. A twinkle glinted in his eyes as a seductive smile crossed his face.

  Enkara pinched and twisted some skin on the back of his bicep. He yelped and then tried to look all injured innocence again. Dropping her voice to a whisper, she leaned toward his ear. “Don’t even think about ending your festival in the way Ditanu and Iltani ended his.”

  Kuwari smile grew bigger. “Too late.”

  While the thought of throttling some sense into him was tempting, she settled for giving his hair a firm tug.

  “Ouch.” He swatted her hands away.

  At least his thoughts were focused back on something more appropriate than the king’s coronation all those years ago when Ditanu and Iltani first became mates.

  With a sigh, Enkara admitted that she’d have to watch out for more than physical dangers to his person. She’d have to protect him from himself. And if that included discipline to keep his mind from thoughts of bedding and mating his Blade, then she would be harsh.

  Stepping back, she gestured for the servants to return and then she watched with folded arms and a stern expression as they put the finishing touches on his attire. Under her glower, he waited patiently as a servant applied kohl to his eyes. But she could see rebellion brewing as Kuwari tried to stare down a servant approaching with a small bowl of gold dust and a brush.

  “Not on your life,” he hissed at the servant who almost dropped the clay jar in her hurry to escape.

  “My Prince,” Enkara said with another roll of her eyes. “We are all well aware of how much you hate such refinements, but it is tradition, so there’s no need to bite off the servant’s head.”

  “You enjoy refinements?” His expression transformed, brightening into a delighted smile.

  “I didn’t say that.”

  He ignored her. “I need to show you what great aunt Kammani had made for you.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I’ll show you once the servants are finished with me.”

  Suppressing a groan, Enkara called back the servant and then marched over to stand against the wall. By the look in his eye, the Rebel Prince wasn’t going to let her escape whatever he had planned. But maybe if she stayed quiet and pretended to be part of the wall, he’d forget his threat or get distracted or even run out of time.

  Eventually, the servants finished up with Kuwari. Once they were gone, she allowed herself to look her fill. They’d done quite a remarkable job. Not that Kuwari needed any extra ornamentation to catch and hold the eye. But the luxurious fabric and jewels added to the exotic appeal.

  Kohl darkened his eyes and matched the dark luster of his midnight hair. Gold beads and ornate combs held the many braids in place.

  Goddess, Enkara was sure she was jealous of his hair. Even done up in braids, it was still thick, dark and lustrous like his father’s. Her eyes followed the hair to where it brushed his broad shoulders. A hammered gold torc encircled his neck and draped down to cover his upper chest but left the rest of the muscular expanse bare.

  Her eyes continued down his chest, appreciating muscles toned and sculpted by long sessions in the training ring. A wide gold belt, encrusted with amber and citrine jewels, encircled his waist. Below it, the fringed linen of his wrap circled his hips in several layers of artfully folded fabric that fell to his knee. Gold sandals covered his feet, the straps wrapping his calves.

  Her gaze reversed and when she reached his face, that cursed smile was back in place, and her heart did an embarrassing little flip. She was still formulating some response when he beat her to it.

  “That look on your face just made all of this worthwhile,” Kuwari said with a gesture at his attire.

  “Look?” She parroted stupidly, fearing her mind had turned to mush.

  “Yes. That look of hunger you just raked me with.”

  Heat burned her cheeks, but she refused to break eye contact. To her surprise and relief, he changed the subject. “Now come and see what Kammani had made for you.”

  He motioned her towards the large storage chest at the end of his bed where a garment had been laid out.

  On first look, she spotted the familiar hammered gold, amber, and citrine. There was also a delicate belt and linen skirt with the same gold fringes. Unlike his, her outfit had an upper portion. The first item her gaze landed on was a torc similar to the one Kuwari wore. Though unlike his, this collar had a series of delicate golden chains suspended from it and they in turn attached to a portion of fabric that served the needs of modesty, if she wasn’t expected to partake in any sword fighting.

  Something else concerned her more. “If I wear that everyone will know I’m a Blade.”

  “That’s why Kammani included this.” He held out a shimmering golden veil that matched the other fabric of the outfit. “It attaches to the torc where it rests on your shoulders. Once in place, the long veil will hang down your back, obscuring your spine.”

  “It matches yours.” Enkara frown unhappily. “It’s a betrothal dress, isn’t it?”

  “Perhaps, but Kamma
ni still wants you to wear it.” Kuwari shrugged. “It’s said Ishtar whispers things to her High Priestess. I think Kammani thought we would already be betrothed by the time of the celebration. I know that you still haven’t agreed, but it would please me if you’d wear it. As a demonstration of our great and lasting friendship.”

  Tammuz's balls! Kuwari never played fair. He had her wrapped around his little finger and he knew it. She could never say no to him.

  “Very well. Though people will get the wrong idea.”

  Kuwari shrugged. “I think that’s why Kammani still wants you to wear it. If all the nobles think that I’m taken, they won’t throw their daughters at me. My aunt is giving me a few more days of freedom and my father has convinced the Council to hold off on their announcement a little while longer.”

  “I’ll wear it,” she said as she started to gather up the pieces. “But only to give you a few more days’ peace.”

  “Thank you.”

  She nodded, suddenly feeling awkward. “I’ll go put this on.”

  He backed away, giving her room to step around him with her armful of dress and accessories. Once she reached her room, she fumbled with the outfit, but after a couple false starts, she managed to get everything attached.

  “Kuwari,” she called plaintively. “I look absolutely ridiculous in this!”

  He stuck his head in and grinned broadly at her. “Stop glowering. You look beautiful.”

  “I’m supposed to look fierce, not beautiful. Pretty isn’t going to scare off the assassins.”

  Kuwari looked thoughtful for a moment. “I have something that might help with that.

  He ducked through the archway and vanished into his chambers. She followed a moment later, more curious than annoyed. When she walked into his room, it was in time to see him toss back the lid of a storage chest and pull out a cloth-wrapped bundle. He brought it over to her and held it out.

  “I was saving these for your name day, but I think you’d like them more now.” He handed her the bundle and waited expectantly.

  Feeling a hint of childlike joy, Enkara grinned as she unwrapped her gift.

  Actually, it was two gifts. Matching daggers with golden hilts and amber stones set in the pommel.

  “They’re beautiful.” She laid the bundle down on the table and drew one of the blades. It had perfect balance like it had been forged for her hand.

  “The sheaths are designed to be strapped to your arms and are ornate enough to wear with your present attire.” Kuwari strapped one on her right bicep to demonstrate.

  Enkara practiced pulling the blade and was pleased with the smooth ease with which it came free. “Thank you.”

  “You might take that back in a moment.” He held out a pot of kohl and the gold dust the servants had used on him earlier.

  She scowled at him but allowed him to apply it with minimal complaints. Once that part was finished, he moved on to her hair, demonstrating a patience Enkara lacked.

  When all was done Kuwari’s grin broadened as he took in the full package. “Not half bad. Come and look in the mirror.”

  He pulled her into his chamber and over to where a highly polished mirror reflected their images back at them. A tall, solidly built woman stood to Kuwari’s right. Her hair was done in artful braids and gold beads, kohl darkened her eyes, and gold dust shimmered on her brow and cheekbones.

  She was an exotic beauty Enkara didn’t recognize. The beautiful woman’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. It was an illusion—painted on like the kohl around her eyes. Remove the dress, jewelry, and face paint and there was only a warrior, scarred by both her past and her training and often bruised and smudged with dirt.

  Wanting to turn the topic away from herself, she glanced at him and asked, “When did you become so proficient with hair, kohl, and gold dust?”

  Kuwari started to laugh. “My younger siblings. The servants could never pin them down long enough to make them civilized, so my father said if I wanted to one day learn to govern an empire I should first be able to govern my siblings.”

  Enkara laughed. “I can imagine how that went.”

  “We all hated it at first, but they came around.”

  “And you learned the fine art of a beautician.”

  He snorted. “Goddess. Don’t tell Burrukan.”

  She glanced away from Kuwari and studied the beautiful daggers he’d given her.

  The blanket Enkara had made wasn’t nearly as grand, but she’d been proud when she’d first finished it. Now she felt somewhat foolish at the thought of presenting her humble gift to the heir of the gryphon kingdom. Maybe he’d forgotten about the blanket. He hadn’t mentioned it in the last few days.

  “I haven’t forgotten about the blanket, my lovely Kara.” He ducked down and placed a kiss on her cheek. “I still expect to receive it later tonight after the celebration is over.”

  Damn him for being able to read her so easily! Time for some deflection. “If you don’t hurry, you’re going to be late for your own celebration.”

  “I’d be okay with that.”

  “Your parents won’t be,” Enkara said as she ushered him out of his chambers and into the hall.

  “True,” Kuwari sighed out his agreement as they walked. “But I’d happily trade all the parades, people, politics, rituals, food, drink, music and general revelry for a quiet day with just you and my family.”

  He wasn’t the only one. But just then, Enkara’s magical abilities thrilled in acknowledgment at the approach of more members of the gryphon royal line, saving her from having to respond directly to that emotionally loaded comment. “I doubt it will be quiet, but I think you’re about to get part of your wish fulfilled.”

  A large company of Shadows marched around a corner and into the hall. Walking just behind the row of Shadows, Kuwari’s siblings were laughing and talking over each other in their excitement, or maybe that was an argument.

  Kuwari planted his fists on his hips and sighed. “I honestly tried my best to train that rabble. I was even making headway, but our grandfather spoils them. Every time they return, I have to start fresh.”

  “You sound like their parent. You’re only five years older than them.”

  “Different life experiences.”

  That was true Enkara admitted a little sadly. With his visions of the future, his special bond with her while she’d been a prisoner in a dank cell, assassins murdering his litter mates, and being raised as the heir to the kingdom, Kuwari hadn’t really had a childhood.

  Kuwari bumped shoulders with her. “Smile. This should be a time of happiness, not sadness.”

  “Goddess! Look how much they’ve grown!”

  Was that young woman Princess Alittum? Walking beside her had to be her brother, Akiya. He’d gotten so tall! And just behind them walked the identical twins of the litter, Etum and Eluti. She chuckled when she realized they were bickering. Some things never changed.

  King Ditanu had named them after two of his own childhood friends who’d been killed in the invasion sixteen years ago because he said they shared the same warrior spirit as those other brave twins. While that might be true, Enkara had always thought the twin boys had shared a striking resemblance to Kuwari.

  And now, after the last three and a half years, the youths had grown even more like their oldest brother, so much so, it was like looking at two slightly younger versions of Kuwari. It wouldn’t be long before they were breaking hearts if they weren’t already.

  Behind the twins, the Shadows in the rear were herding the two youngest siblings. Erra, now that he was older, was starting to look more like his father, Burrukan. Though Enkara could still see a bit of Ahassunu in the shape of his eyes.

  Walking sedately beside Erra was a beautiful little girl with Queen Iltani’s rich sable hair and King Ditanu’s dark eyes and luscious lashes.

  “Is that Arwia?” Enkara asked, vocalizing her surprise, though her power as a Blade recognized her as a princess of royal blood. The last time she’
d seen King Ditanu and Queen Iltani’s daughter, she’d been a small fluffy cub.

  “Yes. I’m certain I mentioned in one of my letters that she shifted to human form three seasons ago.”

  “You did…just seeing her this way for the first time is a bit of a surprise. When you wrote about your brothers and sisters, I always saw them as they were when I left for training. In my mind, I still saw Arwia as a little cub. I’ve missed so much.”

  Kuwari grinned. “Don’t worry, you’ll adapt. By the end of the day, they’ll have chattered your ears right off your head, and you’ll be wanting to return to the quiet of New Assur.”

  Princess Alittum noticed Kuwari first, then her eyes landed on Enkara. A moment later she called out excitedly. The others all looked up and before Enkara could prepare herself, the six royal siblings broke free of their Shadow guards and raced straight toward her.

  She was encircled on all sides by a wall of bodies and deafened by shouts and laughter. Hugs and tears came next, and Kuwari was unceremoniously shoved aside by his boisterous younger brothers and sisters.

  “Order! Calm yourselves! Are you a bunch of savages?” Kuwari’s shouted words were barely heard over the others all talking at once. His siblings ignored him. Enkara was helpless before the onslaught and could only hug them all in turn, tearing up as she told them how very much she’d missed them too.

  Eventually, they did calm, but Enkara had to give them all repeated hugs, kisses and promises that she’d tell them everything they wanted to know about her training.

  “We’re going to be late for Kuwari’s celebration if we don’t hurry to the throne room.”

  “Do we really have to sit through the whole thing?” Akiya asked, sounding every bit the plaintive adolescent. His voice had deepened since the last time she’d seen him.

  Akiya used to be the most like Kuwari in personality—a devilish little master of escape and manipulation. When they were younger, Kuwari and Akiya had planned many getaways that always ended with Enkara hunting them down.