“Don’t make any travel plans. You’ll be lucky if your father lets us leave Nineveh anytime in the next hundred years.”
Kuwari’s happy look crumpled.
Lady Kullaa rolled up the scroll she’d been reading. “I’ll leave you two to plan another escape, but I don’t want to know anything about it. King Ditanu must already be greatly displeased with me for the role I played in my mother’s plans.”
“An escape! What a wonderful idea.” Kuwari laughed, ignoring Kullaa’s words.
Enkara groaned and then narrowed her eyes at Kuwari. “Lady Kullaa thinks you’ve told your parents about what Nakurtum plans.”
“I saw no reason to let Lady Kullaa worry more than she already is. Thinking my parents are aware of the situation and working to counteract her mother’s plans gives her comfort.”
This once, she couldn’t fault him for his little white lie. Lady Kullaa’s only sin was naiveté. It wasn’t her fault she had Nakurtum for a mother.
Remembering that Kullaa wasn’t aware of their unspoken conversation, Enkara cleared her throat, folding her arms across her chest, and glowered at him. “There will be no escape attempts on my watch. And it’s always my watch.”
“See!” Kuwari crowed as he pointed at Enkara. “I can always get a rise out of her. She’s just so much fun. I can’t help myself.”
Lady Kullaa politely agreed and then after bobbing a curtsy in both their directions retreated from the room.
“I didn’t mean to chase away the poor woman,” Enkara admitted a moment later.
“Kullaa already imparted the most important information when she first came. Apparently, the council convened earlier this morning while my parents were still hearing reports from Kammani and the Shadows. They are demanding that when my father and Iltani complete the Sacred Marriage, they want me and my younger siblings to stay here in Nineveh, citing that it’s much more secure than Uruk. My father is likely going to agree.”
“I think that’s the wisest thing I’ve ever heard them utter.”
He was in a malleable mood if he was willing to concede to the council’s wishes so readily.
“As much as I don’t like Nakurtum’s heavy-handedness, perhaps she is on to something. You and Lady Kullaa are well matched.” Enkara rushed out the last before Kuwari could interrupt. “Perhaps we shouldn’t be so hasty to go through with the formal betrothal rites.”
She half expected an explosive verbal debate. Instead, he speared her with a calm, thoughtful look. After a few heartbeats of just staring, he huffed and tossed back the blankets to stand. It took him a moment to gain his balance, and Enkara stepped closer in case he needed her aid.
He took advantage and captured her arms. Leaning forward, he pressed their foreheads together and closed his eyes, drawing in slow, deep breaths. After a moment he opened his eyes and leaned back enough to look at her.
“You are the only woman I will ever love. You are my world. I would do anything for you. Give up my title. Surrender to Ereshkigal. Anything required to stay with you.” The corner of his lip twitched. “Even though you are the densest woman in the land, you’ve captured my heart completely. I’ll remind you of that fact as often as needed.”
Great Ishtar, no. Enkara grabbed him by the shoulders and gave him one quick shake as if that would rattle some sense into him. “You can’t mean that, not about Ereshkigal. Never—”
He cut her off. “I will have you at my side, in my bed, sharing my life. If not here in the mortal world, then in the underworld. I will not be separated from you.”
Goddess save young fools!
She shoved him backward until he bumped into his bed and sat heavily. “I haven’t survived all these years, enduring years of brutal training just so the Queen of the Underworld can win. Don’t ever say such a thing again.”
“I won’t if you’ll stop acting so foolishly. We haven’t yet mated physically, but our hearts and souls already are. We are a pair. Tell me we aren’t. Go on. Say it and see if your gift tells you it’s a lie.”
He fell silent and Enkara didn’t speak. To deny his words would be a falsehood and she’d promised him she’d never lie. Unwilling to talk, she just stared at him in silence until Kuwari finally reached up and pulled her down on the bed next to him. He cupped her cheek and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.
His lips were warm against hers, firm yet not dominating as he explored. It was shockingly pleasant.
He broke the kiss after a time. “You can’t deny my words, can you?”
“No.” Enkara’s lips twisted in humor. “When have I ever been able to deny you anything?”
Kuwari snorted. “You’ve been doing a fine job every night since your return.”
“And I’ll continue to do a good job until you are well recovered. Perhaps we can discuss a compromise after that.” She gave him a good-natured smack on his shoulder. “Now get back in that bed before the healers return.”
His delighted laughter could probably be heard in the gardens.
Chapter 30
Kuwari leaned back in his chair and stretched his legs. Honestly, the council chambers needed more comfortable seating considering how long some of the councilors could tolerate their own voices. The meeting finally concluded, and now he needed to discuss plans for his and Enkara’s next Blooding Ceremony with his great-aunt.
It had been eight days since the attack on Nippur. He was fully recovered and the sooner they could complete the next phase of the ceremony, the more at ease he’d feel.
Unfortunately, High Priestess Kammani was presently deep in discussion with Councilor Nakurtum about the upcoming Sacred Marriage, which would likely take precedence over a simple Blooding Ceremony, but if he turned his full persuasive charms upon his great-aunt, he might convince her of the importance and sway her into allowing a quick rite in the next day or two.
It would have to be soon, though, since it was only eleven days to the Spring Rites which culminated with the Sacred Marriage between Ishtar and Tammuz. All other rites were forbidden for a moon cycle afterward so they wouldn’t interfere with Tammuz’s great blessing during the planting season.
Final preparations were already being made, but this year, he and his siblings weren’t going to be part of any of it. Unfortunately, that meant he hadn’t had a reason to speak with High Priestess Kammani in the last few days.
Hence why he was still sitting in the most uncomfortable of chairs even after the meeting had officially ended.
A vision hinting at his chances of swaying Kammani would have been nice, but he’d only had one vision since the attack. He couldn’t really complain. The vision had been an interesting one showing a possible resolution to his Enkara, Nakurtum, Lady Kullaa problem.
He hadn’t yet told Enkara because she would act in defense of him and that might change the outcome. Besides, visions didn’t always come to pass, or sometimes he misinterpreted them.
In this instance, it would be better to wait and see and hope.
Kuwari rolled his shoulders and rubbed the back of his neck. He used the motion to cast a glance behind him to where Enkara was standing along the wall with the other Shadows. She’d refused to sit at the council table even though it was her right now that she was his future betrothed.
She didn’t acknowledge his look, outwardly, but he sensed her mind brushing along his, her emotions flowing into him as she searched for what he was planning.
“I assure you,” he said in their silent way, “I have nothing wicked planned.”
She rolled her eyes at him before returning to scanning the room.
Eventually, Councilor Nakurtum and his great-aunt finished their discussion, and the priestess exited through the side door. Ha. She wasn’t escaping him that easily.
He stood to follow Kammani, but Nakurtum laid her hand on his arm, forestalling him.
“You’ve been avoiding me.” Her words held a sharp, displeased edge. “I need an answer about how you’d like me to handle the unfortunate
lineage of your beloved. If you don’t agree by the next council meeting, I shall reveal what I know. I am not bluffing.”
“I have discussed it with Enkara.” He responded with his best ‘you’re boring me’ tone. “You may have noticed she wasn’t sitting with me during Council.”
Nakurtum’s eyebrow arched. “You agree with my plan?”
“Yes.”
“When can I expect the new…situation…to be made apparent to the citizens of New Sumer?”
Kuwari pretended to think about it for some moments. “It will be better if Enkara and I seem to rethink our relationship. Then I can make the announcement once the Spring Rites and the planting moon cycle has completed.”
“That is longer than I’d hoped to wait.”
Kuwari snorted. “And risk angering High Priestess Kammani? She’s more fearsome than you.”
Skepticism entered her expression. “I don’t believe you. You have something else planned.”
“For once I don’t,” Kuwari laughed. At least it’s no plan of my making. “Accept my terms or not. It’s up to you. But remember, I’m now a ruling prince. Nippur is mine to oversee, if you annoy me more than you already have, I’ll see you removed from office and will install a new governor.”
There was a long pause and a hardness about her gaze as she stared him down, but at last she nodded. “I find your terms acceptable.”
“I thought you might,” Kuwari said smoothly. “However, there is something I must discuss with my aunt. Good day, Councilor.”
Without a backward glance, he turned and went in pursuit of Kammani.
***
Kuwari stomped toward the practice ring and brooded sourly.
“Pouting will give you wrinkles,” Enkara said as she walked next to him.
“I’m not pouting.”
Enkara grunted. Another snort of humor came from somewhere behind. Kuwari turned and glowered at Uselli, but the Shadow’s expression had already returned to its usual placid appearance.
“I am not pouting!”
Enkara made a noncommittal noise in the back of her throat, drawing his attention back to her.
He glowered at Enkara. “You realize Kammani’s denial affects you too, right?”
“We only have to wait a little over a moon’s cycle and then she’ll perform the ritual and appease all the gods.”
He didn’t want to wait for over a moon’s cycle to complete the next Blooding Ceremony, but Kammani had been adamant. He’d still have been tempted to go behind his great-aunt’s back, if there hadn’t been the Nakurtum situation pending.
But if he’d pinned down the timing of what he’d seen in a vision, the problem would come to a resolution in eleven days, when most of the court was attending the Sacred Marriage rites.
“What are you smiling about,” Enkara asked.
Kuwari’s grin grew broader. “The future.”
She groaned.
Chapter 31
The day of the Sacred Marriage had dawned with the usual flurry of activity such vital rites inspired. After a hasty goodbye, the royals and most of the court had begun their flight to Uruk, leaving Kuwari and his younger siblings in the capable hands of Shadow Uselli and three council members. Not that Kuwari thought he needed help keeping his siblings in line, but it would free him up to keep a watchful eye on Nakurtum, one of the three councilors left behind.
Burrukan was anything but happy about separating the King from his children and dividing the Shadows, but his dark scowl wasn’t enough to sway the Council or the King. His father had held firm. Two-thirds of the Shadows had remained.
But Kuwari wasn’t worried. His visions hadn’t shown any danger coming for his family. He’d had to reassure Enkara of that fact more than once. Still, she remained more alert than usual. It likely had something to do with the temporarily abandoned city.
Every year, he was always surprised anew at how empty the palace and city looked with most of the inhabitants having flocked to Uruk for the ritual. The silence was eerie, but soon his siblings had dragged Enkara and him to the great hall where they spent the day with their Shadows and councilor nursemaids. The three councilors were there to ensure Kuwari’s younger siblings were chaperoned adequately during their own smaller festival in honor of planting time.
Now all he had to do was wait a little longer for when his visions said the real entertainment would begin. Kuwari sipped his wine to hide his smirk.
“You’re up to something,” Enkara hissed at him from the corner of her mouth.”
“I am,” he agreed. “But it’s nothing reprehensible, I promise.”
She rumbled something about cunning rebel princes and then returned to her favorite position by the wall directly behind him. As usual, she’d refused to sit beside him, saying she needed to stay on guard since the Shadows were depleted until the royal party returned later tomorrow.
Further down the high table, a minor altercation drew his attention.
“Not too much to drink,” Lady Kullaa warned Kuwari’s twin brothers. Etum and Eluti looked rebellious, but a firm glower from him soon had them sullenly agreeing with Kullaa’s suggestion.
The last thing he needed was for Burrukan to curtail his little remaining freedom with more training sessions as punishment for allowing his siblings to run wild.
So, there was music, dance, food, and only enough wine to pacify his sixteen-year-old siblings without earning Kuwari extra early morning sessions in the practice ring. Erra and Arwia were easier to please. A game or two was all it took to make them go to bed happy.
Councilor Nakurtum and the other two councilors were never far, but he ignored them and simply enjoyed his time with Enkara and his siblings. By the end of the evening, he was even feeling generous enough to pacify Nakurtum by dancing with Lady Kullaa. Afterward, he dragged Enkara and his siblings onto the floor for more dancing.
Even Uselli was coaxed into joining the group with the siblings, a scowling Enkara, and a beaming Kullaa. Later he and Enkara returned to the high table for refreshments. After snatching up a plateful of his favorite sweet-cakes, he popped a couple of the tiny honey-drenched seed patties in his mouth while he watched the small group still dancing. He noticed Lady Kullaa was swaying and twirling in time with the group, but her attention was all for Uselli.
Kuwari grinned and sipped his wine and ate another handful of the sweet cakes.
A long time later, when even the torches were burning down, Councilor Nakurtum appeared at his side. Behind her came servants bearing new pitchers of wine and more sweet treats. She gestured for a servant to refill his goblet.
Picking up his goblet, he smiled and thanked the servant and then pretended to sip at it. All the while he eyed Nakurtum as she made her way down the table to refill Kullaa’s goblet herself.
“Oh, Nakurtum. Your plan is going to twist back on you and soundly bite you in the ass,” Kuwari thought to himself as he watched the councilor walking back up the table towards his seat.
“Well, Crown Prince Kuwari, I must say this has been a bit of fun, but I do think it’s time I see your younger siblings to bed.” She bowed at the waist. “If you don’t mind, I shall excuse myself to do just that.”
“I’ll stay up a bit longer and keep Kullaa and Enkara company.” Kuwari smiled at her and then pretended to take another sip of his wine.
“Of course. Good evening, may you have good dreams.” Councilor Nakurtum smiled at him and then turned to leave.
“She’s up to something new.” Enkara’s voice held a hint of threat.
“When isn’t she up to something?” Kuwari said innocently as he gathered up a few sweet cakes for later and placed them in a napkin, then tucked it into his robe.
“Never,” Enkara said sourly, her expression turning nearly murderous now.
But before his beloved could storm off after her prey, Kuwari called over Uselli and Lady Kullaa.
“Lady Kullaa, I and my Shadow guard will leave you now. However, don’t feel you ne
ed to retire yet. Councilors Pirhum and Ninsunu look to be in a debate that will surely go deep into the night. And the musicians and servants will be celebrating until dawn. I’ve instructed Uselli to remain with you as your chaperone.”
She nodded politely. “Thank you, Prince Kuwari.”
Rising, he prepared to leave. Enkara and several Shadows shifted closer to him, but his gaze was on Lady Kullaa. She didn’t immediately return to the dance floor. Instead, she paused to drain her goblet in a few swallows.
As he walked from the hall, his conscience pricked at him and he felt a small twinge of guilt. But he’d seen the outcome in a vision-dream and knew Kullaa would be well pleased. If he thought for a moment she would be unhappy, he would’ve intervened.
Outside in the hall, Enkara grabbed him and shoved him in the direction of the nearest seating alcove. When they were out of sight of any servant that might pass by, she leaned forward and then growled in his ear. “You! You’re up to something. What game are you playing now?”
Goddess, she was beautiful when she was annoyed at him. She was so close he couldn’t resist the opportunity and leaned forward until his lips brushed her ear. To prevent her from retreating, he cupped the back of her head with his hand.
She didn’t struggle after the initial jolt of surprise at his unexpected touch. He trailed gentle kisses along her jaw until he made his way to her lips where he deepened the kiss.
To his delighted surprise, she melted against him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Eagerly he continued the kiss. It wasn’t until her hands slid down and gave his backside a caressing squeeze that he grew suspicious.
Had Enkara drank the wine? No. He’d been watching for that. She never drank when on guard and she was never not on duty. Her caressing fingers stilled and then she gave him a savage twist and pinched. He broke the kiss with a startled yelp, pulling further away.
“What was that for?” He asked as he rubbed his abused flesh.
“For your deception.”
Queen of the Gryphons: Ishtar's Legacy: Books 1 & 2 Page 47
