Amelia paused at the top of the staircase, watching them. This was their greatest strength: one another. They bickered, they fought, they bantered, they squabbled. They even cracked chairs. But in the end, they were family. They supported and loved one another.
What would happen if someone killed one of them?
The other two brothers would become incensed and more dangerous. Perhaps no warrior could be expected to do what she was asked to do. At least not any worse than she would do it. Perhaps the reason she would succeed was because, with the exception of AaQar, they were accepting her.
That thought made her uncomfortable. Lying about being a Machat and pretending to be someone else was one thing. Killing them because they trusted her didn't settle as well. They shouldn't trust her. So that would make it their fault, and, given their crimes, they did deserve to die.
WroOth motioned her to come down. Oh, sweet mercy, why does he have to look so happy to see me? Amelia wondered. Naatos and AaQar at least had continued on to complete whatever tasks they had.
"Have you ever seen a cloud dragon?" WroOth asked.
"Only in books." Amelia stopped a step above him so that she remained approximately at eye level. "They used to live in the northern Mallakish Mountains."
"Yes, they're exceptionally rare these days. It's one of the things I plan to change once I begin my rule on Reltux. We're all in agreement that the creatures of myth and legend as well as the ancient times should be brought back to the fullness of their grandeur. Naatos's skills are essential in this for many of the creatures, though, as of yet, they cannot breed. But he isn't needed for the cloud dragon."
Amelia frowned. "So…are you each picking a race to repopulate? Naatos is doing the Neyeb, and you're doing…cloud dragons?"
WroOth glanced at her sidelong, turning to look at her slowly. "Pardon?"
"Well…" Amelia realized she'd probably missed something. "You're a…"
"A what?" WroOth struggled to keep from laughing, his face contorting and his mouth pinching. "Unless the answer is cloud dragon, dear heart, that makes no sense."
"But you could turn into a cloud dragon, and…" Amelia's cheeks heated with embarrassment. She looked away. "All right, actually, let's just pretend that didn't happen."
WroOth's outburst of laughter echoed around the courtyard. "Oh…I suppose it's understandable. You grew up among Awdawms. But you see, Amelia, and this is very important as you are marrying my brother, Vawtrians only feshtashoon—"
"You know, that's all right." Amelia shook her head. "I don't want to have this conversation."
"You started it."
Amelia covered her face. "Yes. Yes, I did. I'm glad to know that it isn't how it works."
"You see, just because I look like a dragon doesn't mean I can father dragons," WroOth said.
"I understand."
"Really? Because it looks to me as if you just want the conversation to end."
"That too."
"Well, you should probably talk to Naatos about this more. Particularly given your relationship. What else don't you know? Has anyone ever explained to you about the besreds and the dolmaths? Do you even know what feshtashooning means?"
"If that's anything like the birds and the bees, then yes."
"I'm not convinced it's the same." WroOth grinned. "Feshtashooning means—"
"Yes! I know. It's another way of saying copulation. I know what it means."
"Is it embarrassing you to talk about this? You don't blush gracefully do you? It's like…there…everywhere." WroOth motioned down her face and neck.
"Thank you, WroOth." Amelia stared straight ahead. "I am going to kill you one day."
"Oh, I doubt that." WroOth put his hand on her shoulder and pointed toward the low-roofed stable nestled within the corner of the courtyard. "Now I don't mean this in a lecherous way, but if you keep watching, you might see something interesting."
Clacking claws struck the stones, and the cloud dragon pranced out.
Amelia caught her breath, amazed. It reminded her of one of her favorite Chinese dragons from the first takeout restaurant Uncle Joe had taken her to. The cloud dragon's long fluid body moved with incredible grace as it nodded its large oversized head. Its fur was pale blue and thick, waving and shaking all over the place. Its big black eyes glistened in the sunlight. The six long, arched legs were covered in slightly lighter fur, and it swept its massive tail back and forth. When it reached AaQar, it thrust its blunt snout under his arm. AaQar smiled and patted its head.
"AaQar found that one far, far north while he was off on his trip. He brought it back along with its mate. Here. Give it this." WroOth nudged her and dropped a handful of pickled organs in her hand. "Feed it like it's a flesh-eating horse."
For a moment, Amelia resisted. She loved animals. Even dragons, and this one was so beautiful. But she didn't want to appear weaker than she was. Still…if she had to escape, bonding with the animal might be good.
She approached the cloud dragon carefully, then offered it the vinegary chicken hearts. The cloud dragon's ears pricked forward as it swiveled around to face her. Amelia extended her hand. With a deep huff, the cloud dragon snuffled at her palm, then lapped up the organ meat with its long blue tongue. A smile tugged at her lips, but she held it back.
"Delorme, kneel." AaQar patted the cloud dragon's head as well. The cloud dragon at once lowered itself to its knees. "Get on. It won't bite."
Amelia continued to rub along the cloud dragon's long neck, her fingers combing the thick fur. It was as soft as angora. The cloud dragon had no stirrups. In fact, it had no saddle at all. Only a series of layered blankets between its humps.
Even without the humps, Amelia doubted the dragon would have had a saddle. She couldn't imagine that dragons would appreciate being saddled or easily domesticated.
The cloud dragon made no signs of aggression. Amelia wrapped her arm around the hump and hopped up, careful not to pull on its fur.
As Naatos passed, AaQar commanded the cloud dragon to rise. He then followed Naatos. "A moment, Naatos."
The cloud dragon rose, shifting its weight forward and then up. Amelia grabbed onto the hump, gripping the dragon's sides as tight as she could. "Whoa." She settled on the back of the cloud dragon, riding sidesaddle. Its thick fur padded its ridged spine without the blankets. She paused, feeling as if she was being watched. Looking up, she saw several Talbokian mercenaries staring at her, whispering among themselves. Her neck tightened with discomfort. She tugged the tunic down farther, feeling self-conscious about her appearance. The tunic was long enough to cover everything it should without risking her exposure, but it was…uncomfortable. She dropped her gaze back to the blanket, smoothing out the wrinkles.
AaQar approached Naatos. "I am glad you are taking time to think about this. There is no other decision more vital to your happiness and our family's future than the woman you lock with. Given what has happened, it is best if your wife is not the Third Nalenth. Or, at the very least, the locking should not occur until matters have been resolved. Having locked myself, I can tell you there is no sensation like it. You will feel and desire in a way you have never experienced. Until you have her cooperation and her heart, it's best to avoid all physical contact with her. As strong as you are, how long can you resist the locking? And if you lock, what choice would remain?"
Naatos nodded. He continued to walk along the cloud dragon. "What choice indeed."
"Yes. Well, it is good you listened," AaQar said.
Amelia glanced down. They were next to her now. She tugged the tunic down farther. After all those years of sleeping in her clothes at night, she'd wound up in the situation she'd wanted to avoid.
"Of course," Naatos said. He stopped beside Amelia. "Who knows my strength better than you? I always listen to your advice." He grabbed Amelia's wrist, jerked her down, and caught her in his arms.
Amelia stiffened and tried to catch herself, but before she could do anything, Naatos kissed her firmly on the
lips, his arm tight around her shoulders and his hand pressed to the back of her head.
Amelia gasped. Her eyes widened as she stared at him. An odd look flashed through Naatos's eyes. He swallowed hard. His grip around her tightened, bringing her closer. She couldn't even think of something to say. Her mind was blank.
Abruptly, Naatos shook his head. He lifted her back onto the dragon, his hand lingering on her arm. "I will see you soon."
AaQar sighed through his teeth. "Masterfully handled, brother." He jumped onto the cloud dragon and took his position between the humps in front of Amelia.
Still shocked, Amelia barely had time to dig her knees in and grab hold of the hump.
The cloud dragon leaped into the sky, its wings unfolding from above its legs. Amelia ducked her head against the blast of the wind.
As she looked down, she saw Naatos watching, gripping his right wrist as if uncomfortable.
What had just happened?
31
Naatos’s Error
As soon as he kissed her, Naatos knew he had made a huge mistake. Deep warmth flowed from her lips to his, rushing through him. Energy spasmed within his chest. It increased to a burning sensation and spread along his right arm.
It was not supposed to happen this fast.
But it was.
That was his wife, and he wanted her. For a moment, Naatos considered taking her back to his chambers and finishing the locking right then. But that would mean AaQar was right.
Granted, AaQar was right. But how had he known?
Naatos gripped his right arm tighter, watching as the cloud dragon flew away with his brother and his…wife.
How was this even possible? Already the transformation flared within him, working and moving like wildfire in a rain-starved forest. If he didn't find a way to slow it, it would complete within a matter of hours. With or without Amelia's cooperation or even his own agreement. Before that happened, he had to find a way to get Amelia on his side. Otherwise…Naatos did not want to think of the nightmare that lay before him.
When the cloud dragon had at last disappeared in the sky, Naatos closed his eyes. It was worse already.
WroOth stood beside him, his hands clasped behind his back. He nodded sagely. "What a lot of interesting twists this day has had."
WroOth was obviously restraining himself. Naatos turned and started back up the staircase. WroOth followed, keeping pace with him. He looked straight ahead, not even glancing at Naatos.
Once they entered Polfradon and turned into one of the inner halls, Naatos at last stopped. He set his arms akimbo, bracing himself. "Is there something you wanted to say, WroOth?"
WroOth burst into loud peals of laughter. He grabbed hold of Naatos's shoulders, leaning against him. "One kiss. Just one." WroOth continued laughing until tears streamed down his cheeks, and he gasped for breath. "Oh, I thank all that is good and beautiful for letting me live to see this day. Naatos…you have locked with a woman, and she doesn't even like you."
"Thank you, WroOth." Naatos at last pushed him back. "I'll take your mirth as a sign you aren't concerned."
"Actually, we're in a lot of trouble." WroOth wiped the tears from his face with the back of his hand and grinned. "But it will work out. It's just a matter of changing your tactics. Now listen, in case there was any debate about this, to woo your viskaro you must adapt. I recommend trying flowers and compliments over spiders and brutality."
Naatos shook his head, then started forward. What was it about Amelia that had made her so…irresistible? The whispers of desire now plagued him, eating at his mind. Questions that were irrelevant to his current tasks like when she would return now occupied more space than they should.
Cursed biology. He had had the advantage until now.
"If I can make a recommendation, I would say give her something small and furry with big eyes. Preferably something that won't chew off her hands," WroOth said.
"I can complete no more alterations for a few more hours. I just finished creating the guaras," Naatos said.
"Yes. I saw them. Very nicely done. They're all in the walls now?"
"Yes. There's approximately seven dozen in the passages and lower halls. All the way to the Mallakish Passage." That at least was something that had gone according to plan.
"I doubt Amelia will be charmed by a man-eating lizard though."
An idea struck Naatos.
He grabbed one of the passing attendants. "Go down to the lower third level. There's a silver puma down there in the hall, badly injured, probably near death. Sedate it. Cure it with the medicine from the black chest in my study. Then feed it and put it in a separate room."
"Hmm." WroOth gave him an approving look. "I like it. It says you're sorry without actually saying you're sorry."
That was the idea. Besides it kept his earlier promise to her. Giving it to her as a pet would simply take it to the next level.
Naatos entered the common room. Apparently the locking caused one to second guess and overanalyze every decision. Nothing in the room seemed right. He pulled Amelia's betrothal necklace from his inner pocket and studied the markings. Just three days ago, he had the perfect plan in place. Now…
WroOth pulled out four of the pages from AaQar's documentation. "At least now we can get all the details we need about the timeline on Eiram. I wonder how close we were. All of those visits. And she might have been in one of the residences beside us."
"That is not a comforting thought."
"More amusing than anything."
"We have very different definitions of amusement," Naatos said.
He stared down at the necklace. His wife hated him, but she was wearing his at the moment. The Neyeb had taught him many things. Perhaps he could soothe her. It would be so much easier if she would simply listen. Then again, it wasn't as if he would have been in the mood to listen either. He brushed his thoughts over the stone, searching for Amelia. It was cold.
Naatos frowned and intensified the connection. There wasn't a breath on the other side. Not even a hint of warmth.
"She isn't wearing it."
WroOth looked up from the papers. "What isn't she wearing?"
"My Neyeb betrothal necklace."
"She isn't exactly fond of you right now." WroOth cast the one stack of papers aside and selected another. He flipped through them haphazardly. "Anything that puts you two closer she'll probably put away. Or did you think she was so unobservant she wouldn't notice?"
That had been the hope. Naatos returned the pendant to his inner pocket. He started for the door.
"Where are you going?" WroOth asked.
There were many things he needed to do. His exercises, his training, his planning, his—there were at least thirty-nine other things that would be better uses of his time. But it was as if the deeper regions of his mind were being glazed over.
"Why don't you read this again?" WroOth offered him the pages. "I might know where she left the necklace. I'll go find it. You relax."
"Just tell me where it is," Naatos said.
"No, trust me. It will be simpler if you let me retrieve it."
Naatos nodded slowly.
"All right." WroOth handed him the pages, then circled the table. "I'll be back shortly."
Naatos cast his eyes over the page. AaQar's usually precise and angular handwriting, though tiny, was easy enough to read. Except now. Now all the thin black lines blurred into meaningless symbols.
Where could Amelia have left the necklace that would make WroOth act this way? Naatos returned AaQar's notes to the stack.
There was one place. Of course she had gone down there.
Naatos sighed. Why wouldn't she go there? He tried to sit, but the burning in his chest and arm had intensified even more. He rose and resumed pacing, twisting his mind through various thoughts.
It was a bad idea to go anywhere near the two Awdawms' dungeon. At least for most Vawtrians in this situation it would have been a bad idea. Still, it was early enough in the locking tha
t he wasn't at risk. WroOth was sometimes inattentive. He might miss the betrothal necklace. It was quite important that it be found. Amelia wasn't to blame. Except for being unbearably foolish and stubborn. Perhaps it would be better if he went himself. Then he would know for certain what had happened rather than wondering.
Yes.
WroOth was worried for nothing. He often did that when he…
Naatos wasn't sure what the rest of the thought was, but it didn't matter. He left the common room and started toward the separated meditation chamber which had been converted into a prison cell. He had just rounded the corner when he heard WroOth's footsteps. It took a little more focus to gather his energy and force the transformation. That was only because he was tired, not because of the locking. It was impossible for her to be affecting him this quickly. Yes, Naatos reassured himself as dropped into a simple red centipede and scuttled along the wall. That was all it was. Everything was fine. He was fine. He was just a little tired. And once this matter with the betrothal necklace was settled, he might even rest a little. Perhaps.
WroOth was just disappearing down the staircase. Naatos followed. WroOth didn't even glance down. Naatos slid easily down the staircase wall, soon coming in sight of the two Awdawms held in the meditation cell.
The two Awdawms fell silent as WroOth approached them. The room was empty aside from the benches within the cell, two trays emptied of food, and a pair of boots sitting beside the stairs.
"Now listen, you two," WroOth said sternly. "I need to know whether Amelia left something down here?"
Shon stood near the cell door while his brother sat on the bench, his arms resting on his knees. "Amelia hasn't been down here."
"Who is Amelia?" Matthu asked at the same time.
WroOth rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for this. Now I know you know who she is, and I know she was down here unless you and one of the guards were kilamatting in your cell."
Shon shook his head. "I don't even…" He paused as Matthu nodded toward his neck. Shon brushed his hand guiltily along his jaw and neck where light bruises remained clearly visible. "Oh…those are from…lichen."
Identity Revealed: The Tue-Rah Chronicles Page 29
