“It is through there. The side chamber to the right.” She pointed to a chamber off this one. “Anything I own is available for your use.”
He nodded his thanks and then bowed a final time. When she went to speak with one of the guards, he made his way in the direction she’d pointed. Bashaa and Laliya followed at his heels.
Once inside, Bashaa began to run water into the pool.
Tirigan hadn’t actually planned to take a bath, but the splash of the running water would be an excellent way to hide their conversation.
“Do you believe her? This seems…” Bashaa paused, allow his sentence to drift into silence as he looked back over his shoulder, in the direction of the other chamber where Asharru was seeing to whatever duties awaited her.
“Impossible?” Laliya finished.
Tirigan snorted with dark humor. “Or like Fate dropped us into her royal lap.”
Bashaa laughed. “I’ve been dropped into much worse laps. So far, she seems pleasant. But what have you really learned about our future queen?”
Bashaa and Laliya were both aware of his unique abilities. “A great deal. She is honest and trustworthy. She was truly appalled by Arahunaa and wishes to see the slave trade ended. I had the distinct impression once that she’d happily have burned the tent-city to the ground.”
“You trust her, then?” Laliya asked from her position by the pool where she was undressing.
“She is honest. Well-meaning. A gentle soul. I find I like her,” he said, surprising himself. “I’m certain she wouldn’t intentionally harm us herself or allow Ugurnaszir to have us. But she is young. Naïve.”
“At least she’s intelligent enough to realize she needs allies and can’t trust the court,” came Bashaa’s lazy reply. He was undressing as well.
Tirigan acknowledged the truth of Bashaa’s words. “Yes. But being her ally can be fatal as she pointed out. Though, if we choose to take the freedom she offers and leave, once we are beyond these walls, the news will spread. Our old master will hear of it. He’ll not give us up so easily. We might find ourselves his slaves once more; the young queen unaware of what’s become of us.”
“I’d rather face assassins than stand in the same room as Ugurnaszir ever again,” Laliya muttered as she eased into the pool.
“So, there isn’t an option for a safe, stable future?” Bashaa muttered to himself. “In that case, I’ll take my chances with this young queen and all the privileges that comes with being her ally. I’d even willingly become her pleasure slave if she is kind as you say.”
A foreign spike of jealousy shot through Tirigan’s soul at Bashaa’s lighthearted quip.
Moments later he was examining the reason and didn’t like what he’d found. Why should he care who the future queen bedded? He didn’t even know her. Besides, she could do much worse than Bashaa.
Laliya, always the most serious of their small group, just shook her head at Bashaa. “While I agree we should stay and serve, we can’t underestimate just how much danger our new roles would put us in. Even if no more assassins strike, which I’m not so naïve to believe, nobles would still circle us like hungry sharks in warm waters. Only it wouldn’t be our bodies they wanted. They would seek knowledge of the queen, or a word in her ear. If the young queen comes to rely upon us, we will hold very powerful positions.”
Tirigan frowned thoughtfully as he watched the other two—the only two people he truly trusted. Laliya had touched on exactly what he’d been mulling over.
“There is far more to our decision than just whether we can trust her, how great the risks and how enjoyable the privileges might be. She is the future queen of New Sumer. If we gain her trust, we have a chance to reshape New Sumer.”
Bashaa entered the bath and stretched lazily, but Tirigan knew he had been mulling something over and had come to a conclusion by the sharp glint in his eyes. After a moment, the shorter man said what was on his mind.
“She has offered us something more than our freedom, something equally as dear. Asharru is gifting us with respect and influence. Those are honors I’d never dreamed of receiving. Yesterday, I couldn’t have even imagined we’d ever be in a position to influence all of New Sumer.”
“Yes,” Tirigan agreed, stripping off his own clothing and entering the warm, soapy water. “And with that gift comes a great curse. Danger and ambition circle those of the royal blood and anyone close to them. The danger gets deadlier the closer to the throne one is. If we agree to become what she wants—her servants, councilors, spies, and bodyguards, we will have to create safeguards, for ourselves and her.”
Even as he said the words, he did it for the benefit of his friends. He already knew he was staying.
Since he was a youth, he’d felt some compulsion in his blood. A need to seek out and find someone or something. It was tied to his ability to read people and know their deepest drives and motives.
He might not know what it was, but time and experience had shown that he could trust the strange power.
And, now, for the first time in his life, that gift—Laliya had once said he was goddess-touched—was content, no longer urging him to seek and find.
Because he’d found what it wanted him to find?
He very much thought so.
Here, standing in the shadow of the future queen, he could influence and shape New Sumer into a better place for humans and hybrids who lacked noble status.
But there would be great danger if he stayed and served Crown Princess Asharru. So, while he’d miss his friends if they chose to leave, he hoped they would judge the risks to be too high to stay and agree to go live somewhere in secrecy and safety.
If he stayed behind and became Asharru’s bodyguard and secret councilor, he could protect her and still watch over his friends from a distance to make sure Governor Ugurnaszir never touched them again.
“Yes, it would be hazardous to stay, but I know you,” Laliya said with a grin. “You’re staying, aren’t you?”
He shrugged. “Perhaps.”
“Liar.” Bashaa grinned. “You’ve found another person who needs protecting. Doesn’t matter that she’ll be a queen in a few short moon cycles and has an entire city garrison to protect her. She’s gotten under your skin and triggered those protective instincts of yours.”
A self-conscious grin touched Tirigan’s lips. “You know me too well, old friend. But in my defense, if the Nineveh garrison is at all like the one on Nipper, many will be disloyal, taking bribes from any hand holding one out. I wouldn’t trust that type to hold a cup of my piss. The future queen of New Sumer deserves a loyal garrison, but she’ll just have to settle for me until I can hunt out the corruption.”
“So, you’re just going to reform the entire city-state?”
Tirigan ducked his head, rinsing away the last of the soap and glittering dust. After coming back up, he answered. “If that’s what it takes so another innocent child doesn’t have to grow up like we did, then I’d trade my life for that cause.”
Bashaa nodded solemnly. “You might not be born of noble blood, my friend, but you are the noblest person I know. Ugurnaszir never managed to strip that from you.”
Grunting at the compliment, Tirigan turned and climbed out of the pool. As much as he’d have loved to soak in the warmth until dawn, a future queen was awaiting their answer.
And most importantly, their garrison allies, Nasir, Shamash, and Seluku were still scheduled for execution in the morning. If he was swift and persuasive, he might be able to save the three guards who’d helped them escape Ugurnaszir.
Though Crown Princess Asharru might prove reluctant to save the three deserters and elevate them to royal guards. After all, they’d forsaken their duties. If she showed resistance, he’d just have to use all his wiles and a good bit of seduction to convince her the three deserters could also be loyal soldiers.
The thought of manipulating the young queen didn’t sit well with him, but three lives were on the line.
Tirigan was tow
eling the excess water from his hair when a voice called from the other room.
“Hello, there. I’ve brought changes of clothing. May I bring them in?”
That voice belonged to guardswoman Kuri. If the garrison guard was here, Asharru might be with her.
If seduction was the way to win the day, it wasn’t too early to start now. “Enter.”
Kuri came in carrying a stack of clothing. The guard always entered a room first, scanning for danger before allowing her monarch to enter. Somewhat more eagerly than he should, he found himself glancing over Kuri’s shoulder with the hope Asharru would be following.
But she hadn’t come.
More than a little disappointed, Tirigan finished toweling water from his braids and then wrapped the damp towel around his waist.
“My brother and I raided our supplies,” Kuri said as she walked toward him. “We figured, for now, we can dress you in the garb of the city garrison to allow you to move around without getting too many looks.”
The guardswoman’s voice was calm and confident, but he hadn’t imagined that slight hesitation. She’d noticed and likely admired the view.
However, she wasn’t the one he needed to convince, so he reined back his charming smile and just nodded gratefully. “Thank you. The clothing is much appreciated.”
“Have you come to a decision yet?”
“I have. My companions are still discussing.”
Bashaa came forward and took the armload of clothing from Kuri with a wink. “That means he’s staying but wants us nowhere near the throne or all the danger circling it. But we go where Tirigan goes if fate so allows. He can’t get rid of us so easily.”
Tirigan glowered at his friend, but Laliya came up on his other side. “I would be greatly honored to serve the future Queen of the Gryphons in whatever role is required.”
“Excellent. I shall inform Princess Asharru. Come to her study once you are dressed. Servants have laid out a meal in case you’re hungry.”
Tirigan wasn’t hungry, but a meal would give him time to study Asharru and learn more about her and give him a chance to broach the topic of his deserter friends.
“We will be along momentarily.” Tirigan bowed deeply to the guard.
Chapter 8
A nervous sort of excitement shimmered in Asharru’s blood as she sat before the fire, awaiting Kuri’s return. She’d hoped the newly freed slaves had already come to a decision and would share it with the guard.
Patience was a skill Asharru should probably continue to hone. Kadashman used to tease her about her lack.
At the memory, a wave of grief rose up within her. This time she drew in several deep calming breaths and pushed the emotions aside. She was a ruler now, it was time to live up to that duty.
By the time Kuri returned, Asharru had her mask back in place.
“Tell me what you’ve learned.” So much for patience, Asharru thought with a sigh.
“Tirigan is the leader, wise and no doubt cunning. They are faithful to him and Bashaa and Laliya both possess keen minds. I was listening to them before I called out.” Kuri shrugged when Asharru glowered at her. “Your gryphon may have hunted Tirigan down like she was led to him by goddess Ishtar herself, but that doesn’t mean I’d just trust him right away.”
“So you don’t think they will be a good match?” Asharru felt more than dismayed. Tirigan was…there was something about Tirigan that soothed her. She didn’t like the idea of him not being in her life.
“Did I say that?” Kuri rolled her eyes. “I just wanted to check them out. Now, after hearing them talk, I believe them to be exactly what we need.”
The nervous fluttering redoubled its efforts to distract Asharru. “That is good news as long as they will stay. Did they hint at their plans?”
“Tirigan is staying—he’s intrigued by you, though he didn’t say as much aloud.” Kuri just shrugged again. “And the others follow him. If you win him over, you will have the beginning of your own spy network.”
“Good. You think this will work?”
“Yes. Tirigan is very assured. I must admit, he’s an impressive one. And I’m not talking about his male member, though I see why your gryphon picked him. He’s built large enough to please even the greediest of gryphons.” Kuri’s lips quivered at the edge of a saucy grin.
“Kuri! Please tell me you didn’t ogle the poor man.”
“No. Besides, he could have covered up before calling for me to enter.”
Asharru rolled her eyes and then cleared her throat. “Focusing back on more pressing matters, what did you think about him as a potential ally.
Kuri pressed her lips together in thought. “He’s very familiar with nobles and how to manipulate them into getting what he wants. On the surface, he was the slave and had to endure a great deal, but I think he also held power over his masters.”
“Having someone who is good at reading others and can gently direct them will come in handy.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought. Oh, and he can certainly be seductive when he wants. I’d watch yourself with that one until he’s more comfortable in his role.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I think when he’s feeling cornered, he likely uses sex as a weapon. Probably they all do. They’re certainly not shy around each other or me for that matter. Tirigan was in full seductive mode when I first came in.” Kuri grinned as humor sparked in her eyes. “Though, I noticed he toned it down swiftly when it was apparent you weren’t following me. Until they know they can trust you and that you aren’t going to toss them to the predators, Tirigan may try to make himself invaluable to you in other ways.”
“But I’m half gryphon, and that side rules me. There’s nothing he can do to sway things to his favor.”
“Your gryphon might disagree with you there. She seemed quite taken with what Tirigan could bring to a relationship. This time I am talking about Tirigan’s impressive member.” Kuri’s grin spread across her face. “Did I mention he’s not body shy? He’ll probably give you the chance to admire his fine form if you’re patient.”
“Goddess, Kuri. Enough. He is an ally, now, not a…a…a…”
“Pleasure slave?” a very male and very sexy voice supplied.
Asharru’s eyes tracked toward where Tirigan was walking out of the bathing chamber, dressed in the robes of the city garrison. Impossibly, he made those ordinary garments seem far more exotic.
Asharru cleared her throat. “I wasn’t going to use that term.”
He snorted. “I’ve been called much worse. Don’t worry about my emotions. I’m capable of looking after myself.”
“Still, I’m sorry that you’ve had to endure that.”
“As am I, but I have survived.” He held out a hand for her. “Come. Let us discuss your plans, and together we’ll discover what Bashaa, Laliya, and myself will be best suited for.”
Feeling strangely flustered, Asharru reached for his outstretched hand. “I must admit that I’m curious to learn more about you. Let’s talk over a meal.”
She indicated the food-laden table at the center of the room.
Bashaa and Laliya joined them and together the four of them made their way over to the table. The entire time Tirigan’s fingers were warm and strong in hers. He kept her tucked close to his side as they walked, the hem of his robe sometimes brushing against her legs.
But she was most aware of the glorious heat radiating from his side and into her. It was comforting and stimulating at once.
Never had she been aware of a male in this way. Why now? For a full human. Not that she had anything against her human heritage, she thought it might be why she and her brother had always had more compassion than many of the nobility.
But even though her personality took after her human side, she was very gryphon regarding the opposite sex. As of yet, she’d never felt anything sexual towards another person.
Gryphons only mated once they’d forged strong emotional bonds by falling in l
ove. Once forged, they were for life. Sometimes the mating bond was so strong that if one half of the pair died, the other succumbed to grief.
Her lack of arousal wasn’t for lack of opportunity. As a future High Priestess of Ishtar, her training had covered all the ways to find release and honor Ishtar in her aspects of love, desire, and fertility.
While she likely wasn’t as versed in the arts of passion and lovemaking as her three new allies, she wasn’t some complete unknowledgeable, unmated innocent.
That was how she’d learned her gryphon half ruled that part of her nature. She could touch a male, or at least one of Ishtar’s priests, and give him pleasure, but she couldn’t receive.
As more than one poor priest had learned when she’d shifted to gryphon and swatted him against the nearest temple wall for the affront of trying to touch her back.
And yet, with Tirigan’s warm fingers wrapped around hers, she thought her gryphon might allow this male far more liberties than any other man before him. Which would be very bad, she reminded herself.
When her father had taken a human slave as his mate, it had torn alliances asunder, spawned political outrage, and nearly brought civil war to New Sumer’s shores.
The kingdom might not survive a second ruler taking a human as a mate.
My gryphon, if you’re listening. It would weaken the royal line too greatly if you decide to mate this human. If our offspring were three-quarters human, we might lose our magic. So, by Ishtar’s grace, there better be another reason for your interest.
Her gryphon merely purred, and Asharru realized she was leaning into Tirigan’s seductive warmth. The dratted beast was going to be stubborn. She was sure of it.
But Asharru’s concerns were founded, and her great stubborn beast should know that. Sometimes she thought her gryphon was ninety percent entitled cat and only about ten percent logical bird.
Blade's Destiny (Ishtar's Legacy Book 3) Page 5
