by Jeanne Hardt
He eagerly reciprocated. “As I said, you torment me. What am I to do with you?”
“Love me as you always have.” She gave him another quick peck, then tenderly stroked his cheek. “If you are so fearful of watchful eyes, why risk coming to my chamber at this hour?”
“I am a eunuch, which is an advantage at a time like this. No one will suspect me of lying with you.” He frowned and stared at his lap. “In addition, I am your healer, and everyone in the realm knows of your condition. My being here is easily defended.”
She rubbed her hands up and down his thighs. “If they only knew the truth, my capable lover.”
His features hardened. “Stop this play, Angeline, and tell me what it is you wish me to hear.”
“Very well.” She knew that tone, and nothing she could do would soften him at present. Even so, she had no doubt, he was still very much hers.
She sat back and folded her hands atop her lap. “I sent Kendor to follow King Callum, and he led him to the temple where he had a heated discussion with the high priest, Chan. A name I knew not until today.”
“Was your man seen?”
“Certainly not. Kendor has the stealth of a wild beast hunting its prey.” She mindlessly fingered the neck of her gown.
Denali grunted. “I can see your admiration for him has grown.” Again, he shot a glance at the bed, then shook his head. “What was discussed between the king and priest?”
She leaned slightly forward. “There is an unfamiliar law, written in the Holy Scrolls, which states that if the king of Basilia dies without an heir, the position of high king must be re-attained. It cannot simply be passed to Oros.”
“But, Oros has always been next in line.”
“Yes, and everyone believes King Callum has the right to rule. As you are well aware, I will not allow it. There is a limitation of time in the law, and because so many years have passed since the great war, with no Basilian king, there must be a consensus as to whom will ascend the high throne. If there is no agreement, the kings in the other realms desiring the title must win the right.”
“How? Are they to fight?”
She moistened her lips. “I pray so. I intend to go to Chan, in order to learn what is required. If it is indeed a fight, it will play perfectly into our plans. As soon as Talman arrives, I will plant the seed that he should take the high throne. His arrogance will agree with me, even before he does.” She giggled.
“If Talman falls, there is the issue of Varlan.”
“Yes. It is a shame he will also have to die. I find him tolerable and occasionally enjoyable, but I will not risk another king rising to the Thanwinian throne.”
“You are vicious, Angeline. Yet I cannot deny it is a trait I admire. It is proof of your power.”
She stood, then sat upon his lap. “You have helped me become strong.” Too many minutes had already passed. Soon, the desired knock would come to her door.
Just as she knew he would, Denali cuddled into her bosom. “I crave you, Angeline. Let me lie with you tonight.”
“No, my dear lover. You must go. As you indicated, Callum may have spies watching my chamber. The longer you tarry, the more suspicion will arise. I will come to you on the morrow and let you know of my findings from Chan. Once the royals of every realm have departed, you may return to my bed.”
He stared up into her face and his pointed beard tickled her neck. “Do you vow there is to be no one sharing your bed tonight?”
“I swear it.” She kissed him deeply, then got up from his lap, took his hand, and helped him to his feet.
Though she wanted to rush him away, they walked slowly to the door. “Until tomorrow,” he said and opened it.
Her heart thudded into her feet.
Denali scowled. “You lied,” he snarled, glaring at Darius, who stood in the hallway with his hand lifted, ready to knock.
Angeline shook her head. “I swear, I spoke truthfully.” Her cousin had dreadful timing.
Darius looked utterly confused and pointed at Denali. “Why is your healer here at this late hour? Are you unwell?”
She rubbed her aching head. “I am becoming that way. Why are you here?”
His eyes widened. “I—that is…”
“Do not think me a fool,” Denali grumbled. “The two of you planned a tryst. Is that not so?”
“Certainly not.” Angeline firmly folded her arms. “Darius, more than most anyone, knows how dangerous it would be to carry on at this time.” She laid a hand on Denali’s arm. “You know of our intimacy in the past, but we have felt it best not to act on our desires any longer. Not while I am in mourning.”
Denali looked from her to Darius. “Then, why are you here at this hour of night?”
“I wanted to make her aware I have reconciled with her maid, Shireen. We have agreed to set our differences aside and behave in a civil fashion.”
“Wonderful.” Angeline forced a smile and tried to ignore her churning stomach. If Kendor arrived now, things would erupt into utter chaos.
No. If he were to see she had others at her chamber door, he would be wise enough to keep his distance.
Denali cautiously eyed Darius. “Could such irrelevant news not have waited until morning?”
“No.” Darius pulled his shoulders back. “Our actions gravely upset Angeline, and I wanted to please her. I feared she might lose sleep, worrying over our disagreements.”
“That is ridiculous,” Denali muttered.
“No,” Angeline said. “It is warranted. Shireen is important to me, and I want her to be happy in Basilia. It was not easy for her to leave the only home she has ever known. And since we are speaking of Shireen, I would like you to look in on her. She suffers greatly from womanly pains. I assume you have medicine to bring her relief?”
“I do.” He nervously tapped his foot. “I will tend her in the morning.”
Angeline peered down the long corridor. Fortunately, no one else was to be seen. “Both of you must go to your chambers and retire. My head aches, and I need rest.”
Denali bowed. “Until tomorrow.” He righted himself and strode away.
Darius lingered.
“Go.” Angeline flitted her hand.
He widened his eyes again, but in a much more sensual manner. “Are you certain you want me to leave?”
“Most definitely. You know how irritable I am when my head aches. I would offer you no pleasantries.”
He shrugged. “Very well. Perhaps I shall see to Shireen.” Smirking, he wandered off.
Damn him.
She had pushed him toward the girl, but a tinge of regret tugged at her insides. No matter. She had other issues at hand.
No sooner had she closed her door again, and another soft rap set her heart racing.
Fearing the worst, she carefully inched the door open. Kendor slipped in so smoothly, even she could not hear his movement.
She locked them within her chamber, praying no more interruptions would come.
Before she could say a word, he yanked her against his muscular form and kissed her. “I saw your cousin and healer speaking with you at your door, and I waited as patiently as I could until they left.” His kisses held the same hunger he had displayed earlier in the day.
“Are you confident you were unseen?”
“I wandered every corridor. No one was about.”
Even if somehow they became known, she cared not. Her lust would not negate the prophecy, and her undeniable cravings for Kendor overshadowed every fear.
“I am yours, Kendor.” She cupped his bottom with both hands and pulled him to her.
“My love…” Between endless kisses, he feverishly worked her bindings.
Piece by piece they shed their garments and left them in a heap on the floor.
She pointed at the bed. “Lie down.” The need to show him she was fully in control weighed heavy.
He eagerly did as she demanded and voiced no complaint.
She climbed atop him, then bent down and b
reathed him in. Unlike Imran, Kendor exuded no exotic scent, but emitted an even finer manly muskiness. As she took in his bare form, she shivered with delight. She had not been mistaken about his unique qualities. His chest bore an appropriate amount of hair—just enough to thread her fingers through—and every inch of his body was firm and strong. The feel of it set her ablaze, and she hurriedly took him into herself.
Having anticipated their union for hours, her body readily accepted him. She made no objection when he rolled her onto her back, and they continued to move as one, perfectly in rhythm. Whomever had taught him should be commended. The delicious man knew exactly how to please.
Satisfied by her brilliant selection, she moaned with delight. She could not have chosen a better lover.
Hours passed as they tumbled about the bed. The candles flickered and slowly melted into nothingness.
For a brief moment, she wondered if Darius had tangled himself with Shireen. As quickly as the thought came to mind, it dissipated. No feelings of jealousy arose.
She smiled victoriously.
Imran be damned.
Chapter 9
Carmela sat facing Tesher in the carriage, unable to shift her gaze from him. Regardless of the horrid circumstances, she had never felt happier. She wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life by his side, and he had indicated he felt the same.
In a half-day’s time they would arrive in Thanwine, and it could not come soon enough. As much as they enjoyed being alone together, their bodies ached from being so constricted.
She had moved away from him so he could stretch out more capably on the seat, and he had been sleeping. But he woke moments ago and had not stopped trembling.
“I fear you will not do well in Thanwine, Tesher.” His teeth chattered and he shivered uncontrollably. “I do not recall you being this out of sorts, when you were previously here in the mountains.”
“Neither do I.” He pulled a blanket tighter around his body. “Honestly, I do not feel well at all.”
She leaned over and flattened her hand against his face. “Your skin is on fire. What a wretched time for Denali to be in Basilia.”
“Have you no other healer?”
“None like Denali. There is a man in the village who mixes potions, yet I doubt he is as capable.” She wanted to cross over to Tesher and hold him, but had learned long ago that illness could be catching, so she kept her distance.
He eased fully upright and looked out the window, then frowned at the rapidly falling snow. “Even if Denali returned to Thanwine, I would not see him. I do not trust him in the slightest.”
“It was foolish of me to mention him.” A great understatement. “Perhaps your infirmity is from simple exhaustion and will pass on its own accord. This has not been an easy journey.”
The carriage jerked to an unexpected halt.
Tesher craned his neck. “Are we stuck in the snow?”
“It is unlikely, though it is coming down hard. At times like this, we would be better suited in a sleigh.”
The door opened, and Perrin peered inside. “Forgive my interruption, Highness, but your brothers’ carriage approaches.”
“Your intrusion is welcome, Perrin.” She turned to Tesher. “Stay here, while I speak to them.” If only she and Tesher could have arrived in Thanwine before they departed. It would have made conversation much easier.
She flipped the hood of her cloak onto her head and allowed Perrin to take her hand and help her to the ground. A gust of icy wind stung her cheeks, affirming Tesher need not be out in the weather.
Perrin bowed and climbed back up onto the driver’s seat, and she waved to the coming carriage. Surely, her brothers would be astonished to see her.
They rode in the most elaborate of carriages, pulled by four horses. Their rider was so bundled up she could not discern who he was, but he bowed his head as he pulled to a stop, possibly recognizing her. Their door opened almost instantaneously, and both Talman and Varlan emerged.
Talman warily moved to her side. “Carmela?” He gaped at her as if she were an apparition.
“Good day, Brother.”
He glanced at Varlan, then faced her again. “Why are you here? We received word from Basilia—”
She held up a hand. “I know very well about the message brought to you. I was in Basilia when King Frederick died, and Angeline sent word requesting your presence at once.”
“Yes. All royalty is gathered when a high king has passed. So why did you not remain in Basilia?”
Her thoughts tumbled. She had managed to contrive a reason for warning them about Angeline, yet had not thought this particular part through in its entirety. “I could not. I am bound to Tesher of Oros, who lies ill within my carriage. We were fortunate to come upon Darius and Shireen and they gave us this ride. They continued on to Basilia on the horses we had been traveling upon.”
Varlan stepped closer. “You speak foolishness, Sister. Why would you remove your betrothed from Basilia when he, too, is required to be present at the funeral of the high king?”
It seemed she would have to use the same tale she told Darius. “He asked that I take him away from Basilia. Now that Frederick is dead, Tesher and I fear Angeline will set her sights on him. We are quite in love and do not wish for that to happen. As high queen, Angeline could go to the priests and insist on a pairing with Tesher. You know how demanding she can be. She would not hesitate to use her position, as well as Tesher’s own proclamation of love for her at her marriage ceremony to Frederick. The priests would likely grant her request and dissolve our agreement.”
Talman grunted a laugh. “So, you fled? On horseback nonetheless, while your man is ill?”
“Yes.” Carmela lifted her head high. “Tesher was not unwell when we parted, and he insisted on great haste, not afforded to us by a Basilian carriage.” She added more conviction to her tone, hoping they would believe her. “My entire life, Angeline has attempted to make me miserable. I will not allow her to strip me of my betrothed.”
Her brothers exchanged glances, then both knowingly nodded. “Well, then,” Varlan said. “We had best return to our carriage and our journey, and you can be on your way as well. We will not interfere with…true love.” He smirked and smacked Talman on the back.
Talman did not laugh. “This situation is not to be taken lightly.” He narrowed his eyes and leered at Carmela. “The king and queen of Oros will not approve of your unaccompanied travel.”
“We know they will not be pleased, but if you would, tell them we did not mean disrespect. If you can, speak to King Callum and assure him we have behaved appropriately, and in addition, pass on our reason for fleeing, perhaps some of his displeasure will be alleviated.”
“I doubt anything will lessen the man’s anger, especially when he learns his son has fallen ill. In time, Tesher must confront him and beg forgiveness for his youthful error in judgment.” Talman brushed the accumulated snow from his shoulders. “It is senseless to tarry in this weather. I will not have Becca frozen, sitting in wait for me.”
He started to leave, but Carmela grabbed his arm and stopped him. “There is more you must know.”
“Then come within our carriage to speak of it.” Talman strode to the door, opened it, and stepped in.
Varlan followed, and Carmela entered behind them.
Talman joined Becca, who sat huddled beneath a blanket on the carriage seat. She looked up wide-eyed as Carmela took a seat across from her beside Varlan.
“Quickly say what you must,” Talman said. “We need to be on our way.”
Carmela cautiously eyed Becca, contemplating how openly she could speak in her presence, then chided herself for fearing her. Her family had been wrongly accused of Marni’s murder, and Becca needed to be aware of Angeline’s intentions, just as much as her brothers did.
Carmela shifted her attention to Talman. “I fear for you. Angeline is not right-minded.”
“Of course she is troubled. Her husband died a sensel
ess death, making her a widow. They scarcely had time to warm their marriage bed.”
“Hear me out.” She intensified her gaze. “Long ago, I overheard her telling Father that she believed she would one day become the queen of Masa’s prophecy.”
Becca sat tall. “The one foretold long ago, who would rule all the lands?”
“Yes. And now that King Boden of Padrida is dead, as well as her own husband—the highest king of all—I have no doubt, she believes it even more. I saw her shortly after hearing of Boden’s brutal passing. She reveled in it.”
“We were just recently made aware of his death,” Varlan solemnly said. “As well as the permanent banishment of Prince Sebastian, which sadly includes Becca’s mother and young sisters.” He stated what she knew would be difficult for Talman or Becca to utter. At the mention of her family, Becca’s eyes filled with tears.
“Our world is shattering,” Talman muttered and drew Becca close. “But I cannot believe Angeline would see herself as the one foretold. There are three kings still standing, and I myself have no intention of dying. Unless every king is slain, the prophecy will not come to pass.”
Carmela grasped onto his hand. “Angeline is capable of anything. She could very well be orchestrating all of this. Every wretched event. Do not trust her, Talman. Or you, Varlan.” She turned to her other brother. “She cares only for herself.”
Varlan shook his head. “If that is so, why fear for Tesher?”
“Because…” His point carried great weight, but she had to stand her ground. “Because, Angeline despises me and would do anything to hurt me! She knows if she claimed Tesher, I would be crushed.”
“Your concerns over Tesher have dimmed your mind.” Varlan crossed his arms and looked down his nose at her. “Angeline may indeed want your young prince. However, it is utterly ridiculous to believe she played a part in the deaths of the kings. King Boden was slain in battle, and King Frederick drowned while bathing. From my understanding, she was not with her husband at the time, holding his head beneath the water.”
His condescending air did not set well, but she chose to ignore it. He may be correct in regard to King Boden, yet he was completely mistaken over Frederick. Sadly, if she told him the truth about his passing, she would endanger Tesher.
