Sins of Basilia (Shrouded Thrones Book 4)

by Jeanne Hardt

  Though it might upset him further to speak of it, Carmela’s curiosity piqued. Besides, since he brought it to light, he may want to tell. “What did she say?”

  “She called me a good man, then wandered away to give Frederick the wine I had poisoned. I made her believe I was offering a token of apology for my behavior at his wedding.” His shoulders drooped, and he sighed. No doubt, despising himself again. “I am anything but good.”

  Surely nothing she might say would change his feelings, and since it seemed he had more on his mind, she sat quietly and waited.

  He grunted and rubbed his temples. “I can never atone for causing her death. Prima had years of life remaining within her, and Angeline snuffed it out to keep her from speaking the truth.”

  “Tesher, we have discussed this over and over again. You cannot change the past and must move forward with your life.”

  “Why should I be allowed to carry on with my life, when Prima cannot?”

  “If that is how you truly feel, then go to Basilia and admit to your crime.”

  He sat straight and jerked his head back. “How can you suggest it? My life would be ended the moment I confessed.”

  “Yes, it would. Admitting to murder tends to have that outcome.” Her heart raced simply from the idea of losing him, yet she feigned calm and folded her hands on her lap. “What do you honestly want, Tesher? To wallow until the end of your days?”

  He shut his eyes and shook his head. “If I could, I would travel back in time and erase every act brought on by my stupidity.”

  He startled when she tenderly brushed her fingertips across his check. “You suggest an impossibility.”

  “I know.” He grabbed onto her hands and stared earnestly into her eyes. “As cold as your brother acted toward me, I earned it. Regardless of my sins, my father is a good king and deserves better. Talman should not chastise him. Not only has he lived his life in devotion to the people of Oros, he gave every portion of himself to our family. He wanted only to see his children live full and productive lives, and to choose the proper mates who would help fulfil it. Marni was his greatest hope for the future. He thought for certain she would sit at Frederick’s side as high queen. My family is still suffering from the loss of her.”

  “You have all endured more than any family should.”

  Tears glistened in Tesher’s eyes. He quickly wiped them away before they spilled onto his cheeks. “Eural has made Father proud, and my younger sisters have yet to prove themselves. Pasha and I, however, have pierced him, and if he knew the depth of my wrongdoing, it would probably put him in his grave.”

  “How are we to repair the damage done?”

  “We cannot!” He clenched his fists, shot to his feet, and put his back to her. “As much as I want to go to him and my mother and beg their forgiveness, my hands are tied, just as you so blatantly indicated!” He whipped around. “My father should be high king. Can you not ask Talman to retract his challenge?”

  The pain in his features made it difficult to keep her gaze on him, but she did so out of love. “Even if I begged, it would do no good. Talman is stubborn and proud. He will not retreat.”

  Frowning, Tesher dropped down hard into his chair. “I knew your answer even before you spoke it.” He fidgeted with the base of his tunic. “Confusion plagues my mind, and I feel utterly lost.”

  “As do I.” She leaned close to him. “I find it difficult to understand why my love for you has grown, when it should have ceased altogether. I know of all your transgressions, but I see no wrong in you. If that is not confusing, what is?”

  He kissed her, and even in their brief connection, she sensed his fear.

  She wrapped her arms around him and firmly held on. “I cannot bear the idea of losing you, so I will not have you taken to Basilia.”

  “Your brother insists on it. How can I deny him?”

  She sat up tall and kept hold of his hands. “He told me I must go as well, yet I fear this match. I am unsure why Angeline encouraged Talman to challenge your father, but she is surely scheming in some manner. As much as I have cautioned both of my brothers, Talman sees himself as invincible, just as Frederick did. You and I both know how easily a man can be killed. I refuse to go to Basilia and watch those we love harmed.”

  “So, what do we do? Hide until the carriage leaves for Basilia?”

  She released him and thrummed her fingers on her leg, allowing her mind to drum along with them. “Would it ease you if you were able to speak to Pasha?”

  Tesher tipped his head, and his brow creased. “Please, explain yourself.”

  He had every right to be confused. She was talking in circles. “According to Talman, King Imran has declined his right to challenge for the high throne and will likely remain in Issa. The trouble being stirred by Yakar and Pasha gives him even more reason to stay in his own realm. We should go to Issa and hide ourselves there.”

  Tesher chuckled, which was an enormous change and an odd sound to hear. “Royals cannot hide. Gossip would spread through the kingdoms if we were seen there.”

  “We will dress poorly and cloak our appearance. Issans do not gossip in the same manner as those from other realms, and if we go about quietly, we can keep ourselves unnoticed. I will beg counsel with King Imran, and I feel confident he will help us.”

  “How do you know he will not report your whereabouts to your brother?”

  She shrugged. “I cannot explain it, but I have always felt a bond to the king of Issa. We have spoken on many occasions, and he consistently displayed kindness. Perhaps he has sympathy for my status. With all the rumors of my mother’s supposed infidelity, I believe he has compassion and despises those who try to shame me. Issans do not view morality as we do.”

  “Do you believe she was unfaithful?”

  “I knew her not, and therefore, I cannot judge her. My father was good to me and treated me as his own. Only Angeline scorned me and acted as if I were far beneath her. She believed every hateful rumor, yet sadly, those who know the truth of my parentage are dead.”

  “Not all.”

  She stared at him. “What do you mean?”

  “If your mother was untrue, the man from whose seed you came may still be living.”

  She had considered the possibility before, yet always cast it aside, wanting to believe she was genuinely the daughter of a king and a rightful princess. “If so, he will not make himself known. Of that, I am certain. What reason would he have after all this time?”

  “If I had a daughter, I would want to know her as such, and to have her know me. You are exceptional, Carmela, and any man would be proud to call you his own.”

  She bowed her head, then popped it right up again. “Enough of this. We must make plans to leave.”

  Tesher folded his arms and shook his head as if already defeated. “Are we to steal horses again and attempt travel through the snow?”

  “It would not be wise.” She wrung her hands, fearful of her own plan. “We will give Talman every indication we intend to go with him to Basilia, but we will rise before dawn, go to the stables, and take a carriage. If we can leave unseen, the snow will cover our path and keep us from being followed.”

  “Can the horses manage in the dark by lantern light alone?”

  “We will be taking substantial risk, yet the animals are accustomed to the paths.”

  “No.” Tesher firmed his jaw. “I will not have you do this. The danger is too great. The simple chance of your marshal finding us in the stable is high. He would know something is amiss if we set out for the horses in the dark of night. There must be another way.”

  Her mind spun with every possibility, and a solution struck hard. “I can drive a sleigh.”

  “How would a sleigh benefit us? It would be just as easily seen and would do us no good once we venture away from the snow.”

  “Talman will be going into the village tomorrow to tell our people of the match in Basilia. We can ready a sleigh to go and bear witness to his proclam
ation. With all the commotion and numerous villagers filling the town square, we can slip away. There is a rarely traveled path across the back side of our mountain. Even though it is seldom used, the sleigh will manage it. When we are well on our way, newly fallen snow will hide our tracks. By the time our absence is discovered, everyone will assume we returned to the castle, which will give us even more time to flee. As for reaching the snow’s edge, once there, we will mount the horses and ride to Issa on a less-traveled road.”

  Tesher leaned close, smiling. “That plan might very well work.”

  She flung her arms around him and hugged him.

  A heavy-handed knock shook the door. “Carmela?” Talman’s gruff voice came through plainly. “Are you within?”

  She sighed. “We have been discovered,” she whispered. “He must have asked Perrin which room you occupied.”

  “Carmela!” Talman beat even harder. “Come out at once!”

  “Worry not, Tesher.” She cupped his cheek with her hand. “I can manage my brother. After all, you and I have done nothing wrong. My being here was merely to console you after his rude remarks.” Though she hated to leave, she stood. “Gather your things together and prepare to leave tomorrow. I will do the same. In addition, I will acquire some servant’s garments for us to wear when we reach Issa. We cannot walk in wearing royal attire.”

  He nodded. “I will never in all my life manage to repay all your kindnesses.”

  “All I ask is that you love me.”

  He arose, drew her close, and kissed her.

  “Carmela!” Talman’s tone had grown even angrier. “I will knock this door down if I must!”

  “I am coming, Talman!” She gave Tesher another quick peck, then hastened to the door.

  Before exiting, she looked back at Tesher and smiled. A sense of calm swept over her. As much as she feared for her brother, she felt certain she and Tesher would have a future together.

  Their hope lay in Issa.

  Chapter 13

  The annoying sound of a blackbird’s cry woke Angeline from a blissful slumber.

  She nestled against the bare form beside her, and for a brief moment forgot exactly who shared her bed.

  She twirled her fingers through the hairs on his chest. They alone revealed his identity.

  Oh, yes…Kendor.

  He bore more hair than Denali, but far less than Darius.

  Her movement brought him to life, much to her pleasure. He glided his hand down her bare back and across her bottom, then gave it a squeeze. “Please, do not tell me to leave.”

  “The blackbird has cried out. Soon the sun will rise.” She kissed his neck and breathed him in. The seductive scent of their night of lovemaking remained. “We have much to accomplish today, and I need you well-rested. You must go to your chamber and sleep.”

  He rolled onto his back and pulled her atop him. His firmness beneath her spoke loudly. The dear man wanted more than rest. “Why can I not stay and slumber here?”

  The way he continued to caress her backside nearly made her reconsider. “Whenever we lie together, we risk being caught. You must go while others in the castle sleep.”

  “As you have said many times.” His hand slipped between her legs. “Can we not have satisfaction once more before we part?”

  His skillful touch weakened her. “You are relentless.” With every passing second, her desire grew as he probed deeper.

  “No, I am a man in love. I will never have enough of you.”

  “Very well. The longing of my heart will not allow me to resist you.” She sat up and took him into herself. “We must be quick.”

  “Of course, my queen.”

  Kendor had a way about him that sparked across every inch of her skin and set it on fire. Quick became an hour of heated ecstasy.

  Once they separated, they had drenched the sheets in sweat. She tossed them aside, lay back on the pillows, and shamelessly splayed herself out. “I should have known better than to give in to you.”

  He arose from the bed, brightened the lantern on the stand beside it, and peered down at her, grinning. “Your beauty overwhelms me, and when I touch your bare flesh, I become a different man. You have bewitched me, and I cannot control my actions.”

  She pointed at the heap of clothes on the floor. “Then get dressed and remind yourself you are my highest-ranking guard. When we are seen together publicly, you cannot reveal your enchantment toward me.”

  He bowed his head. “Yes, my queen.”

  Thankful he had illuminated their surroundings, she watched his every move. How could she even consider giving up such an exceptional form? He had proven to be the perfect man—strong and firm in all the right places.

  At least Denali no longer complained. She had been making ample time for him, and he approved of Kendor. She had assured him her feelings for him were those of lust and nothing more, and her heart remained solely with him. Though a rarity, it was the truth.

  She sat up and hugged her knees to her bosom, choosing to put her thoughts on more important matters. “What progress has been made on the arena?”

  “You will be pleased.” He tugged on his trousers. “We were able to use a great deal of the stones from the ruins and have arranged a large seating area. My men are constructing a higher viewing platform for the royals and one that is canopied for you, my queen.”

  “Splendid.” She gazed down and rubbed her belly.

  Just as she anticipated, Kendor stepped close and covered her hand with his own. “It troubles me knowing the high throne will be taken from Basilia. You should be sitting upon it now, and one day, your child.”

  “We must accept that the realms demand a king.” She broadly smiled. “It should please you to know we will not be bothered with issues of every realm. We will be left in quiet to do as we desire.” She lifted his hand to her cheek and cradled it there. “When all is settled, I will go to the priests and request that you become my husband.”

  Gaping, he knelt on the bed beside her. “I am no prince.”

  “True. Yet they are scarce, and I honestly no longer have need of one. I carry a royal heir in my womb, and that is all Basilia requires.”

  He stared into her eyes. “You would have me as a husband?”

  “It is you I love.” She stroked his cheek, then brought him close and kissed him. “Now, leave me, and become the man I know you are. In a handful of days, our kingdom will be swarming with more people than I care to see, but who are necessary. I must be assured that every chamber is ready for occupancy, meals are in order, and most importantly, the arena is finished to perfection. This match of strength is one that no one from any realm shall see again in their lifetime. I intend it to be memorable.”

  He stared at her as if dazed.

  “Kendor? Did you hear all I said?”

  He rapidly shook his head. “Yes, my queen, but I confess, it is difficult for me to get beyond your proclamation of love and your intention of marriage.”

  She pursed her lips. “Did I not give myself to you? That alone should prove my intentions. It took courage for me to lie with you, yet I could not deny my heart.”

  He kissed her firmly. “I swear to God above, I love you, and I will do all you have asked of me.”

  “Your devotion moves me.” She kissed him in a much more tender manner, then patted his rump, grinned, and pointed to the door.

  Lightly chuckling, he bowed low, then finished dressing and crept from the room, but not before looking back at her with his boyish lovesick expression. She had seen the same one on Tesher many times. Odd that a grown man could display something so similar.

  Tesher…

  He could have been so enjoyable, but it was not to be. Perhaps it had been wrong to allow him to leave, yet she felt confident he would not reveal her manipulation. If he were to cast blame in her direction, she would deny everything and place it all on him. Her people trusted her and they had witnessed his proclamation of love for her. And now that his sister, Pasha, ha
d run off with that naughty boy, Yakar, the house of Oros had lost all credibility.

  She rolled over and hugged her pillow, then giggled with delight. The fight between Callum and Talman could not come soon enough. With Denali’s help, the spectacle would be engrained in the minds of every spectator until the day of their death.

  It would be her greatest feat.

  Yawning, she closed her eyes. Several hours of darkness remained until morning. She would attempt to sleep, though excitement could very well keep her from it.

  Tesher gazed down at his simple clothes. He scarcely recognized himself, so perhaps their ploy would work. Once they had neared Issa, they had gone so far as to set their horses free. Carmela had believed they would take away from the impression they wanted to give as servants. It made sense, but he hoped the animals would manage to find their way home.

  Carmela adjusted his head covering, which wrapped around his face as well. “Be sure this does not slip and expose your handsome face. Your eyes alone are a risk, but if they were covered, you would not be able to see.”

  She, too, had almost fully covered her face, and he felt certain she was grinning beneath her veil. In Issa, cloth-wrapped heads were not uncommon. Many people traveled here, hoping for anonymity.

  Thus far, her plan had fallen perfectly into place. They had fled Thanwine with little difficulty. The realm had been abuzz with excitement, and no one noticed the departing sleigh. Carmela had felt confident it would not be found where they left it, since few people ventured to the back side of the mountain.

  Tesher had never been allowed to travel to Issa. His father saw it as a sacrilege, though they oftentimes took advantage of trade and indulged in Issan wine. However, loyal servants were always sent to obtain it. To his understanding, no Orosian royal had ever stepped inside the borders of Issa.

  Far different from Thanwine, the air in Issa was warm and inviting, yet cries of caution crept into every part of him.

  His heart beat wildly as he looked about. The terrain had fewer trees than Basilia, but not barren and sand-filled like Oros. Although the streets were quite dusty, women wandered them bare-footed, wearing brightly colored silk garments. Bangles that boasted sparkling gems circled their ankles and jingled with every step they took. Light, airy scarves draped over the women’s heads, yet did not cover their features. They radiated inviting smiles, and as they passed, their tantalizing spicy scent lingered.