“What’s wrong?” she asked. “Why do you withhold your seed, the bringer of new life?”
“Wrap your legs around me.” A picture of Turtanu thrusting into Mardu as she lay on the altar flashed into his thoughts. Istari’s face and form replaced those of the other priestess. Not on the altar, he decided but in the same manner. He rose and carried her to the table used by slaves to massage the aches from sore muscles. He sat her on the edge of the table and withdrew.
“Ashur, why?”
“Lean back so I can admire your beauty.” He pressed his lips to her throat and marked her as he had before. His mouth trailed over her breasts and he stroked her nipples with his tongue before sliding them along her abdomen. With his tongue, he explored the folds between her legs and when her juices flowed heavily, he through until her tight passage encased his spear.
She moaned and moved. He caressed her breasts until her cries grew frantic. One touch to her pleasure knot and she spasmed. Her sheath tightened around his spear and with a roar, he released his seed.
“Ashur, Ashur, my Tammuz, my love for now and forever.”
He gathered her close. “You are my star of live.” He carried her back to the pool.
When they returned to her room, they found bread, meat and beer. With laughter, they fed each other. Though he would have liked to linger, he dressed. “I must see to the gathering of spoils and slaves. The guard will keep you safe and bring your young friend to keep you company. Ready your belongings. We leave for Nineveh soon.”
“I hear.”
He saw tears in her eyes and wished he could stop them. There was no way he could change the past of the future.
* * *
Ashur cornered his patrol leaders and examined the goods they had selected to carry away. Already carts containing cloth, metals, jewelry and other wares had left the city. Slaves, men and women with skills and also children, had been selected from the pens. He spotted Turtanu and scowled for the priestess, Mardu, stood at his friend’s side.
Ashur strode toward the pair. “What is she doing here? You were ordered to place her with the slaves.”
Turtanu pointed to a line of scratches on her arm. “The women attacked her. She will be my gift to the temple of Ishtar when we reach Nineveh. Once in the temple, with her skills, she will be given the status she has been denied here.”
“How can you trust a woman who has betrayed her people?”
Turtanu laughed. “She only saw to herself and that’s the first law of life. Mardu wants the life I’ve promised. She will obey me. Is she different from you and me? You let ambition rule. So do I.”
Ashur frowned. Turtanu had risen as high as possible for one of low birth. How could he expect to become a noble?
“I serve the king,” Ashur said. “My ambition is to see Assyria prosper and become powerful.”
“There we differ.” Turtanu stroked Mardu’s arm. “She will obey my commands.”
“And when she’s chosen to participate in the spring ritual, will you be her consort for the night and die to insure a good harvest.”
Mardu’s eyes narrowed. “Turtanu is safe from that fate. I have another choice but he can escape if he kills the false priestess and delivers the seal to me.”
“I have no desire for you.”
She stared at his groin. “Desire can be stirred. Let me touch you and you will beg me to mount you.”
“There’s more to desire than the body’s response.” He moved away. “Turtanu, speed the gathering of the spoils. We leave for Nineveh in two days.”
* * *
Istari sank to the chariot floor. The days of travel seemed endless and she wished for sleep. She’d lost track of how much time had passed in the monotony of the journey. Her hand stroked her abdomen where Ashur’s seed had taken root.
He helped her to her feet. “Not far now. If we hurry, we can reach the city soon after nightfall.” He pointed to a dark line on the horizon. “There are the walls.”
She leaned against him. This was her last chance to change their fate. “Must we rush? I am with child and am tired.”
He halted the chariot and hailed the captains. “We’ll camp now.”
Turtanu pulled his chariot beside Ashur’s. “Why? With ease we can reach the city tonight.”
“Better to arrive during the day so the people can share our triumph.” He laughed. “Also, I have just learned I’m to be a father and would celebrate with Istari this night.”
Istari saw Mardu whisper in the other man’s ear. Turtanu nodded. “You’re right. When we ride tomorrow, you should bear the statue of Marduke in your chariot.”
A sense of foreboding filled Istari’s thoughts. She was certain the pair schemed against Ashur. The stars moved toward the pattern that meant the death of the man she loved. She must find a way to defeat fate.
Ashur lifted her from the chariot. “I’ll have the tent set and meet with my captains. See that the cook brings our meal to the tent.” He strode away.
Mardu grabbed Istari’s arm. “The child you carry will never breathe or cry. Give me the seal of the temple so I may enter Nineveh as the high priestess.”
Istari shook her head. “I cannot. The seal is not for you.”
“Then I will take it from you after you are gone.”
“What evil do you plan?”
“Not evil. Justice. The diviners have spoken and I have heard. The astrologers have their charts and know. Look to the stars and see the truth.”
Istari pulled away. Mardu was right and wrong. There was a chance for the fate to be changed. She had to convince Ashur to leave and flee with her.
When she entered the tent, she found Ashur and the captains discussing their grand entrance into the city. Ashur leaned forward. “Our making camp has allowed the tribute wagons and slaves to catch up.”
Turtanu’s snide smile made Istari stiffen. Hatred flashed in his dark eyes. “After some consideration I’ll take Marduke into my chariot,” he said.
“The statue goes with me,” Ashur said. “The captive god travels to Nineveh with the leader of the army.”
Istari gasped. “No.”
Ashur waved his men toward the tent opening. “You are dismissed. I must see to my woman.” Once the others had departed, Ashur took Istari into his arms. “Don’t fear, my star. Not for you the wagon with the slaves. You will ride with me.”
She sank to her knees and grasped his legs. “Ashur, please. What if the god chooses to punish you for what happened in the temple?”
He chuckled. “He should be pleased for he returns to his home.”
She swallowed. “I love you. I want to see you hold our child. Don’t go to Nineveh. Let us leave this camp and find a place where we can live from all strife.”
He pulled her to her feet. “I’ve heard being with child gives a woman strange notions. All will be well.”
“Not the child. The stars. I lost my country and my family. The stars say my grief is not at an end. Heed my warning. Turtanu and Mardu mean you harm.”
He laughed. “Why would my friend want to hurt me?”
“He envies you. He listens to Mardu. She is angry that you chose me and rejected her. She plays on his inner demons.”
He pulled her into his arms. “Turtanu has gone as far in the ranks as is possible for one of his lowly birth. Harming me who stood as his sponsor makes no sense.”
“She has closed his eyes to what is real and feeds him a dream.”
His lips brushed hers. “Istari, I love you.”
She sucked in a breath. “Then come away with me.”
“And throw away my moment of triumph? When I enter Nineveh, the people will cheer. The king will honor me. I will become his son’s advisor. My name will be sung in the temples. How can you ask me to walk away?”
She lowered her gaze. “Once again ambition rules. If taking me into the city means my death and the end of your hope for a son? Will you not reconsider?”
He peppered her face with
kisses. “Star of my heart, fear not. Once I bring the god and the spoils to the king, I will sit at his right hand. His sister will be my wife and you will be my beloved concubine. Your nights will be spent in my arms.”
Tears spilled over her cheeks. This choice had been made before. Ambition won over love and they were doomed. She pressed her face against his chest.
“Come, show me the depth of your love.” He opened her dress and when she was nude laved her breasts with his tongue. “Soon my son will feast here and I will envy him.” He led her to the pillows and stripped off his clothes. He knelt beside her and stoked her abdomen. “Hard to believe my son grows here.”
She placed her hands over his. “The time is too soon for my body to change.”
“Your breasts are larger.”
She beat back her fears and touched him. “As does your spear.”
He growled. “Istari, I need you, want you, love you.”
“Then come with me for I am yours now and forever, just as I was in our past life.” To hide a surge of fear and grief, she pulled him closer. He thrust inside and she forgot all but him.
Twice more that night they made live. At dawn, they broke their fast and dressed. As they walked to the chariot, Istari held Ashur’s hand. She felt as though she went to her doom.
The smile on Mardu’s face increased Istari’s uneasiness. The other woman’s eyes glittered with hatred and secrets. A chill slithered along Istar’s spine.
The statue of Marduke was lashed to the rear of Ashur’s chariot. Instead of two horses, there were four. He lifted Istari into her place. She grasped his shoulders. “If you won’t go with me, have the men remove Marduke.”
He laughed and leaped beside her. He grasped the driving reins. “Don’t be afraid. Think of my triumph. People will cheer and toss flowers. You can gather them to scent our bed this night.”
Istari shook her head. “You do not understand. Your ambition rules this time as it did before. So be it.”
He snapped the reins. The double pair of horses moved forward. Turtanu’s chariot drew abreast. “You’re a fool to carry the statue. The extra weight will slow you and allow me to receive the first cheers.”
Ashur laughed. “We will see who is first. You have never bested me in a race.” He urged the horses into a gallop. They thundered toward the wall of the city. The statue swayed from side to side. One of the ropes binding the heavy stone to the chariot snapped.
“Slow the horses,” Istari screamed. A second rope broke. The chariot jerked and bucked. Istari was tossed into the air. The horses screamed.
She slammed into the ground. Pain rocketed through her body. “Ashur,” she cried. With slow and excruciating movements, she dragged herself to where he lay beneath the statue. She bathed his face with her tears. “My love.”
“Next time, my star.” He shuddered. His eyes lost awareness.
She glared at the statue of Marduke. “You have had your revenge. Why us when Mardu betrayed you?”
“Istari, Istari.” Lamaru knelt beside her. Tears rolled over the girl’s cheeks.
“The necklace. Take it. Lamaru-ishtaru I name you. Do not let Mardu know you have the seal.”
The girl fumbled with the fastening. “Let me help you.”
“Too late.” Istari rolled on her side and kissed Ashur’s cheek. “MY love, why didn’t you listen?” She heard no answer.
* * *
A rapping on the door pulled Astrid from the vivid trip in the past. She rubbed her arms to erase the chill she felt. Another betrayal. What was happening? Was there a message to be found in these dreams? If only she could remember more than finding love and being betrayed but the images and experiences had faded by the time she reached the door.
As she greeted Sarah, the image of the dying priestess flashed in her thoughts. Ishtar-ishtaru, her foster mother in that alien land. “Come in.”
“I can’t stay. Brought you a check I didn’t want to leave in the cash register drawer.”
“Must be a large one.”
Sarah smiled. “That charming Mr. Garrett dropped by to see you. He bought that pectoral you put on display this morning.” Her lips quirked. “Just think of how great he would look wearing that piece and one of those brief Egyptian kilts. As they say, the man is hot.
Astrid laughed. “Aunt Sarah.”
The older woman patted Astrid’s hand. “A woman’s never too old to admire a well-honed body. Even Clive is easy on the eyes. Bit hard on the head, though.” She peered past Astrid. “Looks like you’ve made a good start.”
“And was diverted.” She decided not to tell Sarah about her trip to some ancient past. “Any idea what Dad was up to?”
Sarah shook her head. “Research, he said. Had me finding books at the library and in used bookstores. No rhyme or reason to his selection that I could see.” She winked. “Back to Mr. Garrett. He was disappointed to find you weren’t there.”
Astrid stared at the floor. Even the mention of his name made her feel flushed. “Did he say why?”
Sarah chuckled. “When an eligible man asks about an equally eligible woman, there’s no reason to ask why. Are you interested?”
“Maybe.” Astrid felt a pulsing spread through her body. What was wrong with her? Thinking about her made her want to be in his arms.
“He gives off good vibes,” Sarah said.
What he emits is an invitation to sin, Astrid thought. When she recalled how close she’d come to surrender, she hoped she wouldn’t see him for years, even decades.
“He mentioned an excellent rehab facility. Said he was visiting your father after he left the store. I’m heading there after dinner. See you tomorrow.”
Astrid closed the door. She wrapped the necklace in cloth and shoved the packet in a drawer of her father’s dresser. After a quick shower, she grabbed the portfolio of photos and drove to the hospital. As she left the car, she saw Duncan emerge from the entrance. She’d hoped to avoid him. Though she wanted to remain in the car, she wasn’t a coward. She opened the door.
Duncan strode across the driveway. “Good. I wanted to talk to you.”
“This morning was a mistake.”
His eyes narrowed. “I don’t think so. Want me to prove you’re wrong? Could do it here and now.”
Astrid breathed in the scent of him and felt blood rush through her veins. “Let’s call this a stalemate, Mr. Garrett.”
“Only if you call me Duncan. Why don’t I hang around until you’re finished with your visit? I’ll take you to dinner.”
“I’m booked.” She stepped around him.
He placed his hands on her shoulders. Memories of the kiss flooded her.
“Tomorrow after Antiquities closes?”
She stiffened. “I don’t have time to become involved with you or anyone.”
“We’re already involved.”
His breath brushed her nape sending a message she wanted to accept. Could she spend time with him and not succumb to the desire to taste passion? This time she had to be cautious. She frowned. Where did that come from?
“Will you?”
“Dinner, then. Tomorrow.”
He turned her to face him. “We’ll take the sex slow and easy.”
“What?” She felt her face flame.
He grinned. “I have some ideas about your father’s rehab. We’ll talk about them over dinner.”
“Why are you taking an interest?”
“I like him. From the moment I entered Antiquities, I felt a connection.” He shrugged. Can’t explain that any more than I can my craving for you.”
She shook her head. “Bury your craving. I’ll meet you at any restaurant you choose.”
“I’ll stop by the shop tomorrow and let you know.” He leaned closer. “Sex will be incandescent.”
Astrid strode into the hospital. He was right but she wasn’t sure she wanted to play his game.
* * *
Duncan started the sports car. Instead of going home, he headed to the Thr
uway north and hit the gas. Thoughts of seduction pulsed with the hard rock blaring from the speakers. He grinned. She’d agreed to dinner. He felt like a teenager who’d just been accepted by the most popular girl in high school.
Dinner. He knew the perfect place. Soft music, candlelight, great food. He owned a piece of the restaurant and the private booth in the rear corner was his whenever he asked.
For a moment, he could almost feel her skin beneath his hands. He sucked in a breath. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d been this obsessed with any woman. Even his teenage years hadn’t kept him in a state of constant arousal.
This afternoon, he’d stopped at Antiquities. He’d been disappointed not to find her. He bought a pectoral. The desire to own the piece had been almost as strong as his desire for Astrid. A picture of a nude woman lifting the jewelry over a man’s head had flashed into his thoughts. Had the incident been real or the product of a vivid imagination?
At the last exit before the toll, he left the Thruway, did a U-turn and drove back to town. Time for another cold shower and to make arrangements for tomorrow’s dinner.
* * *
Astrid left the hospital and hurried home. As she started to the steps, Paula called her name. Astrid waited. “Good timing.”
“I try.”
Astrid led the way and opened the door. Paula put her package on the bar and walked to the large picture window. “What a great view. I envy you.”
“Just mine for the summer. Do you live in town?”
“My small house isn’t far from the hospital. Part of a divorce settlement. Next time, I’ll have you there.”
Past Betrayals, Past Loves Page 7
