“I understand your concern, but this animal was put in my path by something greater than myself. It is not for me to deny what the gods wish for me. If you won’t allow Kaida in Talaith, then I will gladly stay here, as long as His Grace will welcome me.” Anje inclined his head to Taryn in consent. “Thank you, Duke Anje, for your kind hospitality.”
Myrddin laughed, making them all jump. “Let the girl have her dog, Lliandra. I’m sure Taryn will train her and keep her penned up at night so she won’t eat the horses. Isn’t that right, Taryn?”
She gave Myrddin a sideways glance and smiled. “I’m sure Kaida will be no trouble at all.”
Lliandra twisted a ring around her finger, her angry stare focused on Myrddin. An unspoken argument crossed between them while the others waited for the outcome. Finally, Lliandra tossed her hair with a sniff. “I don’t want that beast near me or my court. You may keep her in the kennels, but away from the horses. If I hear of one accident involving your pet, I’ll kill her myself. Is this understood?”
Taryn swallowed hard. “Yes, Mother. Completely. Except—” Lliandra stared at her, and she mustered her courage. “She will sleep in my rooms with me. If we leave her in the kennels, who’s to say she won’t take to the scent of horses or men as prey? But if she stays with me, then Aelan smells will be imprinted on her as friends.” She stroked Kaida’s soft fur. “Would you like to hold her?” For the briefest moment, Lliandra’s eyes widened; her face softened.
“I think not. She might be cute, but never forget what she is.” She turned away from Kaida, straightening her skirts. “Now, if we can get to the business at hand. Taryn, as my daughter and head of House Galendrin, you are due a monthly stipend as well as property. I’ve been informed you have yet to receive either, a fact that will be remedied when we return to Talaith.”
By the smug look on Anje’s face, Taryn suspected her uncle had intervened on her behalf.
“And, as my niece, I would like to offer you land north of Ravenwood, Downington Grange. The soil is rich and there is plenty of grazing land for sheep.”
Lliandra’s lips pursed into a tight little knot. “That’s very kind of you, Your Grace, but Taryn won’t be needing your land. She will have the choice of three properties to choose from. I am certain she’ll find one suitable for her position.”
The monthly stipend alone made her a woman of means, but the added property made her quite wealthy.
“Thank you. Both of you. Really, it’s more than I ever expected.” Taryn gushed, overwhelmed by their generosity.
“Yes, well, you need to keep up appearances now. As for Hayden,” Lliandra looked away from Taryn’s leather breeches and loose-fitting blouse, “he will travel with us to Talaith and take his father’s place on the Privy Council.”
Again, Taryn suspected her uncle of manipulating the situation so that Hayden could be close to Sabina.
As if reading her mind, Lliandra continued, “In addition, we have learned that Queen Prateeni has granted your request to court her daughter. After much consideration, I have decided to allow this union.”
Hayden barely suppressed his excitement. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
She turned next to Rhoane. “Because your father has lifted your exile, you are permitted once again to speak in chambers and be an active part of the council.”
Rhoane inclined his head. “I am honored to serve, Your Majesty.”
Lliandra stood, smoothing her skirts. “These changes will, of course, be presented publicly once we return to Talaith. I think our business here has concluded. If there are no questions? Very well. It has been a long day, and I am quite tired from our travels. I think I’ll dine in my rooms this evening. Myrddin, won’t you join me?” She held out her arm, not waiting for his reply.
“Rykoto’s balls, it’s about time,” Hayden said once the door clicked shut.
“Hayden.” The duke’s tone had an edge to it Taryn had never heard.
“Father, you know as well as I that the only reason she relented is that she’s terrified Taryn’s rank is higher than hers. If you hadn’t badgered her, then I’d be stuck here and Sabina would be married off to that oaf Herbret. All to benefit the empress.”
“His family is very powerful,” the duke warned. “You do not want to make an enemy of him.”
“I have no intention of making enemies this day. If you’ll excuse me, I plan to celebrate this good fortune with a very special lady.” Hayden bowed to his father and then to Taryn and Rhoane.
Taryn relished in the small victory. Lliandra’s change of mind wasn’t solely due to her, but she’d been a part of Hayden and Sabina’s happiness. That alone filled her with a warm contentedness.
Anje handed her a heavy pouch, placing both his hands over hers. “Take this. A girl needs a little pocket change.” She started to protest, but he shushed her. “If I know your mother, it will be some time before she sorts out your allowance. Just consider this an advance.”
“I promise I’ll find a way to repay you.”
“You are so very like my late lady wife. You have her impulsiveness and generosity of spirit.” He gave a melancholy chuckle. “Not to mention her beauty and dazzling blue eyes. She was there at your birth, you know. Lliandra entrusted her secret to only a few people. When Brandt took you away, I think it broke Gwyn’s heart nearly as much as your mother’s.”
“I remember her. She had the sweetest voice. She told me there can be no Light without Dark and no darkness without light.”
Rhoane and Anje passed a look between them. “I was there when the duchess said this to you. You were naught but moments old. It is remarkable you remember,” Rhoane said.
A chill raised the hair on her neck. “It isn’t a conscious thing. Memories just come to me at odd moments.”
“You always surprise me, Darennsai.”
“That’s a good thing, right?” Then, in a serious tone, she said to her uncle, “I thank you for what you’ve done today. There is so much more I need to understand and not enough bells in the day.”
“Don’t be hard on yourself, Taryn. You’ve had much to learn in a short time. You will be busy in Talaith for the next while, but I want you to know you are welcome here anytime. And your ferocious pet.”
She laughed and thanked him as Rhoane led her and Kaida out to the gardens, where the grierbas rolled over and chased bees. “Yeah, she’s a real killer.”
“Have no doubt, Darennsai, your mother’s fears are not without merit. Kaida might not look like much now, but in time she will be, as you say, a real killer.”
“Then we’ll just have to convince her we’re not the enemy.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Marissa watched from her window as Taryn and Rhoane walked through the gardens, holding hands and laughing at the antics of the beast Taryn had brought from the Narthvier. That Taryn was able to hide the pup was vexing. Either Taryn was getting better at warding, or Marissa’s spies were lax in their duties.
She had underestimated Taryn. If not for those damned vorlocks, Taryn and Rhoane would’ve met King Stephan with their relationship steeped in doubt. Marissa had worked too hard to make that happen, and whoever was responsible for sending the vorlocks would be punished as soon as Marissa had a name. Until then, she had to rethink her strategy where her sister was concerned.
“Are you even listening?” Herbret’s nasally voice whined. “She gave Sabina to Hayden. You promised me.” His sniveling took on a dangerous edge. “I demand you speak with your mother and change her mind.”
Marissa turned from the window and watched with curious detachment as Herbret’s Adam’s apple bounced up and down with anxious regularity. Once, when he was a minor noble and she inexperienced with men, she’d let him seduce her. It was a night filled with monosyllabic bleats that echoed through her mind. He was, at the very least, a limp lover, and Marissa had tired of him after that first night. Herbret, convinced otherwise, had pursued her with singular purpose until, in a fit of desp
eration, she’d thrown Celia his way.
Her favorite lady had used Herbret admirably. Not just in the bedchamber but to raise her own status with the court. Celia’s uncanny ability to look beyond Herbret’s physical inadequacies allowed her to form a bond with a rising force in Talaithian politics.
A fact that now haunted Marissa. It was Celia’s subtle manipulations that helped raise Herbret up, and his status threatened Marissa’s plans. A quick death would solve her problem, but Herbret was not dispensable. She took a deep breath and softened her features.
“My darling Herbret, you know I can’t do that. Mother has already written to the queen and given her permission. Why is Sabina so important to you? She has no ShantiMari. Her family is wealthy, but that’s not something you covet. I can’t help but wonder what it is about the Summerlands princess that has you in such a tizzy.”
Herbret cleared his throat, making his Adam’s apple jump once more. “The princess would raise my status at court, as you know. I have land, yes, but not a title anyone cares about. Your mother has promised me an earldom several times, but has yet to make good on her troth.”
“A title? Is that really what this is about? I thought you told me it was for shipping routes?”
The flush to his cheeks and the constant tugging at his waistcoat told Marissa there was more to this than he let on. Much more. Celia had to know the true nature of Herbret’s obsession with Sabina, but the girl played innocent remarkably well.
Marissa stepped forward until she was close enough to touch Herbret but kept herself apart from him. Their body heat filled the empty space, warming her in places left wanting for far too long. If she wasn’t already planning her trip south, she would’ve considered letting Herbret pleasure her. She imagined his plump buttocks turning red beneath her lash and moaned so softly he cocked his head, a look of warning crossing his face, followed by a look of expectation.
She raked her fingernails through his hair, loosening the leather thong that held his tresses in a long tail that flowed down his back. Once released, he had marvelous hair. It was the only thing about him that was beautiful. She licked her lips, imagining the tips of silken strands brushing against her nipples.
Herbret’s cock jumped in response, straining against his trousers to press her thigh. A fat tongue protruded from his rosy lips, a drop of saliva formed at the corner of his mouth.
Marissa swallowed a snort of disgust and pressed her breasts upward until his chin nearly rested on them. “Surely there is more to it. One powerless girl cannot be worth a title.”
His too-small eyes darted around the room, anxiety dancing in their depths. “I tell you true.” He took a step back, hurriedly retying the thong around his hair. “If you won’t speak to the empress, I’ll see her myself.”
Marissa flicked a dismissive hand at him. “Be my guest, but it’ll do you no good. The Eirielle wants Sabina and Hayden married. I’m afraid the empress isn’t concerned with your feelings on the matter.”
Herbret stopped in his movements, mouth agape. “Your sister? But I thought Lliandra had her under control?”
“Apparently not.” Marissa beckoned to the sofa. “Why don’t you have a seat and tell me exactly what it is about Sabina that you covet. I’m sure we can come to some sort of arrangement to help you achieve your goals.”
“So long as my goals don’t interfere with yours, is that it? Sabina has captured my heart, and although it isn’t a love match on her part, I would hope in time she would love me, as I adore her. That’s all. I want a virginal wife to be my life companion. If there is nothing more, I would like to see your mother.”
Marissa excused him with a pitying wave. He might fancy himself in love with the Summerlands girl, but he’d given her much more than a sob story. He needed Sabina unspoiled. When she returned, she’d seek out Celia and uncover the truth of Herbret’s motives.
A quick glance at the sky hurried her pace. It had been too risky to chance a visit during their travels, but now that the court was in Paderau, Marissa would waste no more time. If the two maids the duke had assigned her were as proficient at lying as they professed, she could be gone a full day, possibly two. If nothing else, the feel of Talaithian gold in their pockets would keep their mouths shut.
Marissa walked as swiftly as she could without drawing suspicion to the secluded place she used for her transformation. The change was effortless; she focused on the bird’s black feathers, beak, and claws until she became a sleek levon. Nothing, except Zakael’s lovemaking, equaled the feel of flying. She beat her wings hard to take to the sky, spiraling up as quickly as possible, delighting in the feel of wind on her feathers.
It would take until the moon was far overhead before she reached Gaarendahl Castle, and Zakael. Soon she would feel his skin next to hers, his delicious ShantiMari flowing around her. As she flew, she fought off the bird’s natural instincts to hunt.
Shape shifting was easy to do but difficult to maintain. The key was to not let the animal’s mind interfere with one’s own. Otherwise, she might permanently become what she changed into. She’d once turned an idiot servant into a field mouse. His tiny brain melded with the animal so completely Marissa was unable to separate them. She’d kept him as a pet for a few moonturns, until he bored her and she let a palace cat have him.
The castle loomed against the sky, far in the distance. She descended, coasting on a warm current, giving her wings a rest before landing. Salty air tickled beneath her feathers, and the temptation to become one with the animal and fly for the rest of her life tugged on her sensibilities. Her talons touched the hard rock of the castle, and she shook herself, ruffling her feathers before tucking in her wings. The flight took less time than she’d anticipated. With a slice of regret, she transformed back into a woman and stepped into Zakael’s study.
He was reclining in a chair, feet on his desk. Two dogs, great shaggy beasts the color of warm chocolate, perked their ears. Seeing her, their tails thwumped on the floor, but they did not rise to greet her.
Zakael looked up with some surprise but did not frown. “I thought you might be joining me soon.” He set aside the paper he’d been reading. “It’s been awhile.”
“We just arrived in Paderau. Aren’t you going to give me a proper greeting?” She slid out of her dress, revealing her naked body. “As you said, it’s been awhile.”
He took her hard and fast. No tender kiss to warm her, no fondling of her breasts to ease them into the moment. That would come later, in his bed, when he would coax her to the throes of ecstasy and leave her there, dangling perilously over the edge of sanity, his Dark Shanti shutting out life. As much as she wanted to languidly enjoy his body, right then she needed the release only he could give her. The violence only he knew she craved.
Her tender skin scraped against the rough wool rug with a satisfying intensity. Fiery shadows played across his face, contorting his features, exciting her even more. Her Mari snaked around them, entwining with his Shanti, plucking at her nerves. His lips sought hers, hungrily sucking, his tongue thrusting its way into the dark recess of her mouth. She raked her nails down his back, drawing blood, and he arched into her touch, his face twisted in delirious passion as he slammed against her with his release. She thrust her pelvis upward, shuddering with her own climax, tightening her power, cutting into his flesh.
Panting, heart racing, with sweat dripping from his forehead, Zakael rolled onto his back, his hands flung out to the side like ships bereft at sea. Empty, alone. They did not seek her for comfort as she hoped they would. She lay next to him, lazily running a finger down his torso.
His body flexed with his exhale. “How is the Eirielle? Has she mastered her powers yet?”
Marissa’s Mari snapped against the air. “Don’t speak to me of her at a time like this.”
“When would you like to then?” His voice was cold, distant.
“We can discuss her when we’re clothed.” She stroked his limp cock, but he pushed her hand aside.
>
“There’s time for that later. We must discuss our next move.”
She yanked her dress over her still tingling skin. “I thought we were to wait for your father’s instructions.” Her hands shook as she poured herself some of his fine Summerlands red. “Will everything be ready by Frost End?”
He stared at the ceiling, oblivious of her hurt and anger. “Father thinks so, but I’m not sure. Taryn’s defeat of the vorlock has spread through the West. Her favor is growing.”
“She’s pathetic and never uses her power,” Marissa spat. “Except to lay traps for me, which I can easily detect. Her wards, however, are quite good, but you already know that. How long did it take you to rid yourself of that ink?” She took a sip of wine to keep from laughing.
He shook out his hand but didn’t answer the question. “If she hasn’t learned to control her powers yet, it could work to our advantage.” With a catlike stretch, he stood, his lean body shining in the firelight.
Mesmerized by the magnificence of his physique, Marissa drank in his muscular frame, his dark hair a contrast to his pale skin. Drank in the lean legs that reclined against the chair, drank in his beauty until she was drunk.
Her body tightened, and wetness spread between her legs. She cursed her response to Zakael, cursed the power he had over her.
In an even tone, she said, “I don’t see how. From what I hear, she’s never touched her Dark Shanti. We need the trinity to be complete.”
“Exactly. And who better to help her?”
“You?” Marissa snorted into her cup. “I’m afraid, my darling, she doesn’t trust you, and I can’t say that I blame her. What with you killing her beloved Brandt and all.”
Zakael’s lips thinned to a dangerous white line. “Then you must convince her otherwise. We need Taryn to come to us of her own free will.” He looked pointedly at her. “She has to want to be here.”
The Stones of Resurrection Page 36
