by Anna Kashina
“I’m sure you can’t possibly mean that, Your Majesty,” Mai said. “Or else, I would be forced to assume that men at this court are even less capable than I thought.”
Rajmella shook her head, taking a visible effort to recover her commanding posture. Still, the way her eyes avoided Mai’s direct stare seemed quite noticeable.
“This conversation is not over, Aghat Mai,” she said. “If you don’t desist, your attempt to steal Princess Aljahara from us will be considered an act of war against our queendom.”
Mai’s smile remained in place, but his stature changed imperceptibly. He stood taller, his quick glance sweeping over the Majat guards, all armed to the teeth, watching him intently as if waiting for a signal. Kara’s skin prickled. This room could turn into a bloodbath so fast Rajmella wouldn’t be able to blink an eye.
“Please, Your Majesty,” she said. “You don’t really want to go to war over this, do you? Not with the Majat. Especially not when so many of our top Gems are stationed right here in this palace.”
Rajmella opened her mouth to respond, but at that moment they all heard banging of doors in the outer chambers, followed by voices and rapid clatter of approaching footsteps. Raishan slipped into the room and exchanged a few quiet phrases with Mai, then nodded and departed.
“Prince Kythar is here,” Mai said. “With an important announcement, I believe.” He glanced at King Evan, who responded with a resigned shrug. Kara had a feeling he knew exactly what this was about. She thought she could guess too, but decided for the moment to keep the guessing to herself. There was too much going on as it was.
Kyth looked solemn as he entered the room with Celana by his side. Once again, Kara marveled at the change in him. Before, he would have stopped humbly in the corner, not to attract too much attention to himself. But now, he held his head high as he stepped into the center of the room, drawing everyone’s eyes as naturally as if he was on stage.
“Please forgive me for interrupting this meeting, Aghat Mai,” he said. “And allow me to be among the first to congratulate you on your marriage.”
Mai’s regal nod followed etiquette to the letter, but Kara caught a smile in his eyes that mirrored Kyth, their gazes locked in a private exchange that went beyond words. This was such a change too, from their constant rivalry and near-inability to be around each other, to a friendship that she was sure would last for a very long time. She smiled to Kyth warmly and received a nod in return.
“Thank you, Prince Kythar,” Mai said. “This is indeed a joyous day for me. Besides, no matter what business I’m engaged in, you are always a welcome sight in my chambers.”
Kyth bowed, then stepped forward and knelt in front of his father, pulling Celana down to kneel by his side.
“Father,” he said. “Lady Celana Illitand has just made me the happiest of men by accepting my marriage proposal. We came here as soon as we could, to seek your formal blessing.”
King Evan threw a restrained glance around the chamber. All eyes were fixed on him, and Kara was sure that most of the viewers had a pretty good idea what was going through the King’s head. While the news definitely presented another obstacle to the plans King Evan and Rajmella were concocting together, it also gave them all a graceful way out of the standoff that had reached such a dangerous point just before Kyth’s arrival. Kara could sense the palpably thick silence as the King ran his eyes from the Majat, alert and ready to act at a slightest signal, to Queen Rajmella, whose face showed a visible effort to appear indifferent.
“Congratulations, my son,” King Evan said. “And to you, Lady Celana. This is indeed joyous news and, as I hope, a happy conclusion to our meeting here. I give you my blessing and wish you all the happiness together.”
A rustle went through the room, as if everyone had simultaneously heaved a relieved sigh. Kara smiled inwardly, watching Rajmella’s attempts to compose herself, which succeeded only after the Queen had a chance to go through several shades of irritation.
“Congratulations, Prince Kythar,” she said stiffly. “I know that after the crucial role you played in this campaign you deserve peace and happiness, and I join everyone here in rejoicing that you have found love. I hope you and your lovely bride will attend the state dinner tonight and give us all a chance to celebrate your engagement.”
She didn’t wait for a response before she swept out of the room, the consorts in her wake.
At the state dinner, Kyth’s and Celana’s engagement was formally announced and the Prince and his bride accepted the official congratulations. Since Kara’s and Mai’s union was intentionally downplayed – part of the process that, she knew, would eventually force the fact of this marriage safely out of the openly available chronicles – the young couple became the focus of the gathering. They looking so radiant as they sat next to each other in their best holiday robes.
While Mai made his rounds and engaged in formal conversations with nobles and officials, Kara sat amidst the Majat, chatting with her old friends, laughing at their stories and jokes. It felt like coming home after a long absence, taking her rightful place among them, knowing that from now on she was going to be able to enjoy their company whenever she pleased. This was her true family, and now she was bound to them irrevocably and finally, with no power in the world capable of tearing her away. She couldn’t believe her happiness.
After the formal part was over and the general mingling began, the Olivian ladies started drifting toward the Majat, their intentions clear from every seductively curving movement. Princess Nelimah led the way toward the Diamonds, her inviting smile causing Lance by Kara’s side to pause in mid-sentence with a distracted look. Raishan was looking too, as another young and beautiful lady in Nelimah’s wake beckoned him with her finger. Kara hastily rose to her feet. It was time to retreat.
She glanced around the chamber to spot Mai on the other side, in conversation with Jamal and several other Olivian men. But before she could head that way, another group approaching her table caught her eye. She froze, feeling an unpleasant chill run down her spine.
Rajmella’s face held a strange expression, a mix of wonder and apprehension, as if once again she was seeing Kara for the very first time. The consorts at her sides kept their eyes decisively downward, as if overtaken by an uncharacteristic bout of modesty. Kara watched them in surprise as the Queen approached and stopped in front of her, her violet eyes fixed on Kara intently.
“You surprised me, niece,” Rajmella said.
Kara shook her head. “I’m not your niece.”
“Yes, you are. We both know it, so why don’t you stop the pretense, just between us.”
Kara stepped away. “I was just leaving, Your Majesty. Please excuse me.”
The Queen’s lips twitched. “Very well, if you want to play it this way, Kara. I hoped we could be family.”
Against reason, Kara felt anger rise in her chest. This was the woman who nearly killed her before, who had just tried to rip the hard-earned happiness right out of her grasp.
“Is this why you tried to sell me into an arranged marriage?” she demanded.
Rajmella shook her head. “A marriage to a good man who cares for you deeply, at the time when I believed that the one you love was unavailable to you.”
“Well, you know otherwise now, don’t you?”
Rajmella heaved a sigh. “So, do you hate me for it?”
“Do you really care?”
“I do, actually.”
“Why?”
Rajmella stepped closer, peering into her eyes. Kara forced herself to keep her place.
“Like it or not,” Rajmella said, “you’re family. Nothing can possibly change that.”
Kara glanced away. She knew the truth of it, but admitting this openly in front of witnesses right now seemed like a bad move.
Rajmella waited out a pause, then smiled. “Fine. I won’t press you into saying anything else. Just tell me one thing. Are you truly happy?”
“I am,” Kara said. “Mor
e than you can possibly imagine.”
The Queen nodded. “In this case, I am giving you my blessing – whatever it’s worth for you.”
Kara paused, surprised. “Really?”
Rajmella laughed. “What did you expect, that I will chase you up north and storm the Majat Fortress to get you back?”
Kara shook her head. “No.”
“Then,” Rajmella said, “go to your man and make the most of what you have.”
“I will.”
The Queen smiled. “Good. I hope he brings stars to your eyes. And now, if you’ll forgive me, I have other business to attend to here.”
Kara’s mouth fell open as the Queen stepped past her into the Majat group, singling out Seldon, whose face dissolved into a very uncharacteristic smile. Rajmella swept toward him, pulling him close, lifting up her face for a kiss.
Kara didn’t want to see anymore. She hastily spun around and rushed across the chamber toward Mai, doing her best not to break into a run. Whateven the Queen and Seldon did together, she was certain she would be better off not knowing.
Mai and his companions all paused, smiles playing on their faces as they watched her approach.
“I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you yet, sister,” Jamal said.
She bowed her head. “Thank you, Prince Jamal. It pains me to say that we cannot possibly call each other family anymore, but privately it means a lot to me to be able to hear this from you.”
He nodded gravely. “I understand. And, while this restriction is painful indeed, I find it a price worth paying for seeing you so happy.”
She wanted to hug him, but knew she would never be able to do it in this public setting.
“You are most kind, Prince Jamal.” She held his gaze, the approval in his eyes filling her with warmth. She may be losing him after a brief time together, but she knew the bond they shared could never be broken. She saw the same thought reflected in his eyes and smiled back to him, eyes only, before turning to Mai. “I feel obliged to report that our men are becoming quite preoccupied out there.”
Mai laughed as he glanced in that direction. Kara followed his gaze, her eyes widening. Dear Shal Addim, were they about to start right here? Was this part of the Olivian custom to end a state dinner with a public orgy?
Jamal guessed her thoughts correctly. “I, um, believe they are all going to retire to their chambers soon. I’m afraid I must also be taking my leave.”
“Sound like a good idea.” Mai held out his arm to Kara. “Shall we?”
It felt strange to walk back to their chambers alone, without any Majat suite. Yet, Kara knew that with their combined fighting skill, even in a setting far more hostile than this palace, the two of them had nothing to fear. The only challenge right now was to find their way through all the winding corridors back to their quarters.
“The Olivian ladies seem to be quite taken with our men,” she said. “I find it surprising, given that they are all used to having their pick of consorts at all times.”
Mai grinned. “I guess this just tells you their consorts have something to learn.”
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Do you know something I don’t?”
“No, actually. It’s just a matter of using the knowledge correctly.”
“What could you possibly mean?”
Mai’s shoulders shook with quiet laughter. “I expect we both had the same combat training in the use of pressure points.”
“Pressure points?” She blinked, feeling lost.
“Yes. It takes extensive practice of a different kind to figure out what else they can be used for.”
She frowned. Pressure points did provide a range of powerful sensations when touched with different strength. Did the Majat men learn to use them for pleasure? She opened her mouth to ask the question, but at that moment Mai’s face brightened as he glanced ahead.
“Here it is, finally. Our chamber. I hope the bath water didn’t get cold yet.”
Bath water. The thought that they were about to share a bath and spend the rest of the night together made her shiver. Our wedding night. She still couldn’t fully believe it.
“Have you ever used this, um, pressure point technique on me?” she asked as they made their way to the bedchamber and struggled out of their weapons and gear. It had been such a long day.
He grinned. “A bit. I’d love to show you a lot more, but…”
“But what?”
“You will have to give yourself to me, unconditionally.”
“Haven’t I?”
“Not like that.”
She knew what he meant. If she allowed him free rein of her pressure points, she would render herself completely vulnerable to him. There was no counting the ways he could kill or disable her by pressing the wrong way. The thought was thrilling. She had already opened herself to him more than she imagined possible with a man, but this was a new level she never even considered before.
“I’d like to try,” she said. “Unconditionally, to do with as you please.”
His eyes lit up with a wicked gleam as he stepped toward her and pulled her into his arms.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Years ago, when I was still struggling as an author and very far from being published, my father once told me: “Believe in yourself. Do what you think is right for you. If you want to be a writer – write, and don’t let any other considerations sway you.” I found this advice not only very comforting to me at the time, but also very useful, and I still follow it every day, no matter what.
My father passed away just after the first two books in this trilogy came out. Along with the pain of the loss, he left me with so many things to be grateful about. I feel grateful that he could see these publications happen, and know that he carries at least partial credit for making this possible. I feel so very grateful for having him in my life. His support -- and challenge, when needed – helped me not to give up. My thoughts will always be with him, and with my mother, his true soul mate.
So many people have contributed to this book by providing their critiques, advice, and overall support. First and foremost, I thank my husband for putting up with a wife who writes at odd hours of day and night, leaves medieval weapons in the trunk of the car, and talks about the fine aspects of martial arts technique at breakfast, dinner, and bedtime. I thank my children for filling my days with joy. I am grateful to my friends and critique partners, especially Bernie Mojzes (who also supplied me with a lot of useful information and demonstrated various staff and sword fighting styles), A. C. Wise, Aliza Greenblatt, Siobhan Carroll, J. M. Sidorova, and Olga Karengina – the people who not only taught me many things about writing but also kept me company through the hardest times of self-doubt. I also thank all my readers and fans, who supported the series by reading my books and spreading the word, by filling my life with their enthusiasm for the Majat Code series.
Writing the series has shaped me as an author and made me realize beyond all doubt that only a combination of fantasy and romance can make me feel truly balanced in my writing. I cannot help but feeling thankful to my characters, who, more than once, took matters into their own hands, to show me what my writing can be.
I am grateful to Alejandro Colucci for doing such a great job with my cover art that brought my favorite characters to life and made me understand them better than before.
Last but not least, I want to thank my amazing agent, Michael Harriot, and the Angry Robot team, Phil Jourdan, Marc Gascoigne, Penny Reeve, and Michael Underwood, for all their hard work in bringing this book to publication.
I dedicate The Majat Code series to my grandfather, Vladimir Keilis-Borok, who taught me to be a writer and opened my eyes to the fantasy worlds of my dreams.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anna Kashina grew up in Russia and moved to the United States in 1994 after receiving her Ph.D. in cell biology from the Russian Academy of Sciences.
She works as a biomedical researcher and combines career in science with her passion f
or writing.
Anna’s interests in ballroom dancing, world mythologies and folklore feed her high-level interest in martial arts of the Majat warriors. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
annakashina.com · twitter.com/annakashina
