“Is it possible her condition was the reason he sent her away?”
“It… it is not impossible.”
“Let us take it another step further.” Kaori pressed on, details falling into place that made her blood run cold. Sulel was heartless. Cruel. Not above killing a defenseless woman to protect himself. “What if her hand was not the one which tied the noose around her neck?”
Vehement in his disagreement Therek pulled away from Kaori, staring at her in disbelief. “Are you mocking me?”
“Mocking you?” His question didn’t make any sense. It was a logical thought to consider. She asked out of genuine curiosity in hopes of easing the blame Therek placed upon his own shoulders over Malita’s death. “Have you never pondered it? She would have thought a child ensured an offer of marriage into the Imperial family but Sulel would have seen it as an obstacle in his way to happiness. You said it yourself he didn’t love her. Once she gave herself to him, he had no use for her anymore.”
“That may be so, but that is no reason to murder her.”
“She had leverage. Sulel may have turned her away but she could have used the baby against him. His father could have ordered a marriage between the two.”
“Her coming to me was proof that she had no intention of using the child as leverage.”
“Not immediately, but after she realized you were not stupid enough to take her back, she would have been desperate. She couldn’t keep it from her family forever and they would not have stood for the disgrace without bringing the matter to the Emperor.”
Pacing the floor, Therek shook his head, the tension returning to his muscles with every step. “Sulel is a bastard but he would not stoop so low. He knew how much I cared about her.”
“That did not stop him from taking her into his bed. What would stop him from ending her life if her continued existence threatened his relationship with his father and hindered his chances at becoming Emperor?”
“Malita did nothing to merit execution.”
“Neither did my parents.”
Therek’s pacing halted, what little color left in his face fading until his complexion was white, the glow of his eyes dimming with understanding. He couldn’t argue. Kaori’s logic was sound. Sulel had given no reason to believe he wasn’t capable of the worst atrocities a man could commit. To this point he had already done far worse than assassinate one innocent woman. A man set on slaughtering an entire race was beyond defense when his character was called into question.
Realization dawned on Therek, his posture slumping forward, exhaling a long breath. “All these years I have tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. There has to be some redeeming quality left in that man’s heart. His father was a great man and a fine Emperor. He would be ashamed to see what his Empire has become under his son’s rule.” His expression fell even more, closing his eyes tightly. “This is my fault. I have brought these horrors upon my own people…”
The sound of footsteps at the door prevented Kaori from asking the meaning of his statement. How was it his fault? Therek was just a man, no more capable of changing Sulel than anyone else. Irritated by the intrusion Kaori turned to see who dared interrupt them, a solemn look of disapproval aimed at the servant girl who stood in the open doorway.
“Your Grace,” the girl lowered into a short, hasty curtsy, aware of the displeasure written on the faces of the two inside the room. “Lord Torust is requesting an audience with you. He says it is urgent. I told him you should not be bothered.”
“Lord Torust is here?” Therek interjected, glancing uncomfortably over to where Kaori remained standing next to the desk. “Did he state the reason for his unexpected visit?”
“No, sir. Only that it was of great import.” The girl followed Therek’s gaze to stare at Kaori, diverting her eyes nervously to the floor when she realized Kaori had seen her steal a glance. She was behaving oddly. Was it really so unusual for a woman to be seen with Therek?
“I will meet with him in the foyer.” Therek turned his attention back to the girl, waving insistently for her to leave. Something about his mannerisms led Kaori to believe he was uncomfortable at the thought of speaking with Liurn.
Hoping to ease his mind, Kaori moved away from the desk, her eyes locked on the door where the servant had gone. “I will accompany you. Liurn may be in danger as well if they suspect him to have any involvement in the rebellion.”
“No.” Therek’s voice was firm. Authoritative. It came more like an order than a request.
“I beg your pardon?”
Swift on his feet, Therek moved to block Kaori from exiting the room, arms outstretched. She tried to maneuver around him, his hands gently grasping her shoulders to hold her in place. “Kaori, he cannot know you are here,” he argued, tilting his head to catch Kaori’s eyes, disallowing her from avoiding his stern gaze.
She didn’t understand. Any concern Liurn might have about her being with Therek was completely unfounded. “Do not be ridiculous,” she breathed, lifting her arms in a sharp motion to break Therek’s hold. He remained firm, tightening his grip just enough to keep her there yet careful not to injure her. Angered by his uninvited touch she straightened her back, brow furrowed, lips pursed. “Liurn is my friend. You cannot stop me from seeing him.”
“If he sees you here, he will argue that you leave with him.”
“I will tell him that I cannot.”
“He is not the type of man who gives up that easily. He cares deeply for you, Kaori. And his distrust of me is enough to make him fight to keep you away from my company.”
Exasperated, Kaori tried to take a step back, Therek’s legs moving with her, his body shifting closer to give her less room to struggle. “His distrust is misplaced. I will tell him he has no need to worry and if he argues, I can politely inform him that I am not his to control – much the same as I am to you. Now unhand me before I am left with no choice but to resort to violence.”
“Listen to yourself, Kaori,” he shook her gently, forcing her gaze back to his. “You saw how Liurn reacted to my presence in Tialore. He will not leave you here without a physical confrontation. I do not wish to fight him, nor do I desire to risk your life if he chooses to take you by force. The soldiers are out there, waiting for you to show your face, and Liurn might as well ride you directly into Eykanua if he takes you away from here.”
Images floated through her mind of her time in Tialore. She couldn’t deny that Liurn reacted violently. Rather overdramatic. Upset that Kaori had allowed Therek a private audience. In his anger Liurn lashed out at Therek, and while she knew Liurn could never win a fight against him, she didn’t want to chance unnecessary discord between the two men she relied on the most to bring Sivar back to her. “Very well,” she conceded begrudgingly. It was the only thing she could bring herself to say, unwilling to admit out loud that he was right.
The relief visible on his face was immeasurable, his arms tensing as if to hug her before realizing the inappropriate nature of the act. Suddenly uncomfortable he loosened his hold, patting her biceps with an apologetic smile. “Are you alright? I hope I did not injure you.”
Amused by the thought Kaori shook her head, lightly taking his hands to move them further away from her. She didn’t trust being so close to him. The mere thought of his touch sent chills down her spine, though she wasn’t entirely sure why. All she knew was that she enjoyed being in his company more than was acceptable. And if anyone were to become aware of how she felt about him, Liurn would not be the only one displeased by the thought of her staying at Therek’s home without proper supervision. “Do not worry about me. I am less fragile than people think.”
He held her gaze, a strange tension building between them both, so thick it was almost palpable. When Kaori grabbed Therek’s hands her intent had been to push him away but instead she found herself unable to let him go. She didn’t doubt that Therek felt the odd sensation as well, his eyes trailing down to their entwined fingers, an expression of uncertainty making the lines on his f
ace more defined, forehead creased, jaw clenched. Without words, he returned the pressure of her hold, no longer able to meet her eyes. It was an awkward feeling. Kaori’s heart sped up, beating like she had just run several laps around the room. Where their hands remained clasped she could sense an increase in Therek’s pulse as well. Steady. Strong. Eyes downcast, he swallowed hard, his voice so quiet when he spoke, Kaori wasn’t sure if he had actually said anything at all.
“I… should go. Liurn is waiting.”
“Yes.” She thought her heart would burst from her chest if Therek didn’t leave soon. The sensation was torturous yet pleasurable at the same time. Like butterflies fluttering inside her stomach and under her breast. It wasn’t the first time Therek had brought this feeling upon her. In Rothdara, before her life flipped upside-down with the start of the rebellion, she recalled a similar reaction while in his company. Seated in the courtyard of her home, tears streaming down her face at the loss of her parents, Therek’s arms wrapped tenderly around her. Holding her. Comforting her. He had an unusual effect on her physically and emotionally. It frightened her, really. Pained her mentally to think of what it was about him that struck her. Regrettably, she came to the same conclusion that she had in Tialore when faced with the fact that she could never consider him more than a friend. She desired him – but he would never be hers.
Saddened by the thought she released her gentle hold over his hands, absently waving him toward the door. Why didn’t he just leave? If she didn’t escape him soon, she was going to go mad.
Deep in her thoughts, she barely felt Therek’s fingers slip away, the gentle brush of his skin against hers sending her further into despair. If he said anything before finally moving away, Kaori was unaware. She didn’t want to hear his voice anymore. Amidst her other fears and worries, she couldn’t let herself be distracted by emotions. Sivar was in danger. She was in danger. And her very presence in Avishul left Therek at risk as well.
Stop it. Why couldn’t she get him out of her mind? His personality was powerful, sticking in her conscious and subconscious thoughts even when he wasn’t there. Clenching her fists, she fought against the urge to chase after him. Be calm. She needed to cling to what little dignity she had left and not go running after some man just because he made her feel a little giddy.
Several moments passed before her breath steadied, the rate of her heart coming in a slower, more natural rhythm. Satisfied that she was back in control of her senses, she opened her eyes, taking in the details of her surroundings to try and get her bearings. She was in Therek’s study. Liurn was downstairs. Liurn. Against Therek’s wishes, she moved toward the door, cautious of her steps to make sure she didn’t make too much noise. Just because she couldn’t reveal herself to Liurn didn’t mean she couldn’t see him. Curiosity overpowered her inclination to do what Therek asked of her. There had to be a reason Liurn had come. If something was wrong, she needed to know.
The halls were easier to traverse after her earlier adventures, the twists and turns more familiar than before. Voices echoed through the corridors, guiding Kaori closer to the front entrance of the home, her back pressed against the wall, inching forward until she came to pause at the opening of the main foyer.
“You haven’t seen her?” Liurn sounded worried by something Therek had said. Kaori felt somewhat conceited to think he referred to her, yet she knew there were few other women Liurn would have need to concern himself with. Especially at a time like this. “Did you not go by the Levadis home on your way from Eykanua? I thought you might have some news from the palace which would require a visit to the Lady.”
“I had business to attend to here which was of significant import. It was my intent to check on Lady Kaori before the week is out.”
“Do not bother,” Liurn huffed, his words muffled somewhat as he turned away. Anxious to see him, Kaori peered around the corner, blinking in dismay at her friend’s disheveled appearance. His hair was matted against his head, sweat and dirt caked into the fine lines of his sharp features. The clothing he wore resembled the condition of Therek’s shirt, stained and muddied from the trip to Siundel.
At Liurn’s response, Therek feigned confusion, watching Liurn carefully, no sign of hesitation audible in his tone which might reveal the lack of truth in his words. “Has something happened which makes it no longer worth my time to visit her?”
Frantic in his motions Liurn spun around to face Therek, the fear in his amber eyes noticeable even at the distance from which Kaori viewed the two men. “Happened?” he exhaled in a rush. “The Levadis home has been set aflame. Nothing but a charred mass of rubble remains and I found no sign of Kaori’s presence. I fear they may have taken her, Your Grace. If they have her brother, it only makes sense they would come for her next.”
Kaori’s heart felt as if it stopped dead in her chest. Burned? So that was the fate which had befallen her family’s home. She expected the place to be badly damaged in the wake of the soldiers, but never did she think they would utterly destroy everything she owned. The last that she had to remember her parents by. And the servants! Had they perished in the flames? Was that the reward bestowed upon them after years of faithful service?
She waited, breathless, afraid to hear more, but unable to walk away. “If ?” Therek sounded perplexed. Kaori couldn’t see his face, but she could sense something in his voice which revealed genuine surprise at Liurn’s statement. “I assumed you were all aware of Sivar’s captivity. He was brought in nearly two weeks ago with a good number of his supporters.”
Liurn’s jaw hung open, the light in his eyes flashing in a brief spark of anger. “You knew?” he gasped. “Did you not think it would be wise to bring a warning to Kaori? His arrest guarantees she will be brought in for questioning – or worse!”
“Do not twist this to make me your enemy, Torust,” Therek replied, his tone even. Controlled. If he was offended by Liurn’s accusatory glare, he hid it well, his stance never losing its confidence and strength. “The rescue in Amalo was an utter failure. When I saw the number of bodies the soldiers returned with, I thought it impossible for you to be unaware of the outcome.”
Horrified by what she was hearing, Kaori brought her hand to cover her mouth, inhaling a sharp breath, a lump building in the back of her throat as she tried to fight back the emotions which overwhelmed her senses. Sivar had been taken. So it was true. All this time she had feared the worst but prayed she would discover it to have been wrong. That Sivar had simply disappeared in an attempt to escape the soldiers and would return when he felt it safe. But he wouldn’t be coming back. Not without Kaori’s help and a miracle from the gods.
Liurn’s mouth fell open wider, aghast at the news. “Bodies?” he exclaimed, stepping closer to Therek, more aggressive than Kaori was comfortable with. “How many perished? Does Sivar still live? And Mathious… his family has been devastated by his disappearance.”
“I regret to inform you that Mathious was witnessed amongst the deceased. Sivar, however, will not be injured so long as they believe he can provide further information about the rebels. It is why I have not been overly concerned with his safety. I more feared for the well-being of his sister.”
“His sister?” Liurn scoffed, clearly angered by Therek’s implication. “Was that your hope in calling on her while Sivar is not there to chaperone? That you can – take advantage of her while she is vulnerable? More susceptible to your charms?”
Muscles tensed, Therek took a wide, defiant step forward, the motion causing Liurn to step back instinctively at Therek’s dominating presence. “I have nothing further to say to you, Lord Torust. You may leave now.”
“There remains more to be said, Losuva. I am not leaving here without answers.”
“I have no answers to provide. If you came all this way to toss about misplaced accusations, then you came a long way for nothing.”
The foyer was quiet, the sound of Therek’s voice fading to leave the men in silence, staring hard at one another, neithe
r willing to break their hardened gaze. It was Liurn whose expression softened first, hanging his head miserably. “I am sorry,” he frowned, throwing his arms up in defeat. “You know how much I care about her, Your Grace.”
“I do,” Therek nodded, never easing his stance despite Liurn’s seeming surrender. On guard in case of an unexpected assault. “Which is exactly why I find it insulting that you think me so debauched. We are friends, Torust. Have you ever known me to force my company upon a woman?”
“No, but I have seen the way women are when around you. They lust after you and your prestigious titles and your massive estate,” Liurn gestured to the expansive room around them. “If you choose to pursue her, I cannot compete.”
“You think her that shallow? Come now, Torust. It is one thing to insult me. It is quite another to assume such things of the Lady.”
The conversation made Kaori uneasy, shifting uncomfortably against the wall. Neither man knew she was there. Whatever was spoken between them wasn’t intended to reach her ears. And it was probably better if it never had. She loathed being the focus of these men. An object that threatened their friendship. Both would make an admirable husband for any woman, but she was not in the market for a mate. Right now there was no guarantee she would even have a future in which to concern herself with marriage. Liurn had to see that this was not the time to think about such things. He was distracted. Losing focus on the matters which should be of the utmost priority, the most important of which being the rescue of Sivar and the other rebels who were currently in the custody of the Imperial Army.
Still, a part of her was curious. Unaware of her eavesdropping, there was a chance Therek might admit to something he would otherwise conceal from her. She had felt something between them while in his study. It wasn’t just her, she was certain of that. His pulse had quickened. His eyes unable to meet hers. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but she wanted desperately for him to care about her the way Liurn professed. But she knew Therek would never admit anything, even if he did feel something. He was too polite. Knowing how Liurn claimed to feel, he would remain supportive of his friend and deny any interest in Kaori.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning Page 49
