by Xenia Melzer
“I don’t know.” Daran tried to suppress his sobs but failed. “I just don’t know. Part of me wants to stay away from the place for the rest of my life, but another part would like to see the town again. And that’s really strange, because until today, I haven’t even thought about it. Only when Lord Casto mentioned the name did the memories return.”
Kalad took the thief’s face in both hands. “Do you regret having gone with us?”
Daran’s elegant fingers gripped his master’s wrists almost desperately. “How can you ask something like that? I thank the Mothers each day for letting me meet you. You are my life.”
The thief’s openness touched his masters. With a smile, Kalad pressed a kiss on the soft lips of his slave. “I can feel how distressed you are. I think it would be best if Aegid and I help you to relax. After all, it was a tiring day.”
Daran tried to answer, but at that moment, Aegid slung his arms around his hips. Knowing well there was no escape now, he let his masters drag him into the bedroom.
EMOTIONALLY HIGH-STRUNG, Renaldo entered his rooms. After the fight this forenoon, he didn’t know what to expect. Everything between a humble plea for forgiveness, a continuation of their argument, and smoldering sex was possible. It all depended what Casto had decided on during the day.
His capricious mate had made himself comfortable on some cushions in front of the cold chimney and pointedly ignored his husband when he entered. Renaldo closed his eyes for a moment. So Casto wasn’t angry enough to spend the night with Lys in the stables, but still so agitated as to provoke another fight. Experience had taught Renaldo not to react to the silence.
First he went into the bath to wash the day off his skin. Then he returned, poured himself a cup of wine, and sat down next to his heart. That Casto let all this happen without comment was encouraging, if only a little. Still silent, the Angel of Death sipped his wine and enjoyed the flavor while he contemplated how to start the conversation without igniting the next fight. His pondering was interrupted by Casto’s calm voice. The king sounded stoic. It was obvious he had resigned himself to the circumstances, even though he didn’t like them.
“If it is your will, I’ll stay in the Valley, Barbarian.”
Renaldo sighed heavily. Casto’s sudden, reluctant submissiveness only reinforced his decision.
“No, you won’t. You’ll go to the market. But”—he raised his finger in warning—“you’re going to take Aegid and Kalad with you. This will reassure me, at least a little.”
“Where does this sudden change of heart come from?”
Renaldo placed a forefinger under Casto’s chin and caressed the young man’s cheek with his other hand.
“I’m aware that I kept you on a tight leash. You’ve been surprisingly lenient with me, for which I’m grateful. But it’s time for me to get over my puny fears. You’re a grown man and capable of looking after yourself.”
A mocking smile appeared on Casto’s lips.
“Let me guess, you’ve spoken to Hulda. It sounds like her.”
“Doesn’t make the words untrue, though.”
“So it’s fine if I go?”
Renaldo sighed.
“No, it’s not. But I’ll still allow it.”
The king’s mesmerizing blue eyes lit up. Gently his fingertips traced his mate’s cheeks.
“I thank you, Barbarian. I know how hard it is for you to relinquish control, and I promise to be careful.”
“I know.”
An alluring smile parted the lips of the Angel of Death.
“So, are we going to make up?”
Casto felt his pulse going up. He hated himself for it, but when Renaldo looked at him like that, his entire defense crumbled to dust. Initially he had planned to punish his dominant mate by ignoring him tonight, but the hungry glint in the gray eyes overwhelmed him, together with the fire awakening deep inside himself. He slung his arms around his mate’s neck, their lips connected, and the night turned to ashes.
“SIC, YOU need to do me a favor!”
Cheeks tinged a healthy crimson from running in the morning air, Casto dashed into his friend’s smithy the next day. Sic was sitting on the only chair in the room, looking totally flustered. The king stopped dead in his tracks, forgetting about his own needs for the moment.
“Sic! What’s the matter?”
The smith looked up, tears streaming down his face while a happy grin dominated his lips. He held out a sheaf of paper to his friend.
“I got a letter from Jago and Cassia! It has just arrived!”
Now Casto, too, had to grin. This was indeed happy news.
“How are they? What’s going on back in Ummana?”
“They are doing well. Heljia is growing just fine, and Cassia is back to working as a midwife. Jago is drowning in work and money because Anesha has rescinded all the new laws the council had passed. Now the smiths are getting a fair share again, and it seems my work is selling adequately as well. Oh, and guess who is Cassia’s latest and most prominent client? It seems as if your sister is pregnant. Jago writes it’s an open secret that—”
“Aktan is the father.”
Casto sounded smug. Sic stared at him open-mouthed. He had gotten used to the king’s empathy by now, but this managed to surprise him.
“How did you guess?”
“I didn’t have to guess. He’s the only logical candidate. Aktan is not only captain of the Royal Guard, but also the bastard brother of Lady Evienna, the current head of the Murreano family. Like the Donai, Krapati, Sylves, and Ereat, the Murreano belong to the oldest, most influential families in Ummana. In order to free herself from Erac, Anesha has to find strong allies on which she can rely to a certain extent. And Evienna is going to fight tooth and nail for her niece or nephew to inherit the throne. From a tactical point of view, this is an ideal match.”
Sic shuddered. Casto’s birthplace was indeed a snake pit where sentiments like love or trust were nothing but shattered dreams. Casto, who had picked up on Sic’s sudden change of mood, directed their dialogue back into happier territory.
“So Jago and Cassia are fine?”
The smith beamed.
“It seems so. They sent me a little painting of Heljia, and it’s amazing how much she has grown in these few months. I also got quite a long list of orders from Jago. He says he has to fight customers off whenever they get wind of a delivery from or to the Valley. It’s flattering.”
“No, it’s not. You’re simply that good. Something I’ve always known.”
“Thank you, Casto. And now tell me what you need from me. You’re here for a reason.”
The king regarded the smith intently.
“I need a favor from you. Can you please accompany me to Kwarl? I’m leaving tomorrow morning, and Renaldo has made Kalad and Aegid my watchdogs. Of course they’re going to take Daran with them, and there’s no way I’ll survive all the mooning without somebody else to distract me. Plus those two can be pretty annoying when the mood strikes them. So please, come with me!”
Sic couldn’t suppress a knowing grin. It was indeed nauseating to watch the desert brothers together with Daran. The three men were so perfectly matched and so syrupy-sweet to each other, as if they had walked out of a fairy tale. And watching two seasoned warriors like Aegid and Kalad fuss over Daran as if he was a newly hatched chicken, only to ravish him most lecherously the next moment, was disturbing, to put it mildly.
“So going alone wasn’t an option?”
Sic couldn’t help but tease his friend a little. Casto shot him a dirty look.
“Don’t go there, Sic. I’m still too pissed to think this is funny.”
“Don’t do anything stupid, please! And if you do, keep me out of it.”
“I never do anything stupid. Don’t worry, I’m going to comply to the Barbarian’s will. So are you coming with me?”
Sic sighed.
“Of course I am. How long is this going to take? I do have work, you know.”
; For a moment Casto felt a pang of guilt for cornering Sic as he had just done, but then he imagined an entire trip with only the desert warriors and Daran as company, and his chin hardened in determination.
“Well, it’s a two-day ride to Kwarl. Selling the horses and finding a good stallion will take two to three days. One more for all the minor things, and then the trip back. About a week, I’d say.”
“That’s pretty long. Well, I guess it’s fine. I do have some things I need, and getting out doesn’t sound too bad. I’m in. And now please excuse me. I have some packing to do.”
“Thank you, Sic! You’re a lifesaver! See you tomorrow at dawn!”
WHILE HE was busy packing, Sic’s mind pondered an entirely different problem. He didn’t know whether he should tell Noran about this trip or not. Ever since the Spring Ceremony, their relationship had been progressing smoothly. Meeting the master smith was no longer awkward; he even looked forward to it now. When Sic had problems concerning work, he never hesitated to share them with Noran, who could usually provide a solution. Regarding work, they were meeting on equal ground, and it made Sic ecstatic to be acknowledged by his former master. He was still shy about physical contact, even though his reluctance was less and less grounded in fear, shifting toward a weird mixture of insecurity and anticipation. It felt like falling in love all over again, making him both happy and anxious. Noran’s own insecurity and reticence didn’t help at all. He had left control over their relationship and its progress entirely to Sic, who had no clue how to handle things. Most of his life, Noran had been the one to make all decisions for him, and as his slave, Sic had been content with that.
Now even a simple thing like talking about a trip was an almost impossible task. Sic rubbed his eyes. After all the pondering he had done, the whole problem still boiled down to one thing: what did he want? By now, he had learned to ask himself this question and answer it truthfully, even though it might hurt sometimes. And what he really wanted was to talk to Noran about the trip. Filled with new determination, Sic left his chambers to meet the master smith.
Noran was less than pleased to hear about Sic’s traveling plans, but he managed to hide his consternation. Like Renaldo, the smith was deeply worried about all the things that could go wrong on a trip like this. Knowing Aegid and Kalad would be with the two young men wasn’t enough to put his mind at ease. But there was no way he could object to something his precious treasure had decided to do. Sic was still timid and had considerable problems voicing his will. He needed encouragement, not opposition. And so Noran gritted his teeth and put on a friendly smile, although his inner beast wanted nothing more than to tie Sic down and forbid him to go.
“Kwarl is nice at this time of year, and the market is a sight to behold. I’m sure you’re going to have fun.”
Sic regarded his former master sharply. He had known Noran long enough to know when something was off. And now his finely tuned senses were shrilling like crazy.
“You don’t like it, do you?”
For a moment it seemed as if Noran wanted to deny the statement; then his shoulders slumped forward. Part of their agreement was to be honest to each other.
“No, I don’t. To be frank, I’m strongly opposed. I’m surprised Renaldo has given his consent.”
“Not voluntarily. As far as I understand, he could have either agreed and have Aegid and Kalad accompany his heart, or he could have forbidden it and Casto would have gone all on his own.”
“Sounds just like him. He really does whatever he pleases.”
Grumpy admiration resounded in those words. Sic grinned.
“Makes it more interesting for all of us.” He paused for a moment, choosing his next words carefully. “May I know why you are against it? Kwarl is not exactly enemy territory.”
Noran sat down heavily on one of his ancient chairs.
“No, it’s not. Most probably the worst thing you’ll encounter will be some pickpockets when you’re in the market itself. And the journey is not worth mentioning, since it’s so close to the Valley.” Noran hesitated. “It’s just—well, it’s a miracle you’re standing here, talking to me, after everything I’ve done to you. I know I haven’t got the slightest right to tell you what to do and what not. Still, the mere idea of you leaving the Valley makes me feel uneasy. And if something happens, I won’t be there to protect you.”
Sic stared at Noran for a long time. Then a smile stole over his face.
“I’m glad. I’m glad you’re being so honest with me and that you’re harboring fears and worries similar to mine. This gives me hope for the future. I’m still going, though.”
“I figured as much. And since I can’t change your mind, would it be okay if I gave you a list to do some shopping for me?”
Relieved about how well things had turned out, Sic extended a hand.
“It would be my pleasure, Master.”
2. TRAP
FASCINATED, YET slightly intimidated, Daran stared at the city that had once been his home. During the past five years he had spent in the Valley, Kwarl had changed profoundly. The marketplace had been extended to make room for the increasing number of merchants dwelling in the city. For this, some houses on the western end had been obliterated, and as a consequence, the market had swallowed up a part of the thieves’ quarters. Daran felt a twinge of sadness; he had loved the small alleyways and winding backyards that had provided ideal cover from the guard and other thieves as well. He could imagine how unhappy the masters of this shadow empire were about the changes. On the other hand, more merchants meant more chances to get a share of the riches. Daran sighed, glad these kinds of musings were no longer his problem.
Casto had finally found a place where they could stable their horses. Since their departure from the Valley, the king had been in a splendid mood and was so friendly and forthcoming, it spooked Daran. He simply couldn’t understand why it was so important for Casto to demonstrate his independence. For Daran, the main reason to come to Kwarl had been that he didn’t want to be separated from his masters for any length of time. Lord Sic, who was riding with them as well, put up a cheerful front, but he seemed to be distracted. Daran suspected he was missing Lord Noran, although he would probably never understand why. Perhaps it was because of Lys, Casto’s intimidating warhorse, that the king didn’t miss his husband. The close relationship between horse and rider had always impressed Daran, and on their way to Kwarl, he had the chance to witness it at close range. The most exciting thing was when Casto talked to the stallion. From what he was saying, it was sometimes possible to reconstruct the entire dialogue, and Daran had realized very soon that Lys was even more intelligent than he had thought possible. In addition, he was always ready to dish out a nasty comment on his rider’s actions, which made Daran like him quite a lot.
As soon as Casto’s feet touched the ground, the first merchants started streaming toward him with greedy looks on their faces to inquire about the price for this outstanding horse that drew all eyes with its majestic posture alone. The king indulged in the negotiations with such enthusiasm and skill that his ancestry was clear without any papers to prove it. Lord Sic excused himself; he had a long list of items he wanted to get as soon as possible. Kalad and Aegid stayed with Casto but did allow Daran to wander around by himself.
“Be careful not to be kidnapped by barbarians.”
Kalad’s broad, salacious grin made Daran blush. He didn’t have to be a seer to know what he would be doing tonight.
“And stay here at the marketplace. If you want to make a trip into the city, we’ll do that tomorrow.”
Aegid’s admonition still ringing in his ears, Daran ventured into the hurly-burly of the market. His owners had given him a wallet heavy with gold and silver to spend at his leisure. Overwhelmed by such generosity, even though he should have been used to it by now, Daran kept the wallet close to his body. He didn’t plan on spending more than just a few silver coins for some sweets. He vividly remembered the stall of Mother Gwen, who had
slipped him a candy once in a while when he had still been a child. For him, the taste of her sweets was equivalent to happiness, and he only hoped to find her in the chaos of the market. And he was lucky. Mother Gwen and her stall were still at the same place as back then. And like the old times, many a rich customer was standing in line to purchase a bag of sweets. Mother Gwen’s skills were famous beyond the walls of Kwarl. When it was his turn, Daran bought two bags of honey candy and a box of chocolate. Aegid was addicted to sweets of any kind, and Daran hoped to make him happy. Mother Gwen had barely changed during the last five years. She was still an impressive, good-looking woman, even though the first gray had started to tint her auburn hair, and the fine wrinkles around her dark brown eyes and full mouth were proof how much she liked to laugh. She regarded Daran sharply, and then a smile appeared on her face.
“You’re Daran, aren’t you?”
The thief reciprocated the smile from the bottom of his heart, happy that one of the few friendly persons from his past remembered him.
“I wouldn’t have thought you’d recognize me, Mother Gwen. It’s been some time.”
“Stupid boy. I rarely forget a face, especially when it’s as beautiful as yours. You’re looking great.”
“I was lucky.”
“Good for you! How long are you going to stay in Kwarl? If you have time, come and pay me a visit. You know how much I love to hear a good story, and I bet you’ve got some great ones to tell.”
Involuntarily, Daran lowered his gaze. He was a little uncomfortable all of a sudden.
“Indeed I have, Mother Gwen. I’ll try to make time for you.”
Happily, she patted his cheeks with her warm hand before she turned to her next customer.
Thoughtful, Daran put a candy in his mouth. The taste brought back memories he had deemed forgotten. And meeting Mother Gwen had upset him more than he wanted to admit. The emotions overwhelming him were confusing. He couldn’t understand why he still felt so much for his birthplace. Daran was so lost in thought, he didn’t realize how close he had come to the outskirts of the market. A man elbowed his way ruthlessly through the mass of people and pushed him hard.
