Gift of Flesh
Page 8
Mia lowered her eyes thoughtfully, then cast them up at him again. “But my Lord, I am now stripped of my status as a concubine. Of what service can I hope to be to you, untrained as I am in any other vocation?”
Naissun kept a straight face only with great effort. “Not to worry, beloved…I have a great many rabbits in dire need of being perfumed and bejeweled, and need your assistance desperately.”
* * *
The wedding of Naissun and Miakaela occurred in the early spring, but did not take place at Court as was traditional for officers of the king’s army. Nevertheless, it was the most popular subject of gossip for weeks afterwards. Accounts seemed in accord as far as certain details: It was held in some remote spot, with the household servants as the only witnesses, and the Lady Miakaela was as beautiful as a goddess. Some rumors held that King Regit himself supplied her gown as an act of reconciliation with Captain Naissun, who had been serving him so cheerfully these months, sometimes at the most unpleasant tasks. Others gossiped that the King had attempted to discover the location of the ceremony and interfere. That tale was embellished by the more creative with the additional idea that there had been a duel with swords involved, which the King lost, but Naissun graciously spared his life.
Meanwhile, around many a tavern fire, the menfolk speculated with even more gusto as to the circumstances of the wedding night.
Happily, the couple gave little thought to gossip and settled contentedly into domestic life, something neither one had ever expected to experience.
One night early in their marriage, Naissun was working in his study by lamplight as Miakaela did some sketching on a piece of parchment by the glow of the fire. She looked up approvingly at her husband, and asked him, “Naissun, you must be studying the law again, for you wear that look.”
He cast his eyes over to her. “I have a ‘look’?”
“Most certainly you do.”
“Hmmm.” He put down his quill and leaned back in his chair. “Well, I cannot deny it. I meant to surprise you, but it appears when my service to the King is ended next month, I will be granted a position of justice.”
Mia set down her drawing. “I can’t imagine why King Regit would think that a good idea. However did you persuade him to grant it?”
“He thinks the gesture will demonstrate he and I are allies. He is still perturbed about the rumors that I bested him in a duel at our wedding.”
Miakaela laughed and rose to walk over to her husband. He welcomed her into his lap and put his arms around her. “You know,” she said, “I always wondered who started that rumor. He certainly is a most creative fellow.”
“Why thank you,” said Naissun, and kissed her.
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