The Night Bird

CHAPTER 10 JASMINE

The pavilion was no less beautiful for being a temporary structure in the camp of an outlawed military force. It resembled a pagoda with walls of a thin, translucent wood that took on a golden glow in the late afternoon sunlight. Although Markus had told her every structure in the camp could be taken down and stowed away, this one had a more permanent appearance. Dust drifted in the sunrays, and the Fractured Mountains towered behind the pavilion.

Markus rode with Yargazon, Ardoz and Bladebreak, surrounded by the atajazids retinue, eight warriors in helmets with black plumes that rippled in the wind. Their Jazidian Blacks were bridled in red and black, with saddles edged in gold. Two guards flanked the entrance of the pavilion and both saluted as Markus dismounted. They stared at Allegra, and her face heated, surely turning the color of a rose.

Markus reached up for her. “Slide down.

Self-conscious with everyone watching, she slid into his arms, holding her skirt down with one hand. He set her in front of him and smoothed the skirt, his hand lingering on her bottom.

“Dont do that, she said in a low voice.

He didnt answer, but he did stop. Stable boys swirled around the horses, taking reins and the animals away. Yargazon, Ardoz and Bladebreak joined Markus, and they all walked to the pavilion. Allegra stood by herself, unsure what to do. Follow him? If he couldnt treat her with courtesy, the hell with him.

Someone touched her shoulder. With a start, she looked up at Lieutenant Borjan.

He lifted his hand to the pavilion. “Ill take you.

“Does His Majesty live here? Allegra asked as they headed toward the structure.

“Not the atajazid, Borjan said. “Colonel Bladebreak. His wife will prepare you for your audience with the king.

Bladebreak was married? The bastard. He had felt no qualms at the prospect of raping Allegra, even looked forward to it, yet here he had a wife waiting for him? She hoped he rotted in the pit of some vile slime.

As far as Bladebreak, Ardoz and Yargazon knew, they had drunk too much wine that night and fallen asleep. It scared her the way Bladebreak and the General watched her today, as if speculating whether Markus would invite them to hear her sing again. She suspected Markus noticed, as well. She had a feeling he wanted the marriage to take place immediately because a mans wife was off-limits. Of course, he could have quit showing her off, but saints forbid he should give up his precious status.

The pavilion had no door, just a curtain of jewels that swayed in the wind. Inside, the air was still. White ceramic bowls of oil with flames in them rested on ornate lamp-stands and added radiance to the glow of the sun coming through the walls. Wicker chairs with blue and white cushions stood around a table tiled in blue and green. Drapes and carpets in marine colors gave the room the feel of an underwater grotto.

“Its lovely, Allegra said, surprised to find such beauty in so desolate a place.

Borjan smiled. “All His Majestys top men have such quarters. You will, too.

She nodded absently, her attention caught by a girl across the pavilion. Glossy black hair poured over her red silk robe, and she wore a necklace embedded with rubies. The chains of a halter similar to Allegras showed on one shoulder where her robe had slipped. She knelt in front of Bladebreak, her eyes downcast. He stood in his dusty clothes, a days growth of beard on his chin, and watched her with satisfaction. His wife? Allegra gritted her teeth. It grated that he expected this girl to kneel to him after he had hoped to assault another woman just the night before.

The rest of Markuss party stayed on the other side of the room, as if an invisible barrier separated them from Bladebreak and his wife. Four of the atajazids honor guard had remained outside; the other four were here with Markus. Probably they were his honor guard, as well, given that he was the fugitive sovereign until his brother came of age.

Yargazon and Ardoz stood talking with Markus. They were three of a kind, all with the height and powerful musculature valued in Jazidian men. The sun had darkened their faces, and the dark stubble of their beards showed less than a day after they had shaved. Yargazon was twenty years older than Markus, and Ardoz at least ten, but they all had the hale physique of youth. To Allegra, the greatest difference between Yargazon and Markus showed in the harsh lines around Yargazons mouth and the laugh lines that crinkled Markuss eyes. Markus had frightened her the first time she saw him, but that had come in part from her expectations, and she had misinterpreted his guarded demeanor as a lack of compassion. She doubted his face would ever show the cruelty stamped on Yargazons features.

Bladebreak spoke to his wife in a low voice, and she rose to her feet, her eyes downcast. Allegra wondered why she wouldnt look at him. She hoped it wasnt another wretched Jazidian custom. If Markus expected similar from her, he would be waiting a long time.

The girl turned toward Allegra, and Bladebreak lifted his arm. Allegra wasnt certain if he was beckoning her or giving Borjan a sign. She glanced up at the lieutenant.

“They want you to go over, he said. “I must stay here. No man may enter that side of the pavilion except her husband.

“Oh. Allegra had no desire to go anywhere near Bladebreak. She glanced at Markus, but he was deep in conversation.

Ill at ease, Allegra went to the colonel. His wife watched with dark, enigmatic eyes that revealed nothing of what she felt. She was smaller and younger than Allegra, with delicate features and eyes too large for her face.

When Allegra reached them, they all stood waiting, like some bizarre tableau. The womans eyes widened, and Allegra had the distinct impression she had horrified this fragile, lovely person. Puzzled, she glanced at Bladebreakand almost stepped back from the fury in his gaze. Well, now what?

Belatedly it occurred to her that they expected her to kneel. Too bad. She stayed put. Standing.

Bladebreak looked beyond her to Markus. The prince continued talking to his generals, for all appearances oblivious to everyone else. Allegra suspected he knew exactly what was happening and pretended otherwise because he didnt want to be involved in Allegras confrontation with the colonel.

Bladebreak spoke coldly to Allegra. “Jasmine will tend to you in preparation for your audience with the atajazid.

Allegra smiled at his wife. “Jasmine? she asked.

The girl nodded, her gaze averted as if she couldnt bear to look at someone who had so terribly insulted her husband.

“Im Allegra, she added, more to irritate Bladebreak than because she thought Jasmine cared.

Bladebreak left them and went to Markus. As the men spoke, Allegra grimaced. Yargazon and Bladebreak were trying to convince Markus of something, no doubt concerning what he should do to her.

As Allegra turned to Jasmine, the girl finally looked at her. “You must do what they want, or they will hurt you, Jasmine said. She seemed subdued, pulled within herself, so different from Rose TAmbera.

“Does he hurt you? Allegra asked.

“He is a fine man, Jasmine said. “A good, strong husband.

Allegra had her own thoughts on that, but she doubted his wife wanted to hear them. “Why do you kneel to him?

“What else would I do?

Allegra had numerous suggestions, none of them pleasant for Bladebreak, but she held back. If she said the wrong thing, and the colonel found out, he might vent his anger on his wife because he couldnt touch Markuss consort. What could she tell Jasmine, anyway? Revolt? Right. With women so outnumbered, isolated, uneducated and beaten down, it was a wonder any of them even spoke. The cruel life bred by this cruel land was killing its people, both the men and the women.

“Nothing, I guess, Allegra said. To her relief, everyone else was leaving the pavilion.

“Come. Jasmine smiled shyly. “I will bathe and perfume you. You may wear my bridal dress.

“Goodness, Allegra said. “You dont have to do all that. Bladebreak must have already told her about the wedding.

Jasmine hesitated. “I dont mean to presume. Its justI never have anyone to talk to.

“Youre not presuming, Allegra told her, mortified she had troubled the girl. “Its kind of you to offer your dress, and I would love to visit with you.

Jasmines face relaxed. “It would be fun. Ivan lets me visit my friends if he is here, if he approves of them and it doesnt interfere with his duties. But that isnt often.

“Ivan?

“My husband.

Ivan Bladebreak. Even his name was harsh. “Maybe you and I can visit.

“I would be honored, Your Highness.

Allegra reddened. “Im no Highness.

“You will be, in less than an hour. Pleasure glowed in her gaze. “You must be excited! To marry Markus Onyx. Women throughout Jazid will envy you.

Allegra was tempted to say, They can have him. She didnt, though. She told herself it was because it would upset Jasmine, but in truth, the thought of Markus with another woman bothered her far more than she wanted to admit.

“Jasmine. Allegra chose her words carefully. “When people marry here, do they sign a contract scroll?

“Of course. Jasmine beckoned her to a stool inlaid with blue and green mosaics. It stood next to a table with a blue porcelain ewer in a white bowl. “The atajazid must witness and accept Prince Markuss contract.

Allegra sat down. “Who decides what goes into the contract?

Jasmine wet a cloth with water from the ewer. “His Highness and the atajazid will write yours. She set to washing Allegras face. “You are so lovely. I know of no other woman with your coloring. Its pretty.

“Thank you. At least Jasmine didnt share Yargazons distaste for people from Aronsdale. “Is it part of the contract that a husband wont have women other than his wife?

She stopped cleaning Allegras face. “You mean that the woman will have no other man, yes?

“No. I mean it for the man.

“I dont think so. But men are expected to be faithful.

“Even prince regents?

Jasmine wouldnt look at her. “Onyx men are special.

Given what Allegra had heard about Markuss father, she had no desire to know what “special meant. She tried telling herself she didnt care what Markus did, but it was a lie. She didnt want to think about what her reaction meant, that the idea of Markus with another woman hurt so much.

A memory came to her of his voice: I would never throw away a woman because she wasnt new and perfect, especially not after I got her pregnant three times. He had been a little boy when his father lost interest in his mother. It must have hurt a great deal, that he would swear such when his culture probably allowed, even encouraged, him to do exactly as his father had done. It added another layer of complexity to this man she was beginning to realize had far more to him than most anyone else she knew.

Jasmine helped her bathe and pinned up her hair with curls cascading down her neck. Then she brought out the wedding dress. Allegra had hoped it would be just that: a dress. But it covered little more of her than the other outfits. It had the usual hip belt, this one solid gold with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. Slender chains hung from it to the floor. When she moved, they swayed, revealing skin, then hiding it. The halter was metal. All of it. More gems inlaid it, and a fringe of chains hung from its lower edge against her abdomen. A man had to have dreamed up the blasted outfit; what woman would design metal underwear for herself? The halter constrained her breathing and pushed her breasts together into cleavage. The skirt tangled around her legs. Bah.

“Why are you frowning? Jasmine dusted powder over the fading bruise on Allegras face and the traces of the gouge on her stomach, hiding both. “You look beautiful.

“Do women here dress like this all the time?

Jasmine laughed, a lovely chiming sound. “Not at all. Only when they wish to please the men.

“That figures, Allegra muttered.

“Oh, they are all just like little boys, even the ones with gray hair and wrinkles. We must humor them.

Allegra scowled. “Why, pray tell, must we humor them?

“Its that pride of theirs, Jasmine said, amused. “They grouse and growl and are quite pleased with themselves.

“Ive noticed.

“There. Jasmine stepped back and surveyed her work. “Prince Markus will be speechless when he sees you.

Allegra couldnt imagine Markus ever being speechless. It relieved her, though, that the preparations hadnt taken long. “That wasnt so bad.

“It is fun, yes? I never have a chance to do this anymore, since the colonel brought me here. I never see anyone.

Allegra had never been much for primping, but Jasmine seemed to enjoy it. With Bladebreak out of the room, she had relaxed, becoming a girl sharing confidences with a friend instead of the constrained wife of one of the armys most powerful officers.

“Are there many women in the camp? Allegra asked.

“Some wives or concubines, Jasmine said. “A few pleasure girls. Not many, though. After the problems, Prince Markus told the women they had to go home or stay out of sight.

That didnt sound good. “What happened?

“It was mostly with the tenders. She shifted her weight. “If a woman worked where men could see her, it started fights among the men. Or else they took her away, to share among themselves. Prince Markus was afraid someone would get killed. So he sent the women home. She hesitated. “He sent a few of the men home, too.

“For attacking the women?

“No. Her face reddened. “Because they were too pretty. It put them in danger.

“Oh. A few days ago, Allegra wouldnt have known what she meant. Now she had a better idea. With so few women, maybe the men sometimes turned to each other. But Markus? She had felt the intensity of his desire for her. Yet his loneliness had also been strong. If anything had happened with Ardoz, it had been years ago. She wondered how it would have affected the young prince regent, whose people seemed to see him as the epitome of the intensely masculine Jazidian warrior. His ability to step so far outside that role, even in secret, might help explain why he could also see past the ingrained customs of his culture to understand someone as different as Allegra.

Jasmine brushed the curls on Allegras neck. “Ive never seen such hair. Its sunlight.

“Most people where I live have hair this color.

“You must be so far from home.

Allegras voice caught. “Too far.

“Aye. Jasmine sighed. “Its hard. But this evening will be exciting, yes? You must be nervous about meeting the atajazid.

“A little, Allegra admitted.

“If youre ready, Ill call the men.

“I guess so. Allegra doubted she would ever be ready. She couldnt believe she was about to be married. She didnt know how she felt, except confused.

Jasmine went to the entrance and spoke to a guard outside. His response rumbled, and his silhouette moved away from the pavilion. The day had darkened into sunset, turning the walls crimson. Night-blooming lilies scented the air, which felt cool on Allegras skin, neither the searing heat of day nor the chill of night.

When she joined Jasmine by the entrance, the girl said, “This is the first wedding Ive been to. Another blush tinged her cheeks. “Except my own.

Allegra smiled. “When were you married?

“Last year. Ivan came through our camp with a company of soldiers to buy supplies and weapons. He saw me drawing water from the spring and spoke to my parents. They wrote the contract that afternoon. My wedding was that night.

It seemed an odd way to form unions, to see someone and marry her that same night. She could imagine what her parents would have said if the nomads had offered them wealth for Allegra. Her mother would have blistered their ears. By Aronsdale law, the nomads had committed crimes by abducting Allegra and robbing her; by Jazid custom, they had robbed Allegras parents. Either way, she hated that they benefited. She wished she could strike a blow, not just at the nomads who had destroyed her life, but at all those who profited from the misfortune of their victims.

“Were you glad to go with him? Allegra asked.

“Of course. Jasmines voice lost its vibrancy. “He is a great man.

If hes so great, Allegra thought, why do you shrink when he enters the room? Their marriage wasnt her business, but she liked Jasmine, and neither of them had friends here. Hell, she hadnt seen a woman since she met Rose TAmbera.

“Do you miss your family? Allegra asked.

“Always. I may never see them again. Her voice caught. “Ivan says we cant leave here, except to hide somewhere else.

Allegra put her hand on the girls shoulder. “Youll see them. Im sure. Softly she added, “Both of us will see home again. Somehow, someway.

A voice outside grumbled, “So where are they? Several tall silhouettes appeared against the darkening wall of the pavilion.

Allegra frowned at the jeweled curtain separating her from the owner of that voice. “My aggravating groom seems to have arrived.

Jasmines look turned aghast. “You mustnt speak that way! He might hear.

“Its good for him, Allegra said.

Markus pulled aside the curtain and looked in, his face perplexed. “Are you two coming?

Jasmine averted her eyes and sank gracefully to her knees. “I am sorry for our delay, Your Highness.

“For saints sake, Allegra said.

Markus spoke to Jasmine in a gentle voice. “Rise, please. Your husband is waiting outside.

“Yes, Sire. The girl stood and slipped out of the pavilion.

Markus raised an eyebrow at Allegra.

“Im not going to kneel, she said.

Markus stepped inside and spoke quietly. “When we meet my brother, dont shame me. If you were given an audience with the king of Aronsdale, you would kneel, wouldnt you?

Allegra had nothing against the atajazid, and it was true, she would kneel to her own king. “Ill respect your protocols for an audience with the atajazid, if thats what youre asking.

“Good. He took her arm, his gaze intent. “Understand me. If you disrespect my brother, there will be consequences. Id rather that not happen.

His words heightened her sense of being trapped. She had no wish to humiliate him in front of his little brother, though. “Ill be careful. Just let me know what I need to do.

Relief showed on his face. “Come, then. Let us meet the Shadow-Dragon King.