The Night Bird

CHAPTER 8 THE ANVIL

Markuss company camped among the eerie stone formations that marked the first ranks of the new mountain range they had been approaching all day. Jutting columns of rock alternated with stretches of sand, all red and ocher in the daylight, with flecks of other colors: metallic blues, violet and the false gold of feldspar. Stubby plants clung to the rocks, dark green and tenacious. Dust drifted in the air, stirred by the passage of so many horses and men. Night dropped its star-dusted cloak with the speed of a hawk descending for its prey.

After supper, Markus met with his top officers: General Yargazon, General Ardoz and Colonel Bladebreak. They sat in his tent at a low table, drinking wine as they talked. Candles on the table shed gold light across their faces. Allegra lay on a blanket across the tent among a tumble of pillows. Markus had insisted she take off her robe, leaving her in only the red skirt and halter. He claimed it was because the braziers warmed up the tent, but she knew perfectly well he wanted the others to see her. It was some annoying status thing among the men. They all looked at her when they came in with a disquieting hunger, especially Yargazon. She tried to ignore them, but it was difficult when they stared.

Although she pretended to sleep, she kept her eyes open enough to see them. And she listened. Military advisors in Aronsdale would never have discussed their plans in front of someone who hadnt sworn loyalty to their cause, asleep or not. These officers didnt even seem to see beyond the sexy clothes and curves of her body. It was an advantage to their attitude she hadnt realized before; they lowered their guard around her in ways they would never do with a man. They plotted strategy as if she wasnt in the room.

Yargazon was speaking. “I had thought last year, after the queens people discovered the assassination plot, that they killed the assassins. But it appears one may be alive.

Markus lowered his wineglass. “Where is he?

“My agent has infiltrated the palace, Yargazon said. “He thinks our man is in a cell, but he doesnt know the location.

General Ardoz, a large man with a shock of black hair sprinkled with gray, reclined on a cushion. “If theyve had him for a year, hes probably broken by now. The queen may know our plans to put the atajazid on the Topaz Throne.

Allegra stiffened. The Topaz Throne? That was Taka Mal, not Jazid. It sounded as if they had tried to murder the queen of Taka Mal and install the boy atajazid in her place. The plan must have failed.

“They already know, Markus growled. “That damn priestess told them. He scowled at his officers. “I fail to understand how one girl could escape an armed war camp and reach the queen in less than a day.

“She obviously had help, Yargazon said.

“It doesnt add up. That came from Colonel Bladebreak, a heavyset man with bristly gray hair and a stomach tending to fat. “No matter how many times I analyze it, the facts dont fit. Even with an unusually fast horse and help from the Taka Mal army, she needed over a day to get so far. She managed in less than twelve hours.

“When we get her back, Yargazon said coldly, “Ill question her myself.

“Get her back how? Bladebreak demanded. “Shes the consort of the queens damnable cousin.

“I dont care if shes the consort of their Dragon-Sun, the General said. “She was in Jazid when I bought her. Legally shes my property.

“Well, shes in Taka Mal now, Markus said. “If we took her, it would be tantamount to an act of war. Her husband is second in line to the throne.

“An act of war? Bladebreak raised an eyebrow. “Id say we did that last year, when we sent agents to murder the royal family.

“They have no proof those men were ours, Markus said. “The word of one girl, even a priestess, is hearsay.

“Its been a year, Ardoz said. “Surely they would have acted by now if they had evidence we backed a plot against the queen.

Markus glanced at Yargazon. “Could our agent have held out this long against interrogators?

“Had they been trained by myself or your father, no. Yargazon moved his hand in dismissal. “This queen is weak. Afraid of extreme measures. So against her people, yes, its possible.

“Id like to interrogate the queen, Bladebreak said sourly. “Im surprised that cousin of hers hasnt deposed her. What madness possessed her father to leave her the throne?

“Dont underestimate her, Markus said. “If she couldnt hold her own and then some, she wouldnt have survived for ten years as queen. And shes well liked among her people.

Yargazon snorted. “What idiot wants a woman on the throne?

“They think shes the ultimate priestess of the Dragon-Sun, Ardoz said. “They tell themselves the Dragon-Sun is the true ruler of Taka Mal, and it makes a female sovereign more palatable.

Markus smiled wryly at Ardoz, showing more warmth with him than with the others. “If you can figure that out, youd think her own people would see it, as well.

The laugh lines around Ardozs eyes crinkled. “Im sure they do, Mark. Its a justification they let themselves use.

Allegra blinked. Mark? She hadnt known Markus had a nickname. No one else seemed to use it.

“Well, assassination didnt work, Bladebreak said. “And the attempt alone wasnt enough to cause the chaos we needed.

Allegra could see why they needed the confusion that would follow the sudden deaths of the royal family. With only a few hundred men, Markus otherwise had little hope of countering the Taka Mal army, which surely had several thousand.

“The longer we wait in hiding, Yargazon said, “the more it drains our resources.

“I concur, Bladebreak said. “The strain is showing. That fellow who stole the knife isnt the only one worried about his family. We cant keep on like this, with no relief for the men.

“The army needs a focus, Ardoz said. “The men have nothing to do but worry while our supplies diminish.

Markus regarded them intently. “The solution is obvious.

“I agree. Yargazon nodded with satisfaction. “A wise idea.

“Perhaps, Bladebreak said dryly, “you might share this idea with the rest of us?

“Invade now, Markus said. “Weve more men and weapons than last year. Were better prepared.

Allegra was surprised to see the other men nodding. Did they really believe a few hundred men could conquer Taka Mal? Surely not. She recalled Markuss comments about weapons and the TAmbera. Maybe they had found something that would give them an edge.

“This could be a good time for other reasons, too, Yargazon said. “According to my reports, Emperor Cobalts forces are stretched thin and their morale is terrible, especially since he sent one thousand men into Taka Mal and left only a thousand here. Trying both to protect Taka Mal and hold Jazid demands more resources than he can spare.

Markus nodded to Yargazon. “That assassination plan of yours was brilliant, Dusk. Even though it failed, we came out ahead because Cobalt had to reduce his forces in Jazid as a result.

Bladebreak and Ardoz nodded their agreement. Allegra felt queasy, hearing their plans for killing and how they honored someone for his brilliance at bringing about death.

“Cobalts men also arent used to desert fighting, General Ardoz said. “They dont know how.

“Weve had reports of strife, Yargazon said. “The men ask why they must hold this land so far from their own. His smile could have been a knife. “The Misted Cliffs is foggy and cold. They hate the desert. Jazid demoralizes them.

“Well, then, Markus said. “We are decided. Ill present our recommendations to the atajazid.

That intrigued Allegra. It sounded as if they planned to meet up with their hidden king. Asking his permission was probably a formality; she couldnt imagine these sun-hardened warriors putting off their battles at the order of a nine-year-old child.

“There is one other matter, Yargazon said. “My agents have picked up some odd rumors. Something about an engineering guild associated with the Topaz Palace.

“Have they developed a new weapon? Markus asked.

“I dont think so, the General said. “Its something called kindle-powder. Wryly he added, “Actually the rumors are about the failure of this kindle-powder. It doesnt work.

“What is it? General Ardoz asked.

Yargazon shrugged. “Weve no details. It may just be a myth.

Markus glanced at Yargazon. “Keep checking it.

“Weve another point to consider, Ardoz said. “The royal family. Do we still want them killed, except the queens consort?

“Hes an excellent hostage, as Cobalts kin. Markus rubbed his chin. “Ive been thinking on this. Im not so sure killing any of them is a good idea. After we have the throne, well want Queen Vizaranas army to fight with us against Cobalt. They are far more likely to do so if we let their queen and her baby live. And she could give us valuable information.

Yargazon frowned. “Any time some kingor regentlets his enemy live, a survivor comes back for revenge. Look at Cobalt. His family ruled Harsdown for centuries. Then his father invaded Aronsdale. When Aronsdale defeated Harsdown, they should have executed its king and his heir. Did they? No. They imprisoned the king in a supposedly impregnable fortress. And Cobalt, his heir, who was just a little boy? He grew up into a monster, raised an army to free his father and then turned those godforsaken forces against the rest of us. He shook his head. “We cant let either the queen or her heirs live.

“Well, we will see what happens. Markus raised his goblet. “To Taka Mal.

The others lifted their cups. “To Taka Mal.

After they drank and refilled their goblets, Markus reclined on his cushions. Bladebreak smiled at him. “You seem in a good mood.

“Hmm, Markus said.

Yargazon spoke sourly. “Has she had any wine lately?

Markus grinned at him. “I dont give her any.

“Perhaps you should, Yargazon said. “You could keep your belt ready for another thirty.

“Aye, that I could, Markus said, laughing.

Allegra wanted to slap them. Belt indeed. During their ride today, she had walked part of the time because she was stiff after riding so much. But she knew what Markus let everyone think, that she couldnt ride because of the thrashing he had supposedly given her. If he brought that up now, she was going to throw more than wine in his face when she had the chance.

“She sings, too, Markus said. “She has a gorgeous voice.

“Really? Ardoz said. “Youre fortunate.

Markus stretched indolently. “Maybe you would all enjoy a song, eh?

As the others murmured their agreement, Allegra went cold. Surely he wouldnt ask her to go over there. They were all turning toward her, so she closed her eyes all the way. Fabric rustled as someone stood, followed by the tread of boots crossing the tent.

The footsteps stopped. “Allegra?

She sighed and stirred, opening her eyes. Markus was crouched in front of her, blocking her view of his officers.

He kissed her languidly. “Wake up. He put his hand on her waist, and his thumb stroked the underside of her breast.

Allegra decided she had better “wake up before he started pawing her in front of his military advisors. “Are they gone? she asked. Wishful thinking, but it was worth a try. Maybe he would send them away.

“Still here, he murmured. “We want you to sing for us. Come to the table.

“Markus, I dont want to. She meant to sound firm, but the words came out frightened.

“Come. Sing. He silently mouthed, Put them to sleep.

What the blazes? She sat up in the pillows. As she rubbed her stiff shoulder, she gave him a questioning look.

In a voice so low, she barely heard, he said, “Come, my night bird. If they are sleeping, they cant harm you.

For saints sake. He wanted her to do a spell. Whatever for? She almost said no, but then she changed her mind. If she put his officers, his guardsand himto sleep, she could sneak out of the tent, assuming she didnt knock herself out, as well.

Markus stood up and offered his hand. As she took it, she felt the sword calluses on his palm exactly like in her dream. A shiver went through her, and this time it didnt come from fear.

He drew her to the table, and the men watched her with appraising stares that among her people would have been considered extraordinarily rude. She wanted to cover herself with her hands, but Markus had her arm in his large grip.

“Here. He set her at the table between his and Yargazons places, by a pole that supported the tent. The men sat drinking their wine, seeming relaxed in their cushions, but with an ingrained tension that she doubted they ever lost.

Markus went to a chest across the tent and removed something that glittered. Straightening, he detached a small piece from it, then turned and showed it to her. Squinting, Allegra realized he had a key. He closed the chest and set the key on its top. Then he came back, holding the larger object. No, two objects, bracelets it looked like. As he drew nearer, she blanched. Those werent bracelets, they were gold shackles joined by a gold chain. Rubies, diamonds, topazes and onyx glinted in the metal.

As Markus knelt next to Allegra, she drew back. “What are you doing? she asked, frightened.

“Just making sure you dont fly off, he murmured. He lifted her hand. She strained to pull it away, but he clicked a manacle around her wrist. The metal felt cold on her skin. He wrapped the chain around the pole and closed the other manacle around the chain.

I cant do this. She was surrounded by warlords in a culture that obviously valued their ferocity, height and physical power far more than any kindness. She feared if they sensed her apprehension, she would seem like prey to them.

Exactly why Markus wanted her to knock out his advisors was another question altogether. Convoluted tangles of power swirled here. If she put them to sleep, including Markus, she would be trapped without the key to the manacles. But maybe she could figure out a way to free herself. However slim her odds for escape, they werent zero.

Markus had picked up the compass, and now he handed it to her. He took his goblet off the table then and settled next to her in the pillows.

“Sing, beautiful songbird, he said, raising his goblet. Had they been alone, his sensual expression might have aroused her. But the calculating stares of his military advisors were frightening. She didnt know what they intended.

Allegra stared at the compass in her lap so she wouldnt have to see their harsh faces. She chose the lilt that had put Markus to sleep last night. As she sang, she focused on the compass and poured out a comfort spellsoft, sweet, soothing. Although she wanted her voice to carry to the guards outside, she had to be careful. If she sang too loudly, Markus would know why and the others might wonder. She couldnt risk their suspicion.

Allegra soared into the high notes, caressing them with her voice, and wove a green spell. It came more easily this time, swirling their moods around her. Sleepy. They all were, even Markus. Good.

She caught wisps of thoughts, nothing concrete, emotions more than words. They liked her singing, Ardoz and Markus especially. In fact, Markus loved it. Yargazon was impatient to reach some place, she wasnt certain where, and his mood dominated. He wanted to fight. Go to war. So did the others. A restless anger drove them, prodded by their smoldering resentment of Cobalt, the hated emperor who had stolen their country and their lives.

Sensuality overlaid their moods, woven into the aggression, especially with Yargazon and Bladebreak. The pairing of violence and arousal disturbed Allegra. They associated warfare with sexual desire and believed taking a woman increased their power as warriors. It terrified her, especially given her vulnerability.

Markuss responses were much healthier, rich and sensual, robust. To her surprise, he felt a great deal of tenderness toward her, which he strove to hide, thinking it would be perceived as weakness. He had been deeply lonely, but she was changing all that for him. In different circumstances, knowing he desired her so much would have pleased her.

She recoiled from Yargazon. He wanted her as much as Markus, and having her shackled next to him heightened that desire. But his lust smothered. He wanted to hurt her, to hear her cry. He didnt see her as human. In his eyes, she was incapable of true emotion, a temptress who deliberately weakened men. He found her exotically beautiful and voluptuous, unbearably so, and that translated into a need to punish her. Overriding it all was his fury at her defiance. He admired Markus, considered him a good leader and regent, a man worthy of respect. He felt fatherly toward the prince. He knew the honor Markus had given him with the auction, and he wanted Allegra to suffer for the insult she had done Markus, for her resistance, just for being herself. He would conquer her as he conquered on the battlefield, laying waste to both.

Bile rose in Allegras throat. How could he hate her so much? She withdrew her concentration, shutting him out of her spell. As his mood receded, the others became clearer.

Ardoz surprised her. Although he considered her pretty, his response had more kindness to it than desire. The bloodlust for war burned within him even more than in Yargazon, but it had no sexual component. To him, Allegra represented softness, the reward after the battle, the place where a battered warrior laid his head. When she realized where else he wanted to lie, she blushed. What would Markus do if he realized his military advisor found him more attractive than his pleasure girl? She caught images from Ardoz, fantasiesmemories?where he held a younger Markus. It bewildered her, and she almost stumbled in the song.

Colonel Bladebreak was a different story. His interest in her had a hard edge, aggression intermingled with lust. With dismay, she realized he assumed Markus brought her to the table because he meant to share her with them. Bladebreak expected her to fight when he took her, and the bastard looked forward to it. His response so distressed her, she lost her place in the song.

Distraction rippled from the men as she stuttered. She jumped back into the lilt, determined to knock them out before anyone hurt her. Even without a spell, she knew Markus would never consent to let them touch her. So why flaunt her? For status, obviously. It established his rank in some subtle male hierarchy. But he walked too close to the edge. Jazid men might dress their women in almost nothing for their pleasure, but in public the women wore robes. The bright colors identified their sex, with the associated status it gave their men, but covering them up decreased the chance of an assault or kidnapping. Markus wanted it both ways, to show her off and to keep her only for himself. He had the power and bodyguards to protect her, but he was taking a risk. He had better know what he was doing, because she would pay the price if he lost control of the situation.

Reaching beyond the tent with her spell, she touched the minds of soldiers, distant and vague. She focused on them even as she redoubled her efforts with the officers here. Markus fought, but his resistance softened as his starved need for sleep caught up with him. His mood grew more diffuse, saturated with drowsy contentment.

A loud snore broke into her song. Startled, she looked up. Ardoz and Bladebreak were sprawled in their pillows, fast asleep. Yargazon had collapsed on his side and dropped his wine goblet. A red stain was spreading on the blue and violet carpet. Markus lay on his back, his chest rising and falling with the even rhythm of sleep. His eyes twitched under his lids as if he were dreaming.

“General Yargazon? she asked. “Would you like more wine? If he were the least bit awake, that ought to provoke him.

No response.

“Colonel Bladebreak? she asked. “General Ardoz?

Bladebreak snored, and Ardoz didnt budge.

Saints above. It had worked. It was fortunate, because she couldnt have maintained the spell much longer without falling asleep herself. The effort had strained the limits of what she knew how to do with her gifts. Before her kidnapping, she hadnt even thought she could do green spells. She felt drained, ravenous and sleepy.

Allegra twisted the shackle on her wrist and tugged the chain around the pole. The metal felt too hard to be pure gold. She couldnt bend the manacle, nor could she do anything with the pole; to support such a large tent, it needed to be sturdy, and they had driven it deep into the ground.

Markus sighed and rubbed his eyes. Sitting up slowly, he smiled at her. “Hmmpretty songbird.

“Oh. She blinked at him sheepishly, her hands gripped on the chain she had been trying to wrest free.

“You cant unlock that, he said.

Allegra flushed and released the chain. “You woke up.

“Ive spent the last ten years fighting to sleep. Whod have thought I would have to fight to stay awake? He regarded the others with a grin. “Looks like they lost the battle.

“They were easier than you, she admitted.

“Thats amazing! You can even knock out experienced officers who should know better.

“Dont you trust them?

He leaned toward her. “I dont trust anyone. Especially you. But theyre excellent officers.

She kept her opinion on that to herself. “So why did you want them to sleep?

“To see what you could do. He considered her. “What about the guards? You tried with them, too, Ill bet.

“I dont know, she hedged.

“Hah. He climbed to his feet. “Ill go check.

“Markus, wait!

He turned back. “Eh?

She tugged at the shackles. “Dont leave me like this!

His eyes took on a bedroom look that had nothing to do with sleep. Although he didnt have Yargazons or Bladebreaks hard edge, she needed no spell to realize that seeing her chained excited him.

“Ill come back, he murmured.

“Your men might wake up, she said, trying not to panic. “They would find me alone here, without you.

His smile faded. “No, that wouldnt be good. He strode across the tent and took the key off the chest. He came back and released her, then tossed the shackles on the table. “Come on. He grabbed her hand. “Lets go visit my guards.

She stumbled along with him as he strode across the tent. “Slow down.

He moderated his pace. “I keep forgetting your legs arent as long as mine. He sounded immensely pleased with himself.

Outside, the moon glowed with a red tinge from dust in the air. The man who guarded the entrance was lying on the ground. Snoring.

“Hah! Markus toed his bodyguards arm, which was flung across the ground. “Izad. Wake up!

The man grunted.

Markus pushed Izads shoulder with his boot, rolling him onto his back. “What kind of protection is this, eh? An assassin could have slipped into my tent and knifed me between the ribs.

“What? The guard peered blearily up at Markus. Then comprehension dawned on his face. “Your Highness! He scrambled to his feet, clumsy with sleep. “Sir! IIGods almighty. Even in the dim light, it was easy to see his face had gone deathly pale.

“Why were you sleeping, Izad? Markus asked mildly.

“Sire! It wont happen again!

“Yes, I know. But why did you go to sleep?

“I dontIts never happened before. Izad seemed as bewildered by Markuss calm response as by finding himself snoring on duty. “I dont know.

Markus nodded. “Carry on. He took Allegras arm and headed around the tent.

Allegra glanced over her shoulder at Izad. He was staring after them with his mouth open.

“That was astonishing, Markus said. “He had no idea why he fell asleep.

“He was terrified of what you would do to him.

He snorted. “If he really had fallen asleep on duty, he would have been endangering the person of the prince regent. Thats an executable offense.

“Is that why you threatened me with execution over the wine? she asked tartly. “Because I endangered your exalted person with my fierce, bellicose behavior?

His laugh rumbled. “Ah, well. If all dangers were so lovely, Id die a happy man. When Allegra glowered at him, he grinned.

“Youre not going to tell Izad what happened, are you? she said.

“I doubt it. The fewer people who know what you can do, the better weapon you make.

“Im not a weapon, she said, exasperated. “And for saints sake, Markus, your military advisors are going to wonder why they passed out in your tent.

“Why? It wouldnt be the first time we drank too much and fell asleep. He laughed with satisfaction. “This is incredible. Think what I could do.

“ You dont make the spells.

“Youre dangerous, you know, knocking out my bodyguards. He thought for a moment. “I need to figure out how Ill stop you from doing spells when I dont want them to happen.

Great. Just great. Saints only knew what he would think of.

They found two more of his guards asleep. Only the one on the far side of the tent was awake. Markus admonished the others enough so his reaction was less out of kilter with their expectations. As punishment, he ordered them to muck out the horse stalls. The confused guards asked which stalls he meant, given that the company had none, but Markus was already moving on, and he just waved. Allegra wondered what they would think when they realized they had all fallen asleep at the same time.

Markus returned to the entrance and peered inside. With a soft laugh, he said, “Look, and lifted the flap. Yargazon, Ardoz and Bladebreak were still fast asleep, sprawled on their cushions. With a grin, he dropped the flap.

“Izad. Markus beckoned to the guard. “Get the others. Were going for a walk.

As Izad went for the other bodyguards, Allegra shivered, her arms folded. The nights cold seeped into her bones. “Im cold. I should get a

“No. He caught her as she started into the tent. “Youll wake our sleeping beauties.

“Saints, Markus. She couldnt stop her shivering. “Cant you be considerate?

“What, its inconsiderate to let them sleep?

She was too cold, hungry and tired to deal with him. “If you cant see the problem, I give up.

His expression tightened. “I must be too stupid, eh? After all, I amwhat was it? A tyrannical despot who inflicts brutal punishments and terrorizes girls half my weight and age, a man sorely limited in intelligence, unbearably rude, illegitimate and with bad hygiene. Oh, I almost forgot. A pig, too. The dragon only knows how you can stand to inhabit the same world as me.

Allegra blinked. “You have a good memory. She hadnt thought he listened that closely to what she said, but apparently he remembered the parts he didnt like.

He beckoned to someone behind her. Turning, she saw his four guards waiting far enough back so they werent intruding.

Izad came over to Markus and saluted. “Yes, Sire?

“Assign four men to guard this tent. Then meet me at the Anvil. He glanced at Allegra, then back at the guard. “And bring me one of those ocelot blankets.

“Right away, Sire.

Markus nodded to him, then grasped Allegras arm and headed off, striding through the camp. The other three guards came with them, one on either side and one behind, all easily matching the prince regents stride. Allegra had to run to keep up. The soft soles of her fur boots offered little protection against the rocks stabbing her feet. She tried to slow down, but Markus kept up his pace and wouldnt let go of her arm. By the time they left the camp, a stitch burned in her side. She stumbled on the stony ground and pitched forward.

Markus barely caught her before she fell. “Careful there!

She braced her hands on his arm while she gulped in air. The company had camped in a basin deep in the foothills of the Fractured Mountains. Here on the rim of the basin, columns jutted up, and shadows lurked among them, dark spaces like holes that could swallow a person into some inky hell.

Markus shifted his weight from foot to foot. “Are you ready?

“No, she said, knowing it wouldnt matter. Her attempts to be so disagreeable that he would want nothing more to do with her had so far failed miserably.

“Come. He took her arm and started off at the same pace.

“No! She braced her feet, really digging in this time, and refused to go. “I cant go that fast!

He stood next to her. “That was fast?

“Yes. She tried to pry his fingers off her arm. “Youre hurting me. She was going to have another bruise tomorrow.

He seemed ready to snap with tension, but he did release her. Maybe it wasnt tension as much as his inability to stay still. He was always restless, always moving, never able to concentrate for long. That combined with his sharp intelligence reminded her of a boy she had once taught. The fellow could never sit; he had to be up and about. He hated being indoors, particularly in confined places. He had a sweet nature, charming and funny, and she had soon realized he genuinely had a hard time controlling his hyperactive need to move. Although he had outgrown it a bit as he matured, he would always be that way to some extent. Markus seemed a lot like him.

“Why do you stare at me so oddly? he asked. “You look as if Ive sprouted dragon wings.

She rubbed the small of her back, which ached from all their horseback riding. “Dont you ever slow down?

“What for?

“Youre exhausting.

“Im not tired.

“I wasnt referring to you.

“Oh.

“Oh? Thats it?

“What did you expect me to say?

She glowered at him. “How about, Im sorry for dragging you all over creation, and Ill attempt to be more aware of your needs in the future.

“Men dont talk that way to women. He crossed his arms. “It is your pleasure in life to serve my needs, whatever they may be, however it pleases me. Thats why you exist.

“Well, goodness me, she said. “I cant imagine why women dont want to immigrate to this lovely country.

He lowered his arms. “Allegra, I dont want to argue. He held out his hand. “Come with me. I want to show you something. A special place Ive always loved.

Again he caught her off guard. When he cleared his throat awkwardly, she flushed and took his hand. He started off again, this time at a more moderate pace. It felt odd holding his hand, more like something she would have done with an Aronsdale boy. She had no doubt that if Yargazon showed up, Markus would drop her hand as if it were an ingot in a furnace. Even so, it was nice.

“Where are we going? she asked.

“Its called the Anvil. He indicated a place up ahead where darkness blocked the stars. “There.

“What about the men sleeping in your tent? she asked.

His laugh was low and satisfied. “Theyll be fine. And if Im gone when they awake, they cant ask me questions.

She doubted they would find it so amusing, but she was glad to be away from them. Although in military terms, Ardoz was probably the most violent, he didnt frighten her like the others. She had absolutely no idea what to make of his interest in Markus, though. She had never known a man could feel that way about another man.

They were approaching another rock formation, this one taller than the others, at least the height of ten people. It jutted up from the desert like, well, a huge anvil, impressively massive, blocking the rich canopy of stars.

Markus turned to the three guards. “Two of you wait here. When Izad returns, send him up.

The men bowed. “As you wish, Sire.

The hike up the Anvil was steep, and the path wound into the formation rather than around it, which relieved Allegra. She didnt want to be on an edge, in the dark, so far above the ground. The walls on either side rose up until they met overhead and formed a tunnel. The path was too narrow for more than one person. Markus went first, she followed and his third guard came after her, his tread heavy in the inky darkness. Rocks poked her feet through her flimsy boots. With no light, she had to feel her way along with her hands on the walls.

They came out onto the flat top of the Anvil under the icy stars. Far below, the desert stretched in plains of sand and distorted shadows, all etched in silver by the moonlight. To the east, the Fractured Mountains rose in broken spires against the sky.

“Saints above, she breathed. “Its incredible.

“Worth the walk? Markus asked.

“Itits A gust of wind hit her, and she gasped from the chill, wrapping her arms around herself. She had never thought before that peoples teeth really could chatter, but hers were doing it.

“Eh. Come here. Markus drew her against his side, folding her in his arms. Even through his shirt, his body felt like a furnace. She pressed closer to his warmth, her arms between their bodies, her cheek against his chest.

“Thats why you wont give me clothes, she said. “So I have to do this.

“I like to look at you. He stroked her back. “To touch you. Everywhere. Youre so soft.

“You shouldnt freeze me just because you like my body. She could hardly get out the words, she was shaking so hard.

“By the dragon, he growled. “Youre as bad as my mother.

“You froze your mother?

“No! She was always telling me such things, about being considerate. My father told me not to listen, that she was just a woman and I could do as I pleased.

“Oh, well, theres an example of fine parenting.

“My father was a great man. He rubbed his hands up and down her bare back. “You really are shaking.

“Im cold!

“I can help. Markus glanced over her head at his bodyguard. “Wait here. This is the only access to the top.

“Ill send Izad up with the blanket when he arrives, Sire, the guard said.

“Excellent.

Markus led Allegra to an edge of the Anvil where a small half dome of rock faced the desert. As they stepped within its shelter, the wind eased. He drew her to the back wall and sat down, settling her between his legs with her back to his front. He bent his legs on either side of her and enfolded her in his arms, surrounding her with the warmth of his body.

“Better? he asked.

“Much. She turned sideways so she could burrow deeper in his arms. “Youre like a campfire.

He kissed the top of her head. “Its another of my plots, to make you behave as if you want to be with me.

That gave her pause. Beneath his joking, it sounded as if he cared how she felt about him. Maybe that wasnt so surprising. Most people wanted their lovers to like them. Given his lack of remorse for what he had done to her, though, she hadnt expected it to matter to him. Probably she was reading too much into his tone because she hoped it would make her situation more bearable. And yetthe tenderness toward her that she had felt in his mood tonight had been real. He could be far more appealing than he had any right to be, given his life, and if she were being honest, she had to admit his mischief made her smile.

In his arms, she continued to warm up. After a while, when her shaking stopped, she said, “You should have listened more to your mother and less to your father.

She expected another of his proclamations about the supposed nature of men and women. Instead he said, “When I behaved as he saw fitting for his son, he spent more time with me.

She knew nothing of his father except stories she had heard in Aronsdale, which all painted him as a brutal man. “Did you like to be with him?

“Of course.

“You said before that he was harsh.

“You have to be, to rule this country. He slid one of his hands inside her halter and fondled her nipple. “But even the harshest kings need succor.

“You cant buy succor, she said. “No matter how much you pay the TAmbera.

“Yes, I can. He unfastened the halters clip between her breasts. “I own you. Thats just how I want it.

“I cannot even begin to tell you, she said, “how unromantic that sounds.

Markus pulled off the halter and dropped it in a glittery pile on the ground. As he petted her breasts, he murmured against her ear. “Youre not telling the truth. Your nipples are so hard, theyre saying, Markus, kiss me, please, now.

Oh, honestly. “It sounds to me like theyre saying, Cover us up. Were cold!

He laughed softly. “You dont fool me. Youre mad with desire for my incredible body.

Allegra snorted. “Matched only by your incredible modesty. He was teasing, though. She had felt the truth earlier tonight in her spell; he had no idea how beautiful he looked. How would he know? He spent all his time around soldiers, and they were hardly about to tell their commander he was sexy. Not even Ardoz.

“Markus?

“Hmm? His calluses rasped on her skin as he caressed her.

“Isnt Ardoz young to be a general? Hes not even as old as Colonel Bladebreak.

“True. But Ardoz is a notorious warrior. And strategist. Thats why I promoted him.

So Markus had given Ardoz his rank. “Is that the only reason?

“What other reason would there be?

“Friendship.

She thought he would ask what the hell that meant, or tell her military ranks had nothing to do with favoritism. Instead he spoke quietly. “Sometimes friendship turns onto unexpected paths. You may soon turn back and leave that path, which isnt for you, but that doesnt mean you regret it. He pressed his lips against her temple. “My path is with you, night bird.

Saints above. He knew how Ardoz felt. She felt certain of it. She doubted he would tell her more, but she would always wonder now if what she had seen in Ardozs mind had been memories.

“What about my path? she asked.

“You were lucky. It led you to me.

“Oh, for saints sake.

He kept caressing her. “You like being here, this way, with me. I can tell.

“Only because Id freeze otherwise. In truth, she did like the way he stroked her. But this morning, even with the miradella, she had needed to see him with another mans face before she could enjoy his touch.

Markus tugged at her skirt. “The TAmbera claimed this comes off the chainah, there. He pulled away the silk, leaving her naked except for a jeweled chain around her hips. His hand roamed between her thighs, leaving no hidden places. “Youre not fighting me tonight.

“Its too cold. After what had happened this morning, she felt tuned like a string on a harp, ready for him to play. As the miradella wore off, it actually became more effective because the sensations were no longer so intense that she felt overwhelmed. She didnt want to encourage him, but she was too aroused to ask him to stop, either, so she just sat and let him do as he pleased.

He sighed. “Someday, Allegra, you will say to me, Markus, come here, I want you. And Ill fall over in shock.

She couldnt help but smile. “That would be a sight.

“Why dont you try saying it and see what happens?

She didnt answer, but she curled closer against his chest.

“Hmm. He kept stroking her, but he took it slower, his attentions less demanding than this morning.

After a few minutes, a man said, “Prince Markus?

“Gods, Markus swore. “Dont they ever go away?

“That sounds like Izad, Allegra said. “You asked him to come up.

“Oh. Yes. I did. Markus raised his voice. “Here.

“Wait! Allegra splayed her hands against her breasts and pelvis. “Not yet.

“I wont let him see you. He shifted her weight and stood up with an ease she envied. She gasped when icy air blasted across her bare skin and she curled into as tight a ball as possible.

Markus stopped and said, “Oh. He unfastened his jerkin and pulled it off, leaving only a dark red undershirt. His arm muscles bulged. With his broad chest, narrow hips and long legs, he was a sight well worth the look. Kneeling down, he put the jerkin around her shoulders. “There. Ill be right back. Then he quickly left the hollow.

Relieved, Allegra pulled the jerkin closed with her arms inside and inhaled its leather smell. Cold air leaked in through the armholes, but the garment came down past her hips. The intricate fastenings baffled her, all beautifully woven loops with ties to thread through them. She left them undone and overlapped the jerkin across her front for an extra layer of warmth. She tried to put her skirt back on, too, but she couldnt figure out how it attached.

When she finished bundling up as best as she could, she explored the hollow. Near the edge, the wind picked up. The Anvil dropped down from her feet, and the moonlit desert lay far below, rolling to the horizon. The scene reminded her of Markus, starkly beautiful, often too hot, sometimes icy, and at its best, just warm enough. She returned to the back wall, which hadnt lost the days warmth, and huddled against it, trying to soak in leftover heat.

Markus appeared around the edge of the hollow, silhouetted against the stars. “You look scared, all curled up like that.

“I am scared, she admitted. “Of you. She tilted her head in the direction his bodyguard had gone. “Of him.

“But why? Kneeling down, he laid a blanket over her body. With its pattern of light and dark splotches, it did look like an ocelot pelt. A rich scent of animal hide surrounded her.

“My bodyguards protect me, Markus said. “So they protect what belongs to me. He would never hurt you.

Her face burned. “I was naked.

“Youre wearing a lot. My jerkin.

She didnt argue. She was too cold. Maybe in Jazid, people considered this a lot of clothes for a woman.

Markus rolled several rocks toward the edge, then swept away the pebbles in front of them. “There. That should be better.

The blanket was beginning to warm her up. “For what?

“Us. He tugged the blanket away and spread it on the ground. She shivered as he laid her out on the pelt. She curled up on her side for warmth, but he rolled her onto her back and unfolded her arms. When he opened the jerkin, the cold seared her skin.

“Dont be scared, he said, his voice softening. He stretched out on top of her, offering the warmth of his body. “I wont let you freeze. He kissed her, teasing her mouth open so he could go more deeply with his tongue. It wasnt the first time he had done it, but it confused her. She hadnt known men and women kissed that way, and it sent heat through her body.

He murmured against her lips and he rolled the chain around her hips. “This is sexy.

Allegra didnt feel sexy, just uncomfortable. “Your clothes are scratching me. Too late, she realized he might mistake her words for an invitation to undress.

His tongue flicked over her lips. “Youll get used to it.

Used to it? That made no sense. “Dont you undress when youre with a woman?

He brushed his lips over her forehead. “Never.

“But why?

Instead of answering, he slid down her body, licking her neck, breasts and belly. Then he went all the way down and kissed her between the legs.

“What are you doing? Mortified, Allegra tried to roll away.

He gently held her in place, his large hands gripped on her hips. “Relax, night bird. I want you to enjoy it.

“No! This morning she had been half-asleep, affected by her dream and warm in his tent. None of that was true now, and without his body covering hers, the cold came back with a vengeance. “II dont want to do this.

He came back up her body until he was covering her and looked down at her. “Whats wrong, kitten? Dont cry.

“Im n-not. She wiped away the tear on her cheek.

“Allegra. He sounded bewildered. “What do I have to do to make you believe I wont hurt you?

“Let me go.

“I cant do that. Awkwardly he said, “I am becomingfond of you.

“You hardly know me.

For a long moment he looked at her. Then he said, “Suppose I were to agree you will no longer be my pleasure girl. Would you consent to love me then? No fighting or crying?

She was so startled, she almost said, You would really let me go? Then she felt like a fool. Of course he wouldnt. “Dont play with me. If we have to do this, just get it over with.

“Get it over with? Thats terrible.

She had no argument there.

“I want you to enjoy yourself. He brushed his lips over hers. “Tell me. Would you consent if it meant you would no longer have to be my pleasure girl?

“Does that mean you would let me go?

He exhaled. “If you mean would I help you to leave me, then no. I wouldnt. But I would give you legal documents that made it clear you were no longer a pleasure girl.

She clenched the blanket under them. “Why do you say pleasure girl? Do you think calling me that instead of slave makes it all right? Because it doesnt.

“Im not lying. I mean what I say. Pleasure girl, slave, whatever you want to call it.

“Im not even sure what youre saying. Youre offering to free me, is that it? But you wont help me leave this camp.

“Yes.

So she would still be trapped with him. They were deep in an arid, barren desert where she wouldnt last a day without supplies. Only the legalities of her situation would change. Butif she found a way to escape, he would have no claim on her. In fact, it would dilute his control so much, she didnt believe he would do it. She wanted to hit him for offering her hope when they both knew he would never willingly allow her to leave.

“I dont believe you would let me go, she said.

He moved his hands up her sides and grazed his roughened thumbs over her breasts. “I want to have you of your own free will. Its worth a lot to me, even as much as I paid for you. If freeing you is what it takes to win your consent, Ill do it.

“Youre just saying that.

“I keep my word. His voice cooled. “If you think otherwise, you know nothing about me.

Well, she didnt. If she had learned anything, though, it was this: he had far more depth than she had believed in that excruciating moment when she had first seen him. The brutal killer she expected had never appeared; instead she faced a complex man who had a great deal of good in him, even greatness. She felt out of her league with Markus, faced with a powerful leader in a culture so at odds with her own, she could barely deal with it, let alone judge the nuances of his attitudes.

She spoke carefully. “If you have documents that say you own me, will you have new ones drawn up saying youve freed me?

He didnt hesitate. “Yes.

“When?

“As soon as we go back to camp, Markus said. “When we reach the base, Ill ask the atajazid to approve them.

“What if he says no?

Markus scowled at her. “Hes nine years old. Hes not going to tell me what I can do in my personal life.

“Are you sure?

“No, he admitted. “But it would be as out of character for him as it would have been for me to tell my father such things when I was nine.

She wasnt so certain Markus wouldnt have tried. Whether his father would have listened was another story, but the point was moot. As a child he couldnt have controlled his fathers actions. The same wasnt true with the child king. The atajazid had the power to refuse him. Maybe Markus wanted that to happen.

What else could go wrong? “Would you forget to tell anyone I was no longer your slave?

“Ill tell whoever you ask me to. My guards. My officers. Even Yargazon, if you want.

That felt like a punch in the stomach. “Would that mean Yargazon could take me as his slave girl?

“No! Anger snapped in his voice. “I would never let that sadist touch you. Neither him nor any other man here. Ever.

His vehemence surprised her. He and Yargazon obviously worked well together. His father and the General had shared women, which implied his father had accepted Yargazons cruelty, even participated. And Markus had loved his father. She hadnt expected him to condemn Yargazons private life. She also had the impression that after that one time, when Markus fathered his son, he had never again joined the General in taking a woman. In fact, she thought Markus was a far kinder man inside than he let show. What that said about this “bargain, she didnt know. He had made it nearly impossible for her to leave. With what he knew about Jazidian women, he might assume she would stay with him rather than venture into the desert alone. If he believed that, though, he knew nothing about her.

If she agreed to lie with him in return for his rewriting the documents, it was still coercion. But she could think of worse prices to pay for her freedom than to let this sensual man do what he wanted if he was telling the truth.

“If youre making this up, Allegra said, “Ill fight you every day for the rest of my life.

“Im not lying. He kissed the tip of her nose. “Say yes.

“If you undress.

He lifted his head. “What?

“Take off your clothes.

“No! Why would I do that?

“Are you afraid? she asked, genuinely curious.

“Of course not.

“Is it about control? You feel vulnerable when you take them off. She certainly understood that reaction.

“Im never vulnerable. He paused for several moments. “Its too cold.

She knew it was a false excuse. “But its all right for me to freeze? Im supposed to believe that someone who cant see the hypocrisy in that will keep his word to me?

“Hell and damnation, Markus growled. “If I take off my blasted clothes, will you consent?

“Yes. I will.

“All right. He sounded surprised. “But give me a kiss first. He laughed softly. “To build my courage up.

Allegra smiled. “All right. The thought of him needing courage to take off his clothes had its own charm.

He nibbled at her lips. His body pressed on her, and rocks poked her back. After a moment, though, his hands went still. He raised his head, and his eyes caught glints from the starlight. He exhaled, stirring the disarrayed curls on his forehead.

“I cant do this, he said.

Her heartbeat lurched. Did he mean undressingor freeing her? “Cant do what?

“Lie with you under these conditions.

“You promised!

Markus sat back with his knees on either side of her hips. “Its wrong for me to do it this way.

When she started to shiver, he slid to the wall and held out his hand. Shaking, she went to him. He put her between his legs and wrapped her in both his jerkin and the blanket. Curving into his body, she folded her arms inside the warmth of his embrace.

“Does this mean you wont let me go? she asked.

“I never said I would let you go.

“Right, she said bitterly. At least he hadnt forced her to go through with the charade. It was especially hard because he had chosen to do the right thing and tell her the truth. She didnt want to see good in him, not when he had stolen her life.

“I meant what I said about the bargain, he told her. “I still do.

Allegra froze. She must have heard wrong. “You would let me leave even now? And tell your guards not to stop me?

“You shouldnt walk around alone, he said gruffly. “It isnt safe in an army, especially when youre one of the only women. Then he added, “But Ill tell my guards about your change in status.

That didnt sound quite right. “You mean that you no longer own me. But I have your protection.

Markus held her head against his chest and stroked her hair. “Youll always have my protection.

Her pulse stuttered. “What arent you telling me?

He answered in an oddly quiet tone. “As soon as I prepare the documents, youll no longer be my slave.

Then he said, “You will be my wife.