“Youre talking about Mel Dawnfield, she said.
“Yes. The empress. Markus paused. “Her father is the cousin of your king in Aronsdale, isnt he?
“Thats right.
He considered Allegra, his face thoughtful. “Her parents came from southwest Aronsdale. Like you. They have yellow hair and so does she. Like you.
Allegra didnt doubt Mel Dawnfield could do spells. Most Dawnfield women had the ability. But lightning? “No mage could do what you describe. It must have been a freak storm.
He raised his eyebrows. “Mage?
Damn! She would give herself away without realizing it. “A person who casts spells. I dont know much about them.
“Yes, you do. He tapped his finger on her cheek. “Youre one of these mages, hmm?
She glowered at him. “If I hit you with lightning, you wouldnt survive.
His grin flashed. Taking her arm, he drew her toward where a groom was readying several horses. “We can discuss your mage abilities while we ride.
“Wait! She had to run to keep up with his long strides. “You left my robe in the tent.
Markus called to another guard as he strode past. “Bring me the silk robe from my tent. To Allegra, he added, “Ill let you put it on when the sun rises. I wouldnt want to burn that creamy skin of yours.
“Markus, slow down!
He blinked, then slowed down. “I forget that youre small.
“No, youre large. As they neared the soldiers around the horses, she flushed under their stares. “I really, really dont want to ride in this outfit. Maybe he would get jealous and cover her up. “Your men will see. A lot of me.
“They will all envy me. He didnt sound the least fazed. “For having the prettiest girl in Jazid on my horse.
“Theyll know you didnt really whip me. You can see through the damn skirt!
“Only if you look close. He scowled. “And I would execute any man who looked that closely at you.
“Why not get a thicker skirt?
“Because I like the way you look in that one. And if I like it, woman, you will wear it.
“Youre a pig, she muttered.
His laugh rumbled. “Ah, but a pig who has finally had enough sleep. So I am a happy pig.
“Oh, stop.
“Stop what?
“Having a sense of humor. It made it harder to hate him.
They soon reached the horse he intended to ride today, a huge animal with a gray coat. A soldier made a cup with his hands to help Allegra mount. When she was astride the animal, she realized they had indeed put the fleece over the riding blanket, a much appreciated softness against her skin. Markus swung up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. When he snapped the reins, the horse headed out and they joined a group of other riders already on the move.
Then Allegra saw him: the dagger thief. He stood behind a horse with his hands shackled in front of his body and his head down. A chain from his manacles stretched to the saddle of the horse in front of him. Allegra flinched when she saw the flayed skin and red welts on his shoulders where his shirt hung open. As she watched, Lieutenant Borjan mounted the horse.
Allegra turned back to Markus and motioned toward the shackled man. “He wont survive your punishment.
Markus let out a breath, but she couldnt tell if he was angry or not. After a moment, he veered off and rode over to Borjan. The lieutenant saluted him with his fist turned upward. To Allegra, the salute looked as if the men were offering their prowess as warriors to the sky, the realm of their Shadow Dragon.
Markus tilted his head toward the thief. “Can he ride? he asked the lieutenant.
“I dont know, Sire, Borjan said. “Possibly.
Possibly? Allegra felt ill. If doubt existed as to whether the man could even ride, he certainly couldnt run behind Borjans horse for three days.
“Give him a horse, then, Markus said. “Take off the shackles and let him ride.
A flash of relief lit Borjans eyes. “Right away, Sire.
As the lieutenant vaulted to the ground and strode to the shackled man, Markus went on, riding his horse forward.
Allegra let out the breath she hadnt realized she was holding. Again Markus surprised her. She hadnt expected him even to listen to her, let alone act on her words.
“Thank you, she said quietly.
“For what?
“Sparing his life.
“Why are you thanking me? Do you know this man?
“No. But he didnt deserve to die for stealing a knife.
“He might not have died. Jazid men are strong.
“Even so.
Markus just grunted. Then he said, “Do you want to eat?
“Very much.
He took food out of his riding pack, oranges and peaches. When they finished the fruit, he gave her creamy cheese, a delicacy given how easily it could go bad under these travel conditions. They washed it down with clear, fresh water. His consideration confused her, for she didnt want to like him, and he was making it far harder to hold back that response than she would ever have thought possible.
They continued to ride as they ate. The company was soon moving through foothills, penetrating deeper into the desolate badlands.
CHAPTER 7
STONEBLUE SKY
As the sun rose, the prince regents company cut across the northern foothills of the Jagged Teeth and came out into open land, headed toward the distant peaks of another sharpened range. They had seen no other people since leaving the TAmbera, and nothing lay ahead but splintered mountains.
Markuss bodyguard soon rode up alongside them. When the prince slowed down, the man gave him a bundle of blue silk.
Markus squinted at the silk. “What is this?
“You asked for a robe, Sire, the guard said. “I found this in one of the chests.
“I meant the yellow one.
“My apology. The man hesitated. “The yellow was crumpled. I thought you might like a fresh one for her.
“Ah. Markus grinned at him. “Yes, thats good.
The guard spoke in a carefully neutral voice. “I also rolled up the rug and stored it.
Allegra wondered which rug he meant, given that the tent had so many of them. Then her face burned as she realized what they were talking aboutthe rug with the proof of her virginity.
“Thank you, Izad, Markus said. “Youve done well.
“It is my honor, Sire.
Markus thrust the robe into her hands, then kicked the horse and took off again, racing across the desert. She had a feeling he went fast because he liked it rather than because it served any need. His horse stretched out his powerful legs, and if her added weight tired him, he gave no sign. Markus held her around the waist, and the wind whipped back her hair in the exhilarating ride.
Eventually he slowed to let the horse rest. When they resumed a saner pace, she pulled on the robe and was surprised to inhale its scented fragrance. “Did you buy this from the TAmbera, too?
“I think so, he said. “I didnt look much at the clothes. I concentrated mostly on the weapons.
She blinked. “The TAmbera sell weapons?
“To me, yes.
“Charming people, she said. “Slave traders and arms dealers.
“They brought me you. He nuzzled her hair. “That alone was worth the trip.
“Markus, where are we going?
No answer.
She indicated the distant range. “To those mountains?
“Perhaps.
“Why wont you tell me?
“I dont consult a pleasure girl about my military plans.
“Well, you should.
He gave a startled laugh. “Whatever for?
She didnt really have an answer, so she gave one she knew would outrage him. “I can tell you if they are good plans.
“Is that so?
“Indeed.
“I will say this, Allegra. You are never boring.
“I would like to be boring. So much that you tire of me and let me go home.
His words burst out. “I would never throw away a woman because she wasnt new and perfect, especially not after I got her pregnant three times.