Get over it, she thought, angry at herself. She wanted him to be different because if she didnt escape this mess, she could be with him for the rest of her life. He had told his top officers he intended to marry her, but she had yet to see any documents changing her status. Of course none of them expressed open disapproval. She could tell, though, that Yargazon thought she didnt deserve the title.
Allegra couldnt imagine Markus as the husband she had dreamed ofa friend, partner and confidant. A lover, yes; even now, thinking of his hands on her body aroused her. But it wasnt enough. He wanted a prize. A trophy. She wanted a life.
Markus indicated a cluster of men riding in their direction. “Dusk, look. Its Ozis honor guard. His arm brushed Allegras cheek, and the faint smell of his sweat wafted over her.
Ozi? It sounded like an odd name for someone who merited an honor guard. “Who is Ozi? she asked.
Markus spoke near her ear, his breath stirring her hair. “You may never use that name. Unless he gives you permission.
She crossed her arms. “Well, since I have no other name, I cant call him anything else, can I? He was probably talking about his brother, but she wasnt going to acknowledge anything after the way Markus had treated her.
“God of the Dragon, Yargazon said. “Markus, just hit her.
Markus lifted his head. “Well, its true, you know. She doesnt know who were talking about.
“Its irrelevant, Yargazon said. “You need to teach her respect. Better yet, teach her not to speak at all.
“And you need to learn to speak to me, Allegra told him, “instead of talking about me as if Im not here.
Yargazons face hardened as he jerked up his arm. He caught his reflex before he landed the blow, but his icy gaze terrified her. If Markus hadnt been here, she had no doubt the General would beat her senseless.
“Allegra. Markus spoke in a low voice. “Not now. He motioned toward the approaching retinue. “They are part of the bodyguard for His Magnificence, Ozarson Falcon Onyx, Atajazid DAz of the House of Onyx, the Shadow-Dragon King. In a lighter tone, he added, “My little brother.
“Oh. She had no argument with their atajazid; he had done nothing to her. She felt sorry for him. Given the boys pivotal role in the politics of the settled lands, many powerful leaders wanted to find him, most so they could kill him. He was a threat to everyone: Cobalt the Dark, Queen Vizarana of Taka Mal, King Jarid of Aronsdale, and saints only knew who else.
“Come, Markus said. “Let us go meet the true king of Jazid.
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.