Ozarson spoke shyly to Allegra. “You may look at my lessons if you like. Major Gaizz teaches me.
“Thank you, Allegra said.
As the brothers talked about Markuss trip, she went through the boys schoolwork. Not only was he doing algebra, but he also appeared to understand it well. And more. At the bottom of a sheet of classic Jazid poetry, he had solved problems with right triangles inscribed in circles. In the margins of a long treatise about ancient military strategies, he had penned sophisticated games of number theory. “Smart hardly began to describe it; if Ozarson had done all this, he was brilliant.
When Marcus began to discuss the marriage contract, Allegra quit reading and listened. The logic behind the requirement that he obtain Ozarsons permission soon became clear. Markus was next in line for the throne. Until Ozarson grew up, married and had a son, Markus was his heir, which meant any son Allegra bore him would be second in line. It was a strange and unexpected thought, that her child could inherit the Onyx Throne.
Markuss relationship with Ozarson had a different dynamic than she had expected. From their references to the past, she soon realized Markus hadnt just assumed guardianship of the boy after the death of their sire; he had always acted as a father to Ozarson.
Although their father had died two years ago, his presence filled the room. It was soon obvious, from Ozarsons comments, that he longed for the affection and attention of his sire, the man he considered greatest of all men. She wasnt so sure about Markus. The boy who would have done anything to please his demanding father had grown into a more cynical adult. She had no doubt Markus had loved Ozar, but she had the impression he no longer saw his father with the shine of childhood worship.
Their comments about the late kings friendships startled her. He had counted Stonebreaker Chamberlight as a blood brotherKing Chamberlight, who had ruled the Misted Cliffs. Emperor Cobalts grandfather. Stonebreaker had raised Cobalt. She didnt understand how Cobalt had ended up killing a man his grandfather had considered a sworn brother.
She hoped Markus and Ozarson would say more about their father, but they concentrated primarily on phrasing for the contract. Markus did most of the work, explaining it to his brother. The sections about succession and inheritance fascinated Allegra, but when they reached the portion about the expected behavior of the consort, her ire rose.
“Shouldnt it say She must obey? Ozarson asked. “She must ever obedient be sounds strange.
“I know. Markus penned the second phrase on the parchment scroll in a bold script. “Thats the historical wording, though.
“And what is the historical wording for the husband? Allegra asked. “Must obey? Or Ever obey?
They both looked up with a start, and Ozarson flushed. He didnt seem to know whether to be aghast or enthralled by her.
“It doesnt say either, Markus growled.
She bestowed him with her most dulcet smile. “To remedy that, I suggest Always and ever obey his wife, the Princess Consort.
Ozarson gave a startled laugh. “Markus would never put that in his marriage contract, Lady Allegra.
“Markus takes many risks, Allegra said.
“Does he now, my soft little bird? Markus reclined in his cushions. “Perhaps it would suit his fancy to fly his warbler to the top whenever she interrupts. She would be too distracted to sing then.
Fly her to the top? What the blazes did that mean? Knowing him, he was talking about sex. She gave him an unimpressed look. “Maybe his fancy isnt so formidable as he thinks.
“Formidable fancy? Ozarson asked, confused. “What does that mean?
His brother picked up the quill. “Nothing important. Lets finish.
“Markus. Allegra spoke quietly. “There is something I would like to put in.
He glanced up sharply, the quill poised. A drop of ink fell from its tip and splattered on the table. “You have no say. His voice had chilled. “None.
“Its important to me, she said.
“No. He turned to the parchment and began to write.
“Wait, Ozarson said. “Id like to hear what she has to say.
Markuss jaw clenched. He set down the quill and sat back with his arms crossed as he regarded Allegra implacably. “What?
“I would like you to write this, she said. “That you swear you will never turn me out for another nor ask me to share you. That you will never put another woman before me. An edge came into her voice. “That you will never break your childs heart by forcing him to see you treat his mother as if she means nothing.
Markus stared at her, a flush spreading across his face.
“Im not sure that goes in a contract, Ozarson said uneasily.
Markus spoke in a low voice. “He didnt walk away from her. Or from me.
“No? Allegra was suddenly angry for both him and Ozarson. “He only made you feel as if you were never good enough, that you had to vie for his attention every day of your childhood.
“Enough! He grasped the quill and began writing, his script jagged on the page. An inkblot spread as the quill scratched.
“Markus? Ozarson asked. “What does she mean?
“Nothing. Markus wrote a few more lines, then let out an angry breath and set down the quill. For a moment he just looked at Ozarson. He brushed a curl off the boys forehead. Gently he said, “Nothing, Ozi.
The boy watched him, his dark eyes bewildered.
Markus turned to Allegra. “I will put in thisI swear, as your husband, to honor the vows of our union. Also, I will never take our children or forbid you to see them.
Saints above. She hadnt expected him to agree to anything. That he felt the need to assure her access to her own children scared her. It would kill her if they had children and he tried to take them away. Honor the vows of their union sounded promising, but she didnt know what it meant in Jazid.
She said, “I dont under
“No. He held up his hand. “Dont push me. Or Ill write nothing.
Allegra let it go. He had given more than she had expected. Ozarson was listening to them with his forehead furrowed, but he made no protest when Markus penned the words on the parchment.
They finished the contract with less banter than before. One disturbing section outlined Markuss right to kill any man who took liberties that could impregnate Allegra. She went cold when she realized he could execute her, too, if he chose, even if she had been forced. At least the historical wording included an admonishment for the husband to look to the circumstances. It outlined less severe sentences he could impose against a man who took other freedoms with her. It surprised her how few such actions were punishable. Markus was expected to protect her if he didnt want anyone to touch her. Then she realized the subtext; if she wanted safety, she had to abide by whatever constraints he imposed on her life, because the law gave her almost no protection.
Several clauses exhorted him to see to his wifes learning. It was, apparently, the one exception to the laws forbidding the education of women. The reason was typically Jazidian; the mother of a royal heir should have the ability to teach her son, so he could become a better leader. Allegra wondered if some savvy queen from long ago had used that reasoning to convince her husband he should allow her education.
When Markus and Ozarson finished the document, they both signed it. After the ink dried, Markus rolled it into a scroll and tied it with a red-tasseled cord. Then he gave it to Ozarson. “Youll need to have three copies made, one for me, one for the archives and one for the court clerk.
“I will. Ozarson gave him a brilliant smile. “Now we can eat and celebrate.
The prince regent tousled his hair. “Indeed we can.