Jarid glanced at him with surprise. “What?
Brant pointed at Markus. “Shes married to him.
Jarid swung around to Allegra. “Is that true?
She couldnt desert Ozarson or Markus with a denial. “Yes, she said quietly. “Its true.
“But what about Aron? Brant protested.
“Aron? Markuss face darkened. “You mean, Prince Aron?
Iris spoke coldly. “Thats right.
Allegra could barely breathe. Saints almighty. It was true. They had been considering her as a wife for their son.
“Allegra is mine now, Markus said. “My wife, my consort, my property. Would you let the Midnight Emperor execute a woman of your own country?
“Im not your property, Allegra said. Her thoughts whirled furiously, not only because of what she had lost due to Markus, but also because she wanted this maddening man.
He glared at her. “After what I paid for you, you most certainly are.
“This is Aronsdale, she said. “You cant own women here. Believe it or not, people consider us human.
Markus leaned forward. “You were in Jazid when I bought you. Our laws dont cease to exist because you left the country. I own you, Allegra, no matter where you live.
“Enough! Iris said. “She was taken from Aronsdale in violation of a treaty your own father signed, Prince Markus.
“She was in Jazid when I bought her, he said. “That makes it legal. You cant dissolve our laws because it suits your purpose. That, Your Majesty, was also in the treaty.
“That may be, Jarid said coldly. “But no one here will let you force Allegra to stay with you.
“Which comes to the question he himself asked, Brant said. “Are we going to tell Cobalt shes the Princess Regent?
“You may have to, Allegra said. “Because if he tries to execute Ozarson, hell have to go through me first.
Markus gave her a startled look. “What?
“Allegra, dont say that, Ozarson said.
Her voice gentled. “I gave my oath to protect you, Ozi.
“You cant protect him against Cobalt the Dark! Markus looked as if he wanted to shake her. “I forbid you to kill yourself trying to do something impossible. Stay here. Be safe.
She spoke softly. “Some things are more important.
Jarid stared at her. Then he went back to pacing. Watching him, she felt as if they were holding Ozarson above a raging fire by a thread that could snap anytime. She got up and went over to the king, stopping him.
“ Look at him. She indicated Ozarson. “You tell me this is the monster you all fear.
Jarid sighed. “It isnt that easy.
“Why not? You said yourself you had nothing to do with all this conquering Cobalt seems determined to inflict.
Jarid looked past her to Markus. “Why did you come here, knowing you would probably be taken prisoner?
“To get my wife and my brother, Markus said quietly. “I hoped I could do it in secret.
“You had to know you could be discovered and lose your freedom, Jarid said. “Even your life.
“Yes. I knew. Markus spoke with the difficulty of a man unused to speaking his emotions. “They are worth it to me. Both of them.
It didnt surprise Allegra that he was willing to risk his life for Ozarson. But for her? How could he want her that much when she made him so angry?
Brant was watching the king with a look of foreboding. “Jarid, dont be a fool.
Jarid considered his advisor, then Allegra, then Markus and Ozarson. To Brant, he said, “Better foolish than brutal. He turned to Markus. “I grant you asylum in my country. But you and your family will stay at Suncroft. And yes, as my prisoners.
Markus stared at him in disbelief. “Why would you risk Cobalts wrath to protect us?
Jarid voice had a ravaged quality. “Maybe for another boy who lost his parents when he was six.
A chill went through Allegra. Did Jarid mean himself? Everyone in Aronsdale knew the story. Jarid had succeeded his grandfather because his parents died in an accident. He had spent his youth cared for by one of the highwaymen who had caused the accident, a thief who hadnt wanted to kill a little boy and had no idea of Jarids identity. It wasnt until Jarid was twenty that his family had discovered he was alive and brought him home. Allegra knew nothing beyond those facts, but she thought there must be a great deal more when she saw the kings haunted expression.
Ozarson spoke. “I thank you for allowing us asylum, Your Majesty. And I offer my condolences for your losses, however long ago they may have been.
Jarid inclined his head. “Well spoken.
Ozarson nodded with composure, but Allegra could see the exhaustion he was trying to hide. Markus looked worn-out, too.
Allegra glanced at Jarid. “Perhaps we could let His Majesty rest. Hes had a long journey.
“Im not tired, Ozarson said. “Im hungry.
Markus chuckled and tousled his hair. “You consume more than my entire army.
Ozarson laughed, but an abrupt silence fell over everyone else. Markus glanced up, and Allegra saw comprehension dawn on his face as he realized what he had said.
“Your army, Jarid said slowly. “The army you know nothing about that even now is attacking Taka Mal.
Markus met his gaze and said nothing.
Brant swore. “Saints, man, if were going to defy an emperor to give you asylum, you damn well better tell us everything.
“I have nothing to tell you, Markus said. “If you think claiming to offer us help will trick me into revealing information, Im afraid you will be disappointed.
“Allegra told us she traveled with an army, Jarid said.
“Shes a woman, Markus said, as if that explained something.
“And Im a man, Jarid answered. “What the hell does that have to do with anything?
“Women are unreliable. Markus glared at Allegra. “They say things they shouldnt.
She met his accusing stare. “You mean, things you dont want said.
“Women should obey their husbands, Markus told her.
“Women, she said, “should follow their consciences. If that means defying their husbands to save thousands of lives, they should do what they think is right. Not what their overbearing, I-am-the-center-of-the-world husbands demand.
“Good gods, Brant muttered.
“Center of the world? Markus said, exasperated. “When did that one get in there?
Jarid cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should see about having a meal brought up for His Majesty.
“I would like that, Ozarson said. He seemed bewildered by the exchange between Allegra and Markus.
Markus took a breath as if calming himself. Then he said, “Thank you.
They all stood, awkward with the tension. As the others started to leave, Allegra glanced at Markus.
“Stay, he said in a low voice.
Iris turned to her. “Allegra? Is everything all right?
“Yes, Im fine, Allegra said. “Ill stay here. She didnt understand how she could argue with such vehemence with a man and yet want to see him so much at the same time.
Jarid stopped by the archway. “Are you certain?
“Im sure.
She could tell they didnt want to leave her with Markus. But they did go, respecting her decision.
As the door closed, Markus looked around the room. “I cant stay here.
“Why not? Allegra asked. “Its beautiful.
“Its for a woman.
She glanced around at the elegant furnishings. “Why do you say that?
“Too flowery. He waved his hand at the couches. “And its unnatural to live like this. All these chairs and things.
“Its all right, Ozarson said.
Markus laid his hand on his shoulder. “I need to talk to Allegra. I want you to stay here while we go in the other room.
Ozarson regarded him with undisguised worry. “Dont be angry at her. I told her to take me.
“Even so. I need to talk to her. Will you be all right?
Although the boy didnt look pleased, he nodded and indicated an inner archway of the suite that opened into a room with full bookshelves lining the walls. “I can explore the library.
Markus smiled. “Good. He turned to Allegra and indicated another door. She nodded, for once in agreement with him. She didnt know how much of an argument they were about to have, but if Markus was as angry as she thought, it was better Ozarson didnt hear.