“Whats wrong? Cobalt asked.
“I have guests, Jarid said.
“Is this a problem? Cobalt asked. “Who are they?
Jarid took a breath. Then he beckoned to Markus. Ozarson was gripping Allegras hand so hard, her fingers ached. But she didnt try to loosen his grip.
Markus, Allegra and Ozarson walked forward, past the guards. She felt as if each step went through molasses. What was it about Cobalt that slowed her down? It wasnt any mage effect she knew, but it didnt feel natural. He turned to look, almost in slow motion, his black eyes boring into them.
Then Cobalt said, “What the hell? He was watching Ozarson.
They all stopped, and the atajazid froze, his terrified gaze on the emperor.
“Come here, boy. Cobalt motioned him forward. “Let me get a better look at you.
Ozarson didnt move. Then Markus put his arm around his shoulders and guided him forward. Allegra walked on Ozarsons other side, holding his hand. They stopped in front of the emperor.
“Saints, boy, Cobalt said. He wasnt even looking at Markus or Allegra. “I saw you go over that cliff. How are you alive?
Ozarson just kept looking up at him.
Cobalt waited. When the boy didnt answer, the emperor said, “We searched the bottom of the cliff. We didnt find any bodies.
“General Yargazon and his men took them, Markus said coldly. “Ozarsons mother and nurse were given a proper cremation.
Cobalt glanced at him. “Who are you?
The prince regarded him steadily. “Markus Alexander Onyx.
Cobalts face hardened with an anger that turned him into something other than a man. Allegra stepped back and Ozarson shrank against her side.
“The prince regent is dead, Cobalt said.
Markus raised his chin. “I live.
“For maybe one more hour. Cobalt swung around to Jarid. “How the blazes did you capture them?
“I didnt. Jarid spoke quietly. “They came to me. Ive given them asylum. Theyre under my protection.
The emperor stared as if the Aronsdale king had gone mad. Then he lifted his arm and pointed to Markus. “No asylum exists for that man. Everyone who tortured Mel will die. Some of the ice left his voice. “The boy was only seven. Hes blameless, at least as much as anyone of Onyx blood can be. But not the regent. He will die as his father died.
“No! Ozarsons voice cracked. “You cant.
Jarid stood his ground. “I gave them my word, Cobalt. You cant violate the asylum of Suncroft. You dont hold sway here.
“I will not have the outlawed regent of Jazid in the same country with my wife and son, Cobalt said, “let alone the same building.
“Then we must decide whom to move where, Jarid said. “Because we arent executing anyone.
One of Cobalts men stepped forward, a gray-haired officer in the blue and white uniform of the Misted Cliffs. He spoke in a gravelly voice. “The boy and his regent would make valuable hostages when we reach Taka Mal.
Cobalt considered the man. Then he turned to Markus, and the banked fury in his eyes belied his quiet tone. “Did you help them take her?
“Take who? Markus asked.
“My wife.
Markuss face paled, the first time Allegra had ever seen it happen. “No, I did not. I didnt know what he planned. Had I any idea, I would have tried to stop him.
“You lie so easily. Cobalt turned to Jarid. “Release them into my custody.
“I will not, Jarid said.
“I can take them by force. My army is only a few hours from your door.
Jarid blanched, but he didnt back down. “You would have to attack my army, then, in violation of your treaty with my cousin. Your wifes father. Will you start a war with Aronsdale, too?
Cobalts huge fist clenched at his side. “Why do you protect a monster?
“Youre accusing him of war crimes with no proof.
Allegra expected Cobalt to brush aside Jarids objections.
Instead he walked away from them, past his men. The gray-haired officer joined him, and they stood looking out the floor-to-ceiling window. The man said something in a low voice, and Cobalt nodded, his face strained. Allegra caught a name: Agate. Saints. This must be General Agate Cragland, the man who had brought home the body of Ozarsons father.
Cobalt returned to Markus and considered the prince regent. Then he said, “My grandfather raised me.
Although Markus met his gaze, he seemed lost for a response.
“Stonebreaker Chamberlight, Cobalt said. “You are familiar with that name?
“To some extent, Markus answered. “He knew my father.
“Yes, he did. Cobalt continued in the same measured tone. “He, your father and Dusk Yargazon swore a blood oath.
“Im aware of that, Markus said.
“They were three of a kind, Cobalt said. “Three monsters. Why should I believe you are different?
“My father wasnt a monster, Ozarson told him, defiant. “He was a great man.
Cobalt turned his dark gaze on the boy. “And you want to be just like him, no doubt.
“If I could be half of what he was, I would be honored.
“Your loyalty to your sire is admirable, boy. Perhaps I should tell you about your fathers great deeds.
“Dont, Allegra said softly. “Please.
Cobalt glanced at her. “Come closer, where I can see you.
Allegra swallowed and let go of Ozarson. She went to Cobalt, and he studied her, his face puzzled. “You look like an Aronsdale mage girl.
“She is, Jarid said. “Shes from the same part of the country as your wifes mother.
Cobalt scratched his chin. “Are you the nursemaid for this boy while hes here at the castle?
She was having trouble breathing. “No. Im one of his guardians.
“That makes absolutely no sense, Cobalt said.
“Shes my wife, Markus told him.
Cobalt snorted. “No woman from southern Aronsdale would willingly marry a Jazid man.
A silence greeted his words. Cobalt looked around, studying each person. Then he turned slowly back to Allegra. “In fact, he said, “I wonder how a girl from Aronsdale even met the fugitive and presumed dead prince regent of Jazid.
Allegra was beginning to feel ill. Any answer she gave would only make matters worse. Her husband could die.
Cobalt spoke to Markus. “Men in Jazid buy wives, dont they?
Sweat sheened Markuss forehead. “Thats right.
“And you bought this girl?
“Yes.
“From who?
“A nomad.
“A nomad. Cobalts eyes were burning. “A nomad who perhaps kidnapped her from Aronsdale?
Markus didnt answer.
Cobalt swung around to Jarid. “If you protect this man, you are protecting the atrocities he commits, allows and condones. He lifted his arm and pointed at Ozarson. “That boy may be young enough to reeducate. But I will not have his regent anywhere near my wife or son.
Markuss voice snapped with anger. “I never condoned, allowed or participated in any way with your wifes abduction. In a calmer voice, he said, “Or in what your grandfather did to you. My father was his oath brother. Not me.
Cobalt lowered his arm, and silence filled the hall.
Then Cobalt said, “Your father once stood by and watched my grandfather beat me unconscious. I was eight years old. Younger than your atajazid. Your father just stayed there, drinking his wine as if I were some dog that had to be He took a deep, shuddering breath. Then he turned away from Markus and spoke to Jarid. “You have a dungeon here?
Jarid nodded uneasily. “I do.
“Good. Put Onyx in it until were ready for his execution.
“Cobalt
“Do it, the emperor said. “Or Ill have my men take him by force. If I have to start a war with Aronsdale, so be it.
“He didnt do anything! Ozarson lunged toward Cobalt.
“No! Markus grabbed him and pulled him back. In a low voice, he said, “Stay with Allegra.
“Your Majesty. Allegras voice was shaking. “My husband is not a perfect man. But he is not a monster. He would never beat a child or torture a woman.