Ozarson actually smiled. Before he could respond, Yargazon cut him off. “His Majesty has had a difficult time these past few days. He glanced at Ozarson. “We can discuss this later.
The boy started to speak, and Yargazons face hardened. Biting his lip, Ozarson fell silent.
Jarid spoke. “Whether or not compensation can be offered to one hostage wont change the situation for others.
Allegra could almost feel Markus tensing next to her. They all knew which “other hostage Jarid meant. The prince regent.
Yargazon spoke to Jarid. “Perhaps we should discuss
“No. Markuss voice rumbled. “The question of compensation must be settled. As Ozarsons regent, that task comes to me.
Allegra could almost hear the words he didnt add to Yargazon: Not to you.
“You dont appear in a position to settle anything, General Cragland told Markus. Cobalt sat next to the general, seemingly at ease, his booted foot crossed over his knee, his elbow resting on the arm of the chair. Allegra didnt believe he was anywhere near as relaxed as he appeared. She doubted he missed a single detail here. She prayed to Saint Azure her husband took care with his words. Even if she never saw him again, she wanted him to live.
Markus glanced at Jarid, and the king inclined his head in a subtle agreement that the prince regent should continue. Markus addressed the others at the table. “The Rite of DAzare dates from a thousand years ago. Its been centuries since anyone invoked it, but in Jazid its legal.
“What the hell is a right of Dalkazarre? Baz growled.
“DAzare, Markus said, with the glottal scrape in his throat native only to Jazid. “Sending your hostage back in pieces. One of my ancestors, the Atajazid DAzare, began the practice.
Drummer stiffened, and Vizaranas gaze narrowed at Markus. “Youve a charming family history, the queen said sourly.
Markus continued in a neutral voice. “If negotiations led to an arrangement deemed satisfactory to the army, and the hostage was still alive, he was returned to his people. Whatever remained of him. If he had died, his body was sent back to his kin.
Allegra felt ill. Could she truly be married to someone who descended from such a line? He had nothing to do with the brutality of his ancestors, but his total lack of emotion as he described their actions chilled her.
“Do you have a purpose in relating this grisly story? Muller asked. “I dont see how this helps your position.
“Compensations existed for those injured in the rite, Markus said, “if it was later determined the codes of war were violated.
Ozarson jumped to his feet. “Markus, no!
“What the hell? Baz said.
Ozarson started around the table toward Markusa blatant violation of the boundaries that the delegations had all establishedand every bodyguard in the room went on alert.
Yargazon grabbed him. “Ozi, no, he said in a low voice. “Stay here. He nudged Ozarson back into his chair.
“I dont understand, King Muller said, looking from Ozarson to Markus. “What sort of compensation are you suggesting?
“He isnt, Yargazon said shortly.
“Markus, that wasnt what I meant, Ozarson said.
“I know, Markus answered. “But your instincts are right. His voice had the warmth that always came when he spoke with the boy. It didnt surprise Allegra, but she saw shock register on the faces of the others present. None of them had reason to have seen his gentler side.
“I forbid it, Yargazon said.
Markus slammed his palm down on the table so fast, several people jumped. “You forbid nothing! Or shall I exact compensation for what you did to my wife?
“It is I who am owed compensation, Yargazon ground out. “Fourteen more hours.
Shrivel up and rot, Allegra thought at him.
“Prince Markus, Vizarana said. “Just what compensation do you offer my husband?
Markus cleared his throat and took a breath. “I believe the appropriate procedure would be that King Jarid offers it to you.
Jarid cocked an eyebrow at him. “Perhaps you might enlighten me as to what Im offering Her Majesty.
“Balance, Cobalt said suddenly. “Thats it, isnt it? Yargazon had a hostage. But so does Jarid. Yargazon mutilated his hostage. He motioned toward Jarid as he spoke to Markus. “The compensation is that Jarid do the same to you, yes?
Markuss gaze never wavered. “Thats right.
“Now wait a minute! Drummer said.
Vizaranas eyes blazed. “Fine. I accept the terms. Cut off the prince regents toe and send it to me in a box.
“I concur, Baz rumbled.
“Saints, no, Allegra said. Had her words in the tent last night forced Markus to this?
“Hold on! Jarid said. “I havent agreed to anything.
“Compensation has been offered, Vizarana said. “And accepted.
“No! Ozarson said. “Take mine! He jumped up, his face flushed, and turned to Vizarana. “Your M-Majesty, the responsibility for the army is mine. So should be thethe compensation.
“Ozi, no, Markus said, rising to his feet. “No one is going to cut off part of your foot. He looked as upset as when he had raged at Allegra for kidnapping the boy.
“The crime was done in my name, Ozarson said.
“Your Majesty. Yargazon laid his hand on the boys arm. “Please. Sit. The terms cant include you. He didnt look any happier than Markus about this development, but Allegra noticed he didnt offer himself in their place.
“For saints sake, Jarid said. “I would never do that to a child.
Ozarson took a breath and settled on the edge of his chair, his hands clenched on the table. Markus sat down, as well, in almost the exact same position.
Jarid frowned at Vizarana. “You truly want me to do this? He tilted his head toward Markus. “As he offers?
Drummer started to speak, then stopped when Baz shook his head.
The queen met Jarids gaze. “Yes.
Cobalt was frowning, but Allegra didnt see why. The situation would have little impact on what happened with his part in the war, and he had no love for Markus. To put it mildly.
Then again, maybe it did have significance. Cobalt didnt want the queen to ally with Jazid. If this gruesome “compensation appeased her anger, she might consider the unpalatable option of joining with the army that had invaded her country.
“Surely there are other terms you would accept, Jarid said.
Vizarana motioned toward Allegra. “Her.
Allegra blinked. “What?
“No! Markus said. “She had nothing to do with what happened to your husband.
“I dont want her damn toe, Vizarana said. “Just her time.
Allegra couldnt fathom this turn of events. “But why?
“I want to talk to you, Vizarana said. “In private.
“No, Markus told her.
“Its out of the question, Yargazon said.
“It seems General Yargazon and I are actually in agreement on something, Cobalt said. “I also say no.
Allegra was growing annoyed. “It isnt for any of you to say yes or no. If my speaking with Her Majesty will keep my husband in one piece, Ill do it.
“Then its settled. Vizarana leaned forward in preparation for standing. “We can meet now.
“Nothing is settled. Markus scowled at her. “You will tell me what you want with my wife.
Vizarana turned her fierce gaze on him. “I dont answer to your demands, Onyx, any more than I answered to your father.
“No, you just betrayed your alliances, Yargazon said. “Maybe you intend to suggest the prince regents wife do the same?
Allegra felt as if she were a leaf tossed in the currents of their intrigues. “Im agreeing to a discussion. No more.
Markus spoke in a low voice meant only for her. “Dont.
“I should see what she wants, she said softly.
Jarid was the only one near enough to hear them, but everyone seemed uncomfortable. Yargazons anger practically flamed in the air. Allegra didnt know what to think. She saw no solution to this mess except war and death.
Vizarana escorted Allegra down a pathway with trees arched overhead. Guards from Aronsdale and Taka Mal followed at enough distance to allow them some privacy. They entered a garden where vines heavy with fire-lilies looped over trellises. Cat sculptures peeked out from among trees, and a small waterfall burbled beneath an arch of stone. It was extraordinarily lush for the desert.