He stroked a hand along her dark tresses and then cupped her face. “Never feel guilty for what we do for each other. I spoke the absolute truth when I said you can’t steal something that is willingly given. And my Asharru, I give of myself most willingly this night.”
It was imperative she know how important she’d become to him. He wasn’t even sure when it had happened.
But no matter how it had come about, Asharru was lodged firmly in his heart.
With a small sound of surrender, she braced her hands against his towel covered thighs and stretched until she could press their lips together, nipping and kissing in a gentle exploration.
He let her lead and set the pace. Tonight, was about her. And for many moments she just clung to him, kissing him, breathing the same breath. It wasn’t until he felt her hesitation along their link that he realized she was still trying to protect him in some misguided way.
“My beautiful one, you are allowed to take what you need.” Then Tirigan used all his considerable skill to show her it was all right, that he was willing, eager even. Soon he convinced her of his willingness, and they kissed until they were starved for air, both panting hard. Only then did he allow her to drop back down to kneel between his legs.
“You are certain about this?” Asharru asked again. “If we go too far, my gryphon will form mating bonds, and you’ll have no choice about that aspect of your future.”
“There are many ways we can enjoy each other without me entering you and forming mating bonds.”
“I might become very strong-willed, and gryphons are stronger than humans.”
“Would you like a quarterstaff so you can inflict greater damage to my ego? Give me some credit,” he said with a laugh. “You can trust me to pleasure you without ending up as mates. I care for you a great deal, but I don’t want there to be a drug clouding your thoughts when we take the next step in our relationship.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes. I will give you what you need but come morning you won’t have formed mating bonds with me.”
Then Tirigan drew her back up into his lap and set out to prove just how skilled he was.
Chapter 5
The noise of conversation in the outer chamber encroached upon Tirigan’s deep sense of contentment. It was tempting to ignore his duty and simply enjoy sleeping with Asharru in his arms.
But the longer he stayed, the greater the likelihood Asharru would wake and discover his body primed for her again. In the night, after he’d seen to her needs, she’d returned the favor in long, sure strokes. He groaned at the memory.
However, the drug was no longer ruling her, and he didn’t want her to think he expected her to attend to his needs.
She was his future queen, not his personal concubine. Blades served their monarch, he reminded himself, not the other way around.
The time after the second Blooding Ceremony and last night were both extenuating circumstances. With a bit of effort, he turned his thoughts away from the delights of the previous night.
It was well past time he saw to his other duties.
After carefully rolling Asharru onto her side, he eased out of bed. Immediately he missed the feel of her soft skin, warmth, and the sweet, musky scent of a woman mixed with a gryphon.
He was swiftly growing addicted to her. And that was… not allowed. He saw that clearly by the light of day. Last night had been divine, but it couldn’t happen again. Not after the way he’d failed her and allowed them to be captured.
Though he wouldn’t always be unworthy, he’d do better. He’d become worthy of his title, become worthy of Asharru’s respect, and perhaps even her love.
He’d start now by learning what his friends had discovered while he’d been occupied aiding Asharru.
He dressed swiftly and then followed the sound of voices out to the receiving room where Asharru sometimes held private meetings. Councilors Isiratuu and Dipatusu were sitting around the table with Laliya, Bashaa, and Libluth.
When Tirigan approached, they all rose. The councilors and the leader of the garrison gave him swift bows.
“Blade Tirigan,” they murmured in unison.
He nodded in acknowledgment but jumped in before they could bombard him with questions.
“What news of the traitors?” From what Asharru had said, Ekurzakir had survived and likely escaped, but perhaps one of the city-state’s garrison guards had heard something in the markets. Merchants and sailors often gossiped about strange sights out on the ocean.
Libluth was the first to launch into a report. “As soon as you returned, we sent out more winged heralds with the news that you’d been found and that we were still on the hunt for the traitors. It paid off. A short while ago, the first of the heralds reported back with news of a fishing boat having seen another boat burning. They rescued a few humans from the water, but most of the gryphons had taken wing and were headed toward Nippur.”
Pausing, Libluth sipped at his water, which suggested he was on the verge of going hoarse. The group had likely talked through the night and were more sleep deprived than Tirigan. He made a mental note to send them all to their chambers to rest once he extracted everything they’d learned.
After a moment, Libluth set his goblet down, and he sorted through reports until he found the scroll he wanted.
“Our patrols ran them down, and we were able to capture seventeen of Ekurzakir’s guard. Unfortunately, there was no sign of the councilor, and my men report they haven’t been able to get the traitors to talk.”
Libluth made an unhappy sound. “My men are good at getting people to talk. The traitors fear something more than death.”
Tirigan inclined his head. “They would. Ekurzakir serves Ereshkigal. When the traitors die, they will have her to face. I doubt any threat of punishment or pain can match their fear of going to the underworld having failed its queen.”
Libluth’s eyes widened, but otherwise, his expression remained neutral. “Well, I suppose that explains why my men couldn’t break them.”
“I will question them myself.” Tirigan fingered the hilt of his sword. “We’ll see how well they hold out against a Blade’s power.”
Libluth nodded, the light of eagerness in his eyes. “I look forward to seeing that.”
“What news of the second boat? No doubt there were survivors from it.”
Libluth’s amused expression vanished. “We are still hunting for news of Ugurnaszir and his men. As yet, there have been no reported sightings. But he can’t hide forever unless he is already feeding the fishes. We will find him if he survived the boat fire.”
Tirigan was certain Ugurnaszir had survived. He’d have sensed if the governor was dead.
No. His tormentor had lived, and Tirigan would hunt him down. But even a Blade needed to know in which direction his enemies hid. It would take time to track each of them to whatever lair they’d found to hole up in.
In the meantime, he would see to cleaning up the corruption still living in the heart of Asharru’s court. Other nobles might not have acted with Ekurzakir’s House, but Tirigan was certain some of them must have knowledge of the governor’s plans.
The noble houses made spying an art. Certainly, the fertility drug had to have come from Uruk, which meant a priest, priestess, servant, or guard was in league with the governor or had accepted coin. And likely other noble houses had learned about that transaction but hadn’t revealed what they knew or suspected.
But cleaning Asharru’s court was a task to be done in secret. There was no point in alerting his enemies of his plans. He had city fortifications to plan and execute to keep him occupied in the meantime.
“Our enemies are running, and we will give chase and hunt them down, but there is nothing more you can do without food and rest. I can see you all need both.”
Libluth made a scoffing sound. “I’m more than capable of finishing out this shift. Besides, I’ll rest much easier knowing where New Sumer’s enemies are hiding.”
&n
bsp; “Continue if you wish, but don’t overtax yourself. You’ll be useless to Asharru if you burn out. Besides, we’re not likely to find Ugurnaszir or Ekurzakir swiftly. They’re both too cunning.”
Libluth nodded in understanding, but Tirigan doubted the captain of the garrison would quit his hunt. He’d likely keep at it until he fell asleep at his desk. Tirigan wouldn’t hold that against him.
“I thank you for everything you’ve done while I was needed elsewhere.” Tirigan pushed himself up and off the bench. “I have another task to oversee but keep me apprised of what you find.”
Libluth brought his fist up to his chest. “As soon as I know something, you and the Crown Princess will know of it.”
“Excellent,” Tirigan said in a tone that dismissed the other man.
“My Lord, one thing. Might I ask how the Crown Princess is doing? Liliya, Bashaa, and Nutesh explained to the councilors and I what had happened.”
“She is well. Just sleeping. I’m sure she’ll wake soon.”
Libluth bowed and murmured his thanks and then he turned and marched from the chamber to see to his duties. Councilors Isiratuu and Dipatusu rose next and nodded in Tirigan’s direction before they went to see what else they could do before resting.
Once they were gone, Laliya, Bashaa, and Nutesh turned to Tirigan.
“Did any of you have news you didn’t want to speak in front of the others?” he asked.
“Not news,” Bashaa said with a gleam in his eyes. “But a raging curiosity. Are you our future king yet?”
Tirigan rolled his eyes and issued a deep, guttural denial.
Before Bashaa could continue with his line of questioning, Tirigan chased them off to get some food and rest.
Now to face Asharru.
Chapter 6
Tirigan was gone by the time Asharru convinced her heavy-limbed body it was time to start her day. Much needed doing, and it was close to midday to judge by the angle of the sun coming in her window.
Still, even knowing her duty, it was hard to get out of bed when all she wanted was to roll in Tirigan’s scent.
“He’s already gone,” she muttered to her beast. “That likely means he didn’t want to face either of us this morning. I doubt he views last night as anything more than a duty. Or just part of protecting me from the risks brought on by the drug. Last night doesn’t mean he loves me. He’s human.” She frowned at herself in the mirror. “And now I’m talking to myself.”
Which was true. Her gryphon certainly wasn’t listening to her logic.
She was just pulling on a robe when the cause of all her emotional chaos walked into her inner sanctum. He moved with his usual confident grace, not so much as a hint of discomfort or awkwardness in his warm smile.
“I’m glad you’re awake. I have a few updates to share with you.”
That might be true—the part about the report. But the first part was a lie.
“Your powers have grown enough to read me. You knew I was awake before you came in.” There was no accusation in her words, only weariness.
Sighing, his smile faded into a more neutral expression. “You’re correct. I felt when your mind roused from sleep. While I can’t read minds, I’m fairly confident I’m the cause of your worries.”
Everything he said was right, but that didn’t mean she knew how to respond.
At last, she huffed. “No one has ever made me tongue-tied. You’re the first.”
Tirigan suddenly snorted with laughter, a cocky little smirk back on his lips. “You were far from tongue-tied last night. As I recall, we both put ours to good use.”
She scowled at him. “Don’t belittle either of us by trying to turn what we shared last night into just sex. You don’t get to use either of our emotions as weapons. You’re not the only person good at reading people.”
Tirigan sobered a moment later. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt or belittle you. This is just all…”
“New?”
“Yes. Besides Laliya and Bashaa, I’ve never cared for anyone before. I certainly didn’t care what others thought of me.” He glanced down at his hands. “But I care for you. I care what you think of me. But more than anything, I do not like it when you doubt yourself. What we shared last night was not a duty, a task, or a chore. I don’t even know how to explain it…”
He fell silent and bowed his head, but still held onto her hand as if he was unwilling to break that contact.
She smiled softly at his bowed head. Her Blade was a complex and enigmatic man, but he was slowly revealing himself to her.
“Careful Blade or I’ll think you’re falling in love with me.”
“That would be far too easy to do.”
As much as she’d like to continue with this line of conversation, she thought if she pressed too hard, Tirigan would just shut down. Besides, she had other essential duties to see to. Refocusing on more immediate concerns, she met his gaze. “What have you learned from the others?”
Tirigan imparted everything he’d just learned. After he fell silent, she studied him. “You already have something planned.”
He shrugged. “It’s not a new plan. But I think after everything that has happened, it’s even more important to see our original plan implemented as soon as possible. It might take many moon cycles to hunt down Ekurzakir and Ugurnaszir, but there are other dangers besides Ereshkigal’s human agents within Nineveh. Corruption is a widespread problem here and throughout the other city-states. I say we start by pruning out the disease within our great island and then work our way outward to others.”
Asharru nodded. “I agree. Our first plan is still the best option. As we root out morally unsound members of my kingdom, we will reduce the number of places where Ereshkigal’s agents can find a safe harbor.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Tirigan agreed. “Now I just need to find Kuri and Hunzuu and learn where they stashed our future guardsmen and spies.”
After Asharru finished dressing, which took longer than usual since her personal body servants were banned from entering her chambers by Kuri, she and Tirigan left her quarters in search of the guardswoman and her brother.
They didn’t have far to go. Hunzuu had stationed himself outside in the hall where he could scare off the most determined and curious of the nobles.
“A moment of your time, Hunzuu,” Asharru said and jerked her head toward her private gardens.
Hunzuu nodded and fell in line with the other soldiers assigned as part of her guard detail. They made their way to the gardens and after her guard unit had scoured the area and both Hunzuu and Tirigan gave it their own once overs, Hunzuu ordered the other guards to the perimeter, so they were out of earshot.
“What did you want to speak about?” he asked.
“The slaves we purchased before getting captured,” Tirigan said in a rush, “where are they?”
“They are safe. Kuri is with them now, making sure they have all the necessities.” Hunzuu glanced around, double checking all his guardsmen were out of earshot. “Shamash and Nasir stashed them in the cellars like planned and then joined the hunt for you and Asharru. No one thought to check on them until this morning.”
Asharru’s brows scrunched with unhappiness. “That’s not exactly the impression I was hoping to have on those poor people.”
“No,” Tirigan agreed. “but there was no help for it. Besides, knowing what I do of a slave’s life, there are far worse things than being left in peace. And they were housed in the palace’s supplies cellar, yes?”
Hunzuu nodded. “A few of the braver ones went through the area and found blankets, dried foods, and some wine to drink.”
“We’ll go to them at once and explain what the future holds for them. Though I don’t expect them to trust us right away.”
Tirigan’s lips curled. “I have an idea how to gain their trust. Will you allow me to do the talking and introduce you, Crown Princess?”
His friendly smile was at odds with the use of her formal title.
<
br /> Just what did her Blade have planned?
Chapter 7
When they arrived at the cellars in the lower levels of the palace, Kuri was standing under an archway leading to one of the large chambers as she talked with Shamash, Nasir, and Seluku. Kuri spotted Asharru and Tirigan and spoke briefly with the other three guards before marching up to meet them half-way. A fierce glint was back in her eyes and Asharru expected trouble from the guardswoman.
“No,” Kuri barked, glowering at the Blade.
“No?” Tirigan asked with bemusement. “You haven’t even heard me out yet.”
“Don’t need to. Already know what you will say. There’s no way I’m letting you take Asharru into a room filled with seventeen strangers.”
“Ah, but you forget, my powers as a Blade have already read their spirit, their core personalities. I know they will not harm Asharru.” Tirigan’s expression turned serious. “I know you have no reason to trust me after I allowed Ugurnaszir to trick me, but I’m not mistaken in this.”
Asharru didn’t like her Blade taking all the blame. “We were all there. Even Kuri and Hunzuu. And we all fell into the same trap.”
Tirigan grunted. He didn’t agree with her assessment.
Frowning, Asharru admitted she’d have to wait to change his mind later. At this moment they had another task to complete: convince the newly freed slaves they had a great chance to help guide and shape all New Sumer for generations to come.
Kuri glowered at Asharru now. “You might be future queen, but I’m tasked with your protection, and I don’t like you down here. There’s only the four of us and Tirigan to protect you. Five to seventeen—I don’t like those odds.”
Asharru trusted Tirigan’s gifts. Besides, he’d been learning to read and judge a person’s motives for a very long time. He was skilled. If he said the other slaves were safe, then they were.
The Blade's Shadow (Ishtar's Legacy Book 4) Page 4