It almost sounded like courtship.
What, by Ishtar, did he mean?
She had to know. Iltani parted her lips. It took two tries to convince her clumsy tongue to form words. “Are you asking? I mean, do you intend for us to…?
He pressed a finger to her lips to silence her.
“My grief over Ahassunu is too new. I simply need my most faithful Shadow, to be my rock and place of solitude for the next turning of the moon. Ishtar chose well when she picked you to be her Blade. I will need a Blade that will not break and will not betray me.”
His words were plausible and should have been the truth, but Iltani’s new gift of knowing a truth told her the very first words were a lie. His grief was too new? That was the lie, but then that could only mean his grief over his consort was old.
Did he know about his consort and Burrukan after all?
Her poor king, to have lived with the knowledge that the woman he loved didn’t love him, was in fact in love with the man who had raised him. What a terrible knowledge to have had to carry around with him. Apparently, he’d never betrayed that knowledge.
Why not?
She’d figure that out later.
Iltani laced her fingers with his. “I will never betray you.”
He leaned down and placed a kiss on top of her head. “I know.”
Chapter 27
Iltani stood to the right and just a step behind Ditanu’s throne where she’d been stationed since the noon meal. It was now time for the last meal of the day. How much longer could these councilors and high ranking nobles talk? Actually, some of the nobles were worse than the councilors. At least, the councilors’ talk had a purpose.
She shifted positions to relieve a cramp in one calf. The move was slight, but enough to catch Ditanu’s attention. How he was even aware was a mystery. He sat his throne while he listened to his council and nobles drone on about every trivial problem they had encountered in the three days since Ditanu had last held court.
The king held up a hand and the noble at the foot of the stair halted mid-sentence. Ditanu motioned her closer. She shifted until her hip was butted up against the arm of his throne. Still, he gestured her closer, making it clear he wanted her ear.
Keeping her face blank, she leaned down while Ditanu picked up his goblet of wine.
He took a sip, holding the drinking vessel in front of his mouth as he whispered in her ear. “Are you growing tired? Your body is still undergoing changes. Plus, with my cubs, you are burning through resources more quickly. I can end the session early. There is precious little to learn here anyway. Our enemies have been planning this for more than twenty-five years. They won’t give themselves away just now.”
“I’m good for another hour or more. Do not end the session early on my account.”
Ditanu grunted and his look said he didn’t quite believe her.
She was two steps behind his shoulder. Really, how had he even seen her move? Damn his heightened gryphon senses. Hmmm. Although, she was growing tired, more so than simply standing for five hours should have made her. She could run multiple circuits of the small training island without breaking into a sweat. Perhaps he was correct and she should allow him to make excuses.
He likely could use the rest too.
“We have done what we can to renew the protections around the islands. The repairs have already started on Uruk, and new safeguards are being woven into the structure to prevent such an attack from being so deadly ever again.” Ditanu waved to one of his scribes. “I’ve assigned more guards to patrol the waters between the islands.”
Steward Warassuni stood to Ditanu’s left, swiftly making notes.
Iltani rather admired him for it. He had several scribes already present, and he didn’t need to write anything himself, but he did anyway. It showed his dedication to his work.
“There is only one other thing I can think to increase our defenses.” Ditanu’s eyes narrowed and his jaw flexed. “I should have seen to it more faithfully. Our city-states are dotted with hundreds of the lamassu, yet only a few of them have been maintained by my aunt and myself. At first light tomorrow, myself, High Priestess Kammani, and Ishtar’s Blade shall start going from city-state to city-state, anointing every last lamassu we have within my borders.”
There were mumbles of agreement for Ditanu’s plan. Iltani was secretly pleased. It might take a fair bit of blood to complete the task, but had there been more lamassu, it might have prevented the tragedy that happened on Uruk from being quite so great.
“That is indeed wise council, my king.” Councilor Ziyatum approached the throne.
The Shadows closed rank, only allowing the councilor to come as close as the foot of the stairs. It wasn’t something against Beletum’s father in particular; they treated everyone as a possible threat to their king’s life.
Ziyatum stopped a couple steps away from the first stair. “However, I think you forget one important detail. If you wish to ensure the safety and prosperity of our beautiful islands, you need to give the people some kind of reassurance that should something happen to you, they are still looked after, made safe by well-laid plans.”
“Why don’t you just say what you truly mean…never mind, I’ll do it myself. You want me to confirm my choice of regent. Strange, I thought Iltani had explained the way of things to you.”
“Ah, wasn’t that just deception to confuse our enemies?” Ziyatum asked as he tilted his head in question. “It would only be wise to name your true regent for Kuwari now, thus preventing possible future civil disturbances to the ruling body of these great city-states. The cub could likely also benefit from the loving guidance of a new mother figure. So perhaps the new Regent should be female.”
Iltani winced at the councilor’s callous words.
“And I imagine you have someone in mind already.” Ditanu smiled coldly. “Strange, Beletum doesn’t seem the motherly type. I suppose I’m lucky that Kuwari has taken to Iltani so readily. Besides, since she is also carrying Consort Ahassunu’s unborn litter, Iltani will fill the role of mother for all my cubs rather nicely. I have already named her Regent with Ishtar’s blessing. I assume that solves your worry?”
Ziyatum made a noise which Ditanu must have taken as assent, for he stood and then held his hand out for Iltani.
She hesitated for a moment longer than Ditanu’s patience lasted. He glanced over his shoulder at her as if to ask why his hand was still empty. She slipped her fingers in his.
Ditanu descended the stairs and crossed the length of the hall, his Shadows flowing around him. Iltani scrambled to match his longer strides. His blessedly quick departure saved her from having to fend off the councilors’ questions.
In the end, only one of the councilors chased her down, or more likely, was allowed to follow by the Shadows. Consort Ahassunu’s father.
“Is it true?” Shalanum asked, doubt mixing with pain, hope and joy in his expression.
She supposed if anyone had a right to know, it was the cubs’ grandfather. Shalanum had always doted upon Ahassunu and her younger sister. His mate and other children had been killed in the same attack which had killed Ditanu’s parents and siblings.
“Yes,” she answered truthfully. “High Priestess Kammani has examined me and says the little ones are healthy, unharmed by their ordeal.”
He drew in a deep, hitching breath, and said simply, “I’m glad something of her lives on.”
King Ditanu remained silent for the entire trip back to his quarters, leaving Iltani to handle the other grieving father. She didn’t blame him. Ahassunu’s father must have brought up memories of Ditanu’s own loss.
“Would I be permitted to visit with Kuwari for a few hours over dinner?
The king turned to Shalanum. “Of course. You, too, have suffered great losses. I imagine Kuwari misses his grandfather.”
“Thank you, King Ditanu. You have always been just.”
Chapter 28
Over dinner, Kuwari and his grandfathe
r played while Iltani and Ditanu looked on and ate their meal. After a long hour of play, Iltani wondered which one would wear the other out first. In the end, Kuwari fell asleep in his grandfather’s arms.
“Kuwari needs his rest,” Ditanu said and then surprised Iltani by continuing, “However, I think he and his grandfather are good for each other.” At which point, Ditanu ordered Shalanum to take Kuwari and a large unit of Shadows and go stay in the nursery.
After Kuwari and his grandsire left in the company of an appropriate number of Shadows, Uselli came and stood at his king’s shoulder, looking unhappy.
Ditanu sighed. “You have something you wish to say? Out with it then.”
“I don’t like having you and Kuwari separated.”
The king wandered over to his desk and sorted through reports, ledgers, and some other unread letters. “I trust Shalanum.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about. Anyone can see he dotes on Kuwari.” Uselli followed Ditanu over to his desk, but Iltani stayed where she was. She could hear the conversation well enough from by the fire. If the way Uselli just squared his shoulders was any indication, he planned to dig in and stand his ground on this subject. Iltani was exhausted. There was no way she was getting involved.
Besides, her link with Kuwari had grown and was equally as strong as the one she shared with his father, and the cub was close enough she could sense any danger that came near. If Ditanu wanted some time alone with his grief, she’d give him this evening. Tomorrow, it was back to being a king and a father. He could be just a man for a few hours. The hall outside would be close enough.
She could guard her two wards from there.
While she’d been making her decision, Ditanu had poured himself a goblet of wine and continued the conversation with Uselli. “Does it really matter? The suites are housed on the same hallway.”
“Still, if something were to happen, it would be safer if you were both together.”
“Our guard is up, our enemies won’t attack now. They’ll lay in wait until they think our guard is relaxed again. Sadly, Kuwari is probably safer now than he has been in the months leading up to the attack.” Ditanu’s expression darkened. Iltani could see him going down dark corridors in his mind. “I wish to be alone with my thoughts tonight. At least, as much as I’m ever alone.”
“Fine,” Uselli said with a huff. “But you’re going to take years off my life with worry.”
Ditanu turned to spear Iltani with a look. “To soothe some of your worries, I’ll keep Ishtar’s Blade no more than an arm’s length away.”
“I’ll reduce the number of guards in your chambers, but double them outside in the gardens and the hall.”
In the end, Uselli agreed to his king’s wishes and he left to go guard the cub.
After a time, the servants came and prepared a bath for the king. Ditanu waited at his desk, drinking wine and reading through a few of his reports. The three servants exited the bathing chamber.
Ditanu ignored them.
“My king, your bath is ready for you,” Warassuni prompted.
He’d served Ditanu’s father as well. Iltani had always liked his quiet confidence, his ability to keep the simple day-to-day routines of the city running and the king’s surprisingly few needs attended to without issue.
Iltani knew Ditanu liked the old human steward, and they usually shared a few pleasant words of conversation until it was time for the king to see to other things.
“Thank you,” Ditanu said without inflection of any kind. “I will not need your services further this night.”
Dismissed, each servant bowed as they departed in haste. Apparently, Iltani wasn’t the only one to notice her king’s darkening mood. Ditanu downed his wine, poured another cup and then unrolled another scroll, squinting at the handwriting.
The guards rearranged their positions as Uselli instructed, leaving only two Shadows standing at the door leading out to the hall. Iltani moved away from Ditanu’s desk and took up a position another guard had vacated by the wall. At least here she was out of Ditanu’s direct line of sight, and maybe he would find the solitude he so clearly craved.
An hour later, Ditanu still sat at his desk. He tossed the scroll down he had been reading and picked up his wine goblet. Finding it empty, he refilled it and drank that one down almost as fast as the one before it. When it was empty again, he reached for the pitcher only to find it empty. He huffed something under his breath and set it back down on the table with an overly cautious movement.
Her king was thoroughly drunk.
Pushing up from the table, he started toward his bathing chamber.
“I doubt wine can actually drown your sorrows. However, it might manage to drown you in that big bath of yours,” Iltani called as she stepped away from the wall and started toward him.
Ditanu paused, turned with an overstated slowness and then looked her up and down.
“I have faith my Blade would prevent me from drowning.” His words weren’t slurred and his motions were still smooth and coordinated, so perhaps he wasn’t as far gone into his cups as she’d thought. Gryphons had a naturally higher tolerance for the stuff than humans did, and they sobered up quicker, too. She’d yet to meet a gryphon who had ever suffered from a hangover, either. Lucky bastards.
The last time Iltani had drunk to excess had been four years ago at the king’s coronation. Burrukan had shown no mercy the next morning when she was still suffering a raging hangover. He’d bundled her onto his skiff with no regard for her pounding head or heaving stomach. Iltani didn’t touch drink after that. It clearly turned her into a raging fool—she was grateful she didn’t remember anything from that night.
Ditanu’s gaze traveled up and down her body once, and a secretive smile softened his firm lips.
What the hell was that look about?
When he met her gaze, his eyes had that glassy look which came with too much drink. “Letting my Blade save me from drowning might be enjoyable.”
“You’re drunk, my king.”
“Yes, I am. And it’s Ditanu here. Not king, sire, or majesty—I hate majesty. It’s just Ditanu. Remember?”
Damn him. Even drunk he remembered that stupid rule.
“As you say.”
“Yes,” he gestured back toward the bathing chamber, “And I say I shall have a bath. I’m a king and can do as I wish.”
He turned from her and made a relatively straight line toward the chamber.
Rolling her eyes, Iltani followed. Ditanu rarely drank to excess, but when he did, he was never dull or mean. He was playful and downright….adorable.
Oh, this was going to be interesting.
***
Ditanu’s head started to nod for the third time. Unlike the first two times, he didn’t jerk awake. Cursing, Iltani pushed off from the wall where she stood guard and darted forward. Her powerful strides quickly covered the distance and powered her halfway across the pool before gravity won out and she plunged into the water.
Fragrant, but cooling, water was displaced by her sudden arrival, and a great wave washed up and over the sides. Her skirt’s streamers floated in the water all around her. Cursing under her breath, she pushed them out of her way and waded over to the king where he was slumping forward, still asleep and unaware he was actually in danger of drowning. She reached his side just before he slumped face first into the water.
With a grumbled curse, she braced his shoulders against the back wall of the bath.
Even her sudden arrival hadn’t been enough to wake him. Maybe he actually might have drowned. She’d only been joking with him earlier. Delayed fear set her heart to pounding and she just stood in the bath, her skirt swirling around her, her harness, scabbard, and sword half under the water.
Worst of all was the heavy golden torque around her neck. The cooling water stole her body heat from it. Now it was heavy, cold, wet and chafed her breasts every time she moved.
What a stupid, foolish token. Why couldn’t monarchs and
their Blades have exchanged something more sensible like a hair ornament or bracelet?
“Wake up, damn it!”
He didn’t respond.
Annoyed, she slapped the water directly in front of his face.
He jerked awake with a surprised grunt, and she gave his shoulders a good shake while he was still trying to orientate himself.
“Get out of this water right now, or I swear…” her words were cut off mid-sentence.
Ditanu grabbed her and lifted her halfway out of the water to sit her across his lap. “I would have gotten out sooner if I’d known you wanted to take a turn,” Ditanu reached behind him and his groping hand eventually closed over a cloth and a cake of soap. “But we can make this work. Besides, we used to bathe together as cubs, this isn’t that much different.”
Not much different? Hah. Iltani disagreed. She wiggled out of his arms before he could start to bathe her as he clearly planned.
“You,” she scolded and pointed at him to reinforce her statement. “Almost drowned. Out of the pool now!”
In case he resisted, she hooked one of his arms over her shoulder and wrapped her own around his waist. With a grunt and a mighty heave, she got Ditanu to his feet.
With some trouble and a considerable amount of laughter on Ditanu’s part, she managed to extract him from the pool and navigate him back to his bedchamber. She grabbed a couple of towels from a bench on the way by before she continued on to his bed. One she wrapped around his head and shoulders, the other she just tossed at his lower extremities without letting her eyes focus on anything.
She helped him dry off, having to avoid his grabbing hands the entire time. He kept trying to drag her into bed with him. By the time she was done, a blush was burning merrily upon her cheeks, but Ditanu was dressed in a robe and more or less tucked into bed.
“Iltani, stay?” There was great loneliness in those two words. “I need you.”
“Shhh, my king. You’re still drunk. That’s the wine talking. You don’t mean it. You won’t remember it come the morning anyway. So just go to sleep and everything will be better when you wake.”
Queen of the Gryphons: Ishtar's Legacy: Books 1 & 2 Page 22