by Heidi Skarie
“Come to bed. I want you near me. I’m still in knots.”
He undressed and joined her in bed. “What has you in knots?”
“Everything. I’m worried about losing the baby and about Erling fighting a duel. On top of that, you’re mad at me.”
“I shouldn’t have gotten angry with you.”
“You have a right to be angry. I risked our baby’s life. Michio, I missed you terribly these last weeks. It feels like part of me is gone when we’re separated. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.” It struck him that tonight her defenses were down and she was completely open to him. Perhaps in her exhaustion, her need for them to be close was too strong for her to hide anything. He drew her close and kissed her. “I hated leaving you and worried the training would take many months or even years.”
“I’m glad it didn’t take any longer than it did.” They lay on their sides, facing one another. She lightly traced her fingers along his jawbone and then down his chest.
He lifted her hand and kissed her fingertips, wondering when she’d be well enough to make love. He ached with desire for her after their long separation.
She ran her fingers through his thick hair. “Your hair’s gotten longer.”
“Most of the men wore their hair long at the monastery, so I didn’t bother cutting it.”
“I like it. I like everything about you.” She yawned. “Goodnight, my love.”
“Goodnight.” By the light of Borko’s double moons, he watched her drift off to sleep, cradled in his arms. He’d never loved anyone with the depth and breadth that he loved her. She was so perfectly formed—her features refined, complexion smooth and soft and her body exquisitely curved. But it was what was inside, the connection they had at Soul level that made him love her so deeply. He’d never loved her more and felt they’d taken another step in their relationship, crossed a bridge to a level of openness that wasn’t there before. She’d been hurt in the past and now she was beginning to trust enough to expose her fragile side to him.
His contentment faded as he felt a shadow creeping across their happiness. Something dark lay in the future that he couldn’t quite bring into focus. He wondered how to keep her safe and defend her from her impulsive, adventuresome nature.
Koriann pulled at the ropes that bound her wrists. The more she tugged, the tighter they became. Her panic mounted—Zanton would return at any moment.
She struggled into a sitting position, intent on escape, and scanned the room for something she could use to cut the rope. Maybe breaking a drinking glass and using a shard to cut through the ropes would work. Then her eyes lit on Zanton’s encased sword.
She scooted to the end of the bed, swung her bound feet to the floor and hopped to the dresser. Reaching it, she gripped the sword and pulled it partway out of its sheath. She slid the rope binding her hands back and forth across blade. One of the ropes fell away and she kept sawing, until finally the bindings fell to the floor. She yanked the gag off her mouth and untied her ankles, encouraged by her success.
She left the bedroom and went to the sitting area, planning her escape. At the door to the hallway, she pressed her ear to the wood and heard Tyrin say, “I wonder why King Zanton isn’t back yet.”
A man whose voice she didn’t recognize replied, “Captain Orneil must not be cooperating.”
The hall was out! She’d have to find another way. Perhaps she could escape by the balcony. She stepped onto the balcony and her stomach flip-flopped when she saw how high up she was. Zanton’s room was on the fourth floor; there was no way she could climb down the wall. She looked in the direction of Erling’s balcony. She’d given him one of the nicer guest rooms, just two doors down from Zanton’s. Perhaps she could make it to Erling’s room by using the balconies and walking on the narrow ledge between them.
But what if I fall? Yet wasn’t taking the risk better than staying? Her skin crawled as she thought of Zanton touching her. Her fear of heights competed equally with her hatred of Zanton.
Finally, she climbed over the balcony railing and stepped onto the narrow ledge. She pressed her sweaty left hand against the side of the wall for balance and let go of the railing with her right. She thought of Erling as she eased her way along the narrow ledge. He said he loved her and told King Zanton he was going to marry her. Her heart danced at the thought of being married to Erling, replacing the heaviness she’d felt since she’d first agreed to marry Zanton.
She reached the next balcony, climbed over the railing and sank onto the balcony floor. With her knees drawn up to her chest, she took several deep, gulping breaths. Feeling calmer, she tried to open the balcony door to the guest room and found it locked. She yanked hard, knowing it was pointless. Even if she could get into the room, the guards in the hallway would see her as soon as she left the room.
She crossed to the other side of the balcony. Erling’s balcony was just another six feet away. Footsteps sounded below and she flattened herself against the wall as one of Zanton’s guards walked through the palace grounds.
How had King Zanton been able to dismiss all her guards and why would her men follow his orders? Perhaps because Zanton was her fiancé; in another month he’d be the de facto joint ruler of Jaipar. Moreover, he’d been living at the palace for many weeks and they had no reason to distrust him. At least Captain Orneil had the sense to be suspicious.
Koriann left the balcony and continued her perilous journey. If someone told her someday she’d be out on this ledge, inching her way along the palace wall with only Jaipar’s double moons to see by, she would’ve told them they were crazy.
At last she reached Erling’s balcony. She grabbed onto the railing, climbed over, then pressed her hands against her beating heart, scared but triumphant. I did it!
She walked through the open balcony door and over to the bed. Erling slept soundly, sprawled out on the mattress. His chest was bare and a sheet covered him from the waist down.
She touched his shoulder. “Erling.”
Jerking awake, he sprung out of bed and had her in an armlock before she could even cry out. “It’s me, Koriann,” she gasped.
“I’m sorry, love,” he said releasing her arm. “Did I hurt you?”
She turned so she was facing him. “No, you just surprised me.”
“You’re the one who surprised me. You shouldn’t sneak up on a warrior like that.” He switched on the light.
“Do you always wake up like that?”
He brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. “No, but I just got back from a dangerous mission. It takes a few days to mellow out. What brings you here?”
She felt heat rush to her face, realizing he must think she’d come to his room to make love. “I need your help.”
“What’s wrong?”
“King Zanton has taken over the palace and dismissed my guards. After we left you, he dragged me to his room and would’ve raped me if one of his guards hadn’t arrived and told him Captain Orneil was causing problems.”
Erling’s face darkened with fury. “That animal! Are you all right?”
“He just frightened me.” She told him how she’d freed herself and made it to his room.
He drew her close. “Thank God you escaped.” He tenderly kissed her on the forehead, then slid his hand into her hair and kissed her on the mouth. “I didn’t realize King Zanton was so dangerous. I should have listened to Toe when she warned me about him.”
“She tried to warn me, too. I thought he would provide military protection for Jaipar. I didn’t know he was just using me to take control of Jaipar.”
Erling released her, grabbed his pants of the back of the chair and pulled them on over his briefs. Koriann stared at the ugly bruises on his chest and stomach, horrified that he’d been beaten so mercilessly.
“I’ll go talk to your guards,” Erling said.
“Zanton’s guards are in the hallway. I doubt they’ll let you leave your room.”
Just then a sharp knock s
ounded at the door. “It’s him!” she cried.
“Who’s there?” Erling called.
“King Zanton’s guards. We demand you open the door.”
“Why? What do you want?”
“We’re searching the palace for Queen Koriann.”
“What would she be doing here?” Erling called back.
“Open the door or we’ll break it down.”
“Just a minute.” He glanced around the room. “You have to hide.”
Koriann slid behind the full-length balcony drapes. She heard Erling open the door and the sound of several people entering the room.
“Where is the Queen?” a guard asked—Koriann recognized the man’s voice as Tyrin’s.
“How would I know?” Erling replied. “I’ve been sleeping.”
“Why did it take so long to open the door?”
“I had to pull on my pants.”
“Search the room,” Tyrin said.
Koriann held her breath, listening as the closet door opened. “She not in the closet.”
Footsteps sounded as another guard walked over to the balcony. “Not on the balcony either.”
“Where is she, Major Fenian?” Tyrin asked.
“How would I know?”
“Make him talk,” Tyrin said.
“Watch out, he’s got a gun!” the other guard yelled. Koriann realized Erling must have drawn his blaster. Sounds of fighting ensued and something crashed to the ground.
“Don’t kill him,” Tyrin said. “King Zanton wants him alive for the duel. Hold him.” Koriann tensed upon hearing what sounded like Erling being slugged. “Where is she?”
“Eat tawku dung!” Erling groaned.
Further sounds of a beating followed. Koriann was about to shove the drapes aside when she thought of what King Zanton would do to her if she was recaptured.
As she stood there, uncertain what to do, Tyrin said, “He doesn’t know anything. Let’s continue the search elsewhere.”
Relieved, she slumped against the wall as the guards left the room.
“You can come out now, Kori,” Erling said, his voice strained.
She stepped out from behind the drapes to find Erling hunched over with his arm pressed against his waist. “They’re gone,” he grunted. He pulled out a handkerchief and spat blood.
She rushed over to him. “I’m sorry. I should’ve revealed myself.”
“No, you did the right thing. I’ll be fine in a minute.” He put his hand on his stomach. “By the stars, did they have to slug me in the same place the Raptor guards did?”
“You’d better sit down.”
He sat on the bed. “I need to rest before we figure out a plan. The last few days have been rough. Don’t let me sleep too long.” He lay down and his breathing soon became deep and regular.
Koriann wondered what to do. She needed to figure out something before dawn. They needed to regain control of the palace and throw out Zanton, but she was drained and overwhelmed. She rubbed her forehead, unable to keep her eyes open. She’d hardly slept since Erling and Toemeka left for Flo Shah and she was beyond tried. Deciding she needed to sleep for a while, she changed out of her flight suit and into a soft undershirt she found in Erling’s dresser.
She hesitated for a moment, then climbed onto the bed and pulled a cover over both of them. Her last thought was that she’d be too tense to sleep.
Koriann awoke when she felt the mattress move as Erling got out of bed. She opened her eyes and saw that he’d gone to the window and stood in the moonlight, looking out at the ocean. Groggy with fatigue, she got up and crossed over to him. “Are you rested enough to talk?” she asked. “We need some kind of plan.”
He turned to her. “I’m supposed to fight Zanton at dawn, so if I leave the room a little before dawn the guards shouldn’t be suspicious and stop me. Instead of going to the ocean, I can find Captain Orneil and tell him the situation. He and his men can overpower Zanton’s guards and force Zanton to leave. You realize he probably won’t leave peacefully and your guards may have to fight to regain control of the palace.”
“Is there another way? I don’t want to start a war between Jaipar and Haklute. We need to be united to stand against Samrat Condor’s air fleet.”
“I don’t see how to avoid severing relations between your countries.”
She signed. “Neither do I. I’ve made a terrible mess of things. I’m sorry I agreed to marry King Zanton.”
Erling drew her into his arms. “You didn’t know how dangerous he was. You were thinking of what’s best for your country. Don’t be discouraged; everything is going to be all right.”
She slid her arms around his chest, doubting everything was going to be all right. Zanton wanted control of Jaipar and wouldn’t give up without bloodshed.
Erling leaned down and kissed her. “I love you, Koriann.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Will you marry me? I know I don’t have anything to offer you. Jelmur is under military occupation and everything I own is there. I don’t have any political power or royal blood. You could do a lot better. I only have my love to offer and my dedication to you and your country.”
“If I’ve learned anything from this experience it’s that political power and royal blood aren’t what’s important. It’s having someone you love beside you. You’re a man of integrity and have done an incredible job uniting Borko. I love you, Erling. I’d be honored to marry you.”
Erling smiled as he drew her close and kissed her. The kiss deepened and lit a fire within her. This is how it’s supposed to be between a man and a woman, not the uneasiness I always felt with Zanton, Koriann thought as she kissed him back hungrily, wondering what it would be like to make love with him.
Erling released her and stepped back. “We’d better get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a challenging day.” He glanced at his watch. “I have to be up in two hours. You take the bed. I can sleep in the outer sitting room.”
“That’s not necessary. We can share the bed.”
“It’s not appropriate. You’re a Queen and we’re not even formally engaged.”
“Erling, we just slept together. Come back to bed. You won’t sleep well on the couch.”
“That was different. I’d just been beaten up and needed to lay down for awhile.”
“I’m still frightened from my encounter with Zanton. I don’t want to be alone right now.”
He drew her close again. “I didn’t understand. Of course I’ll stay with you.”
“I thought Zanton was someone I could rely on to protect Jaipar. How could I have been so wrong in my judgment of what kind of man he was?”
“You never really knew him. You weren’t thinking of yourself, but were frightened into accepting Zanton’s offer by Samrat Condor’s threat of invasion.” He took her hand and led her to the bed. They lay down together and Erling turned off the light before drawing her close. “Try to get some sleep.” He kissed her forehead.
She lifted her face to his and he kissed her on the mouth, then said, “Good night, Kori.”
“Good night, Erling. I’m not usually so nervous.”
“You’ve been through and ordeal. You’re a brave woman to have escaped Zanton.”
18
The Duel
Erling awoke when Zanton burst into his bedroom followed by Tyrin. In the predawn light, he saw Zanton’s eyes fill with rage when he saw Koriann.
Koriann, startled awake, gasped, “Zanton!” She sat up in bed, looking vulnerable in nothing but a knit undershirt.
The King crossed the room in a few strides and pressed his sword point against Erling’s throat. “I was going to kill you in a duel, but now I think I’ll just slit your throat for touching my woman.”
Erling broke into a sweat. “She’s not your woman anymore.”
“She is, by God, and she’ll still marry me!”
“Put down the sword!” Koriann demanded. “You have no right to barge in here.”
“You’re a filthy
whore.”
“You forget you’re talking to the Queen of Jaipar,” Erling said, not daring move with the sword at his throat.
Zanton glared at him. “I’ll call her what I like. She’s played the virgin with me while whoring with you.”
“Get out, Zanton,” Koriann said. “Return to Haklute. It’s over between us.”
“Fulfill your promise and marry me!”
“Never!” Koriann threw herself at Zanton’s sword arm, knocking the weapon from Erling’s throat.
Erling sprang off the bed, grabbed his blaster from the dresser and aimed it at the king. “Get out of here, Zanton.”
All four guards drew their guns on Erling.
Zanton’s sword blade moved to Koriann’s throat. “Drop the blaster or she dies.”
“Don’t be stupid!” Erling growled. “She’s Queen of Jaipar. You’ll never get away with murdering her.”
“I’ll say you murdered her, so I killed you.”
Erling’s stomach twisted in fear for her.
“No one will believe you,” Koriann said, her face drained of color.
“Put down the blaster, Fenian,” Zanton said. “We have a duel to fight.”
“Remove your sword and step back. Then I’ll fight you.”
Zanton lowered his sword. Erling set down the blaster and Tyrin handed him an unusually thick sword. Erling glanced at the unfamiliar weapon, wondering what caused it to vibrate in his hand.
“We’ll fight in the sitting room where there’s more room,” King Zanton said. “You first.” He gestured to the open doorway.
Erling glanced at Koriann. “You should stay here.”
“No, I’m coming with you.” They went into the sitting room and found three more of Zanton’s bodyguards there. King Zanton and Tyrin followed them into the room.
“Stand near the wall where you’re out of harms way,” Erling said to Koriann. Her eyes were filled with fear as she moved away from him.
Tyrin gave the signal and King Zanton charged. Erling instinctively parried and countered. As they dueled, Erling found himself at a disadvantage; he couldn’t come into harmony with the Borithon sword the way he could with a regular sword. It seemed to have a life and will of its own. When he swung it through the air, it moved unpredictably, sometimes faster and at other time slower. Moreover, the vibrations it gave off changed when it got near the other weapon, sometimes repelling it, at other times attracting it. In contrast, Zanton had perfect control. He knew exactly how the blade would respond and his movements were fluid and rhythmic.