Amelia shifted her weight. Her chest remained tight, her breathing shallow. "We are really talking about you wanting me to be your wife? I can't believe you'd be this stupid."
"It is not a matter of wanting. You already are," Naatos said. "The question is how are you going to adapt to this situation?"
"Well…I have a proposal for you." Amelia braced herself, swallowing her distaste. "You three give up taking over the Tue-Rah. Return the Para bands to Leonas, and I will be a good wife. I don't like you at all, but I could at least try if you disperse your army, let everyone go, and give up the Tue-Rah."
Naatos laughed. "No. The Tue-Rah is not negotiable."
"Then…" Amelia stood. "I won't be a good wife. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, I am not any wife at all. I will not do anything to make you more powerful than you are, Naatos. And I will do all in my power to stop you." She flipped the book upside down and stepped back. "I am the Third Nalenth before I am anything else. I will find a way to stop you."
"And why is that?" Naatos's expression had become masked, showing neither anger nor surprise.
"Because if no one stops you, countless lives will be lost," Amelia said. "And many more will suffer."
"So…" WroOth tilted his head, tracing his finger in the air as if putting the thoughts together. "You stopping my brothers and me means that everybody gets to live forever in happiness without dying. My, my, my. No wonder you don't want to cooperate."
"You are cruel, all of you," Amelia said, her voice sharpening. "I saw what you did to Telhetum! To all those men and women. They had done you no harm. But you are determined to conquer all that exists and enslave them under your rule. You will take away our freedom, our rights, and our—"
"All of those things are, as you might put it, overrated." WroOth spoke as if he was being quite reasonable. "You're assuming that people's lives would be worse under us, and that is a baseless accusation. Eventually it will be better."
"Your belief that it will be better is baseless," Amelia snapped. "You defied the words of Elonumato. You refused—"
"You were not there. You do not know what happened," Naatos said, standing. "And I find it difficult to take you seriously when you are standing there wearing nothing but my tunic. You have no armaments. You have no allies. You have no boots. And most importantly, you have no idea what you're going to do next. So save your bold little speeches because there's no one to impress here."
"I am not trying to impress anyone." Amelia lifted her chin, staring him in the eye. "I am telling you that I am the Third Nalenth, and I will not stop until I have succeeded in defeating you! You might have managed to convince me that perhaps there was some good in you three. That maybe you just seemed more horrible than you were. But every time that thought comes to my mind, I see—"
AaQar struck his hand on the table and stood. "And there it is. I told you, Naatos."
Naatos turned his gaze from Amelia to AaQar, his eyebrow slightly arched. "You have something you want to say, brother?"
"Pick another woman to be your wife. Find someone else who is compatible. She may have been one. But there has to be another female somewhere out there who could also work." AaQar's eyes narrowed. "Our future rests on the shoulders of the woman you choose, and this one barely tolerates being in the same room as you. It was one thing when we could have had her indoctrinated, though even that was problematic, but she is no longer a child. She will not be easily molded. You have one chance, Naatos, and while the opportunities she holds are tempting, pursuing them will ruin our family."
"Not necessarily." WroOth returned to the sideboard and filled his plate again. "It's just going to take some creativity."
Naatos's focus had left her entirely. Amelia realized that she might be able to slip out of the room. A ring of keys lay on the side table near the door, partially obscured under a grey cloth. Perhaps it held the cell keys for the prisoners. She edged toward it, taking careful, quiet steps.
AaQar shook his head with annoyance. Energy and tension radiated throughout his jaw. He clenched his hands on the back of his chair. "I know you, Naatos, and I know what comes next. But one does not win a wife through harshness and brutality. She will not forgive you."
"Fortunately, love covers over a multitude of offenses, does it not?" WroOth asked. He lobbed one of the pickled chicken hearts at Amelia, catching her on the cheek. "Move away from the door, little sister. I see what you're doing. The door is locked anyway."
Amelia rubbed her cheek. "AaQar's right. And why are you all even talking about this? I'm the other party in this relationship, and if I say no, then that's that."
All three shook their heads. "You may be the other party in the relationship, but you're also the youngest. You don't get a say." WroOth flashed her another smile. "The only reason Naatos let you talk as long as he did was to see if maybe you'd come around to his way of thinking."
"She is a Neyeb, AaQar." Naatos pointed at her though he kept his gaze fastened on AaQar. "They are incapable of not loving. She may resist the locking, but after that, it is only a matter of time. Neyeb are empathetic and overly engaged in the emotions of others."
"But she has kept her elmis covered for the majority of her life. Her skills are underdeveloped, and she is already falling in love with another," AaQar said.
"There is nothing for you to be concerned about," Naatos said.
"Except for the matter of the prophecies, the past, your conduct, and her rage," AaQar said. "Put together, those issues all become matters of great concern."
This conversation annoyed Amelia, and it only added to her confusion. Her quasi-alliance with AaQar brought her some hope that she might be able to get out of this. But for now, she needed more information. Obviously, she couldn't leave, but she could read.
She picked up the book, sat on the couch, and turned the pages carefully. The engraving had been worn off so all she could see were the letters I and R. The book had been sewn together rather than bound with gum paste. Flipping to the back, she checked for an index.
"All of those issues will cease to be problems within a matter of weeks." Naatos paced along the side of the room, passing Amelia.
AaQar threw his hands up. "I know what you promised Sinara. But if she saw this now, she would never agree to this. She barely agreed in the first place. You'll just have to fulfill your vows without the marriage. Amelia is not some special weapon to unleash upon our enemies. She is a living, breathing individual who is vowed to our destruction. And getting her to fall in love with you when she has already given her heart to another makes it all the more complicated. The future of the Neyeb race may rest within her, but it will not be you who draws it out. You will have to fulfill those vows from a distance."
"I don't think she's just the future of the Neyeb race, and I agree with Naatos," WroOth said.
"You just want someone to play with," AaQar said, his voice sharpening.
"Yes. I like her! I always have. She's my sister, and she's hilarious. I want to keep her."
Amelia continued reading, annoyed that they were talking about her as if she wasn't there. There wasn't an index in the book either or a table of contents.
"She lied to you, WroOth," AaQar said. "She stood in front of you and told you she was a Machat, knowing full well that you were the Para of Reltux. She then attacked you when you confronted her. Most people run away or keep their distance when confronting a Vawtrian. But then she tried to strangle you and take you hostage. Even when you turned into a dragon. Give her time, and she will find a way to stop us. And she will destroy us, even if it costs her own life."
"I like brazen. And I think it works well for Naatos," WroOth said. "Once she's on our side, she'll be invaluable. And more than that, she's entertaining."
"This is not a game! It's not meant to be entertaining," AaQar shouted. He slammed the chair into the ground. "We need her to restore the Tue-Rah, and that should be it."
WroOth pushed back from the table. "Yes, everything is always
so serious for you."
"Yes, it is," AaQar said. "Sometimes I swear you two are trying to be bigger fools than you are simply so I will stay alive and clean up your mess."
"Enough, both of you!" Naatos slammed his own chair into the floor, cracking the back. He glared at them. "I did not interfere with your marriages to Rasha or Mara, and I did not approve of either at first. The only person whose opinion matters on this subject is mine."
Amelia rolled her eyes. "What do I have to say in this?" she muttered. "I'm just the wife." She flipped through the pages, reading the chapter and header titles. Some of the entries were about Vawtrians. Perhaps she could find a way to divorce Naatos. Not that he seemed the sort who would take it well.
"Besides," Naatos continued, "you forget the effect that the locking will have on a Neyeb. Her thoughts will join to mine as well, and my thoughts and feelings will be hers."
"Naatos, there are always exceptions," AaQar said. "And I can think of one exception named Salanca."
"Salanca was an exceptional Neyeb," Naatos admitted.
"Yes." AaQar nodded. "I agree. And she was Amelia's mother. Doesn't that seem dangerously close?"
"Amelia is not Salanca. Besides, I wasn't locked to Salanca. I will be locked to Amelia."
"Yes!" AaQar clutched his face, grinding his teeth. "You will bind yourself forever to a woman who abhors you and wants to kill you. I made the mistake of marrying a woman I loved. WroOth made the same mistake. But you'll show us just how wrong we were by choosing a woman who hates you."
"You're getting your color back, AaQar," WroOth said. "I'm liking her more already." WroOth dropped onto the couch beside Amelia and pulled the book out of her hand. "What are you reading here? Oh yes. Vawtrian marriage rituals. Well, you don't need to worry about that, dear heart. You're pretty much past that point. Let me guess what you're actually looking for. Divorce procedures. That would be the Awdawm thing to do, wouldn't it? Ah. Here we go. Everything you need to know about obtaining a divorce in a Vawtrian marriage." He thumped the book with the back of his hand.
Naatos and AaQar continued arguing, both discussing the matter in raised voices and going over and over the same points again.
Amelia took the book back, her gaze fixed on WroOth. Why was he trying to help her? It made sense once she looked at the page. She rolled her eyes. "It's blank."
"I know," WroOth laughed. "There are no divorce procedures." He tousled her hair. "You're stuck with us, little sister."
"You know, most of the time when a couple is arguing about whether they're going to continue or, you know, even start a relationship, it's the two in the relationship who have to be in agreement." Amelia pushed her hair out of her face, shooting him an irritated glance. "If I don't want to be in a relationship, I'm not going to be in one. This is a problem for your brother."
"Yes. It is. But don't worry. There's plenty of room on the winner's side." WroOth motioned toward Naatos. "We could all gang up on AaQar and insist you and Naatos are perfect for each other."
"Or you could agree with AaQar and me that Naatos and I are dreadful for one another."
"No. I hate losing."
"Then you shouldn't go against me." Amelia snapped the book shut and glared at him. "I am a threat."
"Stamp your foot when you say that. It'll make me take you far more seriously." WroOth grinned.
"This conversation is going nowhere," Naatos said, raising his voice. "The locking has not yet begun. I will take time to consider your arguments, AaQar. And you can take Amelia to Istador to search for the rest of the Salvation of the Third Nalenth. You can evaluate her more closely while tending to that. Amelia will meet you in the courtyard shortly. WroOth…go do something that won't annoy me. Amelia, we have another bargain to make."
30
So It Begins
To Amelia's surprise, WroOth did no more than promise to surprise Naatos with annoyances while AaQar left in sullen silence. Amelia hugged the book to her chest, feeling less secure now that she was alone with Naatos. She stood and put more distance between them. "I hope you know I have no intention of being any kind of wife to you, let alone a good one."
Naatos strode toward her. "That is not the point to be argued at the moment."
"Why would you even think I would be a good wife? I've given no indications of that, and you aren't even attracted to me."
Sighing, Naatos shrugged. He rubbed his forehead. "You're right. I'm not attracted to you. I will not be until the locking takes place. As soon as that begins, everything changes. But again, that is not what we're bargaining for."
Amelia stepped away, the backs of her legs pressed against the couch. "And what are we bargaining for?"
"As you already confessed, you have hopes for a life with Shon. He and his brother are currently imprisoned. Now, I have chosen not to find and execute the queen, but both your friends are due to be executed this evening." He held up his hand as Amelia started to protest. "Unless you bring me what remains of the Salvation of the Third Nalenth."
Amelia's chest tightened. "So you can destroy it."
"Yes."
This bargain surprised Amelia somewhat. She had expected him to negotiate for Shon's and Matthu's lives, but she had not thought it would be just for the Salvation of the Third Nalenth. He could have demanded she sleep with him and turn over whatever the weapon turned out to be. "And you fully intend to release them safe and sound? You don't plan to kill them? Not you, not your brothers, not any of your cohorts or creatures?"
Naatos pulled back, a half-smile appearing on his face. "You are thorough, aren't you?"
"I know better than to trust you." Perhaps she could make this offer work to her advantage. "So you swear to me that if I find one of these and turn it over to you, then Shon and Matthu will live."
"I swear it," Naatos said. He shook his head, the smile broadening. "Why would I kill this Shon? He is no threat to me. He is inferior in every way."
"WroOth said you're the jealous type." Amelia had to admit she wasn't sure if WroOth had been right on this point. Though she hadn't had much experience in this area, Naatos didn't act much like a jealous lover. He demonstrated no attachment toward her at all. And though she disliked the idea of being married to him, the fact that he didn't seem possessive brought some comfort and the potential for freedom and escape. It was a marriage of convenience and acquisition. Unpleasant but likely distant enough.
"I may be once the locking begins." Naatos took the book from her and put it back on the shelf. "For now, I feel nothing aside from a general desire for your well-being so my plans may go forward unhindered. There's an old Vawtrian saying, 'The lover is most dangerous to his viskaro before the locking. But after the locking, he is dangerous to all who would keep her from him.' I may experience some…annoyance with his existence afterward, and it will be to this Shon's advantage to be gone before the locking. However, I see no reason to keep him here if you do as you're told."
Amelia listened carefully. The threat was present, but it was manageable.
"So…" Naatos said. "You go with AaQar. You find what remains of Salvation of the Third Nalenth. You give them to me, and your paramour and his brother live. They will be permitted to leave and go where they choose so long as they have nothing to do with you. Are we agreed?"
"That's all that you'll need? You don't need me to prove I don't love him anymore?"
"You have the beginnings of an affection for him. So long as you do not indulge it, it will not grow. Stay faithful to me, and that is sufficient."
Amelia studied him, twisting over these words. The absolute confidence of his statements radiated through his expression as well as his posture. She set her hands on her hips, nodding. This was probably the best she could do at this point. "All right. And if I do, Shon and Matthu will be—"
"Yes." Naatos met her gaze. "I am a man of my word, Amelia."
Amelia doubted that, but this was the closest thing to a break she had gotten. She would find a way to work it
to her own advantage. Who knew what she would discover? Perhaps Elonumato would open a way. A hundred pieces of a plan floated in her mind. Soon enough, it would come together. "Good. What about the puma?"
"Pardon?" Naatos lifted his eyebrows, his expression incredulous.
"If that silver puma is still alive, it needs medical attention." Amelia watched him, not sure if this was one step too far. "Will you take care of it?"
"Amelia, we have actually reached an agreement," Naatos started.
"Yes, and wouldn't it be wonderful if we reached another point of agreement?" Amelia lifted her shoulder, maintaining steady eye contact. "Save the puma."
"Fine. Provided it’s still alive. Now. You have matters of your own to attend to. Follow me."
It was remarkable. They were actually agreeing on some things. Somewhat satisfied, Amelia did as he asked. She could work with this. Naatos walked ahead of her, not beside her. And he made no attempt to talk to her. Which was fine. Romance wasn't his strong suit, but that was good. Amelia wasn't certain how she would respond to any of his advances.
The bright sunlight warmed the red stones of the courtyard. The bodies from the dais had been removed, but the ropes remained on the stones. Talbokians milled about, tending to various tasks.
WroOth stood at the bottom of the staircase with AaQar, laughing about something. AaQar appeared more amused than before, his posture more relaxed and a hint of a smile pulling at his lips. When Naatos reached them, WroOth whispered something to him, and even Naatos laughed. The laughs did not sound cruel or malicious. Only amused.
Identity Revealed: The Tue-Rah Chronicles Page 28