by Genia Avers
She stopped moving. Since her engagement, it seemed like she’d done little else except pace. They couldn’t leave the inn until the reinforcements arrived. Hopefully, that wouldn’t be long because she felt useless standing around. Reinforcements wouldn’t have to travel far. They were a long way from Vomont Palace, thus still close to the Mydrian border. Thank Bockle, Rothart had left a large contingent to protect her country from Creshin’s warhips. A few soldiers from that detachment wouldn’t be missed.
A commotion in the courtyard disrupted her pacing. She hurried toward the noise.
“Please stay inside, miss!” the innkeeper yelled. “Let me send someone to see who it is. Princess, please!”
She ignored the man’s plea and rushed to the courtyard, stopping in her tracks as the riders approached. When Kamber dismounted, she ran to him, throwing her arms around his wide, road-stained shoulders.
Her relief lasted only seconds. The fury of being left behind to worry about his rash actions returned. She stepped back and whacked him across the arm.
“Damn, Bena. Why’d you do that?”
“Because you’re a monumental idiot. You ride off alone. Leaving me here alone. Who knows what could have happened. To either of us. Your one redeeming quality was supposed to be your military prowess and you act like you don’t know the first thing about strategy.”
“She has a point.” Remington chuckled.
“Get your things,” Kamber ordered. “We’re leaving.”
“The hell we are.” Her nostrils flared. She took a deep breath. She couldn’t unleash her fury at Kamber in front of the guards. “We have to wait for the reinforcements from Mydrias. You may choose to be rash with your life, but I won’t.” She whirled, knowing she couldn’t look at him any longer without really losing her temper.
As she started up the steps to her room, she heard Remington chide the prince, “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
* * * *
In her room, Subena paced once more. When she became aware of her action, she stilled, determined to contain her emotion. Her resolve lasted for all of five seconds.
It would be useless to talk to Kamber. She’d speak with Remington. Suggest that they take alternate routes to avoid another ambush. She suspected the big man would already have come to the same conclusion.
Thank Bockle there would be no more time for spending lazy days at inns on this journey. When Kamber’s mouth was on her body, it was impossible to remember he was a barbarian at heart. Or that she had a brain. Or that she really didn’t want her husband to touch her.
“Taslin.” She hadn’t asked if he was safe.
She rushed from her room and toward the great hall. Remington would know about the duke’s whereabouts.
She collided with Kamber halfway down the stairs. “Going somewhere?”
“I’m looking for Remington.”
“Why?”
She hesitated. “I wanted to ask about Taslin. Is he safe?” She hadn’t expected to see the duke again until her year in Gatsle had ended, but some stroke of providence had made him her escort. Things might not be the same, but she really needed to know her friend hadn’t been harmed.
“And why would you ask Remington and not me?”
She blinked, not sure of the reason. “Is Taslin okay?”
Kamber’s jaw hardened and his lips formed a straight line. “You refer to Reklaw?”
“That’s what I said. Taslin.”
“You refer to the coward who didn’t stick around to defend the carriage. Your carriage?”
“Taslin isn’t a coward.”
Kamber grabbed her chin with his free hand, squeezing it with gentle pleasure. “You’re awfully quick to defend him, Bena. I’m going to assume your concern doesn’t hide tender feelings for the arrogant ass. Not that you need to worry. Snakes usually manage to safely slither away.”
Surely Kamber couldn’t be jealous? Before she could protest, Kamber pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was harsh and demanding, almost hostile, but his body radiated raw sensuality. When he released her and walked away, Subena hung onto the railing to support her weakened knees.
She shook her head, trying to reconcile Kamber’s words and actions. Taslin wouldn’t leave the carriage during an attack—her husband had to be mistaken.
Chapter Sixteen
After six days spent on rough, dusty roads, Subena shifted in her seat and swore she’d never ride in another carriage. They’d driven toward Gatsle in a newly acquired coach as soon as reinforcements arrived at the inn. The trip had been laden with apprehension and discomfort.
She’d worried about Taslin until they received word, via messenger, that he and a contingent of Gatslian guards had reached the midway checkpoint. The Duke had met the caravan there.
“Dungweed,” Kamber murmured upon hearing Taslin’s story about chasing a wayward attacker toward Gatsle.
The duke ignored him in his customary diplomatic way. Not unexpected behavior from a warrior who’d spent a lifetime fighting, but Taslin’s behavior proved puzzling. He’d pulled a dagger from his pocket bearing Creshin’s shield and tossed it to Kamber. Subena didn’t want to believe he’d tossed the knife at Kamber. “He got away, but dropped this.”
“Likely story,” her spouse snarled when he’d returned to their coach. “And no one to corroborate it. Why didn’t he stay and protect you? He didn’t know you weren’t in the coach.”
Yes he did. Subena wasn’t about to say that. Taslin had to know she wasn’t in the coach, otherwise, he would never have left her alone.
“You mean like you stayed to protect me at the inn?” she challenged.
Kamber snorted and left the carriage. He’d ridden Pollo for the remainder of the day.
Her defense of Taslin drove a wedge into their honeymoon truce. She didn’t care. Much.
Kamber had been frosty during the days and aggressive during the nights. She’d sworn she wouldn’t be seduced, but when her husband finally came to bed, after spending most of his night on watch or scouting the roads the coach would take the following day, she welcomed his embrace. Each morning she awoke to a smirking Kamber—and more vibrant tinting on the inn room walls. She’d suspected their sexual escapades had something to do with the explosion of color, but she’d never heard of such a thing. And didn’t dare ask Kamber.
After she searched for her clothing, she went in search of a paintbrush. Once the walls were white again, she’d get into the coach.
She stared out the carriage window, hoping they’d arrive soon. Kamber reached for her hand again. She let him encircle her fingers. His conversation might annoy her, but his touch was comforting.
“We’ll be there soon.”
She doubted it. Remington had heeded her advice, taking detours and retracing the route to make sure no one followed. Because of the extra miles, they were now on day six of their four-day journey.
* * * *
Damn. Kamber banged his head against the back of the carriage wall.
The sweet relief of being home dissipated. Beyond the snarled branches of the centuries old trees, a raven-haired hellion waited for their coach. Rekita.
He’d meant to tell Subena, explain about his former mistress and her scary temper, but he’d spent most of his days scouting to make sure no threats loomed in wait of their convoy. When he took the rare moment to ride inside the coach with his wife, he hadn’t risked spoiling the mood by discussing a fling gone bad. He thought he knew a lot about the fairer sex, but after only one week with his hellcat wife, he felt certain he knew absolutely nothing. Even in his ignorance, he knew their tentative truce was too fragile for a discussion about an old girlfriend. His procrastination had come home to haunt him.
Pushing worries about Rekita from his mind, he glanced at his wife and his insides took a strange trip. Pride wasn’t something he experienced often.
But he was proud of Subena. He could tell she was nervous, but he doubted anyone else would guess. She looked stunn
ing, regal. His people would see only her surreal beauty and the haughty lift of her chin. He saw the subtle way she bit at her lower lip. How could a creature so beautiful and so accomplished be so insecure?
Kamber reached over and took her hand. She flashed a look he interpreted as appreciation. Once she realized what she’d done, she jerked her hand out of his clasp.
I will fix that.
The carriage door opened. Kamber wrapped an arm around Subena’s shoulder and placed his lips firmly and lingeringly on her neck. He hoped Rekita would see his gesture and take the hint, but mostly he wanted to kiss his wife.
Subena pulled away. “Must you molest me every time there’s a crowd? Are you some kind of exhibitionist?”
His lips curved upward. Strange that he should find her snarky nature so entertaining.
He tightened his grip on her arm. Rekita had made her way to the carriage steps wearing a top that revealed most of her breasts and exposed all of her midriff. Her skirt hung low on her hips, barely concealing her pubic area. He wished she would cover herself.
He tried to hold onto his wife’s arm as they descended the carriage steps, but the passage was too narrow. Remington held out his hand to help Subena. He had no choice but to step back to let his bride descend first. After she reached the bottom step, she and Remington kept walking.
The moment his foot touched the ground, Rekita pushed around Subena and jumped on him. “Kam, darling! You’ve come back to me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and interlocked her long legs behind his hips.
Shock rendered him motionless. The crowd noise hushed. Everyone stared.
“Get off me,” he hissed. Heads began to look the other way.
Subena turned toward him. He watched her face transition from shock-to-rage-to-disgust.
“Subena, wait.” He tried to push past Rekita, but the she-devil gripped him tighter and planted kisses all over his face. His parents and brothers stared with gaping mouths. No one, except Rekita, moved.
He looked toward Remington. “A little help here.”
His old pal shrugged. His you-got-into-this, you-get-out-of-it expression held more censure than sympathy.
Subena hadn’t moved. She just glared.
“Subena, my love,” his father’s voice boomed. “I’m so glad you’re safely here.”
His bride jumped. A mask descended over her face. Only Kamber saw the murderous look she cast before she turned her head toward his father. His mother flashed him an equally deadly stare.
While he struggled to push Rekita away, he heard his wife thank Remington, and caught a glimpse of her when she took Rothart’s proffered arm. “The palace is beautiful, sire. I can’t wait to see the inside.”
His father took Subena’s hand and brought it to his mouth. “The palace, and all of Gatsle for that matter, pales in comparison to your beauty.”
Kamber’s mouth dropped open. He’d never seen Rothart act so diplomatic. Or seem so enamored.
He didn’t see what happened next because Rekita freed herself of his vicelike grip and hopped astride him again. He tilted his head to see Tam, his youngest brother, tug on Subena’s skirt. His wife extracted her hand from the king’s grasp and squatted down to shake the little guy’s hand.
“Tell me King Rothart, who is this handsome elf?”
His brother giggled, “I’m Tam. I’m five. You’re pretty.”
“Let go of me, Rekita,” Kamber hissed, hoping no one else could hear. “Or so help me, I’ll have you locked up.”
“Sounds kinky.” The she-devil’s reply echoed for all to hear.
“Princess Subena.” Rothart spoke louder and bowed with a flourish—more animated than Kamber had ever seen him. “May I present my youngest and oh-so-important son?” The king winked at Subena, before he glowered at Kamber over her shoulder. “He’s also my well-mannered son.”
Kamber gave Rekita another shove, this one less gentle than the first. When she clung to him, he peered over her shoulder, hoping Subena would see his disgust over the she-cat’s behavior.
“I’m honored sir.” Subena’s eyes sparkled at Tam. “I’m glad you’re a prince, Master Tam. I was most afraid that you might be a pirate.”
The boy giggled and grabbed her hand.
Blast. He knew it couldn’t be good that his wife acted like he didn’t exist. He shoved Rekita again, but the witch had a steadier grip than most of his swordsmen.
The king held out his arm for Subena’s other hand, effectively shielding her from Rekita’s sideshow. The threesome marched toward the palace. Young Tam twisted his little neck to stare at Rekita, who remained plastered against Kamber despite attempts to eradicate the vile female from his body. “You’re much prettier than her,” Tam yelled. “If I were Kamber, I’d wrestle with you.”
The boy giggled. Subena withdrew her hand to tussle his spiky hair. As they walked away, she put her arm around the little tyke and never once looked back.
Rekita had stopped kissing him to stare after Tam and Subena, but the blasted harridan still clung to him. “Dammit, Rekita. I said let go.”
He yanked his arms away and she fell to the ground with a thud.
“Geesh.” Rekita smoothed her hands over her tight skirt. “I’m guessing your surly attitude must be due to sexual frustration. Did the ice maiden actually freeze your pecker?”
“Get away from me before I have you arrested.”
She moved aside, a smirk on her face. He jumped up, but Subena and his family had disappeared into the castle. He glared at Rekita. “Don’t ever do that again.”
“Oh, boo hoo. We both know you won’t do anything.” She tugged at her revealing top, giving him a glimpse of both nipples. He threw his cloak over her and stomped away from her, toward the castle.
Kamber passed Taslin, who leaned against a tree, idly playing with a twig. “Does Subena also get to keep a pet?”
He wanted to ram a fist into the buffoon’s gut. With effort, he willed his arm to remain at his side, knowing he couldn’t risk another spectacle.
“Who would have guessed?” The damn duke laughed. “I certainly didn’t expect entertainment in this backward hellhole.”
Chapter Seventeen
Subena knew, despite everything, that she belonged in the big drafty castle. It was damp. It was dark. It was ancient.
She loved it.
Even the theatrics Kamber displayed with that creature didn’t diminish her fascination with the old building. The structures in Mydrias were shiny and modern—and very predictable. Her country had nothing like Vomont Castle with its air of mystery. The fortress ranked as one of the oldest buildings on the planet. There were rumors of ancestral journals hidden within its walls. She couldn’t wait to explore every wing.
“Miss. You follow.” A maid tapped long fingers on the railing.
Subena stifled a groan. When she’d told Queen Winsome she could find her own way, she’d planned to wander through the corridors instead of going directly to her room.
“You best hurry. The family ‘ess holding dinner while you fresh up.” The servant’s dress was an ugly brown, but the attire didn’t detract from her striking features. Her black hair glimmered, making the gown she wore look even more dismal.
“You don’t have to wait on me,” Subena replied.
“Waiting on you is my job.”
Subena frowned. “Thank you, but if you just tell me where the room is, I’m sure I can find it.”
“‘Deez way, please. You want to get me in trouble?” Without waiting for an answer, the bossy female spun and marched up the remaining stairs. She headed down a long hallway, only glancing over her shoulder once to ensure Subena followed.
“She doesn’t act like a servant,” Subena muttered. She would dismiss her—politely of course.
When she reached the doorway to her chambers, the sight that greeted her made her forget her intentions. The room contrasted sharply with the rest of the castle. A skylight in the gilt ceiling reflected light from
the Sun-Star, intensifying the spectrum and giving the illusion she’d landed on a cloud. The furnishings were sleek and luxurious, yet simple enough to stop just short of being ornate. Beauty surrounded her.
Yet she felt completely alone.
“Miss?”
Subena blinked, remembering the black-haired maid who still hovered. The female pointed toward a smaller door. “You can wash in there.” To Subena’s annoyance, she curtsied. “I’ll take care of your things while you wash, miss.”
“Just leave the trunks by the bed, please. I’ll take care of them later. And thank you.”
Subena hurried into the private room and locked the door. She ran a cloth over her face, wishing she’d more time to study the plumbing; she’d read it worked with ancient, but effective, locking mechanisms. With difficulty, she resisted the urge to look under the cabinets.
After unsuccessfully trying to get a comb through her hair, she wove it into a braid and hurried from the powder room, glad to see the nosy black-haired creature had gone. “Thank Bockle.”
The family had already gathered in the great hall when she’d descended the grand staircase. A stunning male with thick black hair and emerald eyes stepped forward to greet her. The young male was a shy copy of Kamber.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Subena.”
His shoulders weren’t nearly as wide as those of his big brother, but the mesmerizing eyes and the crooked grin were an exact duplicate of her scoundrel husband. Except there was an air of innocence about him that she found appealing. Subena felt an instant connection.
“I’m Ronan.” As he bowed and held out his arm, his tunic gaped, exposing a tiny birthmark on his chest.
Subena gasped. No.
What had she done?
“Are you all right?” Ronan’s eyes exposed his emotion—concern.
“I’m…I’m fine.” Was she? Subena didn’t think so, but she’d had years of experience faking it and immediately shifted into public mode.
“Kamber has told me so much about you, but I expected you to be…”
“Younger?” Ronan prompted. “I’m not surprised. Kam treats me like I’m barely out of the nursery, yet I believe I’m older than you.” His dazzling smile sent Subena’s brain into a tailspin. “I think you know everyone else.”