Falon's eyes widened in horror. The poor queen was indeed very ill. She would never have spoken thus of the king if she were herself. Falon, like all of the people, loved her beautiful queen, and she felt tears in her eyes.
"I will take the tray, Mara." It was very difficult for Falon to call the queen by her name, but the king had ordered her to do so.
"Falon, forgive me for speaking to you so harshly. You must understand I am not angry with you. It is your king I am not happy with," Mara said in a kind voice, seeing she had upset the girl, who, it seemed, wanted only to please her.
Not knowing what to reply, Falon set the tray on a low table and walked across the room, pulling the silver sheeting aside to reveal a closet where many gowns were hung.
"Would you like to dress now, Mara?"
Mara stood up and walked over to the closet, looking at the many different-colored gowns. "You said that this clothing belonged to me?" Mara asked, looking at the obviously expensive wardrobe. There were shoes, boots, petticoats, and bonnets. Mara knew instinctively that the gowns came straight from Paris, France.
"Where did I get these gowns, Falon?"
"I am told you brought them with you when you first came to the city."
Mara felt her heart lighten as she ran her hand down the front of a green gauze gown that was embroidered with gold thread—another link to her past. She chose a plain blue gown.
"Evidently I was well clothed, before I came here," she said, more to herself than to Falon. She was glad she could now abandon the gowns she had made herself, as well as the doeskin dress. She would have more confidence when she was well gowned, she thought.
The blue gown fit perfectly. Falon had brushed Mara's hair until it crackled, and it now framed her face in riotous curls. Studying her reflection in the silver sheeting, Mara was pleased with what she saw. "Am I permitted to leave this room, Falon?" "Of course. If you would like to look around, I will look after Andrew for you."
Mara looked up and down the long hallway, trying to remember in which direction the huge anteroom was located. If there was no one about she wanted to get a close look at the gold sheeting on the wall. Surprisingly, she found the palace warm, owing to the thick walls, she supposed. It did not take her long to find the anteroom, and to her relief she found it empty.
She gazed about the room in stunned silence. It was magnificent. There were twelve windows that ran from floor to ceiling. They were inlaid with diamond-bright windowpanes that resembled glass. The bright sunlight fell on the gold sheeting that adorned one whole wall. She stood beneath the gold sheeting and drew in her breath. There were the images of a great pharaoh and his family carved into the gold. There were rows of hieroglyphics, and Mara knew this was what Jeffery had told her she had been translating.
Reaching out her hand, she touched the wall. The gold felt cold to her fingertips, and she shivered. What manner of people were these people of the Lagonda tribe? How had they survived, for perhaps thousands of years, in this valley? Theirs appeared to be a civilization that would rival any in the world. How was it they had gone undetected? Her mind could not grasp the magnitude of what the discovery of the Seven Cities would mean to the rest of the world. She found herself hoping no one would ever find this valley.
Hearing voices, Mara stepped back into the shadows, not wanting to be discovered. Perhaps she was not supposed to be here. She could see two people descending the great staircase, and her eyes widened in disbelief.
Tajarez was dressed in a white toga-type wrap. Golden sandals were crisscrossed up his powerful legs to his knees. Around his neck was a golden neckpiece that hung to his waist. Atop his raven-black hair was a golden crown in the shape of two intertwined cobras. He looked like a god, a king, a pharaoh!
Mara's eyes shifted to the person at his side, and she felt pain in her heart as she looked at the beautiful Indian woman. She was dressed in tan-colored doeskin that was ornamented with silver. She wanted to hate this woman, whom she thought to be the queen. Jealousy burned in her heart, and she wanted to cry out in pain. Backing farther against the wall so they would not see her, Mara bumped into a table, and a golden dish clattered to the floor, making a loud noise that seemed to echo around the room.
Pressing her hand over her heart, Mara watched as Tajarez and his queen walked slowly toward her. There was a frown on Tajarez's face, and Mara thought she was about to face his anger for coming uninvited to the anteroom. Mara looked away from him to the woman who gave her a smile that lit her whole face. Stopping in front of her, the woman spoke.
"Mara, I am so happy to see you," Sasha said. She wanted to hug Mara and tell her there was no need to be frightened, for she read fright in the green eyes. Tajarez had warned her about Mara's condition, but seeing no recognition in her eyes was a painful experience to each person who encountered it for the first time.
"Forgive me if I am intruding," Mara blurted out and watched as Tajarez's face became a mask. Did he think she would tell his queen that he had committed an indiscretion with her? She smiled inwardly, thinking it would serve him right to squirm. Mara noticed Tajarez's hand went up to rest protectively on his queen's shoulder. She met his eyes, hoping he could not see how she was hurting at the sight of his hand touching the other woman.
"I will withdraw now," Mara said. "Please excuse me," she said, inching sideways. She could not get past them unless they moved aside to allow her to leave, she thought in a panic. She saw sadness in the woman's face, and squared her shoulders and raised her head proudly. She did not want pity from Tajarez's queen. Taking a step forward she came up against the solid wall of Tajarez's body, and he did not seem inclined to move aside.
"Excuse me, please, I would like to pass," she said, meeting his steady gaze.
"Did you pass a restful night, Mara?" he asked, not bothering to move out of her way.
"Will you please move aside so I can pass?" she said, hating the panic she heard in her own voice.
"Not just yet, Mara. There is someone who wishes to be presented to you."
Mara swallowed hard, but her eyes did not flinch as she looked at the lovely woman. On close inspection, Mara could find no flaw in the woman. Her skin was lightly bronzed. Her face was delicate and lovely. Her eyes were soft brown. Mara could easily see why Tajarez loved her.
"You do not need to tell me who this is. I have already determined that she is your wife."
Tajarez's eyes became dark storm centers.
"No!" Sasha said. "Oh Mara, you do not know me!"
"I am sorry," Mara said, totally confused. "You will have to forgive my lack of memory. If you are not the queen, then who are you?"
Tears sparkled in the soft doe like eyes as the woman reached out and took Mara's hand. "Mara, I am Jeffery's wife, Sasha, your sister-in-law."
Mara could not have been more astounded if the woman had told her she was the queen of England. "I am terribly embarrassed. Please forgive me. I feel so f . . . foolish," she stammered.
Sasha's arms went around Mara's shoulders comfortingly. "There is no reason for you to be concerned about me, Mara. You and I were best friends. Although you cannot remember, I certainly do."
Mara moved slightly away from Sasha. "I believe you have a son," she said, trying to bring some substance of sanity into her conversation.
"Yes, he is named after your father, Mara."
"I am sorry," Mara said, again feeling at a disadvantage. "You see, I do not remember my father's name."
"Your father's name was John, and that is your brother's son's name," Sasha informed her. "I am told you have a very handsome son, called Andrew. I wonder if you would allow me to see him?"
"Yes, of course," Mara said gratefully, glad for any excuse that would take her away from the dark, brooding Tajarez. How different he seemed in his regal apparel. It was hard to think of him as the man who had held her naked body in his arms and whispered passionate words in her ear. Her eyes moved to rest on the crown with the double cobra that encircled his head.
When she looked into his eyes, she could not read the expression she saw there.
"I will excuse the both of you, since I have pressing business to attend to," Tajarez said, moving away from them.
Mara breathed a sigh of relief, and she felt her tension ebb once she was relieved of his ominous presence.
Sasha played with little Andrew until he fell asleep, then she and Mara had lunch together. Mara was beginning to feel relaxed with her, and she thought they must have been good friends, because she was beginning to like her very much.
When Andrew awoke, Mara accompanied Sasha to the third floor, where her apartments were located. As they passed the second floor on their way up the stairs, Mara looked at the imposing sentinel who guarded the second floor. He seemed to look right past her.
"Sasha, where is the queen?"
They had reached Sasha's apartment and she pushed the door open, allowing Mara to enter and giving her time to think what to say to her.
"The queen is not here for now, Mara."
Mara looked about the spacious room and thought it felt warm and welcoming, like Sasha herself.
"When will she return?"
"I am not sure," Sasha replied avoiding Mara's eyes. "I hope it will be soon."
Mara sensed that Sasha did not want to talk about the queen, so she asked no more questions.
She was delighted with little John. He had much lighter skin than Andrew, and his hair was a deep, rich brown with golden highlights. His brown eyes had green flecks in them.
Mara was finding it easy to talk to Sasha, and she seemed to be learning more about her past from her than she had from anyone else. Sasha had been to her home in St. Louis, so she described it to Mara in great detail. She told about Tess, the serving woman, who had a gruff manner, but was in truth very kind. The afternoon passed quickly, and Mara was almost sorry to leave. Sasha had invited her to take dinner with herself and Jeffery, but Mara declined, not wanting to see her brother.
Sasha escorted Mara downstairs to her own bedroom, and, with a final hug, told her she would see her the next day.
Mara ate a solitary meal in her bedroom. She then played with Andrew until he became fussy. Dressing him in a clean gown, she fed him and put him in the cradle. Time now hung heavily on her hands. It was still early, so she decided she would go into the anteroom again, if no one was about. She definitely did not want to see Tajarez again.
Falon readily agreed to watch Andrew, and Mara pulled a light shawl about her shoulders and made her way to the anteroom. Unlike the night before it was brightly lit, but there did not seem to be anyone about. Mara crossed the floor cautiously, her soft shoes hardly making any noise. When she reached the windows that looked out into the City, she let her gaze wander. It was hard to see anything but the lights. She wished she could view it in the daylight hours. Turning her attention to the gold sheeting, she crossed the room and stood staring up at what she knew would be seen as a great discovery by the scientific world. Soon she was so engrossed in the ancient carvings she did not hear the light footsteps, nor did she know Tajarez stood just behind her.
"I see you are drawn back to the ancient writings, Mara."
Mara jumped guiltily. "I hope you will not think I am intruding. I am fascinated by the hieroglyphics."
"I can assure you that you are welcome to come into the anteroom when it is not being used, which would be early in the morning or in the evenings. I would caution you, though. Do not attempt to leave the palace."
"Am I a prisoner, then?"
"Not at all. It is very cold out, and I would not like you to catch a chill."
"I am not in the least pleased with your interest in my health, and I do not believe your reasons. I just made a trip in extreme cold weather, and I did not become ill. I think you are trying to hold me here against my will. I do not yet know the reason for it, and I do not suppose you will tell me," she said, turning her back to him.
"Let us just say I do not want you to venture past the safety of the palace, and let it go at that."
"Let's not let it go at that. Give me a reason. I like to think I am a reasonable person. If someone gives me a good reason for not doing something, I will try to understand."
He seemed to loom above her. "Knowing you as I do, if I tell you not to do something, that is the very thing you will do," he said, without humor. He could not tell her one of his people might see her, and, by word or deed, reveal who she was. He had taken the precaution of placing a guard at the front entrance, to prevent her leaving.
"Why are you doing this?"
"For your own good."
"Would I be stoned if I went into the streets as a scarlet woman?" she said angrily.
"Mara, do not fight me on this. I grow weary of your sharp tongue."
"I will bid you a good night, then," she said, stinging from his words. Gathering up her swirling skirt she tried to step around him, but he barred her exit. He placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Do I have your word that you will not try to leave by the front entrance?"
"Would you trust my word?"
"I have never had cause to doubt your honesty."
"Then I give you my word I will not try to go outside tomorrow."
Tajarez was not pacified into believing she would not attempt to go out that night. He could almost see her mind working. He had an advantage she was not aware of—he knew her.
Mara held her head high as she walked away from him. She would show him he could not dictate to her. When she reached her bedroom door she did not enter, but stood outside it, waiting for time to pass. When she felt she had waited long enough, she made her way back to the anteroom. Peering into the room, she felt that it was empty, but she would not venture forth until she was sure. Many of the torches had been extinguished and the room was in shadows. Gathering up her courage, she rushed across the floor. The door seemed a long way off, and she expected to be discovered at any moment. Glancing at the stairs, she saw no one.
When she reached the massive front door, she had trouble opening it. She pulled and tugged at the golden handles and decided that they must be locked. With a final turn, she pushed with all her strength and felt the door open. A blast of frigid air hit her in the face, and she chided herself for not bringing a cloak. She considered going back to get something warm to put on, but decided against it. She might not find the anteroom empty when she returned. She felt elated as she stepped out into the cold night air. She would stand at the top of the steps and view the city below. It felt good to know she was doing something that Tajarez disapproved of.
Hugging her arms about her for warmth, she suddenly came face to face with a fierce-looking warrior. He did not attempt to touch her, but stood with his arms folded across his chest barring her way.
"Stand aside," she said in an authoritative voice, and just for a moment she thought the man would obey her. She saw indecision on his face, but it was soon replaced by a stern look.
"My orders are not to let you pass," he said.
"I do not care about your orders. I say stand aside!"
The guard looked uneasy now, but he did not move out of her path. Mara was on the verge of pushing past him when she felt a fur cape being placed about her shoulders. Its warmth immediately embraced her cold body. She did not need to look up to know who stood behind her.
The guard bowed his head in a salute to the king and moved aside as Tajarez led Mara forward.
Mara could not suppress a shudder, wondering what her punishment would be at Tajarez's hands after she had deliberately disobeyed him.
23
I cry out to a darkened sky.
I have this love that will not die.
"Do you find it necessary to terrorize my guard?" he said in a voice laced with humor. "I should be angry with you."
"If anyone should be angry, it should be me. How dare you order your guards not to let me pass?"
"My guards obey me without question. You would do well to take a lesson from them."
Mara whirled around to face him. "You . . . you are . . ."
"Insufferable?" he supplied.
"Insufferable," she repeated.
"An egotist?" he offered.
"Yes, that too! And arrogant."
"Hmmm, you forgot irritating."
Mara realized he was toying with her and her anger reached its zenith. She had the strongest urge to fly at him and pound him with her fists. He arched an eyebrow at her as if to say he knew what she was thinking.
Taking both her hands in his he swung her around to face him. His hands moved up to rest on her shoulder. "Now it is my turn. I have had to stand here and suffer your arrows, and verbal assassination. I will now tell you what I think of you."
She stared at him haughtily. "I do not want to hear what you think of me."
His arms slid from her shoulders to her back, pulling her closer to him.
"Nonetheless, you will hear me out. You are rebellious, disobedient, and totally adorable and enchanting."
Mara wanted to run, to flee into the safety of the palace. She could stand his anger better than she could the soft tone in his voice. In spite of her anger, she felt tiny shivers of delight race down her spine. His voice was deep and husky, and she could feel his warm breath on her face.
"Release me," she said through trembling lips.
He stared at her so long she thought she could not stand it a moment longer. Her heart was racing as she stared back into his liquid brown eyes. She was frightened that he would try to kiss her, and she was afraid he would not. Dear God, she thought, how could he have such power over her? Why did she love him with her whole being?
She heard him take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "You came out here to see the city. Let me show it to you. Off to your right you will see the marketplace. If one is of a mind to, he can purchase foodstuff, clothing, household items, fine jewelry. Although you cannot see it from this vantage point, to your left is the temple. Behind that is a building, which you would call a school, where the young men of the Lagonda receive their education. Behind the palace are the stables, where all of my horses are kept. Perhaps one day I shall take you there."
Savage Splendor (Savage Lagonda 2) Page 27