“Saw what?”
“The… the sacrifice.” I buried my face in my hands and heaved in a deep breath. The sob that erupted from me sounded as if it came from someone else, but there was no doubt. It was me.
Daniel slid onto the bed and hugged me close to him. Burrowing my face into the warm curve of his neck, I let the tears spill, none of them washing away what I had seen.
Or thought I had seen.
“Charlotte,” he began in a soothing voice, “you couldn’t have seen the sacrifice. You’ve been in here. I only left you about an hour’s time ago. You haven’t left. You haven’t been to the temple.”
I pulled away from the safety of his hold and met his concerned eyes. “But I… I saw it. They dragged a man up the steps. They… cut out his… heart.”
I wasn’t sure what was real anymore. The vision in my mind was so vivid, the sounds so crisp. I couldn’t have imagined it all.
“A dream.” Daniel pulled me against him. “You had a dream. You’re all right now. Everything’s all right.” He put his arm around my shoulders and gave me a squeeze.
“You have to stay with me.” I clamped my hand onto his leg. “I don’t want to dream that again. It was… horrible… what they did to that poor man.” I struggled to swallow the sob working its way up my throat.
“Charlotte,” Daniel started, “I shouldn’t stay in here. It wouldn’t be proper. My uncle forgave you for hiding your femininity from him. He would not be as agreeable if he thought we were… ” He looked at me for a long, hard moment, struggling with the right thing to do and what he wanted to do.
“You’re right,” I managed to say, though every piece of me wanted him to stay. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you.” I slid away from him on the bed, putting some space between us. After bringing my knees up to my chest, I hugged my legs close and rested my chin atop them. Another full body shudder shook through me.
With one swift tug, Daniel pulled me back to him. “I can’t say no to you.” He pressed his lips against my cheek.
Finding his lips with my own, I poured my gratitude—and my love—into a sweltering kiss. My body shuddered with a different emotion now. When our lips finally parted, the connection did not end. It had only deepened to a burn that consumed me, sending the horrors in my mind somewhere into the background.
I shifted to one end of the bed and stretched out along it. Daniel eased down on the opposite side but closed the distance between us. He stayed above the quilts while I scooted under them and rolled to my right side, my back to him. Wrapping his left arm around my waist, he snuggled up behind me, his secure hold soothing all the tensed muscles in my body. His lips grazed the back of my neck.
“Thank you.” I nestled closer still to his warm, strong body pressed up against my own.
He wove his fingers between mine at my stomach and in this position, we drifted off to sleep. Though visions of the sacrifice threatened to invade my slumbering mind, thoughts of Daniel now battled with them, slaying the terror I had seen, even if only in my imagination.
Daniel was my shield, my safe harbor.
Chapter Twenty-three
When I opened my eyes, the confused darkness of night had been erased. In its place, morning sun streamed into my room, spreading pink and golden stripes of light across the walls. I yawned and something shifted behind me. Turning onto my back, my eyes met Daniel’s sleeping profile. I propped myself on my elbow, turning to see him better.
Sunlight fell upon his light brown hair. His eyelashes looked feathery soft, and his lips were parted. I watched the rise and fall of his chest. His tunic had fallen open during the night, and my gaze roamed to his exposed stomach, lean and tanned from his work on the Rose. With the shirt askew, the scar on what remained of his right arm was visible.
I brushed my fingers along the scar. The skin was coarse and rigid, not at all like the skin of Daniel’s face or chest. He mumbled something I couldn’t understand as I rested my hand on the few inches of upper right arm he had left. The muscles in his jaw tensed as he opened his eyes.
He turned his head to look at me with sleepy blue eyes.
“Good morning.” I shifted up a bit so I could bring my free hand to his cheek.
He kissed my wrist as I brushed some of his hair aside. His expression changed when his waking mind alerted him to the location of my other hand. A frightened look washed across his face. Pulling at his tunic with his left hand, he attempted to cover up what he hadn’t wished me to see too closely.
My hand stopped the shirt from falling back into place. “You don’t have to—”
“It’s grotesque, Charlie.” He tugged on his shirt again.
“I’ve seen it before. On the beach when we worked on repairs. On the Rose when I slept near you each night. There isn’t one part of you that’s grotesque, Daniel.” I held onto his shirt. “I love all of you. Every bit. You’re perfect.”
He narrowed his eyes at me. Something in my face, I suppose, convinced him I spoke the truth, spoke from my heart. He let go of his shirt and instead placed his hand on mine.
“I think I understand why I survived this.” He moved his right shoulder, still under our joined hands. “It was so I could meet you and…” He pulled on my hand, causing me to flop over onto my back with a soft squeal. He leaned over me, smiling broadly. “So I could meet you and love you forever.”
I pulled on the sides of Daniel’s open shirt until his face was mere inches from mine. I touched my nose to his. He pressed his lips to mine. Wrapping my arms around his back, I enjoyed the taste of him. My heart drummed a lively beat in my ears.
“Now I’m going to want to wake up this way every morning,” I said as Daniel pulled away.
“I was thinking the same thing.” His charming half-smile threatened to enchant me further, but he turned his gaze to the open window beside my bed. “But for this morning, I’d better take my leave before someone finds me here.” He combed his fingers through his hair and stretched. “You know, that was the first night since I was a boy that I’ve slept for an entire night. I was so comfortable beside you.”
I reluctantly released my hold on him, and he swung his legs over the side of the bed. He rubbed his eyes as he got to his feet.
“You smell that?” He sniffed the air.
“Yes.” I straightened my nightshirt and stood next to Daniel.
“Food,” we both said together.
He brushed a light kiss on my cheek. “See you in a few minutes?”
“A few seconds.”
Grinning, Daniel peeked his head out of the curtained doorway to look into the hall beyond it. Deeming it clear, he shot me a quick wink over his shoulder then disappeared.
A great longing for him unfolded the moment he left, so I poked my own head out the doorway. Daniel had already ducked into his room next door, however, and the hall stretching in that direction was empty and quiet.
I jumped when a voice behind me interrupted the silence.
“What are you looking for, Cihuapilli?”
I whirled around to meet Tizoc’s laughing face.
“It’s not polite to scare people first thing in the morning.” I rested my hands on my hips while I scowled at him.
“It isn’t ‘first thing in the morning,’ you know.” Tizoc smiled enough to show that dimple in his left cheek.
“What do you mean?” I looked down at my nightshirt and reached for the curtain hanging over the doorway. I wrapped it partway around me, but this action only made Tizoc laugh louder.
“I have four sisters. Do you think this is the first time I’ve seen a girl in her nightclothes?”
His laughter grated on my nerves for some reason.
“What time is it?” I let go of the curtain and edged into my room. My eyes widened when Tizoc followed me. He seemed as comfortable as could be standing in my quarters with me in my nightshirt. He, on the other hand, was dressed as he had been when I first met him. A simple swath of cloth around his waist, sandal
s laced at his ankles, silver earrings and cuffs shining brightly against his dark skin. I forced my eyes away and berated myself for lingering on him.
“It’s late morning.” He inhaled deeply, closed his eyes, and grinned.
I searched the room for my brother’s clothes, but did not see them anywhere. While Tizoc stood mere paces away from me, I found it hard to think straight. I had to get dressed. Get out of this room.
“I didn’t mean to sleep that long.”
“It’s all right,” Tizoc replied. “My family figured you had some catching up to do. You’ve been at sea for a long time, and the journey to Ezenoch was strenuous as well. You’re allowed to be tired, Charlie.”
Cripes, where were my clothes?
Ducking behind the changing screen, I let out a sigh of relief when I found a white sleeveless shirt with red beading along the neck and a long, wraparound skirt swirled with red and white. I silently thanked whoever had left the clothes.
“Stay right there,” I warned Tizoc, poking my head out from behind the screen.
He held up his hands, palms facing out toward me. I narrowed my eyes at him, which made his bright, white grin grow larger. I wished he would leave and give me a few moments to myself.
I closed my eyes and an image from my dream—or nightmare—came rushing into my mind. The priest raised the stone dagger as the victim wriggled on the altar. I swallowed bile rising in my throat.
With shaking hands, I tied a knot to fasten the skirt about my waist and stepped into the room. Tizoc had made himself comfortable on the stool, his back to the obsidian looking-glass. I didn’t want to look directly at him, but he gave me no choice when he stood and blocked my path.
“What is wrong, Cihuapilli?” he asked softly.
“I dreamed of the ceremony you attended last night.” The horror of it came rushing back to me. Daniel had been able to push it all away, but now it flooded over me, threatening to drown me. “What I saw…” I said, fingering the edge of my skirt. “It’s what occurred, isn’t it?”
Tizoc nodded, sitting back down on the stool and rubbing both of his wide hands over his face.
“How did I…”
“You and I.” Tizoc waved a hand between the two of us. “We’re linked.”
“Linked? Like I can see what you see?”
“Yes.”
I thought about Daniel sleeping in my room last night, and my throat got tight.
“Does it go the other way too? Can you see what I see?” I held my breath as his brows lowered.
His mouth twisted one way then the other. “I know you weren’t alone last night, if that’s what you’re asking me.”
My hand went to my mouth as I lowered myself to the bed. “Oh, goodness.”
“I will not say anything to anyone,” he promised. “It’s your business. I almost came to you myself, but I wasn’t sure you had seen the sacrifice. The moment I realized Daniel was with you, I focused elsewhere.”
“You mean you can shut it off?” That thought had not occurred to me last night. Then again, I wasn’t conscious of what was going on. Just utterly terrified.
“Yes. If I throw all my energy into thinking about something else, I can leave the place my mind has taken me to.”
“Can I do that?”
“I’m sure you can, but it takes practice.” He cleared his throat and closed his eyes. “I’m sorry you had to see the sacrifice. I did not want that to touch you.” A thin line creased his forehead, and when his eyes opened they were a deeper shade of gold.
“Are you linked with other people?”
“My sisters and parents. I’ve had this experience with every one of them. The link with them opened when I was taken as a slave. I guess extreme situations give birth to it.” He rested his chin in his hand then turned his amber eyes toward me. “You are the first outsider I’ve been linked to.”
“Why me?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugged, but something in Tizoc’s voice suggested otherwise. He drew in a deep breath. “I’ve always felt I could see with my family because it might help me better protect them if I need to. Maybe I’m supposed to protect you too.”
“Well,” I said, rising from the bed, “you’d better do a good job.”
The smile returned to Tizoc’s face. His eyes lightened, the honey sparkle back in them. He stood and caught my chin with his index finger. “I would not let anything happen to you, Cihuapilli.”
I believed him. Believed him without any whisper of a doubt.
“Come.” He pulled his hand away but not his gaze. “My mother has food prepared, and my sisters are eager to take you around the city. There is much to see.”
I followed him out of my room but stopped at the curtain. “I should…” I glanced next door.
“Of course.” Tizoc walked down the hallway.
He was inside my head. I felt strange and comforted at the same time. This would all take some sorting out, but right now I needed food. Food made sense. Hunger was an expected and basic need. I knew when it was coming and how to fulfill it. I would focus on that for now.
A few moments later, Daniel and I spilled onto the patio. All four of Tizoc’s sisters looked to my hand holding his. I had the sense earlier they all knew of Tizoc’s feelings toward me, and their faces now confirmed that notion. I did not let go of Daniel’s hand, however. I think it said more than I could ever explain to Tizoc’s sisters in words.
“Come, come, both of you,” Citlali said.
As I turned my attention to the food splayed out on the table—fruits and doughcakes mostly—Tizoc strode onto the patio. He stopped to give his mother a kiss on the cheek then took a seat beside Daniel.
“I trust you slept well,” Citlali said as Tizoc’s sisters passed food around the table.
“Yes,” Daniel and I both said together.
“The accommodations were comfortable,” Daniel added.
“Thank you for the clothes,” I said.
“They look good on you, Cihuapilli,” Citlali said with a smile.
“Like she was meant to be one of us,” Eréndira said.
Tizoc glared at his sister. She smiled back at her brother and bit into a cube of melon.
“Where’s my uncle?” Daniel asked.
“He ate before you came down and went with Zolin to meet the rest of your crew which should be arriving shortly,” Tizoc answered.
“Oh.” Daniel’s brows lowered.
Tizoc put a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “The captain did wrestle with whether or not to wake you so you could accompany him.”
Daniel’s expression brightened as he munched on one of the doughcakes. I breathed a sigh of relief that the captain hadn’t come looking for Daniel this morning.
“We have arranged for a tour of the royal menagerie at Dimazuno’s palace,” Teiuc said, her eyes bright.
“Then the marketplace,” Xochitl added.
“And the gardens,” Yaretzi said.
“That sounds lovely.” Glancing at Daniel, I could tell he was thinking it sounded like a great deal for one day.
“Daniel,” Tizoc began before I had a chance, “you could come with me, if you want. Leave the women to their fancies.” He ducked when Eréndira swatted at him. “I’ll show you the armory and some of the schools. Take you to our warrior training circles.”
Daniel looked at me as if to ask if he could accept Tizoc’s invitation. I loved him for that. He considered me a partner, an equal.
“Go,” I said. “Then we will have tales to share later.”
I emphasized the word later, causing Daniel to smirk. If I had my way, he would stay the night with me again.
He thinks if he spends the day with me that will keep me away from you.
My eyes shot to Tizoc’s as his voice permeated my thoughts. His lips had not moved, and no one else seemed to hear his words. Alarmed, I placed my hand on my chest to settle myself. Having someone poking around in the precious privacy of my mind was terrifying.
Don’t be afraid, Charlie. This is part of the link. See what each other sees. Hear what each other hears.
I took a long drink from the mug in front of me and shook my head, trying to clear Tizoc’s voice from it.
You can talk to me too.
I don’t want to talk to you like this. My eyes popped open wide, and Tizoc snickered from across the table. I hadn’t meant to send my thoughts to him.
Emotion is very much a part of this, Tizoc thought. Even if it happens to be anger.
I sent a narrowed glare his way. He picked out a piece of fruit, popping it into his mouth as if we weren’t having the strangest conversation in the history of conversations.
I don’t like this, I thought.
I just wanted you to know it was possible. It might be important later.
I met Tizoc’s eyes again, and they were filled with apology, then the link was broken. In the time Tizoc and I were communicating, Daniel had filled himself on breakfast and was pushing away from the table. I felt off balance with Tizoc in my mind and when I stood, I wavered a bit.
“Charlie, dear,” Citlali began, “are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” Everyone’s eyes were on me. Turning toward Yaretzi beside me, I said, “Let’s go. I am eager to see the menagerie.”
Time. I needed some time to clear the air. To not think for a little while. A tour with Tizoc’s sisters was the distraction I needed.
“Enjoy yourselves.” Citlali rose from the head of the table. “Yaoti and I will be waiting for you this evening. We hardly had the chance to talk at the feast last night, large as it was. Tonight, we dine here. My family and yours.” She pulled me into a comforting hug then released me to Yaretzi who scooped up my hand.
“Bye, Charlie,” Daniel said.
I so wanted a kiss from his enchanting lips, but courtesy stood in our way.
“Bye.” I waved to him, thinking this was the first time we would be apart for an entire day since I had met him. I had worked so closely with him on the Rose. Spent most of each day with him.
It’s one day, Tizoc thoughts echoed in my head. You will see him tonight.
Stop it! I warned.
Sail With Me (A Discovery Series Book) Page 19