Markus stared at her, a flush spreading across his face.
“Im not sure that goes in a contract, Ozarson said uneasily.
Markus spoke in a low voice. “He didnt walk away from her. Or from me.
“No? Allegra was suddenly angry for both him and Ozarson. “He only made you feel as if you were never good enough, that you had to vie for his attention every day of your childhood.
“Enough! He grasped the quill and began writing, his script jagged on the page. An inkblot spread as the quill scratched.
“Markus? Ozarson asked. “What does she mean?
“Nothing. Markus wrote a few more lines, then let out an angry breath and set down the quill. For a moment he just looked at Ozarson. He brushed a curl off the boys forehead. Gently he said, “Nothing, Ozi.
The boy watched him, his dark eyes bewildered.
Markus turned to Allegra. “I will put in thisI swear, as your husband, to honor the vows of our union. Also, I will never take our children or forbid you to see them.
Saints above. She hadnt expected him to agree to anything. That he felt the need to assure her access to her own children scared her. It would kill her if they had children and he tried to take them away. Honor the vows of their union sounded promising, but she didnt know what it meant in Jazid.
She said, “I dont under
“No. He held up his hand. “Dont push me. Or Ill write nothing.
Allegra let it go. He had given more than she had expected. Ozarson was listening to them with his forehead furrowed, but he made no protest when Markus penned the words on the parchment.
They finished the contract with less banter than before. One disturbing section outlined Markuss right to kill any man who took liberties that could impregnate Allegra. She went cold when she realized he could execute her, too, if he chose, even if she had been forced. At least the historical wording included an admonishment for the husband to look to the circumstances. It outlined less severe sentences he could impose against a man who took other freedoms with her. It surprised her how few such actions were punishable. Markus was expected to protect her if he didnt want anyone to touch her. Then she realized the subtext; if she wanted safety, she had to abide by whatever constraints he imposed on her life, because the law gave her almost no protection.
Several clauses exhorted him to see to his wifes learning. It was, apparently, the one exception to the laws forbidding the education of women. The reason was typically Jazidian; the mother of a royal heir should have the ability to teach her son, so he could become a better leader. Allegra wondered if some savvy queen from long ago had used that reasoning to convince her husband he should allow her education.
When Markus and Ozarson finished the document, they both signed it. After the ink dried, Markus rolled it into a scroll and tied it with a red-tasseled cord. Then he gave it to Ozarson. “Youll need to have three copies made, one for me, one for the archives and one for the court clerk.
“I will. Ozarson gave him a brilliant smile. “Now we can eat and celebrate.
The prince regent tousled his hair. “Indeed we can.
Ozarson and Markus rose with an ease Allegra envied. In her metal clothes, she found standing even harder than sitting down. She discreetly slipped her fingers under the bottom of the halter and pulled it out so she could breathe as she got up. She was beginning to flag. She and Markus had slept only a few hours last night, and the fatigue was catching up to her.
As they crossed the chamber, she glanced at Markus. “Do we have a ceremony?
“If we were at the Onyx Palace, among the Dragon Court, then yes, there would be a long, ornate and excruciating ceremony with guests from all over the country. He still sounded angry at her. “This is a military camp for an outlawed army. We dont have time for frivolities. The documents are signed, so were married.
“Oh. All right. She wasnt certain whether to be relieved or disappointed.
Glancing at her face, Markus relented. “We will dine with my brother, Yargazon, Bladebreak and Jasmine.
The last people Allegra wanted at her wedding dinner were the general and colonel. No, that wasnt true. The last person she wanted at this marriage was herself.
Are you sure? She couldnt sort out her feelings for Markus. She had no doubt about wanting to be free, though. Homesickness flooded her. She had always expected her marriage to be a joyous event with family and friends. But her chances of ever seeing her home again faded more each day.
CHAPTER 12
WEDDING DINNER
When Markus brought Allegra and Ozarson back into the main room, night had settled across the desert. Many candelabras were lit now, filling the pavilion with a warm glow. Less than an hour had passed since they had left the room, but someone had already prepared and laid out the dinner. Yargazon, Bladebreak and Jasmine reclined in cushions around a low table. One guard stood near them, and the others were posted around the walls.
Yargazon and Bladebreak were drinking and talking lazily. Jasmine sat with Bladebreaks head in her lap, stroking his hair. Her robe shimmered in the light, and the red silk had fallen open to show her long legs and a gleaming red halter and skirt similar to what Allegra had worn yesterday. With his head resting on her thighs, Bladebreak looked content. Yargazon also seemed at ease, but Allegra didnt believe it. She had never seen him without that coiled sense of lethal power, like a cobra ready to strike.
When Ozarson entered, Yargazon and Bladebreak started to stand, and Jasmine to kneel. The boy stopped them by waving his hand.
“You dont need to do that, Ozarson said, smiling.
They settled back, though Bladebreak didnt lie down again. Ozarson gave the marriage scroll to one of his officers with the directions Markus had explained. As the man left, Ozarson settled next to Yargazon. Markus nudged Allegra to sit by Jasmine, then put himself between her and Ozarson. Allegra wished she had a chair. If she leaned back, the cushions would give until she was lying down, and she would fall asleep at her own wedding dinner.
As Allegra rearranged her skirt so it covered more of her legs, Jasmine smiled shyly. “Congratulations on your wedding. She tilted her head toward Markus. “He is a fine man.
“Thank you. He could be a fine man, if he wantedexcept for the “small matter of keeping her against her will.
She salivated at the sight of so much sumptuous food. Curry steamed in ceramic bowls, and dishes with graceful spouts held sauces that wafted enticing aromas. Raw vegetables lay heaped on a square platecarrots, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, squashes, string beansand a dish of sauce sat next to it. Breads warm from cooking added their delicious smells to the dinner.
Something about the settings looked odd, but Allegra was too hungry to concentrate. Ozarson wasted no time ladling curry onto his plate. The man standing by the table looked startled, and she suspected he was supposed to serve the atajazid. When he offered the boy some wine, Ozarson grinned and nodded. He stopped nodding when Markus scowled at him. With a sigh, the boy shook his head at the man with the wine.
As soon as Ozarson started to eat, everyone served themselves. With relief, Allegra filled her dish and spooned up a bite of the sauce-soaked rice. It tasted heavenly.
It finally hit her why the table settings looked strange. No curved shapes. In fact, she saw no useful shapes at all. Although some plates were squared off, they had scalloped sides for artistic effect, which looked beautiful but made them useless for spells. The wineglasses twisted in graceful spirals that destroyed their symmetry. Even the spoons were squared off and angled.
Eventually Ozarson slowed his attack on his food and sighed. Then he beckoned to his guard. As the boy spoke to the man in a low voice, Markus tensed. The prince regent said something, and Ozarson just smiled and shook his head. The guard bowed to them, then went to a chest across the room.
“I wonder what thats about, Allegra said to Jasmine.
“Dont stare, she murmured. “Avert your eyes.
She almost said, Why the blazes
would I do that? She didnt have the energy to keep protesting, though. Resisting them wore her down. Instead she listened to their war council.
“We can have the army ready in three weeks, Yargazon was saying. “Well march on Quaaz. In this region, we can move with secrecy, but that wont last once were in the open. And when we start taking towns in Taka Mal, they will send messengers to their capital.
“Cant we stop the messengers? Ozarson asked.
“Some, Markus answered. “But eventually someone will get through. They can also send carrier birds.
“The last time you almost reached Quaaz, Ozarson said.
Allegra listened intently, remembering the meeting from last night. They had intended to assassinate the royal family of Taka Mal and attack in the ensuing chaos. After someone warned the queen, her army had met Yargazons forces, and they hadnt fought. Allegra wanted to ask how they had explained their presence in Taka Mal, but she held back. They probably wouldnt tell her, and if they realized how closely she was listening, they might become more guarded. She wanted to hear as much as possible.
“We were camped closer to Quaaz last time, Yargazon said.
“How long is it from here? Ozarson asked.
Candlelight glinted on the Generals crystal goblet as he lowered the glass. “I could ride there in about four days, if I stopped only to rest the horse. If I slept in the saddle, maybe in three. But for an army? Well be taking towns and setting up outposts. Six, seven, maybe eight days, depending on how much opposition we encounter.
“Its still so fast, Ozarson said. “It could be over in less than two months.
Markus exhaled. “Yes. Thats right.
“Its been two years, Your Majesty, Yargazon said. “Weve prepared, built up the army, trained the men. Its time. If we continue hiding, it could weaken morale. Nor can we evade Cobalts forces forever. The longer we wait, the more chance we will have to fight him here first.
“Weve more chance of success in Taka Mal, Markus told his brother. “Theyve a smaller army than Cobalt. If we move fast, we can have it under our control before we face his men.
“He has soldiers in Taka Mal, too, Ozarson said.
“Some, yes, Yargazon said. “But theyre spread thin. And we can reach Quaaz faster than the forces Cobalt has in Jazid. Were closer. By the time they arrive, well have taken the capital. If they try to take it back from us, the queens army will likely fight with us, to defend Quaaz. Better we have it than him.
“He cant pull many forces out of Jazid, either, Bladebreak said. “Or our people will rise against those left behind.
“Then we must move soon, Ozarson said. He tried to appear confident, but Allegra could see the prospect frightened him. Many boys she knew would have been excited at the idea of a battle. Such stories thrilled her students. But as stories. None of this was abstract for Ozarson. He would learn the truth of war firsthand, and if it didnt go as they hoped, he could die.
Markus was watching the boy intently. “You arent going into battle, Ozi.
“I wont sit in a tent while you all fight! Ozarson said.
“Your Majesty is very brave, Yargazon said. “But we cant risk your life. Its for you that we do this, so you may reclaim your throne.
Markus laid his hand on Ozarsons shoulder. “Youre too young for battle. You must survive. Otherwise all this was for nothing.
“Its never for nothing, Ozarson said, with pain and pride. “Its for Father. And Mother.
A fierce intensity came into Markuss eyes. “Yes.
Allegra felt a sinking in her stomach. Had the boy lost his mother, too? If he had other siblings, she had seen no sign of them. In fact, she had seen no children here at all. If that was true, it meant Ozarson had no friends his age, no family but Markus and no home but this army that stood ready to wreak havoc in his name so that someday he could reclaim the Onyx Throne and rule a dying country. He should have been running in fields and playing games with his friends, not planning a war. Instead both he and Markus could be dead in a few weeks.
The officer Ozarson had spoken to earlier had returned and was standing a few steps back, holding a box about a hand span wide. Markus touched Ozarsons hand, and when the boy glanced at him, Markus tilted his head toward the officer.
Ozarson turned to the man with a relieved smile. “Thank you, Major Gaizz.
Gaizz. This was the tutor Ozarson had mentioned earlier. It made sense he would be an officer; the boy had to learn far more about the military than a child his age should have needed.
Gaizz knelt by the table and gave him the box. “I checked the contents. Theyre sound and undamaged.
Ozarson beamed at him. “Wonderful!
As Gaizz moved back, Ozarson looked around at the others at the table. “No more war talk. This is a celebration for Markus and his bride. As he turned to Allegra, his face lit with pleasure. “I have a present for you.
Allegra smiled. “Youre very kind.
He gave the box to Markus. “Here. For her.
The prince regent watched him intently. “Are you sure, Ozi? You dont have to do this.
“Im sure. Shes your bride. She deserves the best.
Markus smiled, that same flash of white teeth that was so appealing on Ozarson. On Markus, it took Allegras breath.
“Youre generous, my brother, Markus said.
“Not until you give it to her! Ozarson told him, laughing.
Markus offered the box to Allegra. “His Majesty, the Atajazid DAz, wishes you to have this in honor of our wedding.
Her pulse leaped as she took the box. It was a perfect three-dimensional shape. Power thrummed within her. The box was large, which would add strength to a spell, but it had only six sides, keeping it within her ability. If she could put everyone to sleep, she might find the supplies here she needed to escape. To reach the horses, she would have to affect people outside, but a box this size could give the power she needed.
Slow down, she thought. Dont get ahead of yourself. She traced her hand over the top of the box. Onyx and ivory tiles inlaid the wood, fitting together to form a roaring dragon. Its ruby eyes glowed, and topaz flames curled from its fanged mouth. The care it must have taken to place all those tiny pieces spoke eloquently of the artists talent.
“Its lovely, she said, looking up at Ozarson.
“Open it. His eyes shone, but it looked like tears rather than happiness gave them that luster.
She raised the top. A tiara lay inside on a bed of red velvet, a delicate gold circlet inlaid with onyx, rubies, topazes and emeralds. Astonished at the fine workmanship, she lifted the scrolled headpiece. It sparkled in the candlelight. “Ive never seen anything like this, she said. “Its incredible.
“It was my mothers, Ozarson said.
Her heart lurched. No wonder the boy had tears in his eyes. How could she accept such a keepsake? She looked at Markus, trying to understand, and saw the fear in his eyes. She knew then, without doubt, that if she rejected this gift his brother offered, Markus would never forgive her.
She spoke gently to Ozarson. “You are generous, Your Majesty. I thank you for this unparalleled gift.
He smiled with a blush. “Try it on.
Allegra settled the tiara in her mass of curls. “Hows that?
“Beautiful, Markus murmured.
Ozarson nodded and wiped his eyes with his palm.
Yargazon spoke. “That piece has been given by Shadow-Dragon kings to their wives for centuries. Its an heirloom of great meaning to the royal family and the country. He regarded her implacably. “It should have gone to the atajazids wife, when he reached his age of majority and took his own queen. If his stare had been a dagger, he would surely have run her through.
Bladebreak was harder to read. Although he didnt look as if he approved, she didnt sense the same hatred as from Yargazon. Here with Jasmine, he seemed more at ease. Jasmine smiled at her with what looked like hope, though why, Allegra didnt know. Maybe because Jasmine so clearly wanted a friend, and with Ozarson showing hi
s approval, Bladebreak might let her visit with Allegra.
“Ill probably never get married, Ozarson said. “Someone should wear it.
Allegra expected Markus or someone else to chuckle and say he would feel otherwise when he was older. Instead silence fell over the table. She saw the anguish in Markuss gaze and felt the tension as if it were tangible. Then it hit her. Ozarson didnt believe he would live long enough to take a wife.
“You will have the loveliest bride in all Jazid, Allegra told him. “Shell bear you sons just as smart and handsome as you, and the most beautiful daughters in all the land.
Ozarsons face turned red. “I will not! Now he sounded nine again. With dignity, he added, “Girls giggle too much.
“I suppose they do, Allegra allowed, trying not to smile.
Markus spoke kindly to her. “Sometimes they sing beautifully, night bird.
Allegra knew he meant her words to Ozarson. She felt a lurch at the thought of leaving him. She might not have another chance like this for some time, and she couldnt turn away from it, but it was going to hurt in ways she hadnt expected.
“She does sing well, Bladebreak said. “You should hear her, Your Majesty. Its a pleasure.
“You sing? Ozarson asked Allegra. “Oh, do sing for us!
“She cant, Markus said curtly.
“Why not? Ozarson asked. “Id like to hear her.
Markus glanced at the tiara Allegra was wearing, then said, “It would interrupt dinner.
Allegra wondered if he thought she could use the tiara for a spell. Although circular, it had too many deviations from an ideal shape. He didnt even glance at the box in her lap. Well, he had only seen her use curved forms, and he knew she had been around squared-off objects. They hadnt been ideal shapes, so she couldnt use them, but he didnt know that. No one else at the table showed any suspicion that her songs could be anything more than a musical diversion. It didnt surprise her; even in Aronsdale, song mages were rare. She had heard of only about thirty other mages, and of those, only three or four needed songs for their magic to work.
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