“Just one song, Ozarson persisted.
“Some other time, Markus said.
“My people have a custom, Allegra said. “At weddings. She was making up the “custom as she went along, looking for some way she could convince Markus to let her sing. He would never agree as long as she was touching the tiara. So she said, “The bride asks her new husband to hold her flowers.
Markus squinted at her. “What?
“What flowers? Ozarson asked.
“She wears flowers in her hair, Allegra improvised. “A circlet. To show her love to her husband, she offers the flowers to him. She looked straight at Markus. “He gives them back later, to share his love.
“Thats a lovely custom, Jasmine said.
Bladebreak snorted. “It sounds like something women would think up. What if the flowers wilt?
“Well, that can happen, Allegra admitted.
“You dont have flowers, Ozarson said. “I dont think we could find any here. Its mostly just sand and cacti.
“Im probably allergic to Aronsdale flowers, anyway, Markus grumbled.
Allegra held back her laugh. Honestly. The things he came up with. Sometimes she couldnt tell if he was serious or teasing.
“You arent allergic to this. She lifted the tiara off her head and offered it to him. “If you would do me the honor of holding this for me, my husband, until later. Please accept it as an expression of my affection.
“Oh! Ozarson grinned at her. “Thats clever.
Markus accepted the tiara. “Ill return it tonight. His smile quirked. “Perhaps when we decide to sleep.
Bladebreak guffawed at him, his face flushed from wine. “Ill wager youll never return it, then. Jasmine reddened and Ozarson looked confused.
Yargazon took a long swallow of his wine. “How civil of our young bride, to pretend she loves her groom. Amazing what a little persuasion can achieve. Thirty persuasions, so to speak.
“Dusk, Markus warned.
Allegra narrowed her eyes at the General. If he thought anyone could break her spirit by hitting her with a belt, he was mistaken. He met her gaze, and she saw the hatred in his icy stare. It chilled her to know she could have ended up with him, but it hadnt happened, and he had no say in her life. Watching him, though, she feared he wouldnt be satisfied until he saw her suffer for what he considered her offenses.
“I still want to hear her sing, Ozarson said, oblivious to the undercurrents of tension in the room.
“Ah, well. Markus glanced around the table, scrutinizing the objects. He reached over and took Allegras spoon, which had a curved section.
“Why did you do that? Ozarson said.
He tapped the spoon against his tumbler, causing the crystal to chime. “Singers need to hear a note before they start.
“Oh, good! Ozarson beamed. “Then youll let her perform?
“All right. Markus glanced at Allegra, his gaze narrowing. She understood his unspoken warning; if he felt the hint of a spell, he would stop her.
Allegra spoke to Ozarson. “I would be honored to sing for you, Your Majesty.
Bladebreak settled in the pillows and pulled Jasmine against his side. Yargazon looked bored and rubbed his ear, as if it hurt. Allegra wondered if he meant it as an insult against her singing. She tried not to let it bother her. Markus reclined in the cushions next to her and trailed his finger along her leg, pushing aside the chains of her skirt. He looked as if he simply wanted to touch his bride, but she had no doubt what else he was telling her; lying that way, he could stop her if she tried to cast a spell. It took several minutes for her spells to work, and the last time he had been awake again within moments.
The box lay in Allegras lap. She feared that if Markus kept stroking her, he would decide it was in the way. So she moved it to her other side and took his hand, for all appearances showing affection to her new husband. It surprised her how natural that felt. Holding his hand also kept it from wandering too far up her leg and embarrassing her. She discreetly left her other hand resting on the box. As long as she was touching the shape, she could build her spell. She didnt know what she could manage with Markus so alert; she would have to see how the spell felt.
She chose a ballad that pleased many audiences, though its archaic language was rarely heard anymore. The melody started high, and she hadnt warmed up her voice, but she drew in a breath and reached for the note. It poured out clearly, a lyrical match to the chime of crystal:
In the ancient hills of Aron
Find the hidden red lark
Send it to the dying barrens
Before the sky turns dark
Send it from these meadows green
With their purple edgerows
To that land in starkest need
For when the lark sings, life grows
Power built within her. These past two days, she had stretched her abilities beyond what she had ever tried before, but instead of draining her, the effort seemed to strengthen her abilities, as if she were exercising muscles she had never challenged. The box provided more clarity than the compass, for the shape was cleaner. Still, she couldnt do a spell if Markus stopped her the moment he felt drowsy.
Unless he has no time. Mages usually released their spells gently. A mage would no more use a spell as a weapon than doctors or midwives would use their knowledge in violence. A healer could do harm and a mage could use her spells for ill, but in both cases they swore to help rather than hurt. However, she could use speed. Maybe she could put Markus to sleep before he stopped her. Normally she wouldnt have thought she had the strength, but these past few days had revealed resources she didnt know she possessed.
Unfortunately the spell might put her to sleep, too. She tried not to imagine what Markus would do if she was here to face his anger when they both awoke. Seeing his advisors and guards knocked out had amused him, but if she did anything to Ozarson, she had no doubt he would be furious.
The spell swirled within her, burnished by the soaring notes of the song. She could barely contain its fullness. She hit the highest note, the E above high Cand released the spell with a great swoop of power.
It swept through Allegra, across the diners, across Major Gaizz and the guards, out of the pavilion and beyond. It filled her, and she fought the enveloping peace even as she fell into it like a baby into a down comforter. Markuss eyes widened, and his fingers stiffened on her leg. Then the tension flowed out of his body and his head fell onto her thigh as his eyes closed.
Everyone at the table slumped into the cushions. Ozarson sprawled on his back, and Yargazons glass fell out of his hand, soaking the pillow with wine. Jasmine and Bladebreak settled down side by side. The colonel snorted, his breath ruffling his wifes hair. Some of the bodyguards managed to sit before they fell, but the others crumpled straight to the ground. They were trained to defend Ozarson and Markus against attack or kidnap. No one had ever taught them to fight the most harmless of spells. Slumber.
Allegra sat, dazed, struggling to stay awake. With care, she lifted Markuss head off her leg and set it on the pillow. Looking at him relaxed in sleep, she felt a sharp pang of regret. She couldnt deny a part of her wanted to be his queen. But she couldnt live that life; it would force her to give up too much of herself.
As she stood, spots danced in her vision. When her head cleared, she went to Ozarson. He was sleeping soundly, his face angelic. She touched his cheek, wishing she could offer him more than the life and possible death of an exiled warlord. For all his power, he had so little.
She rose to her feet, deep in thought. Ozarson probably had maps here, maybe other records that would help her
Someone clenched Allegras ankle and jerked. It happened so fast, she had no time to gasp as she toppled into the pillows. She kicked out, frantic, as someone dragged her away from Ozarson. Twisting onto her back, she looked up
At Yargazon.
The General was awake and furious. He knelt over her with one hand beside her neck and grasped the collar around her throat.
Yargazon caught her arm as he lunged to his feet. He slapped her hard across the face, and she reeled with the blow. When he threw her down on the carpets, she barely caught herself on her hands. She flipped onto her back as he reached for her. Grabbing his hands, she thrust her feet up into his stomach and heaved backward, using his bulk against him, rolling him over her head. He thudded down with a grunt behind her head.
Allegra jumped up, and this time she pulled the chains away from her legs. Had she thrown one of her friends, it would have taken him time to recover, but Yargazon rolled easily to his feet, no longer groggy. As he came at her, she backed toward the pavilion entrance. She couldnt run outside and risk that someone was awake. He didnt bother to call for help; she doubted he even considered it. She knew why, and it wasnt only because he would consider the idea of needing help against her ludicrous. He wanted her to suffer for her defiance, and he intended to be the one who made her pay.
In the same instant he lunged for her, Allegra dropped to her knee and grabbed one of the braziers. She hurled its smoldering coals into his face.
“Ah! Yargazon swiped his hand across his eyes, knocking away embers, his face contorted. As Allegra jumped up, he said, “You fool! Are you trying to start a fire? He threw the burning coals into the curry, dousing their heat and splashing sauce all over the table. No one stirred; they all remained fast asleep.
Allegra backed away as he came at her. When he grabbed her, she tried to roll him over her body, but he anticipated the throw and turned it against her, swinging her around. He hit her openhanded across her face, then with his fist on her back.
“Oh, gods, Allegra groaned, stumbling.
Yargazon knocked her over, and she fell on her stomach. She tried to crawl away, but he dragged her across the carpet, the gems and metal on her clothes grinding her skin. He flipped her over, then lay on top of her, breathing fasterand the bastard was aroused, pushing his erection against her. He thrust his hand between their bodies and pulled on the ties of his trousers.
“You slime-scum asshole, Allegra saidand kneed him hard in the crotch.
With a shout, Yargazon curled forward, his face contorted. She heaved him off her body, desperate to free herself, and pushed to her knees. Even rigid with pain he managed to shove her off balance, and she fell onto a chest with a candelabra. Grabbing the metal holder with its burning candles, she swung it at his head. As he jerked up his arm to deflect the blow, he called her a filthy name she had never thought anyone would say to her. Then they were on their feet, both swaying. As Yargazon grabbed her arms, she swung away from him, unbalancing them. He fell sideways
And hit his head on the edge of the chest.
When Yargazon slumped forward, at first Allegra couldnt comprehend what had happened. She stood, heaving in breaths, staring at him, her hair tangled around her body.
“Ah, gods, she whispered, when she realized he wasnt going to move. Allegra knew what such a blow to the head could do. She hadnt meant to kill anyone! Dropping next to him, she leaned over his bodyand realized he was breathing. But when she pushed his head forward, blood ran over her hands from a gouge in the back of his head.
Yargazon groaned, and stirred, his eyes starting to open.
“No! Allegra heaved him onto his stomach. With a silent apology to Jasmine, she ripped a chain off her wedding dress and bound his wrists behind his back. She tied his ankles with a second chain. She ran to the table for the sash on Jasmines robe, and also snatched a cloth napkin. Returning to Yargazon, she stuffed the cloth in his mouth and tied the sash around his head, gagging him. Her pulse was racing. He probably wouldnt have killed her, but she doubted she would have felt much like living by the time he finished. It would have been his word against hers for what he had done. She could prove no more than a beating, and Markus might not censure him for it, given that she had also acted against Ozarson.
Allegra drew in a breath, shaking. It looked as if a whirlwind had struck the room, tables knocked over, rugs thrown around and the dinner ruined, with curry sauce splattered everywhere. The candles were no longer burning in the candelabra that lay broken on the rug, but the stench of the scorched carpet saturated the air.
Then Allegra noticed the white blob in Yargazons ear. She dug at it, and a wax plug fell into her hand. He hadnt rubbed his ears earlier; he had stopped them up so he wouldnt hear her sing. Maybe Bladebreak and Ardoz believed they had fallen asleep from wine in Markuss tent that night, but not the General.
As Allegra took the plugs out of his ears, her arm trembled. “Come on, she muttered. “Dont fall apart. She climbed to her feet and swayed, so dizzy. Her pulse was slowing, and she began to think more clearly. As much as she wanted to run, to leave this place as fast as possible, she needed a plan or she wouldnt survive in the desert. She also had to ensure everyone stayed asleep long enough for her to escape.
She ran into Ozarsons cluttered room, sweeping aside the jeweled curtain. She searched quickly through his cart of toys. Many of the blocks were perfect cubes, more clarified sources of power than a rectangular box, but they were smaller, which meant what she gained in the purity of the spell she would lose in power.
Then she hit gold: a block with eight sides, two four-sided pyramids glued together, base-to-base. An octahedron. When she picked it up, she uncovered an even more powerful form, two six-sided pyramids set base-to-base. Twelve sides. A dodecahedron. They were both small, fitting into the palm of her hand, but their lesser size didnt matter, for a little eight-sided shape was far more powerful than a big one with six sides.
Allegra had never tried a shape with twelve sides. She had thought it beyond her ability, but she wondered after these past few days. She understood better now why the mage mistress had wanted her to study at the guild. But whatever they might have hoped to learn about her suitability for Prince Aron had become moot, for even if she succeeded in her escape she was the consort of the man who commanded their enemies.
“Concentrate, she told herself. She needed supplies and information about the land. A quick search of Ozarsons room turned up several maps, but nothing to carry water or food. She dumped the blocks out of the cart and wheeled it into the other room. The whole time, she held the octahedral block. And she sang. Her spell wavered with the surging power of the unfamiliar shape, but it deepened the sleep spell so it would last longer and take Yargazon. She also strove to reach the guards outside the pavilion.
Allegra placed the tiara back in its box and set it by Ozarson. “It was a beautiful gift, she said. “It would be wrong for me to take it. She paused, her gaze caught by Markus. Her sense of loss was already building, and she pushed it away, afraid of where it would lead her.
Drawing in a breath to steady herself, she went to the smallest of the sleeping guards. She unclasped her bridal dress with relief and let it drop, rattling and clinking, into a heap. “Thank you for your kindness, she murmured to Jasmine.
Allegra changed clothes with the guard, drew his belt tight to keep up the pants, and rolled the legs into cuffs. She pulled a drape off the wall and ripped off a strip, then tied it around her chest, squashing her breasts, so she appeared flat under his shirt. Then she searched the other guards. One had a bag of gold and silver hexacoins stamped with the profile of a regal man, probably Ozarsons father. Another had a pouch used to carry messages, which she emptied and stuffed with vegetables and bread from the table. Dried food would last longer and take less room, but this would do for now. She could find water wherever they had the horses.
She paused and took a breath as reality descended on her. How would she outrun Markus and his men when they had so many more resources? Regardless of what she did, this army would
march on Taka Mal. If they took the Topaz Throne, they would take on Cobalts army. If they persevered against him, then what? Aronsdale lay on their border, rich and fertile.
She had to warn someone, either King Jarid in Aronsdale or the queen of Taka Mal. But why would they believe her? Allegra was nobody. Nor did she have proof, except the marriage scrolls, and Ozarsons man had taken those. Jarid might think she made up the story to avoid marrying Prince Aron. She wouldnt be the first reluctant mage bride. Even if he did believe her, they had no leverage against Markus. He had lost everything; he had nothing else they could take.
Except
Allegra stood, breathing hard, and knew the solution lay in front of her, her proof, a hostage, the way to stop the fighting. Ozarson was possibly the most valuable human being alive, and if he stayed here, a good chance existed this luminous boy would be dead before his tenth birthday.
If she took Ozarson, Markus would never forgive her. At that thought, her anger stirred. No matter how much they beat, whipped and starved her, they couldnt break her. They had stolen her life, violated a treaty and drugged her. And what sentence did they suffer as a result? The nomads were rewarded by extraordinary wealth. Markus kept her for his own pleasure. Bladebreak and Yargazon would have raped her, and Yargazon wanted to torture her as well. She had never done anything to any of them, yet they used her with no remorse, and when she resisted, they hurt her. Damn it, they had no right.
Allegra gritted her teeth. She knew what they valued, what mattered to everyone in this godforsaken country more than anything.
She knelt next to Ozarson. “Im sorry, she said softly.
The boy was heavier than she expected, but she managed to lift him into the cart. His legs hung out the back and his head rested against the pole with the handle she used to push it. He murmured in his sleep, asking for his mother. It made her want to weep. She put the bags of food and coins on his lap and set the dodecahedron by his side, but she kept the octahedron clenched in her hand.
Then she wheeled the cart out of the pavilion.
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