Cobalt spoke in his rumbling voice. “Do you wish to continue these talks, General Yargazon?
“Wait, Jarid said. “There is more.
Cobalt frowned at him. “More of what?
Jarid was standing in front of his chair with his hands on the table as if reassuring himself it was there. Although he was looking at Cobalt and could obviously see the emperor, Allegra suspected he was close to losing that ability.
“I will also fight against your forces, Your Majesty, Jarid said, “should you seek the Topaz Throne.
Muller spoke in a steady voice. “And so would I.
Allegra felt ill. The battle between Jazid and Taka Mal would be ugly no matter what. If after that, the House of Dawnfield turned against itself, even Muller fighting against his daughters husband, it would be a tragedy.
Cobalt spoke tightly. “You would fight Jazids army and mine?
“If necessary, Jarid said.
“Well, hell, Yargazon drawled. “Maybe we could bring in Shazire, too. Then we could have a four-way battle.
Allegra wanted to punch him. Jarids men would have to fight side by side with Cobalts soldiers, knowing they might soon be called on to attack those very same men. No wonder Muller refused to send his forces into battle for Taka Mal. But Jarid had little choice if he meant to honor the treaty. Allegra wanted to rage at the universe. The Generals chances of winning improved with his enemies divided and demoralized. The universe had no justice, that a monster like Yargazon triumphed.
Baz Quaazera pushed his hand through his hair. He moved as if he were weighted down. “We are decided then. The negotiations here have failed.
Ozarson stood with one hand on the table, his fingers pressed against the wood. Allegra would have so much preferred to see confusion on his young face than understanding. But he knew. Oh, yes, he knew. They were going to war for him. Hundreds had died, and thousands more would before this ended. He would live with the knowledge that for his reign, the settled lands underwent one of the worst bloodbaths in history.
Markus made a low noise, barely audible even to Allegra. He sounded as if he were being strangled. Then he raised his voice and said, “No.
King Muller stiffened, Yargazon tensed and Cobalt turned his harsh gaze on the prince regent.
“No? Jarid asked him. “No what?
Allegra looked up at her husband. She expected to see the hardened warlord. Instead he had a hollow gaze and pain etched on his face. He didnt look as if he had slept at all last night.
Markus spoke to Vizarana. “Your Majesty. Yesterday you presented an offer to my wife. I would ask you now present it to the atajazid, for his consideration. He turned to Ozarson. “The decision of whether or not to accept the alliance must be yours, since its your life that will be most affected.
The relief that poured over Allegra was so intense, it felt visceral. She breathed slowly, trying to calm her surging pulse.
“What offer? Yargazon asked.
Cobalt narrowed his gaze at Vizarana. Like everyone else, she and Drummer were still standing. Her reaction was subtle; she simply took her husbands hand, which was lying on the table. Drummer closed his fingers around hers. They leaned the slightest bit toward each other, and he bent his head over hers, his light curls a contrast to her dark ones. He said something, and she nodded. He looked as if he were tearing apart. Allegra recognized the look. Her father had worn it the day she left home.
Vizarana faced Ozarson. “Your Majesty, she began. “My husband and I offer you the betrothal of our daughter, Zarina Quaazera, to become your lawful wife when the two of you are of age. Your heir will inherit the Topaz Throne. She took a breath. “In return, your army will withdraw from Taka Mal, and you will remain here with your regent as hostages to prevent the armys return.
Ozarsons mouth fell open. In the same instant, Yargazon said, “What the hell? Absolutely not!
Protests rumbled all around the table, though Jarids, “Saints almighty, came out over the rest. Allegra couldnt follow who was saying what, with so many voices.
“Quiet! Cobalt hit the table with his fist.
Everyone fell silent.
Cobalt spoke sharply to Vizarana. “Youre suggesting a treaty by marriage between Taka Mal and Jazid?
“It does work, she said. “As you would know.
“Its out of the question, Yargazon told her.
General Ardoz spoke. “I fail to understand how you could think we would let the atajazid live here as a hostage.
Markus scowled at him. “To stop the war, obviously.
Yargazon regarded him intently, his brow furrowed. Puzzled. His gaze flicked to Allegra, and his already tensed posture stiffened even more. The antipathy in his gaze felt like a blow.
To Markus, the General said, “It is a war you have a good chance of winning.
“At what price? Markus pushed his hand through his hair. “With the betrothal, we achieve our goals without the bloodshed. And with no more mage spells.
A shifting of weight came from around the table while people glanced toward Allegra and Jarid, then looked away quickly, as if they didnt want to be caught staring.
“Achieve what? Yargazon pointed at Cobalt. “He would still have the Onyx Throne. Ozi would still be a fugitive, except he couldnt even live in his own country. It reeks, Markus. It reeks to the goddamned sky.
“Weve already taken part of Taka Mal, Colonel Bladebreak said. His voice hardened as he spoke to Vizarana. “Youre deluded if you think we would relinquish it.
“Wait. Ozarson sounded so boyish compared to the rumbling men. He spoke to Jarid. “My regent and his wife are your prisoners. What would happen to them if I went to Taka Mal?
“Ozi, you cant be considering this, Yargazon said.
“I would have to discuss it with Queen Vizarana, Jarid told the boy.
“If King Jarid allows it, Vizarana said, “we will arrange for them to live with you.
“As hostages? Ozarson asked.
Vizarana met his gaze. “Yes.
“No, Yargazon said. “Its unacceptable. He spoke to Ozarson in a low voice. “Your Majesty, we are so close.
“I know, Ozarson said softly. “I just He took a deep breath and shook his head.
Cobalt pointed at Markus. “If you release this man into Taka Mal custody, my promise to let him live is void. I gave that oath with the assumption he would be held in Aronsdale. Not Taka Mal.
“Will you kill everyone I love, then? Ozarson asked. His face paled, but he didnt back down. “You took everything. My country. My throne. My father. My brothers. My nurse. My mother. His voice cracked. “I have only one person left. Are you going to kill him, too? When youre finished taking everyone and everything Ive ever loved, will you be happy?
Cobalt stared at him. The silence at the table was complete.
The emperor spoke in an unexpectedly gentle voice. “Ive found no joy in your losses.
Ozarson took a breath and turned to Vizarana. “If I can live with my regent and his wife, I will accept the b-betrothal, be your hostage and tell the army not to fight.
“Saints almighty, someone said.
Yargazon put his hand on Ozarsons shoulder. “Ozi, you cant. We will talk of this later.
“No. The boy turned toward Yargazon as if for protection and wiped his palm over his eyes. But he raised his gaze to Cobalt. “Are you going to fight here if my army doesnt?
“No, Cobalt said quietly. “If you withdraw your forces, I will withdraw mine.
Vizarana closed her eyes and her hand tightened on Drummers fingers. Such understated signs of her feelings, but Allegra had no doubt her relief was profound.
“And my regent? Ozarsons gaze was stark as he regarded Cobalt. “Will you kill him if he tries to come to Taka Mal to be with me?
For a long moment, the emperor stared at him. Then Cobalt took a deep breath. “If Prince Markus remains a hostage in Taka Mal with no access to his armed forces, I will not seek his death.
Ozarson nodded, h
is eyes glossy from unshed tears. He spoke uncertainly to Markus. “We have occupied part of Taka Mal. I dont know how to figure out what will happen with that.
Markus managed a smile. “Well help you.
Allegra wanted so much to reach out to Ozarson. She stayed put, knowing it would embarrass him here in front of all these leaders. His heredity had taken his childhoodbut for today at least, it wouldnt crush him with the weight of ten thousand deaths.
CHAPTER 29
HEART OF TOPAZ
Allegra leaned her forearms on the balcony wall and gazed at the palace gardens awash in the afternoon sunlight. A long stretch of grass sloped down to the lake of Quaaz. Trees draped with vines drooped over the water, and sun-snaps grew in profusion, mixed with skybells. Even this high up, she could smell the heady scent of rosy box-blossoms. Goldwing larks trilled, and butterflies floated in the air. The scene took her breath. Give the desert a little water, and it bloomed gloriously.
Eventually she went back inside the suite where Queen Vizaranas soldiers had brought her after the summit this morning. The empty suite. Other guards had taken Markus to meet with Vizarana, Ozarson, Cobalt, Yargazon, Baz, Jarid, Muller, and who knew how many other officers to discuss what would happen to the villages Markuss army had already conquered. Taka Mal would have to make concessions to Jazid if they wanted this compromise to workwhich ironically meant they would also be making those concessions to Cobalt, who remained the ruler of that country.
Guards outside the suite prevented Allegra from leaving, but they otherwise left her alone. Too agitated to sit, she wandered through the rooms. The walls were like sunrises, painted red near the floor, shading up through gold and yellow, then into blue near the ceiling. Red-glass lamps shaped like dragons hung from the rafters, and parchment-thin screens painted with delicate birds graced the airy rooms.
She was in one of the parlors pouring a glass of orange juice when the outer door of the suite creaked. She walked into the main parlor just as Markus and Ozarson came through the entrance.
“Allegra! Ozarsons face lit in welcome.
Markus spoke in a subdued voice. “Good afternoon.
“Weve come to invite you to the ceremony, Ozarson said.
Curious to know what had happened, she said, “What ceremony?
The boys face turned red. “My marriage.
Markus smiled. “Betrothal.
Ozarson looked as if he wanted to run outside and hide. “Yes. That.
“Its not all that bad, Allegra told him, charmed by his embarrassment. “Someday you might even be glad.
He regarded her skeptically, but said nothing.
Behind them, a Taka Mal guard entered the suite. When Markus turned around, the man bowed to him. “You have a visitor, Sire.
“Who? Markus asked, his posture tensing.
“A General Ardoz, from your army.
“Oh. Yes. Markus cleared his throat. “Bring him in.
As the guard left, Ozarson blinked at Markus. “We just talked to him.
“I know. Markuss face shuttered as he glanced from the boy to Allegra. “Why dont the two of you go change for the ceremony?
“But, Markus, Ozarson said. “I wanted to ask him
“Ozi, you can talk to the general some other time, Allegra said. She didnt know when, given that Ozarson would be here and Ardoz would be somewhere else, but she could tell Markus wanted privacy. “We need to get ready. You dont want to be late to your own betrothal, do you?
“Oh. No, I guess not. The boy didnt look certain about that, but he went with her.
After Allegra left Ozarson in his room, she went to the master bedroom. The maid had left her some clothes, and she changed into a tunic and trousers of brocaded blue silk. Gazing at the bed, she wondered if Markus would ever grow used to sleeping off the ground. She hoped so, for she wanted him to be as content as possible. At least the decor here was a lot like that in Jazid.
She paced around the room and used up more time brushing her hair, but eventually she walked back to the main parlor. When she heard Ardozs voice, she stopped, unsure what to do. She was in an alcove next to the parlor, and a burnished gold mirror on the opposite wall showed Ardoz and Markus standing in the other room. They looked so similar, both strong and broad shouldered, though Ardoz was a bit taller than Markus, with gray in his shock of dark hair and more aquiline features.
“I know, Ardoz was saying, his voice low. “But I waited anyway.
“Basil, Im sorry. Markus lifted his arm as if to touch him, then dropped it again.
“Dont be sorry, Ardoz said. “I always knew it wasnt your preference. He gave Markus a rueful look. “It was just so hard to think straight, ever since the first time I saw you, so strong and proud. He just barely touched one of Markuss curls. “And who has hair like this? I could have brushed it for hours.
Markus laughed self-consciously. “I did like that.
“I know. Ardoz lowered his arm. “But not enough.
Markus spoke quietly. “I dont want you to thinkIt wasnt only because I was lonely. Gods know, Basil, sometimes I thought the loneliness would kill me. But I would have nevernot with anyone else. He stopped, his discomfort obvious. But he didnt step back. “Be well. May you always have the best.
Ardoz grinned at him. “I already have.
Incredibly Markus blushed. “For gods sake.
Ardozs face gentled. “Goodbye, Mark.
Markus touched Ardozs face, the slightest brush across his cheek. “Goodbye.
The general left then. Allegra thought she would have been shocked, but she felt only regret at stumbling onto their farewells. She withdrew down the hall, leaving Markus his privacy.
Allegra walked with Ozarson and Markus into the entrance foyer of their suite. Ozarson looked serious in his formal black clothes, and Markus seemed more subdued than usual. She didnt ask about Ardoz. If he ever wanted to talk about it, she would listen, but if not, she would respect his silence.
Ozarson opened the outer door and looked up at the guards. The four soldiers bowed to him, then moved aside and accompanied them down the gleaming topaz corridor. The wall sconces held frosted glass lamps with ruby accents, their flames flickering.
Walking through the palace felt odd to Allegra, for despite its opulence, it was a prison. For Markus, these golden rooms would be as confining as a cage. He might never again ride with his people, sleep under the stars or see the mountains and deserts of the home he loved. She wondered if she could ever fully appreciate the magnitude of what he had given up to make this alliance work.
“Thank you, she said.
Markus smiled at her. “For what?
“Everything. She watched Ozarson walking ahead of them. “I know you didnt want this.
“Ah, well. He spoke awkwardly. “It could have been worse.
“What did you all decide about Taka Mal?
“The queen ceded a portion of the land we took, Markus said. “The Saint Verdant River now defines Taka Mals southern border with Jazid. That area isnt heavily populated by Taka Mal standards, only about two hundred thousand people. The people can leave, if they want, and relocate in Taka Mal territory. But if we can convince a substantial number of them to stay, it will greatly increase Jazids population.
“What about your army? She couldnt imagine Cobalt letting four thousand men go free.
His eyes glinted. “Its a hell of a fighting force.
“I know, she said dryly. “I doubt Cobalt or Queen Vizarana appreciates that, though.
“Thats why theyre letting the men settle the land Taka Mal ceded to us, so theyll stop fighting. About two thousand want to stay. Its what they had planned to do if we took the country. Ill be expected to help integrate the Jazid citizens with the Taka Mal population. He cracked his knuckles restlessly. “I doubt Ill be able to travel. But the queen has asked me to act as an advisor for the blending of the two cultures in my capacity as Ozarsons regent. Wryly he said, “No life of ease. I have to work for my keep.
His satisfaction vanished. “Cobalt gets them. In return, he wont execute them.
“ Two thousand Jazid men?
“Yes. His gaze darkened. Even a tenday ago, she couldnt have deciphered the expression, but she knew now exactly what it meant. He was furious.
“You cant be serious, she said.
“Its the Jazid army, he answered curtly. “He rules Jazid.
“Doesnt he have to put the deserters on trial?
“Technically, since theyre still in his army, they arent deserters. The lines around his mouth creased with his displeasure. “But damn it, Dusk didnt train them for Cobalt.
“What about Yargazon? Just saying his name made her queasy.
Markus didnt answer. Instead he watched Ozarson up ahead of them. The boy was looking around with undisguised appreciation at the gilded walls and their mosaics. “Ozi has never lived anywhere like this. The Onyx Palace is starker, and he spent the last two years with the army.
She didnt let him evade the question. “And Yargazon?
“You wont like it.
“Cobalt is letting him live?
“Yes. He spoke evenly. “It was my condition for giving up those two thousand soldiers.
Allegra wanted to hit him. But she held it in. Markus had given up more than she had ever expected in that moment he had asked Ozarson to consider the queens offer. She hadnt believed he would ever repudiate Yargazon, yet incredibly, he had done it. He had given up his kingdom and his army because Allegra had asked him to do it. She was still reeling with that knowledge.
“What will they do with Yargazon? she asked.
“Hes going to retire. Markus even said it with a straight face. “Under guard, of course, to make sure he complies with the terms of this new treaty. Hell return to his home in Jazid.
Allegra snorted. “And Im sure Cobalt believes him. It didnt surprise her that the emperor demanded an entire army in return for Yargazons life, given that the General would undoubtedly start trying to outwit his “retirement as soon as he was back in Jazid. “So he wins again.
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