The Temple of Sacrifice

by Tameri Etherton

  When Tarro hesitated, Taryn curtseyed to the madam. “I’m Princess Taryn of House Galendrin.”

  The woman’s mouth formed an O. “Your Highness. Nena never thought she would see you in her home. I trust everything was to your satisfaction?”

  “Every moment.”

  “Excellent. Will Nena see you again, perhaps?”

  “I certainly hope so. With such charming company, how can I stay away?”

  Nena pinched Tarro’s cheek. “She’s a flatterer, this one. Were you visiting Armando?”

  “She was. I just stopped by to say hello.”

  The young boy Taryn saw earlier rushed into the room and Nena made her apologies before leaving them alone. Once they were safely away from the house, Tarro asked quietly, “What did you think of my Armando?”

  Taryn whistled and fanned herself. “I think you’re one hell of a lucky man. Is it hard for you? Knowing what Armando does?”

  “He comes home to me each night and I know he loves me, unlike his clients. To him, they are merely what puts food on the table. Sometimes, though, one of them will fancy themselves in love with him. That can be tiresome.”

  “You accept his profession with equanimity.”

  “I won’t lie and say I like it.” Tarro grinned and a blush crept into his cheeks. “But there are some benefits to having a lover whose job it is to perfect the art of lovemaking.”

  Taryn stifled an embarrassed giggle. “It’s obvious you two have a deep respect for each other. How long have you been together?”

  “Many seasons. I met him not long after he started working at the house. He was already one of Nena’s boys by then, so there was no misunderstanding his duties. I fell in love immediately, but Armando was skeptical. When he was a lad, twelve seasons if that, pirates attacked his ship. They took him captive as a slave, but he caught the eye of the captain. He became that man’s dog for four long seasons until one day he escaped. The thought of loving another man, or even a woman, frightened him. But I never gave up.” Tarro’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “One day he said yes.”

  Taryn gazed at the imposing palace and wondered if she’d ever have the chance to one day say yes to Rhoane.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Kaida chased birds while Taryn strolled the orchard, the fragrant blossoms heavy with fruit. A sargot dropped on her head, causing her to swear out loud. At the sound of laughter high above her, she swore again.

  “That’s not appropriate language for a princess,” Ebus taunted from a branch near the top of the tree.

  “Do I even want to know what you’re doing up there?”

  He deftly made his way down through the branches, plopping beside her. “No, I don’t think you do.” Kaida ran to Ebus, licking his hand until he reached into his pocket for a treat. Once he gave her the scrap he had hidden, she leapt away to chase a butterfly.

  “Have you forgotten she’s a grierbas?”

  Ebus looked at Taryn as if she were dimwitted. “Have you never seen what the others feed her? At least I keep it to her diet.”

  “I probably don’t want to know that either, do I?”

  “Not really. I wanted to talk to you about the boy, Gian.” Ebus cleared his throat and asked, “May I speak freely?”

  “Always.” His behavior was strange, even for Ebus, and it worried her.

  “What has Gian told you of his ordeal at Caer Idris?”

  “Only a little. He’s terrified of Zakael more so than Valterys, even though they both tortured him.”

  “Zakael tortured Gian for nearly six cycles of the moon. What he did to the boy…” He sighed. “By all rights he should be dead, but he fought against the torture. Why? I can’t tell you, but what I did learn at Caer Idris was that Zakael was looking for information about you. Your strengths, your weaknesses, how the Eleri felt about you, that kind of stuff.”

  “What did Zakael learn from him?” A sick feeling churned inside her. Faerie folk were much like Eleri in that they shared a bond with nature. If Gian spoke to the trees, he would know all manner of minute details about her Zakael could exploit.

  “My source wasn’t clear on this, but it was enough the boy felt he betrayed you. He tried on several occasions to take his life—each time, Zakael prevented it. When it was clear Gian had nothing more to offer, Zakael took out his tongue, using clamps he pulled from the fire. He then threw him in a dungeon, leaving him for dead.” Ebus sounded sad and disgusted at the same time. “Your brother is very dangerous, Princess.”

  “I’m aware of that. I think I know what kept Gian alive. Tell me, what do you know about the faerie life debt?”

  “It is a very powerful oath. Gian must’ve bargained with Verdaine that if she let him live—he would find a way to repay you for his betrayal.”

  “But he had no idea I’d be at the castle or I would find him,” Taryn argued.

  “Funny how things have a way of working out, don’t you think?” Ebus gave her a sideways glance. “About the time Gian lost his tongue, you set forth for Caer Idris.”

  “Poor Gian.” Taryn sighed.

  “There is nothing poor about that boy. He is richer than your mother and father combined. He has the love and respect of the greatest lady to walk this land,” Ebus said simply.

  “Flatterer,” Taryn joked. “Now I understand why he was so reluctant to return to the vier. I need to find a way to let him know I value him but at the same time give him purpose. If I let Lords Tinsley and Aomori have their way, Gian will be nothing more than a well-dressed courtier who does nothing with his days.”

  “Do not discount the merits of being a courtier. Your young lordlings know more about the workings of this palace than even the chamberlain. Gian could serve you well as a spy, with the proper training,” Ebus offered.

  “What are you saying? I should let him play cards and croquet all day with Tinsley?” Taryn thought about the idea. “I suppose if it’s what Gian wants…”

  “I was hoping perhaps Your Highness would allow me to instruct the young lad in some of the finer aspects of espionage.” His nose twitched again, his eyes brighter than before.

  “What do you have in mind, Ebus?” The sick feeling in Taryn’s gut mixed with a new sense of apprehension.

  “I think I’ve proved myself to be loyal to you and it’s no secret I’m getting on in seasons.” He gave her a woe-is-me look. “Thieving doesn’t hold the charm for me it once did, not with royal gold readily available for less work.”

  He cleared his throat at her look of alarm. “What I meant to say was I could take Gian on as my apprentice, and for a fee, train him how to be your personal spy. He’s small and nimble, always a good thing for this profession. He isn’t a servant nor is he a true courtier, which makes him amenable to both. Lastly, I think he’s proved he possesses the courage to withstand any difficulty.”

  The idea had some merit, but Gian was so young. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Of course, Your Highness. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe your mother approaches.” He leapt to a branch above her head and then scrambled up several more until he was completely concealed.

  When Lliandra’s voice sounded behind her, a wave of unease coursed through her already troubled stomach. This would be the first time she’d spoken to her mother face-to-face since their fight. Taryn braced herself for a verbal lashing.

  “Daughter!” Lliandra strode to where she stood, arms outstretched. “What a pleasant surprise to find you here. I was just walking with my ladies. I do so love the scent of sargot blossoms in summer, don’t you?” She took Taryn’s arm in hers, strolling through the trees. “We can discuss your birthing day celebration.”

  The expected anger never surfaced. Instead, Lliandra described in minute detail everything planned for the grand affair. It was the party she should’ve given Taryn the previous season but couldn’t because no one knew she existed. Lliandra was making up for lost time and her excitement was infectious. When Lliandra rushed off to speak w
ith a cook or florist, Taryn forgot which, she was honestly looking forward to the event.

  Lliandra left her with a command to join the court for dinner. Taryn avoided their formal dinners unless there was a feast planned, but that night Lliandra entertained Lord Aomori’s parents and she wanted to make a good impression. Taryn hadn’t forgotten Lliandra’s accusation that Aomori had seduced her, but apparently, the empress had. She behaved as if the dinner meant the collapse of Talaithian society if it failed.

  Exhausted, tired of political games, and wanting nothing more than to have a quiet night to herself, Taryn snapped at her maids while they dressed her.

  Gian brought her a cup of spiced grhom, melting her anger. He always knew the right words to say or the perfect action to take. She was certain he conversed with Kaida, although both denied it.

  The fact was, she didn’t want him to leave, but Ebus had a good idea of how best he could serve her. Considering Gian refused to leave until his life debt was paid, she had to do something with him.

  “Gian,” she began hesitantly, “if I could offer you an opportunity to serve my needs while helping Aelinae, would this interest you?”

  His wide-eyed gaze was full of cautious interest. How so, my lady?

  As a spy.

  You jest. Disappointment dripped from the words.

  I am quite serious. Ebus has offered to take you on as an apprentice. You and I both know the palace is too confining for a woodland fairie. Taryn understood that more than he’d ever know.

  Do not give me an answer now, but think on it. Talk to Ebus, or even Baehlon, if you have questions. It would be dangerous, but honorable work.

  For the first time since she’d met him, a peaceful countenance fell over his features. Whatever his life debt consisted of, Taryn had the sense she’d given him purpose.

  At dinner, Taryn insisted Gian sit between her and Tessa at the high table. Kaida curled at his feet, waiting for tasty bits of meat to find their way to her. Several of the gathered nobles gave Taryn disapproving looks, but she ignored them.

  When Lliandra entered, she passed over Gian as if he weren’t there. Marissa hurried to take her place after everyone else was seated. Before the meal concluded, she made her excuses, leaving the empress at a loss as to her daughter’s behavior. Later, when wine had been flowing for quite some time, loosening courtiers’ tongues, Taryn heard grumblings about the crown princess. It seemed Marissa’s reluctance to participate in court functions was becoming regular fodder for the gossip mill. Of all the strange rumors bandied about, only one rang true.

  Taryn was relaxing by the huge windows that overlooked the sea when Faelara sat next to her and took her hand in her own. “Gian is getting on well here. He and Eliahnna have devised a whole alphabet with signs for nearly everything in the palace,” Faelara said.

  “Ebus wants to train him as a spy.” Taryn studied her friend’s response, but Faelara only nodded, which meant she already knew. “Baehlon’s watching you,” Taryn whispered.

  Faelara glanced at the big knight, squeezing Taryn’s hand. “Stop it. You’ve done enough meddling. Let us decide whether we will be together.”

  They already were together, but playing coy. Technically, Baehlon had to ask Taryn’s permission to court Faelara. She, in turn, needed Lliandra’s permission to accept his advances. Taryn thought the tradition was chivalric, but idiotic all the same.

  “Why do you suppose Marissa is acting so odd?” Faelara was expert at changing the subject from her relationship with Baehlon.

  “She’s pregnant. From what I can tell, no one knows, not even the empress. There’s only one reason she’d hide a baby from her mother and that’s if it’s Zakael’s.”

  Faelara’s look of surprise amused Taryn. Their spies weren’t absolute. “It certainly answers many oddities since we returned from Celyn Eryri.”

  “Whatever her reasons for keeping it a secret, I think we should honor them. If Mother found out from anyone but Marissa, it would be their head on a pike at the palace gate. I don’t know about you, but I like mine right where it is.”

  Faelara swallowed hard. “You make a good argument for silence.”

  Myrddin approached and held his hand out for Taryn to take. “Would you honor this aging mage with a dance?”

  They entered the quadrille and Taryn’s spirits roused. It was one of her favorites.

  “It’s nice to see you smiling again.” Myrddin lifted her with the strength of a young man and pirouetted before placing her softly upon the floor.

  “So I keep hearing. You dance divinely.”

  “I can only imagine the horrors you’ve had to endure, but let’s not speak of them. You made me a promise at Celyn Eryri, do you remember?”

  A flush of warmth spread across her body. Not from her own doing, but Myrddin’s. “I do.”

  “When the pressures of your position become too much, you can always find refuge in my tower. Any time.” He tilted her chin until she faced him. “Will you at least let me provide a haven from all of this?” His dazzling blue eyes flashed toward the empress and back to Taryn.

  “Yes.” She grinned at his impertinence. “I would like that, actually. You probably have the most bizarre collection of artifacts anywhere on Aelinae. If you’ll recall, in my former life it was my job to find such items.”

  “Then please, visit any time you like. Explore to your heart’s content.”

  She spun into the dance and returned to Myrddin’s waiting embrace. His generosity might be genuine or manufactured. For the moment, she didn’t care. Everyone had ulterior motives and she was fed up trying to decipher who she could trust. For once, she was not going to question it and just dance because for the first time in much too long, she was content.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  For nearly two moonturns, Rhoane chased one lead after another, gathering little more information on the assassin or his master than he had when he left. Everyone associated with the pair died of mysterious causes. He learned of a baker in one village who provided rations to a lodger and a tailor in another town who made several sets of identical black clothing for an unknown client. Both ended up drowned in the local well. Another victim was found hanged in an apparent suicide, his connection to the assassin being nothing more than helping the fellow mend a wound. Disappointment clung to him like a worn cloak—he had hoped to have the assassin in chains upon his return.

  Nena entered her room and grabbed her chest. “God’s truth, Rhoane, one of these days you will stop my heart and then poor Nena will be dead.”

  He rose from the chair he’d been sitting on to kiss both of her cheeks. “It is good to see you, too.”

  She eyed him suspiciously. “You got the information you needed, yes?”

  “Not as much as I would like. Do you have anything new to share before I return to the palace?”

  “Of your shadow man, no, but I’ve had many visitors who might interest you. Your betrothed included,” Nena said mysteriously.

  “Taryn? Why would she come to see you?” Rhoane’s insides flipped at the mention of her name. He couldn’t imagine Taryn inside Nena’s room, not without blushing rose red, at least.

  “Not me—one of my best artists, Armando. Before you get the wrong idea, she came here for the same reason you visit. For information. As you know, Armando was a favorite of a certain someone you are close to. She may or may not inherit the Light Throne.”

  Nena gasped, putting a hand to her lips. “Did I say that out loud? Naughty Nena. Perhaps you should spank me.”

  Rhoane ignored Nena’s taunt. “What information was Taryn after?”

  “I don’t know, but whatever it was, she didn’t get it. She and Tarro were only in Armando’s room for a few minutes. He would never betray the house rules or share anything discussed between the sheets. Believe me, we hear everything.”

  “That is why I come to see you. Who else has been here? You said many visitors.” Rhoane tamped down his frustration at her playfulness.<
br />
  “Don’t rush me. Well, the empress herself stopped by. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a social call.” Nena touched her lips. “I actually miss her visits.”

  “Nena, please. I do not need to know any of this. Why are you purposely toying with me?”

  “Rhoane, darling, don’t tease. You know I’d love to toy with you, but now that I’ve seen your lovely betrothed, I can understand why you would follow that horrid Eleri edict that says you must mate for life. Still, if you ever feel you’d like to learn a few things, bring her to Nena. I can show you both ways to find pleasure you’d never think of on your own.”

  She dreamily touched the lace on her chemise and Rhoane cleared his throat. “Where was I? Oh yes, we had another visitor, and this one you might find most interesting. Lord Zakael. Seems he needs to find himself a Shadow Assassin and thought this would be a good place to get information. Who do you think told him to come here?”

  Rhoane knew exactly who. “Did Zakael say why he was looking for him?”

  Nena shook her head and several curls loosened from their pins. They fell around her face, making an auburn frame against her olive skin. Her jade eyes regarded him for a moment. “I can’t be certain, but I think he wants to make the assassin a deal. Not to kill the girl, but kidnap her. For what, I can’t say.”

  She shrugged. “That’s all I know.” She patted his shoulder in a maternal, nonsexual way. “Be careful, my prince. You know I’ve always loved you and so I will tell you this—if Zakael wishes to find this assassin, your princess is in trouble.”

  “That is nothing new with Taryn, but I thank you for your concern. If you will excuse me, I must hurry or I will be the one in trouble.” He kissed her cheek and jumped away before she could grab him.

  “You Eleri! Always the most beautiful are denied to Nena. Remember what I said—bring your Taryn to me. You won’t regret it.” Nena turned away for a moment and Rhoane slipped from the room before she saw where he’d gone. Her curses followed him as he leapt from limb to limb of the giant tree that shaded the front of the house.