Blade's Honor (Ishtar's Legacy Book 2)

by Lisa Blackwood

  Ahassunu tilted her chin up, a hard look entering her eyes. “In time he’ll see Enkara wasn’t born to be his queen. Her strengths lay elsewhere. She would make a very poor choice.”

  “See? Told you,” Enkara sent along their link. “Even your mother thinks I’d be a terrible mate.”

  A wave of rage rolled through Kuwari.

  But his mother continued unaware. “She’ll be to Kuwari what Burrukan is to you: a war councilor.”

  “You overstep, Mother.” He didn’t care if Ahassunu was his biological mother, she still didn’t get to insult the woman he loved.

  Enkara’s fingers wrapped around his wrist, stopping him from rising and leaving the table.

  “Kuwari, let it go. She didn’t say one word that wasn’t true, and we both know it.”

  Enkara’s words and emotions seeped into him, but he was still too angry to acknowledge them. She sensed as much and continued after a long-suffering sigh.

  “Please, Kuwari. Regent Ahassunu is correct. I’d make a terrible queen. I have no patience for the Council. I know almost nothing about ruling a kingdom. All my training has been in order to ready me to oversee your protection. I haven’t lived in the city for years. Plus, if I were to become queen one day, eventually my true lineage would come to the surface and people would always question my loyalty.”

  “I don’t care about that. I know there is none more loyal to me than my Blade.”

  “You should care. Even if Ereshkigal has temporarily given up destroying the gryphon royal line, and I’m not needed as a war leader, I’d still be a disastrous choice as your queen.”

  Kuwari fought to master the anger building inside. “I doubt Ereshkigal has abandoned her plans, but that doesn’t mean a war leader can’t also be my queen. Look at Iltani. She had no desire for power, but she adapted.”

  “Ha. Didn’t she just offer to kill the council members if they didn’t conform? Statecraft in action?”

  Kuwari rolled his eyes to the ceiling and counted to ten before exhaling. “Fine. We’ll discuss this later, once we’re alone.”

  “Good idea,” Enkara said and then looked toward King Ditanu. “Since you need to redirect your parents’ conversation before blood starts to flow.”

  Kuwari silently agreed and turned to focus on his parents again. “If you are done bickering about my future, there’s something I’d like to say.”

  Kuwari’s parents fell silent with expressions of varying degrees of guilt, but it was Ditanu who cleared his throat and nodded.

  “Of course, you have a say in your future.” King Ditanu’s gaze slid toward Enkara. “But first I want to hear Enkara’s thoughts about all this.”

  “My King?” Enkara inclined her head, politely conveying she didn’t know what he wanted to know.

  “I find it hard to believe that you turned Kuwari down. If I were to wager a guess, I’d say you love my son as much as he loves you. Are you willing to deny this before your monarchs?”

  Kuwari winced. His father wasn’t easily fooled and didn’t mince words. He must have scented the smallest hint of deception. Queen Iltani stepped closer, her eyes hardening and her expression turning shrewd.

  Enkara cleared her throat and held her hands out away from her body, unconsciously showing she didn’t have anything to hide. “I have no ambitions towards the throne. And I agree that Kuwari needs a worthy and wise mate to rule at his side when he takes the throne someday, far in the future.”

  “Well,” Iltani said with a glint of humor in her eyes. “That was a first. False truths.”

  Ditanu arched an eyebrow at his mate.

  Iltani clarified. “Her heart and mind are not in agreement. She honestly doesn’t want the throne or any of the power that goes with it, but also hates the idea of another filling the role of mate to Kuwari. She’s far more than just a loyal friend to our son.”

  A becoming pink hue flushed Enkara’s cheeks a darker color and her lips twisted as if to deny Iltani’s words, but she held her tongue.

  “Ah. It’s as I originally thought.” King Ditanu rubbed his chin, looking much happier. “That news gives me hope that one day you and Kuwari will make each other very happy. I won’t pry more into your personal feelings or judge you for whatever hang-up has you carefully skirting around each other. However, that still doesn’t solve the issue with the Council. They’ll be expecting a betrothal announcement within the next moon cycle.”

  “Then we’ll give them one,” Kuwari said, calmly folding his arms over his chest. “I will select a noblewoman to be my betrothed, and we will complete the trial year as the council demands, but it will be fake. Once the year is over, I plan to resume courting Enkara.”

  Beside him, his Blade started to choke like she’d swallowed her tongue. He thumped her on the back until she had her breath back.

  King Ditanu barked out a laugh. “My son, you’re underestimating the time it will take to win her over if her reaction to your declaration is anything to go by.”

  “I have reason to believe that isn’t true,” Kuwari said and winked at Enkara.

  Soon after his declaration, the tension in the room lessened. There was still some back and forth between his parents as they hashed out new issues that could and likely would arise out of this.

  Queen Iltani was still deeply unhappy, but Kuwari assured her it would be fine.

  “However,” he modulated his voice to carry over his parents’ conversation. “I will handle this betrothal in my own way. I’ll tolerate no interference.” He paused to meet Ahassunu’s gaze. “Is that understood?”

  His mother agreed.

  “I shall stay out of it as I’ve already interfered more than I had any right,” King Ditanu said around a mouthful of fruit and speared Kuwari with a piercing look. “And since I remember what it was like at your age to be separated from the woman I loved, I’ll grant you this day to spend together. But don’t think you’re escaping your punishment for the Susa escapade. Tomorrow you will report here before first meal and learn what your punishment will be.”

  Kuwari grinned. “Enkara is worth any punishment.”

  “Wait until after tomorrow, and then we’ll see if you still think the same.” Humor gleamed in his father’s eyes.

  After his father’s ominous warning they all returned to their meals. Kuwari found he was hungry. Even inconvenient political issues revolving around his impending betrothal and whatever ‘punishment’ his father had planned didn’t dim his hunger.

  He couldn’t say the same for Enkara. She pushed her food around her plate and continued to look distressed.

  Grinning, Kuwari decided the gods had put him on this earth to distress his lovely Blade.

  Chapter 7

  Enkara had forgotten the beauty of Nineveh’s black sand beaches. But as she and Kuwari walked at water’s edge, she felt at home, as if the last four years were no time at all. Even the ten Shadows trailing along behind felt like an old routine.

  While they walked, Kuwari updated her on the newest court gossip and other news, his renditions probably more humorous than actual events.

  When he ran out of things to say, he started to hunt for her secrets, seeking any confessions. But she had none. The last four years were full of training and little else. And she’d never mastered his ability to talk about something mundane and make it sound interesting. He could describe bread dough and make it seem fascinating.

  “Oh, come on. There must have been more than just training,” Kuwari said at last.

  “Well, you should have seen if there was. You were in my head almost every night.”

  Kuwari looked momentarily sheepish. “I’m sorry…I couldn’t always control the link.”

  Enkara laughed. “You’re not sorry in the least.”

  “No, not really.” He turned serious, glancing sidelong at her and then quickly back out to the ocean. “That still left a lot of time when we weren’t together even mentally. You must have had other hobbies, made friends with other Shado
w trainees.”

  His line of questioning took her by surprise. He’d never asked any of those questions while she was away training. Why now?

  “They were acquaintances, my competition. Training was our focus. While some of them became friends after a fashion, none of them are what I’d consider a close friend.” Enkara continued to study is profile. “But surely you must have known that from when we linked in dreams.”

  “I didn’t want to pry.” Kuwari didn’t look at her. “But if you hadn’t been so focused on training, would any of them have…caught your interest?”

  That’s what he’d been fishing for this entire time?

  “No,” she answered simply before thinking better of it. None of them were you. “I think I’m gryphon enough to only be interested in a long-term relationship.”

  Kuwari’s shoulders relaxed, and he breathed out a sigh of relief. “Good. I don’t have to challenge any males.”

  “Why didn’t you ask that while I was away training if it has been bothering you all this time?”

  “I couldn’t. If I asked and the answer was yes, I would have had to fly to Susa and challenge the male. That would be bound to draw attention to you. And I know how much you hate attention.”

  Oh, dear Goddess, that was a close one. “Just because I said I hadn’t met anyone doesn’t mean we’re destined for each other.”

  “We’ll see,” Kuwari said, his confidence returning. “If you weren’t making friends or courting, what did you do for fun?”

  “I…,” Well this was going to sound pathetic. “There wasn’t much time for fun. I studied. I trained. I avoided the other trainees as much as possible so I wouldn’t give away that I’m a Blade.”

  “Well, I suppose learning to weave might not be considered fun…” The humorous glint was back in his eyes.

  “Who told you about that?” But she knew a moment later. “Burrukan has developed a case of loose lips with his advanced age!”

  “Can I tell him you said that? Never mind. I’m absolutely going to tell him that next time I see him.”

  The little brat. “Do that and you’ll never see the gift I made you.”

  Kuwari’s expression fell, and he placed a hand dramatically over his heart. “You have my solemn word that I’ll never breathe a word of our conversation to your mentor.”

  “You better not, or I will make you regret it for years and years.”

  His grin grew broader. “I can’t picture my fierce warrior with a hand loom across her lap.”

  “I couldn’t either, but I wanted to make you something for your name day, so I learned to weave. My gift for you is still with my personal items. They’re being shipped in from Susa but won’t arrive for a couple days yet.” She ducked her head, wiggling her toes in the hot sand. “I made a blanket for you. It isn’t much.”

  “Tell me more.” Kuwari grinned and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

  It was a blanket. What was there to tell? But she did explain how she had learned to weave though it had taken over twenty failed attempts.

  “It’s far from the work of a master guildsman,” she ended feeling even more embarrassed than she’d started.

  “I will cherish it more than any other gift,” he said solemnly.

  “Don’t get carried away. It’s a blanket.”

  “Yes. And made for what?” he asked innocently.

  Enkara paused before finally answering. “A coverlet for your bed in the storm season.”

  “Made by your hand for my bed. Covered in your scent.” He wasn’t openly laughing at her, but his grin was back full force, and his mirth made little bird’s feet at the corners of his eyes. “It’s a lovely courtship gift.”

  A moment later Enkara’s cheeks flamed. It was all Kuwari’s fault. She’d blushed more in the last day than in the previous four years combined.

  “You know it’s not a courtship gift!” She stumbled over her words in her rush to get them out. “I’ll wash it first.”

  Kuwari gave her hand a squeeze, and she realized he’d been holding it for a while. Before she had a chance to free it, he steered her over to the shade of a palm tree.

  Uncaring of their audience of Shadows, the Rebel Prince walked her backward into the tree’s trunk. He leaned forward, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke.

  “I forbid you to wash your courtship gift. And I expect to receive it on my name day or before if you’re so inclined.”

  “Why do you have to be so... so...” She stumbled to a halt realizing anything she said would only add fuel to the fire.

  “Male?” Kuwari supplied in a laughing tone. “Charming? Or maybe rakish?”

  “Infuriating!” Enkara braced her hands against his shoulders and gave him a firm shove. Kuwari laughed and held out his hand for hers. She thought about sidestepping around him, but in the end, she reached for his hand and dragged him from under the shade to continue the walk before he could get any more ideas.

  Chapter 8

  The dawn of her second morning on Nineveh, Enkara and Kuwari had reported to the throne room where they sat through a somewhat awkward meal waiting to hear what his punishment would be.

  King Ditanu was in no hurry, attending to other city-state business before finally turning his attention to his son and ordering him to go aid Councilor Nakurtum in preparations for Kuwari’s upcoming name day ceremony.

  The prince had looked horrified and said that was traditionally a task for his siblings. Unfortunately for him, his siblings were still all with their grandfather, and Councilor Shalanum wasn’t due back for half a moon, in time for Kuwari’s name day celebrations.

  So Enkara now found herself in the company of a very sullen Kuwari.

  “You know that stupid tradition has surely resulted in more than one heir having assassins sent after them?” Enkara mused to herself as they walked to the opposite end of the Palace complex where the Council chambers were situated.

  “Which stupid tradition are you referring to?”

  “The most immediate one.” She rolled her eyes at him. “You know, the one where you’re formally named Crown Prince on your name day and given one of the city-states to rule? That one.”

  “I know the one you meant,” Kuwari mumbled by way of reply.

  “Well, it’s a stupid tradition. I’d bet my favorite sword that governors in the past have sent assassins after that poor heir in a bid to hold onto their power.”

  Kuwari stopped walking, forcing Enkara and their escort to halt as well.

  “Your warrior’s training is superb, but you’re correct about the other facets of your education. I might as well start the lessons now,” he said with a laugh. “The displaced governor has much to gain. Firstly, often the heir ends up betrothed or romantically involved with one of the governor’s relations or another of the noble houses. Either occurrence will bring great honor to the island state. Secondly, the governor gets to advise and influence the heir. And thirdly, when the heir eventually takes the throne at some future time, that governor is likely to be elevated to a special advisor or some such.”

  “Hmmm. And fourthly,” Enkara chuckled and punched him in the shoulder, “I don’t think you could have sounded more like your mother if you tried.”

  He grinned. “Ugh. Didn’t mean to sound so condescending.”

  “Seriously, I think I’d prefer assassins over lifelong political ambition and manipulations. At least that problem can be solved with the sharp edge of a blade.”

  Kuwari attempted a frown but lost the battle and began to chuckle. “Gods, Enkara, you’re turning into Burrukan.”

  She arched an eyebrow at him. “What did you expect? He’s my mentor.”

  “I’m not sure. But not Burrukan with breasts.”

  “Thanks for that image. I’ll be sure to mention that to my mentor next I see him.” Enkara snorted with laughter as she walked away.

  They were still joking like old times when they reached their destination.

  There was only one
councilwoman present when they reached the council chambers, but she was already issuing orders to harried servants who were bringing her bits of colored fabrics, wall hangings, bench cushions, various foods, and other assorted items that needed to be tested, judged, and sampled in preparation for the big festival in honor of Kuwari’s name day.

  Enkara had always avoided council members as much as possible, but she still recognized Councilor Nakurtum. The woman hadn’t changed a bit. Mind you, it had only been four years although it felt much longer.

  “Ah, Prince Kuwari, I’m so happy you’ve come to help oversee. I’ve already selected some items for your inspection and approval.” The councilwoman continued like this was the most important event in three hundred years.

  “Delighted to help,” Kuwari said cheerily which Enkara’s gift told her was a complete lie.

  Enkara didn’t bother to put on a pleasant face, preferring to stand at the prince’s back, a silent and menacing presence, like all good Shadows. Though inwardly, she agreed with Kuwari’s mental thoughts—she’d love to be just about anywhere else.

  But then again, punishments weren’t supposed to be fun, and this was absolutely Kuwari’s punishment for escaping his guards and flying to Susa.

  ***

  “Aren’t you supposed to protect me from danger?” Kuwari whispered in her ear. “I nearly died from boredom. If she waved one more sample of scented oil in my direction, I might have expired at your feet. Then what would you have done?”

  “Killed the councilor for slaying you,” she said in her best inscrutable tone.

  “Oh, my beautiful, blood-thirsty Enkara, have I told you how much I’ve missed you?”

  “About three times a day.” When she rolled her eyes at him, he had the nerve to wink.

  “But, seriously,” Kuwari asked, “who actually cares about what herbal oils are used to scent the candles as long as they burn evenly and produce a good flame?”

  “Oh, come on. It wasn’t that terrible.”

  “Death. By. Boredom.”

  “Fine. At least it’s over now.”