Dance With the Enemy (13 page)

Elenya nodded, keeping her head down as he led her back toward the ship. “Thank you, my lord.” Her words were so quiet she wasn’t quite sure he’d heard her until she felt the slight squeeze of his hand again.

Yes
, Elenya thought,
my heart truly is in danger
.

Chapter 21

Tahruk was delighted with Elenya’s response to his gift to her people, especially when she slipped an arm about his waist and leaned into him on the walk back to the Zanak compound. He held her close to his side with an arm about her shoulders, reveling in the looks from the bands of seamen they passed along the more traveled, open path. Not all the men returning to their ships were members of the
Petit Cadeau
, though those who were offered quick words of congratulations to the couple’s union. Their open appreciation of his chosen’s beauty was not offensive in the least, in part because he shared their appreciation, and also because he knew they regarded him highly. Not one of them would have dared cross him, especially where his lady was concerned. He was also quite pleased with her response to the seamen. Her choice of words in her wishes for a successful journey to Aleone seemed wrought with perfection, bringing forth smiles of appreciation.

“You have a way about you, my lady,” Tahruk told her when they were alone again in their journey.

Elenya laughed in surprise and shook her head. “No, my lord. I simply know the language of the sea.”

Tahruk smiled, enjoying the way her breath caught when he leaned down to kiss her temple. She may know the sea, though what he’d witnessed was much more. His lady was a diplomat of sorts. He’d seen it with the captain of the
Petit Cadeau
, and with her crew, as well as at the feet of Master Daruh, and again within the midst of his own family members. Elenya Sharanis was the kind of woman who could change the world if she wanted to. There was something about her that made people want to please her, do for her. Hell, even
he
had fallen under her spell. And that was certainly not his nature. He’d thought his feelings would lessen once the fires of the marking had been quenched, though having Elenya had not sated his desire. It had only made him want her more, and he had every intent of satisfying that longing when they returned to his chambers. It was a thought that had him moving her along at an ever quickening pace the closer they got to home.

Almost as if she could read his mind, Elenya laughed as they moved faster. She broke from his side and took his hand. They were both breathless and laughing when they entered Zanak from the heavy door Tahruk had led her through that first day. Together they scurried to his chamber where Elenya twirled in a circle as the warrior closed and bolted the door. When he turned to her, she dropped her chin and look at him through lowered lashes.

“Vixen,” he growled before catching her to him.

Elenya’s head fell back, giving the warrior the freedom to devour her slim neck with greedy lips. Elenya moaned and then squealed when he scooped her up in his arms and whisked her to his bedchamber.

“It’s daylight, my lord!” she squeaked when he unceremoniously tossed her on the bed and began removing his clothing.

“It was daylight by the time I finished with you this morning as well, was it not?” He hitched a brow, though his disrobing did not slow at all. Her wide opened eyes grew even bigger when he fell to her side, his hand immediately finding its way beneath her skirts, while his mouth covered hers with demanding hunger.

“Oh, my lord,” she whispered against his lips, her voice breathy, broken with need. “I was so sure you should and then became fearful you might wait until the sun no longer colored the sky.”

Tahruk pulled his face from hers to look into her eyes. “Waiting is not one of my virtues, I’m afraid,” he told her.

“Nor mine,” she whispered, snaking her hands around his neck to pull his head back to hers.

Tahruk chuckled against her lips, only too happy to hasten them toward the act that would momentarily quiet the fires that raged between them.

“Never has another woman so completely engulfed me, Little One,” he told her as he held her after they’d made love.

Elenya lifted her head from his chest and stared at him for a moment. “Thank you for sharing that with me.”

Tahruk rubbed a thumb across her cheek before running his hand through the red tresses he’d already grown to love so very much. Elenya smiled and then lay her head back down. She began tracing finger circles around the smooth planes of his chest before slowly moving her hand lower.

Tahruk groaned. “We haven’t much time before the dinner hour, Little One. Be careful what you start lest I find myself unable to stop.”

Elenya stopped. “Must we venture out?” she practically whined.

“Would you vex my father with our absence? My mother either, for that matter?” He laughed, reminding her of the note he’d received right before they left for the harbor requesting their attendance at the evening meal. “I believe they would like to see for themselves that you’re okay.”

Elenya sighed. “Very well, though I can’t say I relish the whispers and covered mouth snickers that will accompany our presence.”

With the swiftness of his warrior training, Tahruk rolled her to her back and settled atop her. “If they wish to whisper, let us at least show up with a glow about us that will leave no guessing as to why we’re late.”

The pressure of her young body against his let the warrior know he would get no disagreement from her.

Once again, before losing himself completely in the beauty that shared his blood, he thanked the Masters for their wisdom in his match.

Chapter 22

Tahruk knew he needed to tamp down some of the gaiety bubbling inside lest others see it when he and Elenya entered the dining chamber. It simply wouldn’t do for him to be viewed as a love sot lop. He failed to suppress a grin as Elenya chattered about unimportant subjects in her attempt to curb her nervousness.

“My lady,” he said in order to gain her attention just outside the hall, then covered her lips with his when she turned to look up at him without pausing in her ramblings.

“Must you tease me so, my lord?” She pushed him away and started to speak again then stopped. “Oh bother. I must sound like a brood of clucking hens.” She covered her face with her hands making him laugh.

He took her hands in his and moved them aside where he could kiss her nose. “While I am enjoying your nattering, if you truly wish not to call attention to yourself, you may need to quell the chinwag before we enter.”

Elenya dropped a mock curtsy, then laughed as she leaned up to whisper in his ear. “Tell me, my lord, is it your custom to indulge a lady so?” He shivered when he felt her tongue against his lobe.

Grabbing her to him with an arm about her waist he returned the gesture, felt her tense, her breath catch. “Have you not yet learned I do exactly as I please?” He nipped at her earlobe then continued, “And if that includes indulging a lady,
my
lady, then I shall do so.” He pulled back to gaze down into eyes that he was quite sure showed a woman who was as besotted as he. A noise from behind had him quickly stepping away from her. He straightened his back and turned to look at the servant who had dropped his load. A heavy frown settled on the warrior’s face. “Come, Little One. Let’s go in before they send someone looking for us.”

He questioned his display of affection for Elenya in the hall. Had he not said he had no intent of allowing his family to see him behaving so? How would it look for the King’s finest to be seen wearing his feelings where the world could see, especially when his immediate world consisted of a scrutinizing family, or more pointedly, his father and brother? He could just imagine the looks he was going to receive when they realized he had so quickly allowed himself to fall completely under the spell of the daughter of his enemy! Would his actions from that point be under greater scrutiny?

He supposed that meant he was not
always
willing to do exactly as he pleased, at least where his reputation as a hardened warrior was concerned. He would not compromise that, even for his lady, and especially when his lady was who she was. He hated this war he battled within and understood more Elenya’s reservations in leaving his chamber to join the others. It seemed much easier when it was just the two of them.

Elenya frowned at Tahruk’s sudden change in demeanor, though he didn’t see it since her chin fell at the same time. Head down, she took his arm and allowed him to lead her into the hall, its atmosphere causing her frown to deepen. Instead of the festive chatter she was used to within the walls of Aleone’s dining hall, they were greeted with a silence punctuated by tension. Alarm shot through her at the downturned faces of the hall’s occupants. She looked at Tahruk, finding his expression every bit as grim, her tightened hold on his arm gaining a less than reassuring pat.

“Has someone died?” he asked after the silence had stretched too long.

Renaine pointed toward their chairs. “It seems there’s trouble in Travensworth’s kingdom.” He looked at Nema who wore a grim mask. Neria’s expression was not much better. He covered her hand with his before turning back to the now seated couple. “Andorak has sent word that we must be ready to move at a moment’s notice.”

“This is quite unexpected news. No one spoke of such at lunch nor was it mentioned by anyone when we visited the harbor this afternoon.” Tahruk continued to question his father and brother about the matter, the women remaining silent. Except Elenya.

Leaning forward to gain full view of the elder Sharanis, she asked him, “Why should the matters of another kingdom concern our King, my lord?”

The hall fell completely silent. Even Tahruk didn’t move beside her. Elenya felt the heat rushing to her cheeks knowing she most probably should have kept her dissention to herself. She kept her eyes on Renaine.

“It seems to me such actions only invite others to meddle in our affairs….”

“It seems to me,” Renaine cut her off, “living in exile has impeded your manners. You also seem to know nothing about the interweaving of the Kingdoms and Drilles in order to forge lasting relationships so that we may come to the aid of one another to gain a more peaceful existence.” Rehearsed words that did little to satisfy Elenya.

She started to retort then leaned back in her seat. “I see,” She picked at an imaginary spot on the table. Her voice and smile were glazed with sweetness that didn’t match her words. “We go to battle for peace. Makes
perfect
sense to me.”

“Elenya!” Tahruk’s whispered reproach had her pulling her hand out of his.

She returned her glare to the elder Sharanis. “My people spent almost a hundred years enjoying peace…”

“Your
people
had a trained guard that often fought alongside the King’s men.” Redahn’s voice captured ears and eyes alike. “They weren’t preparing in case of peace, now were they? And, begging your ignorance, but the King was prepared to defend them as well, even though exile should have had him turning his back on them completely. I know this only too well because I was injured in one such skirmish not far from the lines marking Aleone’s territory. They enjoyed peace at the expense of others.” He cleared his throat. “Your freedom cost me my ability to effectively wield a sword,
my lady.
As a warrior, I am essentially worthless.”

The bitterness in Redahn’s voice as well as the truth in his words turned Elenya’s stomach. She watched him shrug off the nurturing touch of his mother, wishing his resentfulness could have been shoved away just as easily. She sighed. Just another reason for these people to hate hers.

“Whether you believe in war as a means to an end or not, my dear, sometimes it
is
necessary.” Nema toyed with the stem of her wine goblet as she spoke. “Besides, we share blood with Corigan.” She stole a quick look at Renaine. “Our lord’s chosen is the daughter of Travensworth’s father’s sister. One of his sisters, at least. Above all others, it is our duty to step in and help protect their King, our kinsman.”

Through Nema’s speech, Elenya stared at Neria. “You are a princess, my lady?”

“Of lesser standing, yes.” Neria nodded. “Our mother was Mardek’s youngest sister.”

“Was?”

Nodding again, Neria blinked back tears.

“Elenya, can you not leave well enough alone?” Tahruk chastised her through clenched teeth.

It was obvious she had sorely tested her warrior as well as others around the table, and yet she continued to give voice to the thoughts forming in her head. “This King, his majesty Travensworth, he has no children, if memory serves. And he is the only son, which means his kingdom would fall to the eldest son of one of his siblings.” She turned to Tahruk. “Would that be you?”

His lips pressed firmly together, he ground out, “It is believed so, yes.”

Believed?
There was something missing from this confusing puzzle. “You… do not know, my lord?”

When no answer came, Elenya leaned forward. Her elbows anchored on the table, she rested her chin against steepled fingers and looked directly at Renaine. Inwardly quaking, she didn’t so much as flinch from his icy glare.

“There’s talk of a son from an older daughter, though I don’t see what concern any of this is to you,” Renaine told her.

The laughter that burst from the young woman startled the group. “Begging your pardon, my lord. I believe it affects me greatly when the children I most assuredly will bear may one day be required to lead a kingdom. I can’t believe I didn’t know. Why do you not carry the King’s name anyway?” She covered her head with her arms, continuing before he could answer. “What great responsibility rests upon the shoulders of the members of this family, on your oldest son and the woman marked with his blood! I should have been informed.”

“Why do you go on about such things, woman? It changes nothing!” Renaine’s fist against the table caused the silver and crystal, along with the occupants of the room, to jump. “Did you have any choice in becoming a part of this family any more than we had in whether we would accept you? And do you think the responsibilities that lay before us are something I have not considered every single day since the Dremis that brought my chosen to me?” He looked at Nema then pushed his chair back and turned to stare at the blazing fireplace in the corner of the room.

“How we got here makes no difference,” Neria said to no one in particular. “We’re all descended from royal blood, the markings pulling us together for the sake of peace and stronger lines.”

Her brows down, Elenya worked up a half-hearted smile before nodding to the lady of the house. For the first time she realized just how simple Neria was and that the lady had absolutely no idea the implications a kingship would mean to her son or to his children. Especially a kingdom wrought in turmoil.

The picture began to sharpen, every piece beginning to fit. No wonder this family, the Zanak Drille, was afforded so many luxuries. She looked at Renaine. Who was he? The son of one of the King’s sons, obviously. The age would be correct. Andorak was the oldest recorded living King. It made sense his grandson’s blood would be dispersed to a princess of another kingdom … what a grand plan. She sucked in loudly enough that those around her turned to stare, not that it took much since she’d spoken out. Still, the thought that hit her was truly shocking. What if King Andorak was responsible for the young King of Corigan’s death in order to secure a place for his own heir on the throne of that kingdom…

“Perhaps you would do well to return to chambers with your chosen, my son? I believe she is not well.”

“No,” Elenya spoke before anyone could respond to the order issued as a question. “Forgive my outbursts, my lord. I shall remember my place here and remain quiet.” Her eyes locked with Renaine’s, who had turned back to the table. The older Sharanis reached for his wine goblet and swallowed down a good portion before nodding his consent. Elenya looked at Neria to his left. She stared off  in an almost dream like trance. Beside her Redahn’s frown left her wondering what he was thinking. No doubt something resentful. Nema gnawed at her bottom lip in stern concentration, though why she would have such concern over any of this was beyond Elenya’s understanding. She reminded herself again to uncover Nema’s true place within this family hierarchy.

Elenya could not bring herself to look at the warrior beside her. Tahruk had remained mostly quiet throughout the altercation and she could not bear to receive the look of disapproval she deserved from him. Closing her eyes, she bowed her head breathing deeply to quell the roiling of her insides. Why had she never mastered the ability to silence her tongue? She wouldn’t blame her warrior if he was cursing the Masters for their irrational decision to put them together. No doubt her outburst this evening had killed anything that might have been forming between them.

The thought filled her with such sadness she could not contain the handful of tears that squeezed out to fall on her hands folded in her lap.  She opened her eyes as the warmth of Tahruk’s hand spread over hers. Slowly, she looked up at him, surprised to see him smiling at her, a look of admiration on his face. A small gesture, meant just for her, he winked and bumped her shoulder ever so lightly with his own before turning back to his father as the men discussed the news of the missing King and the dilemma it posed, without further interruption. The measure of relief that surged inside lightened her heart though the queasiness she’d felt continued its assault. Hopefully the food that was finally beginning to arrive would help. Heaven help her, she wanted nothing more than to stay and listen to everything these men had to discuss.