Savage Desire (Savage Lagonda 1) (15 page)

"Linda, I am humbled by her love. My happiness lies in making her happy."

Jeffery smiled broadly and extended his hand. "Congratulations, you just stole the family jewel."

"It is she that is the thief, Jeffery. She took my heart and will not return it."

"Ah, Tajarez, she has a collection of hearts. But this is the first time she has given hers."

"We must discuss the plans for the wedding, there is so much to do," Linda said, turning to David.

"How soon can the ceremony take place, David? It is very far to my home and I am anxious to begin the journey. I would not like for winter to set in before we reach the Seven Cities."

"You can discuss the details with Mara. I can understand your reason for haste, but you have not taken into account all the fussing women do when they are planning a wedding."

"May I call on Mara tonight? I want very much to see her."

"Why don't you come to dinner?" Linda asked. "I know Mara would like you to."

"Thank you, but I must decline your dinner invitation. However, I would like to bring my cousins, Anias and Sasha, so they might meet Mara, if you have no objections."

"That would be lovely. I am sure my sister-in-law would like to meet them, as they are members of your family."

Tajarez turned to Anias and spoke to him, then he watched as Anias left the tent to do his bidding. "I have a gift for you, which I hope you will accept. It is presented on behalf of my father and myself."

They were saved from answering by two men who carried a large chest in and set it in front of Tajarez, then departed. Tajarez raised the lid of the chest, and the Golden family stared openmouthed at the large amount of gold the chest contained. Surely no one man could have so much gold.

David stared long and hard at the gold, then swung around angrily to face Tajarez. "You insult me, Tajarez. My sister is not for sale. I will not accept your gold."

Tajarez looked at David in confusion. Did not all white men crave the yellow metal? Why was David offended? He could tell by the look on Linda and Jeffery's faces that they felt insulted as well. His respect for Mara's family increased. She truly came from a family with honor and principle.

"You are mistaken, David. The gold is not intended as payment for Mara. It is meant as a gift to you from my father and myself. I ask that you accept it in the spirit it is offered."

"No, I cannot in good conscience accept such a large amount of gold. Whatever you think of my race, we are not all greedy."

"I can see that, David, and I must tell you I am honored to have met a man I respect and admire. Forgive me the insult."

David turned to Jeffery. "It is time we were leaving for home. Mara will be most anxious to hear what has occurred."

Tajarez smiled to himself. His father would be pleased to learn that Mara's family had refused the gold on principle, but he would not be pleased if the gold was not accepted. A gift from the king was never refused.

"Linda, as your future brother, would you allow me to give you a wedding present? Surely you would not refuse me that pleasure."

She smiled at him sweetly. "I think I could not refuse when you put it that way."

"Excellent! I shall have my men deliver the chest of gold to you tonight."

Linda looked stunned, as David and Jeffery both laughed deeply.

"Your father must be proud of you, Tajarez. You have a gift of maneuvering people to suit your purpose," David said.

"I have taken lessons from a master since I was very small, David," Tajarez said, smiling. "But I have met with heavy resistance today."

"Would that you played chess," David told him. "I would enjoy challenging someone with your ability."

Tajarez smiled slightly. "If that is a challenge, I must tell you I do indeed play chess. Another accomplishment that O'Malley taught me."

David's eyes blazed. "I look forward to the contest." He extended his hand to Tajarez and they shook hands, exchanging looks of mutual respect. "I will tell Mara to expect you and your cousins tonight."

Jeffery took Sasha's hand. "It has been a pleasure to meet you, Sasha, and I look forward to seeing you again."

She smiled at him shyly, and could think of nothing to say when she looked into his brilliant green eyes.

After Tajarez walked the Goldens to their horses and bid them farewell, he returned to the tent where Anias and Sasha were waiting.

"I take it that they agreed for you to wed the Golden One, my cousin," Anias said.

Tajarez sank down on the cushion and closed his eyes. "I cannot yet believe that she will soon be mine. The Great Father seems to be clearing away all the obstacles that stood in our way. It was meant for the two of us to be together, this I know."

Sasha knelt down beside Tajarez. "Why did the man, David, become angered when you offered him the gold, my prince? I do not understand."

Tajarez smiled tenderly at her. "Because, little Sasha, he is an honorable man, and he felt I had insulted him."

"But you said all white men craved the gold."

"It seems I was mistaken. Today I met a man who held his honor above riches. How right it is that Mara should come from such a family."

"Is it really true that I shall meet her tonight, my prince?" Sasha asked.

"Yes, and she will love you, my little cousin. Go and prepare yourself. Do whatever you maidens do to make yourself presentable. I would talk to Anias alone."

Both men watched as Sasha left the tent, then Anias turned to Tajarez. "So, as usual, you have what you want."

Tajarez frowned at the biting tone in Anias's voice. "Perhaps you should explain."

Anias shrugged. "Ever since I can remember your fondest wish has been granted. This is merely one more example."

"I was not aware that my life was of such interest to you. Do you take tally?"

Anias recognized the anger in Tajarez's voice. "No, it is merely speculation, wondering if the time will ever come when there will be something you want that you cannot acquire."

"It makes little difference to me what I acquire now or in the future, as long as I have Mara. What else could a man want, except a son, of course."

"A half-white son to sit on the throne of the Seven Cities," Anias said acidly.

Tajarez scowled. Half white! He did not like to think of that possibility. No, his son would not have the white skin. Still, the seed of doubt had been planted, and in the weeks to come it would begin to grow.

A FAIR DAY. THE WIND BLOWS HARD FROM THE
SOUTH. THE BREEZES, WHICH ARE VERY FRE
QUENT IN THIS PART OF THE MISSOURI, ARE
COOL AND REFRESHING. SEVERAL HUNTERS
OUT TODAY, BUT, AS GAME OF ALL KINDS IS
SCARCE, ONLY TWO DEER WERE BROUGHT IN. I
AM MUCH ENGAGED DRAWING OFF A MAP.

—
   
William Clark

9

George watched as the three Indians dismounted. There were two men and a girl. He grudgingly took the reins of their horses to lead the mounts to the back of the house.

Had the family at the big house all gone mad? What did it mean, all the comings and goings of the Indians? He noted the appearance of the Indians. One of the men and the young girl wore silver, while the third Indian wore gold. What manner of Indians were these? No one ever told him anything about what was going on. Oh, well, he had been hired to tend to the chores. It was not his affair what went on at the big house, he thought, as he rounded the side of the house, leading the horses.

Tess answered the knock at the door. Her heart was pounding in her throat. Her eyes were wide with apprehension. Her glance swept the three Indians. One of the men and the young girl were wearing fawn-colored doeskin garments. The taller of the two men was dressed in white doeskin. Tajarez, she thought. He was a handsome devil, she admitted to herself as he smiled at her. Tess was startled as he began to speak in English.

"You must be Tess. I am Tajarez, and these are my cousins, Anias and Sasha."

"I know about you," Tess said, losing her fear, only to have it replaced with anger. "You are taking Mara away from me."

Tajarez smiled. "What would you have me do, Tess? You see, I love her."

"Like as not you do, and who would not," Tess admonished.

"You can see my problem then?"

Tess opened the door wider so they could enter. "Come on in. You are expected. You can wait in the sitting room. The rest of the family will not be joining you.

Tess led them into the sitting room. "Make yourselves at home. Mara will be down shortly," she told them just before she sailed out of the room.

Sasha could not help staring at the lovely room in awe. She lightly touched the china figurines that stood on a highly polished mahogany table. She ran her hand over the green velvet settee, loving the way it felt beneath her fingers.

Anias was having a similar reaction. Never had he seen so many strange things.

Tajarez watched with an amused smile on his face.

Sasha sat on the edge of the settee. "Why does the woman, Tess, not like you, my prince?"

"I suspect she barks loudly and bites softly, Sasha."

Three pairs of eyes moved to the doorway as they heard footsteps on the stairs.

Mara entered the room. Her blue silk gown was in the empire style, which had been made fashionable by Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife, Josephine. It fit snugly beneath her breasts and fell in soft folds, enhancing her beautiful body. Her golden hair fell to her waist. Her green eyes sparkled.

Sasha rose quickly to her feet. There could be no mistake, she was in the presence of the Golden One.

Anias gasped as his eyes widened in admiration. She could not be real flesh and blood. No one could be so perfect. Her skin was white and creamy. Her hair was the color of the noonday sun. She smiled at him, and at(that moment, he would gladly have died for her had she asked it of him. But then he realized that her smile was not meant for him, but Tajarez, who stood directly behind him.

She moved gracefully across the room, and some strange, sweet-smelling perfume drifted to his nostrils. Hatred burned in Anias's heart as Tajarez took her hand.

"I am so glad you have come. I could hardly wait to see you," she said in a throaty voice. She felt his hand tighten on hers as his dark eyes spoke volumes to her.

Tajarez, aware that his cousins were waiting to be presented to Mara, pushed her gently away from him. "Mara, I would like to present you to my cousin, Anias."

She turned to face the man. Smiling, she offered him her hand.

Anias took her hand and looked into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. Their green color startled him for a moment. He spoke softly, in words Mara did not understand.

"My cousin wishes me to tell you that your loveliness rivals the noonday sun, and he is yours to command," Tajarez told her.

Mara inclined her head to Anias, who was holding her hand tightly. "Tell Anias that I am pleased to know him, and thank him for the pretty compliment."

As Tajarez translated, Anias realized when he saw his cousin's raised eyebrow that he still held Mara's hand. Seeing the warning in Tajarez's eyes, he reluctantly released her hand and stepped back a pace.

Tajarez took her hand and turned her to face the lovely Indian maiden. Jeffery had told Mara of Tajarez
1
s lovely cousin, and she smiled brightly, wishing to put the girl at ease.

"Mara, I wish to present you to Anias's sister, and my cousin, Sasha. She has been most anxious to meet you."

Mara took both of Sasha's hands in hers, remembering Jeffery had told her Sasha could speak English. "I am pleased to meet you, Sasha, and I think you are very lovely."

"I thank you, Golden One, and I, too, am pleased to meet you at last." Sasha could not believe she was actually talking to the Golden One. She had practiced the English for just this purpose, and now all her efforts were being rewarded.

"You speak English very well, Sasha," Mara told her.

"I am pleased that you should say so, Golden One," Sasha said, lowering her head at the compliment. When she raised her head, she looked at Mara adoringly. "My prince told me of your beauty. I tried many times to envision what you would look like. I think there has never been such beauty as you possess."

Mara looked at Tajarez, and gave him an impish smile. "I am pleased your prince finds me pleasing to look at, Sasha, but I think you are perhaps much more fair than I."

"Oh, it is not so, Golden One. No one could be as lovely as you."

Mara frowned. "Why do you call me 'Golden One,' Sasha?"

Tajarez gave Sasha a warning glance, and she knew he had not told Mara of the prophecy. She was uncertain how to answer. "You are the Golden One," she said at last.

"Sasha, you must call me Mara."

"If that is your wish, Gold . . . Mara."

"Mara, I would ask a favor of you," Tajarez said.

She smiled at him with a hint of mischief. "Ask and I shall grant you any wish."

He smiled slightly. "Do you test me, Mara?" He motioned for his cousins to be seated. He then took Mara's hand and pulled her down on the settee and sat beside her.

"What is the favor you wish, Tajarez?"

"My cousin, Sasha, has been learning English just so she would be able to converse with you and instruct you in the Lagonda language. It would please me if you would allow her to remain with you so she might begin to teach you our ways and customs."

"Were you so sure you would find me and I would consent to marry you?"

"I was hopeful," he told her, looking deeply into her eyes.

Mara turned to Sasha. "I would be delighted to have you say with me, Sasha. Can you stay tonight?"

"If my prince wishes it," Sasha told her shyly.

"I have many questions to ask you, Sasha. You will be my teacher, and I your devoted pupil."

Sasha smiled sweetly and lowered her head.

Tajarez spoke to Anias, and he and Sasha rose to their feet.

"Mara, Anias will take Sasha back to camp to gather her belongings. She will return later," Tajarez told her.

Mara stood up and walked over to Sasha. "I look forward to your return. Tell your brother Anias it has been a pleasure meeting him."

While Sasha translated, Anias looked deeply into Mara's eyes, and for some unknown reason, Mara felt fear prickle her spine. She chided herself for feeling that way. Anias was Tajarez's cousin. What would she have to fear from him?

She and Tajarez walked Anias and Sasha to the door. When they had gone, Tajarez slipped his arm around her waist, and steered her back into the sitting room. He closed the door and turned to face her. She went readily into his outstretched arms.

"I have wanted to hold you in my arms ever since I arrived," he told her, tightening his grip on her.

She raised her face to him. "I cannot yet believe you convinced my brother to allow me to marry you. How did you accomplish it?"

"Your brother is a fair man. He could see how desperately I love you."

She rested her head against his wide chest, hearing his steady heartbeat. This man she loved so deeply would soon be her husband, and she would travel with him far away to some unknown destination, leaving everything that was familiar to her. Something akin to panic flashed through her mind. She had felt a little disturbed this afternoon when David had told her of his meeting with Tajarez. That he was a prince of some highly advanced and intelligent Indian race, which had never been discovered by the outside world, was unsettling to her.

"Tajarez, how will the people of your tribe receive me as your wife?"

He heard the apprehension in her voice. "You saw how my cousins felt about you. Trust me when I tell you the rest of my people await your coming with great anticipation." He raised her face to his. "You are feeling frightened at the thought of leaving your family, Mara. I shall become your family, and I will love you so much, you will not be frightened for long." His voice deepened. "Beloved, I love you." His lips covered hers in a searing kiss that took her breath away, stealing her mind and removing her fear. He was her love. Without him, her life would have no meaning.

Tajarez tore his lips from hers, and released her. "I wonder how much more of this I can bear," he said in a voice intense with feeling. Then he turned his back to her.

She slipped her arms around his waist, and laid her head against his broad back. "I love you, Tajarez."

"Do not touch me, Mara," he said in an agonized voice, moving away from her.

"Tajarez, I do not understand," she said in a voice that showed plainly how hurt she was by his words.

He turned slowly to face her. "Do you not know what you do to me, Mara? I am a man, and when you are near me, I want to ... all I can think of is ... I want you," he said passionately.

She smiled, understanding his reason for rejecting her. "We will be man and wife soon, Tajarez.",

"When, Mara? How soon can I take you to my home?"

"I do not know, Tajarez."

Tajarez walked over to the French doors, pushed them open, and stepped out into the garden. Mara followed him and stood beside him. They were both quiet for a long moment.

"Your friends will not understand when they find you are marrying an Indian, Mara," he said, breaking the silence at last. "They will try to dissuade you from going with me." He did not look at her, but stared out into the darkness.

"It does not matter what my friends think," she told him, not bothering to deny he spoke the truth. "No one save yourself could keep me from following you. Tajarez, we have a holy book that teaches us about our God."

He turned to face her. "I know. You speak of your bible."

She was once again amazed by his unending knowledge and intelligence.

"Yes, it is called the Bible. I would like to quote you something that is written in it. I have always felt it is by far the most beautiful passage from the Bible. I believe it fits how I feel about you."

She touched his smooth cheek softly, as she began to speak:

Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following
after thee: For wither thou goest, I will go; and where
thou lodgest, I will lodge: Thy people shall be my people,
and thy God my God: Where thou diest will I die, and there will I be buried: The Lord do so to me, and more
also, if ought but death part thee and me.

Tajarez stared at her, unable to speak for the lump in his throat.

"No one can dissuade me from going with you as your wife, Tajarez. I love you."

"Beloved, beloved," he whispered, touching her face with trembling hands. "Make the marriage ceremony soon, Mara. Please make it soon."

She looked into dark eyes that seemed to be tormented.

"How soon, Tajarez?"

“Tomorrow.”

She laughed. "I cannot possibly make it tomorrow. There is so much to do. I need a wedding gown; I must pack my belongings. It all takes time."

He closed his eyes, and opening them, focused them on her face. "How much time, Mara?"

She could sense an urgency about him. She could wear her mother's wedding gown; that would save time. The wedding would be a small one, with just the family. "Will you give me a week, Tajarez?"

"Seven days?"