The Golden Barbarian (Sedikhan #1)

Chapter 4

“Galen tells me you had a visitor last night,” Sacha said as he lifted Tess into her sidesaddle at dawn the next morning. “You needn’t worry that it will happen again. Kalim was mortified that Tamar had managed to slip by his sentries.”

“Galen reprimanded him?”

“Galen seldom reprimands. He simply told Kalim he was disappointed in him.”

“That seems a strange way to handle the matter.”

“It’s Galen’s way, and it’s always proved effective. The majiron’ s ‘disappointment’ has more sting than a tongue-lashing from another leader.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Kalim probably wishes that savage Tamar had cut my throat. It’s obvious Kalim has no liking for me.”

Sacha glanced away from her. “That’s only your imagination. How could he dislike you when he doesn’t know you?”

Tess recalled the brief look of resentment on Kalim’s face when Galen had introduced her and shook her head. “It’s not my imagination.” She caught sight of Galen. He was riding out of camp at Kalim’s side. “What do you know of this Tamar?”

“Not much. There have been a few skirmishes between his tribe and the El Zalan in the past few years, but Galen usually tries to avoid him.”

“Why?”

Sacha shrugged. “I have no idea. Galen doesn’t talk about him.”

“They were children together. Perhaps he still has a lingering fondness for him.”

Sacha shook his head. “Galen wouldn’t let friendship interfere with the good of the El Zalan. It’s probably that the tribes are so widely separated they don’t get in each other’s way.”

And cows could fly. “Yes, that must be it.” She gathered the reins. “Let’s go. Galen has left the oasis.”

“There’s no hurry.” Sacha swung up into the saddle. “You’re to ride in the rear with me until we reach Zalandan.”

“I can keep up,” she said, hurt. “I ride better than you.”

“That’s not the point. Galen has to ride up ahead with Kalim and lead the escort, but he wants to keep you away from the main party.”

“Mother of God.” Her hands clenched on the reins. “First, I’m penned up in that tent, and now I’m forced to eat the dust. I’m getting very tired of being placed in—”

“I’m hurt,” Sacha interrupted, pulling a face. “You’ve not seen me for years and yet you are already weary of my company.”

“You know that’s not what—”

“Five more days,” he coaxed. “Things will be different in Zalandan.”

She scowled. “Freedom?”

“To some extent.”

She kicked her horse into a trot. “To a great extent,” she said through clenched teeth. “I have no liking for all this smothering. When we get to Zalandan, I will no longer tolerate it.”

“Majira , wait!”

They both turned to see a young man galloping toward them. As he reined in, he flashed a broad grin and inclined his head in a polite bow. “Greetings, Majira . Since you’re not to be with the main party, Kalim has sent me to protect and serve you on the journey. My name is Yusef Benardon.”

“I believe I can assure my cousin any protection she requires, Yusef,” Sacha said dryly.

Yusef stared at him guilelessly, his black eyes like sparkling buttons in his round face. “Very well, then I will protect you, Sacha. It makes no difference to me.”

“Protect me? ” Sacha said blankly.

Yusef lowered his lids to half mask the mischief glittering in his eyes. “You think the honor bestowed on you is too great? I admit having the greatest warrior in Sedikhan put at your disposal is enough to dazzle and humble most men.”

Sacha closed his eyes. “I believe I’m beginning to feel ill.”

Yusef waved his hand airily. “You see? The majira does have need of me, since you’re clearly of a delicate nature.”

Tess smothered a smile as she saw Sacha’s eyes flick open in outrage. It was all very well for her cousin to joke about his delicate sensibilities, but he couldn’t tolerate others doing so.

Yusef had caught her glimmer of a smile from the corner of his eye and immediately turned to her with a coaxing grin. “You must not send me back to Kalim. It’s very boring and lonely up there for me, as all the other men are jealous of my prowess. We shall get along much better back here together.”

“Indeed?”

He smiled solemnly. “I shall immerse myself in the radiant delight of your company, and in return I will tell you many stories that will inform and amuse you. I promise I’ll make the hours of the journey fly by.”

“A result much to be desired,” Tess said.

“Then we’re agreed.” Yusef gave her another dazzling smile. “I’ll go ahead and make sure the road has been made safe for you, but do not fear. I’ll not let you linger without me in this abysmal boredom a moment longer than necessary.” Yusef galloped out of the oasis after the column of men.

Tess laughed helplessly as she heard Sacha’s muttered oath.

“I don’t find anything amusing in—” Sacha broke off and smiled reluctantly. “It’s no wonder Kalim sent him back here out of harm’s way. The scalawag has unerring aim. By the end of five days he probably would have managed to antagonize every one of Galen’s men and completely disrupted the escort.”

“He’s not a great warrior?”

“I didn’t say that. He’s one of the best fighters Galen has. Unfortunately, he also has a highly developed talent for mischief.”

“I think I like him.”

“I’m not surprised. Most women have a weakness for Yusef. Which is another reason he’s not overpopular with the men.”

“He’s a womanizer?” The idea surprised her, for Yusef had no claim to the wonderful good looks of Kalim or Sacha, much less the magnetism of Galen. He was only a little above middle height, and appeared wiry and agile rather than powerful. In fact, he reminded her of a rather endearing monkey with his sparkling eyes and round, merry face.

“Let’s say he has a weakness where all ladies are concerned. They smile at him, and he forgets trifling realities such as husbands and fathers.” He shrugged. “But don’t worry—he may be rash, but he’s not mad. He won’t insult the majira , and he may even amuse you.” He scowled. “Not that we need the rascal.”

Tess’s lips twitched. “No, of course not.” But she was already feeling her spirits rise as she nudged her mare into a trot. She was sure it had not been Kalim’s intention to see to her entertainment when he had sent Yusef to be her escort, But Yusef’s mischievous presence just might make the journey bearable.

“There it is!” Yusef gestured jubilantly. “Zalandan.” He started at a gallop after the column a quarter of a mile ahead.

“I didn’t expect this.” Tess paused on the hill beside Sacha and gazed at the great walled city in the valley below. With a gold-dipped brush the late afternoon sunlight gilded the turquoise minarets and the white stone of the houses of Zalandan. The beauty of the city touched her heart and soul. “It’s very impressive. Almost as large as Belajo.”

“That’s where the similarity ends,” Sacha said dryly. “Belajo leans toward the West. Zalandan is definitely of the East.”

“Yet you preferred to spend the last six years here.”

“Because it called to me.”

“Called to you?” she asked, puzzled.

“You’ll see.”

They wound their way down the hill to the city.

“Zalandan has its own allure,” Sacha said as they passed through the city gates.

She saw what he meant as they traveled through the crowded streets of Zalandan. Amid the spice shops and silk stalls, vendors carrying huge cages filled with doves and white cockatoos stopped their haggling to watch the troop ride across the huge marketplace.

Yusef rode back to join Tess and Sacha as they reached the market. “Ah, it’s good to be home,” he said, and sighed contentedly. He added quickly, “Not that I didn’t enjoy every moment of your company, Majira . The past days will live in my memory through an eternity of—”

“Enough, Yusef.” Her tone was abstracted as she eagerly gazed at the shops and stalls on either side of her. She suddenly pointed to a shop where a variety of brilliant-hued pottery containers with strange long handles were displayed. “What kind of place is that? I’ve never seen vases shaped like those, and they’re all exactly the same size.”

Yusef glanced casually at the shop she had indicated. “Those aren’t vases, they’re carobels . Camar has the finest carobel shop in all of Zalandan.” He grinned. “And one of the most beautiful daughters.” He glanced wistfully back at the shop. “With a heart as generous as her face is fair. I don’t suppose now that you’re safely in Zalandan, you would permit—”

Tess shook her head resignedly. She had an idea she would live no longer in Yusef’s memory than the moment he saw the shopkeeper’s generous and comely daughter, but she would miss the scamp. Thank the saints she’d had Sacha and Yusef’s company on the journey, for she had certainly seen little enough of Galen since that first night. Not that it mattered to her, she assured herself quickly. “Go to your shopkeeper’s daughter, Yusef.”

He smiled. “I look forward to basking in your presence again, Majira .” He wheeled his horse and rode swiftly back toward the shop.

“At least he made it through the gates before he yielded to temptation,” Sacha said. “He’s not usually so celibate. I thought perhaps he’d make a side excursion on our journey and visit one of the women of the hill tribes.”

Once they left the bazaar, Tess expected to see signs of the poverty she had encountered in Belajo and Paris, but though the houses were small, they seemed spotlessly clean, and the people well-fed and cheerful. Galen’s appearance was met by smiles and cheers, but they all drew respectfully aside as the column approached.

“The palace is just ahead,” Sacha said as he nodded to the huge courtyard at the end of the street.

She could hardly have missed it, Tess thought dazedly. The palace was only two stories high, but it was a dreamlike turreted structure with arched windows and delicately fretted balconies. It was built of a creamy beige stone that caught the sunlight and glittered like a massive jewel in the center of the courtyard.

“It’s…bewitching.”

Sacha noted her entranced expression and nod-led knowingly. “I told you. It calls to you.…”

“Welcome to Zalandan.” Galen had dismounted and was striding toward them.

She stiffened, jarred out of her bemusement.

He raised his brows as he saw the wariness in her expression. “I hope my home pleases you?”

“Of course it pleases me. Why should it not? It’s very beautiful.”

“And a surprise.” He smiled faintly as he lifted her down from her mare onto the mosaic tiles of the courtyard. “I told you we savages can lay claim to certain comforts. Gold buys nearly anything in this world.” Her gaze flew to his face, and he shook his head. “No, I know it didn’t buy you. Your price was higher. But gold can make your stay here pleasant.” He turned to Said. “Take her to her quarters and be sure Viane makes her comfortable.”

“I’ll take her,” Sacha said quickly. “I have nothing better to do.”

Galen turned back to look at him, and for an instant Tess thought she saw a flicker of concern on his face before he shrugged. “As you like.” He turned to Tess. “Tell Viane I’ll come to your chamber to sup with you at dusk.”

“If you’re not too busy?”

His brows lifted at the caustic note in her voice. “I won’t be too busy.” He went toward the stable where Kalim waited.

Excitement mixed generously with resentment rippled through her as she watched Galen join Kalim and enter the stable. He had not supped with her since the night of their wedding. In truth, she had scarcely seen him on the journey to Zalandan. He had stayed at the campfire with the men, coming to their tent only after she had gone to sleep.

“Tess?”

She turned to see Sacha gazing at her With an amused smile.

He gestured with a mocking flourish for her to precede him into the palace.

She quickly climbed the steps, and the doors were immediately thrown open by the two robed guards standing at attention. “Who is Viane?”

“Galen’s half-sister.”

“I didn’t know he had a sister.” She shouldn’t have been surprised at her ignorance. She was finding she knew very little about her husband.

“Galen’s mother died when he was twelve, and soon after his father married again. Viane was the only child of the union.” He led her swiftly down the gleaming corridor, his steps springing with a curious eagerness. “You’ll grow fond of Viane.”

Tess made a face. “I don’t seem to make friends with women easily. They find me too bold.”

“I can see why.” Sacha grinned. “Not many ladies prefer stables to ballrooms, but you’ll have no conflict with Viane.”

“She likes to ride?”

“No, she’s rather timid around horses, but that won’t matter.”

She looked at him skeptically. She could not magine a feeling of closeness toward anyone who ad no fondness for animals.

He chuckled as he saw her expression. “Truly.”

He stopped before a carved teak wood door, threw it open, and then stepped aside for her to precede him into the chamber.

A slight dark-haired woman gowned in flowing light blue draperies came toward them. A deep rose flush colored her olive cheeks as she inclined her head politely to Sacha. “Welcome back, my lord.” She turned to Tess and smiled gently. “I have been looking forward to this moment since Galen sent word you were coming. Welcome, Majira. ”

Viane Ben Raschid radiated warmth. Her wide-set dark eyes shone with good humor, and her beautiful features seemed to be lit from within.

“They call me Tess.” Tess smiled at her. One could not help but smile at Viane. “And I’m sure I would have looked forward to meeting you also had I known you existed. No one had the civility to tell me.”

Viane’s smiled widened. “You’re very blunt.” She smiled. “Frankness is a wonderful virtue. I am too bound by courtesy to speak as honestly as you do.”

Tess burst out laughing. “Some people call it rudeness, not honesty.”

“Oh no.” Viane appeared distressed. “I am the one who was rude. I did not mean to speak without tact. I meant—”

“I know.” Tess held up her hand to stop Viane’s words. That first strong impression of Viane’s gentle dignity had blinded her to the realization that Galen’s sister was scarcely older than herself. She doubted if the young girl knew the meaning of the word rudeness. “I was jesting. It’s my way.” She glanced at Sacha, who was still staring in bemusement at Viane. “Is that not so, Sacha?”

“What?” He tore his gaze from Viane’s face. “Yes, you’ve always been cheeky.”

Tess’s eyes widened in surprise. She had never seen such an expression on Sacha’s face, and Viane’s cheeks had gone scarlet again.

“Let me make you comfortable.” Viane lowered her lashes, turning quickly away from Sacha. “If my lord Sacha will leave us?”

Sacha frowned and nodded curtly. “I’ll see you in the morning, Tess.” He turned on his heel and left the chamber.

Viane breathed a sigh of relief as the door closed behind him. “Now, you must bathe while I find you something to wear.”

“I have gowns in my valises.”

Viane shook her head as she clapped her hands for a servant and moved briskly across the chamber toward an armoire inlaid with mother-of-pearl. “Galen sent word that I should provide you with a few of my garments tonight. Later he wishes to choose things for you himself.”

The high-necked gown Viane lent Tess was made of a length of white chiffon shot with silver that draped her small form without clinging and was completely unrevealing.

Galen’s gaze ran over her appraisingly when he entered the chamber that night. “Better than my robe,” he commented shortly. “We’ll attend to the rest of your wardrobe tomorrow.”

“I’m surprised that you’re bothering with such a small matter. Ladies’ fashions could be of no interest to you.”

“I’ve always found minor details can suddenly become annoyingly abrasive if left untended.” He smiled faintly. “And my wife’s clothing is of the utmost importance to me.”

“Even when you hide her away?” Tess asked flippantly.

“I take care of my own.” He moved across the room to the divan. “And circumstances are different now.”

“In what way?”

“We’re not surrounded by my men.” He settled himself on the pillows before the low table that the servants had laid with fine china and jeweled goblets. “There are thick walls around us instead of flimsy cloth.” He stared into her eyes. “I’m very selfish,” he said softly. “I don’t want anyone but me to hear the cries you’ll make.”

The blood rushed to her cheeks, and she found she couldn’t pull her gaze away from his. “I see,” she said faintly. She knew the primal cries he meant. From childhood on she had heard Pauline and others scream out in the throes of passion. “You may be disappointed. I’ve always thought—it lacks dignity.”

He burst out laughing. “And you’re so very conscious of appearances.”

She flushed. “I may be less than womanly at times, but I’m not without dignity.”

His laughter faded, but a hint of tenderness lingered. “Yes, you have dignity, the very best kind. Not based on pride, but in confidence of what you are.”

Startled, she asked, “I do?”

He nodded. “Even when you were a child, I noticed it. Dignity and honor. I knew you would be a woman to trust.”

She felt a warm, sweet melting deep within her. A woman to trust. She felt as if she had been given a gift of great value. “I thought Viane would be supping with us.”

He shook his head. “She eats with the women.”

Tess frowned. “Why?”

Galen caught the hint of belligerence in her tone and smiled. “Not because I wish it. Viane’s mother raised her in the old ways and traditions. She’s more comfortable eating in her quarters.”

“Then you should have striven to make her comfortable with the new ways.”

“It’s a battle I fight every day.”

“But not in your own palace.”

“No, I guess not.” His expression was suddenly weary. “I can’t fight every minute of every day.”

She felt a rush of sympathy that banished her belligerence. She moved toward him across the chamber. “Never mind. I’ll attend to it now that I’m here.”

He smiled. “I do not doubt it. But please don’t pitch Viane into a bog.”

“I wouldn’t do such a thing. I like her.” She sat down on the cushions opposite him. “You have very little European furniture in the palace. I thought since you’d spent so much time in Tamrovia, you would have imported—”

“I spend only as much time as I’m forced to in Tamrovia. This is where I belong.” The words were said simply, but with great conviction. “I take what the El Zalan and I need from other countries and no more.”

“And you have no need for dining tables?”

He shook his head. “The floor is better.”

“Why?”

“Eating is a natural function, and there’s an easiness and naturalness about sitting close to the earth. Are you not more comfortable sitting there on your silk pillow than occupying those stiff cushioned chairs used in your country?”

She nodded slowly, as she realized he was right. “You believe life should be simple and natural?”

“As much as possible. We have enough conflict and tragedies without making the everyday functions of living difficult for ourselves.” He smiled. “Now, eat. You’ve probed enough for now.”

“You object to questions?”

“No, it is your right to question.” He poured wine into a bejeweled goblet and handed it to her. “As it is mine to refuse to answer.”

She took the wine, staring down into its red depths. “I have another question.”

“Yes?”

“When you saved Apollo and Daphne, I promised you anything you wanted.” She lifted her gaze to meet his across the table. “When you made your offer to me at the inn, you made no mention of that promise. Why?”

“For two reasons. First, trust. I wanted you to come to me freely.”

“And the second?”

He smiled. “I wanted to save that promise to use at a more propitious time. I wanted to keep you bound to me.”

The air between them was suddenly charged with sensual awareness. Tess became acutely conscious of the scent of the gardenias in the giant alabaster vase standing in the corner, the softness of the chiffon pressing against her breasts, his intent gaze on her.

She hurriedly took a sip of wine that flowed warm and heady down her throat. “You’re being very honest with me.”

“Always.” He studied her face. “Would you like to see Apollo?”

“Tonight?”

He shook his head. “Tomorrow. I’ll come for you after I’ve finished with the morning audiences.”

Come for her? Then he had no intention of staying the night.

“No.” His gaze was reading her expression. “That was just to let you become accustomed to me in your bed. Now, it’s time for us to be apart for a while.”

“I don’t understand.” She frowned. “And I’m not sure I like all this dithering about.”

His eyes twinkled. “I’m not overfond of it either, I assure you. The ‘dithering’ will be brought to an end as soon as possible.” He smiled slowly. “And then I will spend every night in your bed, and possibly many hours of the day as well.”

She again felt the curious tingling and sense of breathlessness. She took another sip of wine and nodded briskly. “To get me with child.”

His expression became guarded as he poured wine into his own goblet. “But of course. Isn’t that the reason you’re here?”

“I thought Apollo would be at the palace stables.” Tess frowned as she glanced at the pretty white stone house before which Galen and she had stopped after a long ride through the narrow streets of Zalandan. “Couldn’t you have kept him with you?”

“I could have.” Galen dismounted from Selik and lifted Tess down from her mare. He tossed the reins to Said and took Tess’s arm. “But I decided not to.”

“Why not? I know he must have annoyed you on the journey to Sedikhan, but you—”

“He made my life a misery on the journey from Tamrovia,” Galen broke in flatly. “But that’s not why he’s here and not at the palace.” He opened the ornamental iron gate and allowed her to precede him into the garden. “Bringing Daphne and Apollo here seemed to solve several problems. I’m forced to travel extensively, and I couldn’t provide them with the same attention you gave them, and I didn’t wish to cage them in the kennels.” He looked down at her. “I didn’t think you’d want them to exchange one cage for another.”

“No.” The frown remained on her face. “But I find this unsettling. Whenever I remembered Apollo, I thought of him with you.”

“You gave them into my care. I had to make decisions as to their welfare.” He propelled her down the path leading around the house. “When I returned to Zalandan, I found a tribal disturbance had broken out in the hills, and one of my chieftains and his wife had been killed. They left behind a fifteen-year-old son. The boy was alone and grieving, so I brought him here and put him to the task of helping me train Apollo and Daphne.”

“Train?” Her gaze flew to his face. “You tried to train Apollo?”

He nodded. “We succeeded in training Apollo.”

“To hunt?”

“No, that was not his nature. That’s where your father erred. Apollo has no killer instincts. However, he did have the potential to be a great tracker.” He smiled. “Now, Apollo can track man or beast even through desert country.”

She gazed at him in disbelief. “Apollo?”

His smile faded. “He couldn’t stay a gamboling pup forever. He wasn’t used cruelly, but he had to fulfill his purpose in life.”

All these years she had remembered the dog as her awkward, madcap friend. She tried to smile. “And what of Daphne? Have you solved her problem too?”

He nodded. “She’s not as good a tracker as Apollo, but she likes the trail.” He paused. “And Apollo is a grandfather many times over.”

“Daphne finally accepted him?”

“When it was a matter of choice, not force. I’ve found opportunity and choice usually win the day.”

Opportunity and choice. She suddenly saw the relationship between his behavior with her and his patience with the hounds. “I…see.”

“No, you don’t. You don’t understand at all. Besides opportunity and choice, the bitch must also be in heat.”

She was startled by the crudity of his words. “I’m surprised you could not control that element as well,” she said flippantly.

He smiled. “One must leave something to nature.”

The sensuality in his smile caused her to glance hurriedly away. She caught sight of the upper part of a house a few streets away that towered grandly over its neighbors. “That’s a fine-looking residence. Who lives there?”

“Yusef Benardon.”

“Yusef?” Her gaze flew back to his face. “He has such wealth?”

He nodded. “His father was one of the richest silk merchants in Zalandan.”

“Then why was Yusef part of your escort?”

He shrugged. “Town life becomes dull, and young men often prefer battle to bartering.” He paused before continuing smoothly, “You appear very interested in our Yusef. You find him appealing?”

“Of course.” She spoke absently, her gaze still on the house. “Who would not? He makes me laugh.”

“And you find him handsome?”

“I suppose so.” She thought about it. “The more one is with him, the more comely he seems.”

His lips tightened. “Perhaps it was a mistake to let you become so accustomed to his presence.” Before she could answer, he pursed his lips and gave a piercing whistle. The sound was met immediately by an uproar of barking, and two huge white flashes bounded around the house toward them.

Eagerness soared through Tess. Six years…

“Apollo!” She fell to her knees on the ground, but the borzois ignored her and dashed past her to Galen to give him a frenzied welcome.

“Down.” Galen held out his hand, and the borzois immediately froze, only their tails waving frantically. Galen’s gaze narrowed on Tess’s disappointed face, and he muttered a low curse. “Don’t look like that. They’re only dogs.”

“I know.” She smiled tremulously, blinking back the tears. “I shouldn’t have expected them to remember me, but I used to think about them at the convent.… They’ll have to get to know me again.”

“Time goes on, Tess,” he said gently. “Nothing stands still.”

She got to her feet and busily dusted off her habit. “They appear to have great affection for you. You must have treated them very well.”

“For God’s sake, I didn’t set out to rob you of their affection.”

“No, of course not. I knew them both as pups, and missed all the growing years.” She smiled brightly. “I understand.”

He muttered something beneath his breath. “But you’re hurting,” he said thickly. “I should have anticipated this.”

“You’re no seer. You couldn’t be expected to know how dumb animals would react.” She reached out and touched Daphne’s silky coat with a loving hand. “I’m sure I was foolish to—” She broke off as the dogs suddenly tore away from them down the path toward the man approaching them from the house. “Who—?”

It was Kalim…but not the fierce, stern Kalim she had come to know. He laughed boyishly as the two dogs launched themselves at him in joyous delirium.

Tess stiffened. “What’s he doing here?”

“He lives here. This is the house I gave him six years ago when I brought him down from the hills after his father’s death.”

“That boy was Kalim?” She was astonished at how affectionately he regarded the dogs. “I would never have guessed.”

“He’s very conscious of his responsibilities. He was forced to become a man before he stopped being a boy.”

“You like him?”

He nodded. “And understand him. I was only in my seventeenth year when my father died and I became sheikh of the El Zalan.” He strode down the path toward Kalim. “Coming here was a mistake. Let’s give Kalim our greetings and be gone.”

The smile lingered on Kalim’s face as he lifted his head to look at Galen. “I thought it must be you. Apollo tore out of the house like a—” He broke off as he caught sight of Tess. His smile vanished, and he bowed formally. “Majira.”

She felt a chill go through her. “How do you do, Kalim? I must thank you for being so kind to Apollo and Daphne.”

“No kindness was necessary, Majira . I am fond of them.” He turned back to Galen. “Will you be needing me for the next few days? If not, I thought I’d ride into the hills to visit my great-uncle.”

“Go, but be careful. A messenger arrived this morning with news of more raids on the Said Ababa border.”

“I’m always careful.” A warm smile lit his face as he gave the dogs a final pat. “As you’ve taught me to be, Majiron . I’ll bring you back a true report on the raids by the week’s end.” He bowed to each, then hurried up the path to the house.

Galen watched him with a worried frown. “I don’t like him going alone.”

“You’re truly fond of him,” Tess said, amazed.

“I have emotions,” he said mockingly as he took her arm and guided her through the garden toward the gate. “I have affection for Viane and Kalim and Sacha and many people of whom you have no knowledge.”

“But Kalim seems…”—she substituted a word for the rude term she meant—“cold.”

“He’s not cold. You just don’t understand him.”

“It’s not likely that I will. He resents me.”

“Yes.”

She had expected him to deny the charge as Sacha had done. “Why? Because you wed me?”

“Partly.” He opened the gate. “But principally because you’re of the West.”

“I don’t understand.”

“He’s been out of Sedikhan on occasion, and he realizes what a pull the West exerts.”

She frowned in puzzlement. “On you?”

“No, not on me.” He lifted her onto the sidesaddle. “Before my stepmother died, she arranged a marriage between Kalim and Viane. Their marriage is to take place next summer.”

“With Viane’s consent?”

His lips tightened as he mounted Selik. “I would not have sanctioned it otherwise. You persist in thinking me a tyrant. Some of the old ways are best, but I would not cage Viane any more than I would Apollo or Daphne.”

“Where are we going now?” she asked, trying to keep up with him.

“Back to the palace,” he said curtly. “I made a mistake, but that doesn’t mean I can’t set it right.”

The golden palomino mare in the stall stood fifteen hands high and shone creamy gold in the sunlight.

“Her name is Pavda.” Galen patted the mare’s nose. “She’s been ridden only by the grooms to exercise her. At one time I thought to give her to Viane, but she’s afraid of her.”

“Afraid of this angel?” Tess moved forward to stand beside Galen. “But why? Look at her eyes. Anyone can see she’s gentle as a lamb.”

“Tell that to the groom who rides her every morning.”

“She doesn’t like being cooped up.” She shot him a glance. “I can understand that.”

“Did I feel a barb hit home?” He made a face. “If you’re in such sympathy with her, then you obviously belong together. I take it you’ll accept Pavda?”

She gazed wistfully at the mare. “I like Viane. I wouldn’t steal this beauty from her.”

“You can’t steal what has never been given.”

“I can’t believe it. You’re really giving her to me?” Tess’s cheeks flushed with excitement as she ran a caressing hand over Pavda’s muzzle. “She’s going to be mine?”

“Wasn’t that part of our bargain?”

“Yes, but my father—” She stopped. “I keep forgetting you don’t like being compared to him.” She made an impatient gesture. “You know as well as I that not many men keep honor with women.”

“That’s because we feel helpless before some of their weapons.”

“Nonsense, it’s the men who hold all the power in the world.” She spoke absently, her gaze on Pavda. “She’s mine? You won’t take her back?”

“She is yours.” He added softly, “And you won’t have to fight for her affection. She’s had no mistress but you, nor will she ever.”

Warmth rippled through her. “Mine,” she murmured. “May I ride her now?”

“Not now. Tomorrow is soon enough.”

“But I want to—”

“Tomorrow,” Galen said firmly. “I have things to do for the next few hours and have no time for lessons.”

“Lessons?” she asked indignantly. “I ride very well. Better than most men.”

“Sidesaddle.” He took her arm and pushed her gently toward the door of the stable. “From now on you ride astride.”

She gazed at him, shocked. “Like a man?”

“My mother was killed riding sidesaddle. A horse fell and crushed her,” Galen said grimly. “I’ll not have you mounted on one of those death traps any longer than I can help it.” He chuckled as he saw her expression. “Why do you look at me like that? I would have thought you’d like the freedom.”

“I never—I was always told that a woman must ride—” Her eyes began to sparkle as she began to consider the possibilities. “I never thought it possible.”

“Many things are possible in Zalandan that aren’t possible in the rest of the world.” He smiled faintly into her radiant face. “You just have to cast off the old ways of thinking.”

“Yet you cling to some of the old ways.”

“Choice.” He didn’t look at her. “Simply because a possibility exists doesn’t mean we have to act on it.”

“But you gave me no choice in what manner I’m to ride.”

“That was different.”

“A man’s answer. No logic.” Tess smiled joyously. “But since you’ve given me Pavda, I forgive you everything.”

“I thank you.” He bowed slightly. “Then I hope your indulgence will extend to accepting my guidance in choosing your wardrobe. The fabric vendor and the tailor will be in your chamber at two this afternoon.”

“Oh that.” She frowned. “I’d much rather go back to the stable and get better acquainted with Pavda.”

“Indulge me,” he said again.

She shrugged. “Oh, very well. I guess I do need something in which to ride. This habit is suitable only for sidesaddle.”

He turned away, but not before she saw the faintest smile touch his lips. “Yes, riding is of the utmost importance.”

* * *

After she left the stable, Tess immediately went back to the palace to seek out Viane, whose quarters were much like her own. There was one exception. Viane’s terrace held a huge aviary with white lattice stone walls and occupied by trees, shrubbery, and a multitude of birds of varying types and hues.

The gate of the aviary was slightly ajar, but Tess stopped just outside. “Viane!”

“Come in, Tess,” Viane called from within. “I’m feeding the birds.”

“I’ll wait.” Tess peered warily through the lattice at a huge parrot balanced on Viane’s slender arm. “You like birds?”

“Oh yes.” Viane lifted her arm and the parrot flew up onto a branch in the tree next to her. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

“Very nice.”

Viane looked at Tess in surprise as she moved toward the lattice door. “You’re afraid?”

“No such thing.”

Viane gazed at her in wonder. “Yet you told me you loved horses. How can you be afraid of these gentle creatures when you have no fear of those huge monsters?”

“Horses don’t scatter their bounty from above with a singular lack of discrimination.”

Viane burst out laughing. “True, but I’d still rather watch one in flight than be on the back of a fierce stallion.”

Tess braced herself and said in a rush, “Galen gave me Pavda. I thought you should know.”

“Why?” Viane raised her brows. “I have no interest in riding her.”

Tess frowned in puzzlement. “That’s what Galen said, but I couldn’t believe it.”

Viane studied Tess’s bewildered expression before smiling gently. “You must understand. I’m not like you, either in nature or upbringing. I’m not bold, and I have no desire to go beyond my limits.”

“How do you know what your limits are, if you don’t try to go beyond them?”

“Why, I don’t—” Viane started to laugh. “You see, we’re not at all alike.” She closed the aviary door and moved gracefully across the terrace. “You left the palace very early. Let me order tea for you.”

“How did you know that?”

Viane flushed guiltily. “You must not think I’m spying on you. Since my mother died, the servants have looked to me to oversee the running of the palace, and Galen has made no objection.” She continued hurriedly, “But since you are now the majira , perhaps you—”

“Me?” Tess looked at her blankly. “You jest. Good heavens no! I intend to spend more time at the stable than the palace while I’m in Zalandan.”

“ While you’re in Zalandan?” Viane gazed at her in confusion. “What do you—”

“Are those pigeons?”

Viane nodded.

“The Count owned pigeons. He trained them to carry messages to his cousin in Paris. It was most interesting.”

“Carry messages?”

Tess nodded. “The Count said pigeons have been used to carry messages since the twelfth century before the birth of Christ, sometimes for distances of hundreds, even thousands, of miles.” She whirled to face Viane, her face alight with eagerness. “I know, we will train our own pigeons.”

Viane frowned. “I do not think—”

“Of course we will,” Tess interrupted, her eyes sparkling. “Why not? It’s a splendid idea. You’ll teach me about birds, and I’ll teach you about horses.” She linked her hands behind her back as she began to stride back and forth across the terrace. “I learned a little from the Count. It seems the instinct is there in most pigeons, and one must only give them the opportunity. If the Count could manage it, I’m sure we can do even better, for he was not at all clever. By the time I leave Zalandan, I’ll know all I need to know about—”

“Leave here? Why should you leave here? This is your husband’s home.”

Tess hadn’t meant to let her enthusiasm run away with her. “That doesn’t mean I must stay here forever. It’s not that kind of marriage.”

“There is only one kind of marriage. You must not think these thoughts.” Viane added flatly, “Galen will not let you leave him.”

“You will see.” Tess paused in midstride and turned to face her. “I understand you are to marry yourself next summer.”

“Yes.” A soft flush dyed her cheeks as she glanced back at the pigeons, now on a low branch of a pepper tree. “It was arranged by my mother. Kalim is a good man, and very kind to me.”

“And you are content?”

“As much as I can be,” Viane said haltingly. “I think some women are not meant for marriage. I feel very shy when I think of Kalim.”

“Then don’t think of him,” Tess said. “Who knows what will come before next summer?” She grinned. “In the meantime we’ll have a perfectly wonderful time training your pigeons. Do they have names?”

“Alexander the Great and Roxanne.”

Tess laughed. “You see? Alexander the Great was a prodigious traveler. You must have somehow known what his destiny would be.”

Viane smiled ruefully. “I assure you that in my wildest moments I had no idea I would ever use my pigeons to carry messages.”

“But won’t it be exciting?”

Viane’s gentle smile widened, her gaze on Tess’s luminous face. “Yes, I believe it will prove very exciting, Tess.”