The Golden Barbarian (16 page)

“Did he?” Sacha moved his knight.

Tess studied the board. “Why isn’t it used anymore?”

“Didn’t you ask Galen?”

“Yes.”

“If Galen had wanted you to know, he would have told you.”

“You’re being most exasperating.” She looked up and scowled at him. “Why shouldn’t I know?”

“You don’t have to know everything, imp.” Sacha leaned back in his chair. “For the past week you’ve dragged me all over the city, gobbling sights and information like a greedy little girl.”

“Zalandan interests me.” She fingered the ivory queen in front of her. “I don’t see why Galen must be so secretive about the tower.”

Sacha’s smile faded. “Stay away from the tower, Tess. You wouldn’t like what you’d find there.”

“Cobwebs and mice.”

“And memories.”

“Memories?” She looked into his eyes. “You do know something about it. Tell me.”

He shook his head.

She muttered an oath beneath her breath. “Memories are no threat.”

“Galen’s memories could be.”

“Why?”

“Because Galen’s memories are bitterer and more savage than most.”

“What memories?”

Sacha slowly shook his head. “Stop probing, imp.” He paused before adding, “Galen has always
been two men, and there’s a struggle between them even now. As long as he keeps the memories at bay, he’s no danger to you.”

She made a face. “You exaggerate. Galen is always in control of his emotions.”

Sacha smiled curiously. “And you want to prod the tiger.”

“Certainly not. I’m just curious.”

“And impatient,” Sacha said softly.

She hadn’t realized how transparent she had been. Dear heaven, she hoped Galen had not noticed. For the past week she had been aware that Galen had deliberately struck a balance between teasing affection and raw sensuality that continually kept her off guard. In the midst of a joke or discussion he would suddenly insinuate a glance, a touch, a word, between them that would send her flailing in the darkness of yearning. Tension was building in her; she waited breathlessly for his sweet, torturing words and looks. You would think she was eager for him to reach out a hand and take—

She flushed and quickly stood up. “I don’t know what you mean. And I’m tired of this silly game. I think I’ll find Viane and go to the aviary. Are you coming?”

He glanced down at the chessboard. “I think not. I’m leaving for Tamrovia this afternoon.”

She whirled back to face him. “Why?”

“Galen wants to know the moment your father learns you’ve left France. I seem to be the logical one to be on hand when it happens.”

“It’s only been three weeks. He couldn’t know yet, could he?”

“It’s not likely.” He pushed back his chair and stood up. “But Galen doesn’t wish to be caught by surprise.”

She moved restlessly across the terrace to look out at the hills in the distance. “Belajo seems like another world. I like it better here, Sacha.”

“So do I.”

“At first I didn’t think I would. Most of the people here seem so stern, but I’m very fond of Viane, and I like Yusef and Said and—”

“Kalim?”

“How can I like Kalim? He freezes me to stone when he looks at me.” She grimaced. “I can’t believe Viane is going to wed him.”

“Neither can I.”

The underlying bitterness in Sacha’s voice made her turn and look at him. The expression on his face caused her eyes to widen. “Sacha?”

The vulnerability vanished from her cousin’s expression as he made a rueful face. “Don’t worry about it, Tess. I’ll get over it.”

“Viane?” She shook her head in bewilderment. “I don’t understand. You’re not at all alike.”

“Perhaps that’s why she touches me. It seems similarity is not a requisite for grand passions.” He shrugged. “All I know is that I took one look at her and felt calmer and more serene than I ever had before in my life.”

“Serene? You?”

“Perhaps that’s what I’ve always been searching for.”

She gazed doubtfully at him. Serenity and Sacha did not ride tandem, but who was she to know what would please her mercurial cousin. “Then you must have her,” Tess said. “There should be no problem. You’re far more charming than that scowling Kalim.”

He chuckled. “You make it sound so easy.”

“It is easy. We only have to think of a way to accomplish it. Galen would have no objection?”

“No, but Viane would.”

She gestured impatiently. “We’ll change her mind.”

“You can’t alter nature to suit yourself, imp.”

“We can try. Viane is kind and clever.” She frowned. “She lacks an independent spirit. I must try to instill that quality in her while you’re in Tamrovia.”

He shook his head. “Worry about yourself, Tess.”

“But I want to help.” She could feel the tears sting her eyes as she looked at him. “I have great affection for you, Sacha.”

“So you want to set the world right to suit me?” Sacha reached out a hand to gently touch a bright curl tumbling over her temple. “Viane belongs in this world, Tess. Her roots are here.”

“And you do not?”

He wearily shook his head. “I’m not of the El Zalan, and they don’t accept strangers readily. I don’t belong anywhere.”

And neither did she. Tess felt a curious pang. “You’re a prince of Tamrovia.”

“Which means nothing to the El Zalan. Kalim has more stature than I do here.” He leaned forward and brushed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “I’m leaving within the hour. I’ll send you a message when I reach Belajo. Keep well, Tess.”

“I’ll come to the courtyard to bid you farewell. God go with you.”

At the doorway Sacha glanced over his shoulder. “Stay away from the tower, Tess.”

He left and she shivered. She had no intention of pursuing her fascination with that dark, forbidding tower. Let Galen keep his secrets and his memories. She would only be here for a short time, and had no desire to knock down the barriers he erected against her.

Still, it would do no harm to make Viane see what a splendid husband Sacha could be.

Sacha. Husband. She grinned as she realized how foreign the two images were to each other.

However, if Viane was the woman her wild cousin wanted, then Tess had to help him win her.

Chapter 6

An hour later Tess heard the sound of horses’ hooves on flagstone and men’s voices even before she reached the front door, and Sacha was riding out of the stable as Tess reached the courtyard where thirty or so robed, mounted men were milling about. Galen, mounted on Selik, walked the horse over to her.

“You’re leaving too?” she asked, trying to keep the shock and disappointment from her voice. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t like farewells. I’m taking Said with me, but I asked Kalim to deliver a note to you later.”

“How kind.”

Galen muttered a curse. “I’m only traveling as far as the border. I didn’t like the report Kalim brought back from the hill tribes. Sacha’s going back to Tamrovia on my behalf, and I must assure him safe conduct through Tamar’s territory.”

“You have no need to make explanations. I’m not arguing with you. I shall be glad to be on my own again.” She lifted her chin. “I simply think it would have been courteous of you to tell me in person.”

“I said I have no use for farewells.”

“Nor for courtesy either.” Her voice was faintly tremulous, and she steadied it before she continued. “We all must do things we don’t like. Why else am I in Zalandan?”

“To plague and torment me? Very well, I was discourteous, but I had no wish to hurt you. Will you wish me good journey?”

“Certainly. Good and speedy journey, my lord.”

He hunched his shoulders as if buffeted by a cold wind. “It’s as well I’ll be traveling in desert country.” When she didn’t answer, he went on, “If you have need of anything, go to Kalim. He’ll be in charge during my absence.”

“I’m sure he’ll do very well. His arrogance almost equals your own.”

“Tess, dammit, this is for the best.” His dark eyes glittered in his taut face. “My patience is nearly gone. I need to be away from you for a time.”

“And, naturally, the decision is always yours. You make me feel like a chess piece moved across the board according to your own rules.” She gazed at him directly. “I think it’s time we started a new game, my lord.”

“Indeed?” He went still, and then recklessness suddenly flickered in his expression. “We’ll discuss it when I return in a week.”

She shook her head. “Impossible from Tamrovia. Why, it took us five days from the border to reach here.”

“But I had no strong incentive then.” His gaze narrowed on her face. “Now, I have every reason to hurry back.”

Heat tingled through her, and her lungs seemed to constrict. “You do?” she whispered.

“Oh yes.” His gaze held hers. “And do you know what that reason is?”

She was beginning to have an excellent idea. The tension with which she had become so familiar had returned, settling upon both of them like a sensual cloak. She realized with surprise that this was precisely the reaction she had wanted to stir in him. Perhaps Sacha was right, and she had wanted to prod the tiger. She swallowed, feeling the dark excitement envelop her as she looked at him. “I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

“You’re damn right I am. Shall I put it in your own words?” He smiled. “I’m done with dithering.”

He and Sacha rode out of the courtyard then,
the men following in loose formation. Her heart pounded, the exhilaration of the adventure to come making her almost dizzy with excitement.

She impulsively took a half-step forward and then stopped. She couldn’t go after him. He would only send her back. She had to wait for his return.

Dear Lord, how she hated to wait for anything!

Well, she must resign herself to it and find some occupation to make the time pass quickly.

She turned and ran up the steps into the palace and then through the corridors until she reached Viane’s chamber.

Viane was on the terrace, and looked up in surprise when Tess blew into her presence like a storm-driven leaf, cheeks ablaze, eyes sparkling.

“I’ve decided that we’ve been entirely too lax in our efforts with Alexander and Roxanne,” Tess announced as she marched toward the aviary. “It’s time we set our minds to teaching them their duties.”

“Why can’t you understand? I tell you I wish to speak to your—” Tess looked beyond the woman servant who had opened the door to see Yusef coming down the steps to the foyer. “Never mind. There he is.” She brushed by the protesting woman and rushed over to Yusef, who appeared to be frozen on the third step. “I’m glad you’re here. I couldn’t seem to make her understand that I had to come in and speak to you. I was sure I’d have to—”

“Majira!”
His open mouth shut with a snap. “I cannot blame her. Virtuous women do not pay visits to men in Zalandan.”

“Not only in Zalandan. Women are surrounded by iron bars and silly rules wherever they live.” She waved a dismissing hand. “No matter, I’ve learned to escape most of them. One absolutely must be determined and persevere.”

“I … see.” Yusef waved the servant away and descended the last three steps. His alarmed gaze searched the hall behind her. “Dear God, where is your escort?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I had no need of guards to come to visit you.”

“No?” Yusef asked weakly. “I may have need of guards if the
majiron
hears you’ve paid me a visit without them. It’s not fitting for—”

“You sound just like Said.” Tess made a face. “Sweet Mary, I’m beginning to detest that word. I refuse to encumber myself with a covey of roosters clucking around me.”

The suspicion of a smile broke through the shock and disapproval on Yusef’s face. “I believe roosters crow, not cluck.”

“The distinction is of no importance. You haven’t asked me why I’m here.”

“Terror struck me dumb.”

She chuckled.

Yusef merely shook his head.

“You seem somewhat perturbed, so I’ll get straight to my reason for visiting you,” Tess said. “I wish to use your roof.”

“What?”

“I noticed when Galen and I visited Kalim that this house is very tall. Its roof is higher than any in town. I need it to launch Alexander.”

“Alexander?”

“My homing pigeon. Well, he’s not that yet, but he will be when I’ve finished training him properly. Viane and I actually have two, but it seems Roxanne is regrettably lacking in natural instinct, so we’ve had to concentrate on Alex—”

He said quickly, “You cannot come here. It would not be fitting.”

“You mean I must find another house? Oh dear, I’m sure I won’t be able to find another roof this suitable, and it will be most awkward going from house to house asking strangers if—”

“No!” Yusef interrupted. “You cannot do—” He stopped as he saw her determined expression and gave a deep sigh. “How long would you need to use the roof?”

She brightened. “Oh, not long, I’m sure. Perhaps only a few days, if I came every afternoon.”

“And when the
majiron
returns to the city, you must immediately cease your visits.”

She nodded. “I’m sure Alexander will be clever enough to learn the trick of it long before the week is out.”

“I hope so,” Yusef sighed again. “I can send the servants away to avoid gossip and only hope no one else notices you.” He glanced at her red hair blazing in the sunlight streaming into the foyer. “Though that’s probably too much to ask.”