Sins of Basilia (Shrouded Thrones Book 4) Read online

  “Keep your eyes focused downward,” Carmela whispered in his ear.

  “I fear I am enthralled, and it is difficult not to take in all Issa has to offer.”

  “The very reason men come here.” She grasped his chin and made him look at her. “I cannot fault you for wanting to see everything, but as I said, your eyes are a risk in themselves. I have never known anyone aside from your family to have turquoise eyes. They are well-known as an Orosian royal trait. You must be wary.”

  “Forgive me.” He took her hand, and felt comfortable doing so. Even though he had held it many times before, something seemed different here. In Issa, whether servant, commoner, or royal, no one would question such a bond.

  She admired their linked fingers and smiled. Perhaps she was thinking the same as he.

  As foreign as Issa felt, he was more at ease than when they were in Thanwine, and most definitely more relaxed than he would be in Basilia. Even so, one particular thing troubled him. “How are we to get an audience with the king?” He fanned his servant’s robe. “The indentured have no authority.”

  “Trust me. I am confident we will be seen.” She guided him through the village as if overly familiar with her surroundings.

  They passed numerous taverns and brothels, and the gay sound of laughter filled the air. Amidst those structures stood cottages painted in colors as bright as the women’s clothing. Each one bore unusual symbols and design. They looked more like pieces of artwork than dwellings.

  “These homes are incredible,” Tesher whispered, feeling the need for quiet. “I know I am to keep my gaze downward, but it is impossible to ignore such fineness.”

  “Some of our artisans have brought their services here.” She nodded at a cottage with wildcats painted on both sides of the door, seemingly ready to pounce on anyone who entered. “A Thanwinian named Alise designed those.”

  “Beautiful…” He squeezed Carmela’s hand, then decided to ask what lay heaviest on his mind. “How many times have you been here?”

  “I am unsure. I often accompanied my brothers, and I spent most of my days in the castle acquainting myself with Imran’s children. It was so stressful being near Angeline in Thanwine that Issa became an escape.”

  “Is that why you said you knew Yakar to be honorable?”

  She stopped and faced him. “I know that tone. I should be the jealous one—watching you ogle every passing woman—but I sense suspiciousness in you. Yes, I have spent time with Yakar, yet he never displayed anything more than friendship. I found him charming, but from the moment I met you, I knew who I wanted in my future.”

  Tesher cast a slim smile. “As grateful as I am to hear you reiterate your feelings for me, I pray you are right about him. I want the best for Pasha, and if Yakar were to hurt her…”

  “Soon, you will know. You can see for yourself how she is being treated.” She gave his hand a little tug and guided him toward the castle.

  As they neared it, he could not keep from lifting his head and peering skyward to take in its enormity. It was much like the castles in Basilia and Thanwine with many levels and high turrets, yet welcoming vibrant banners fluttered from the tops of every pinnacle. No other castle displayed that sort of finery. The king’s banner—bearing the symbol of a wine goblet—suspended above the front gate. Issan wine, the pride of the realm.

  Two armed guards stood barring the entrance.

  Carmela linked her arm in Tesher’s and boldly approached them.

  “Stop!” the taller of the two barked. “What business have you here?”

  Since arriving in Issa, it was the first time Tesher had sensed any sort of disdain.

  Carmela released him and moved even closer to the man. “Can you please inform King Imran that the dark cloud has come with a friend to seek his audience?”

  The man cast a sideways glance at the other sentry, then returned his gaze to her. “Dark cloud? Is this a game you are attempting with our king?”

  “Not in the least. I wholeheartedly vow, King Imran will know me by these words and allow our entrance.”

  The guard took the other man by the arm, stepped away, and whispered something to him. He then returned to Carmela. “Wait here.”

  She politely nodded.

  The tall guard strode away, while the other stood firm with his hand on the hilt of his sword.

  Tesher put his back to him. “Dark cloud?” he whispered to Carmela.

  “In King Imran’s presence, Angeline once referred to me as a dark cloud that hung low over Thanwine. When he saw how much it troubled me, he kindly pulled me aside and told me to disregard her. I am confident he will recall the incident.”

  “He sounds like a caring man. Not at all as my father depicted him.”

  “His beliefs may be different than ours, but his heart is the same.”

  Being here had certainly given Tesher a new perspective on the Issan people. He had assumed them to be animalistic and darkly sinful, but if Carmela was correct about the king, his assumptions could prove to be utterly wrong.

  When the guard returned, he walked quite a bit more briskly. He hastened to Carmela’s side. “M’lady, you and your companion may come with me.”

  She cut her eyes toward Tesher and smiled, then again linked her arm into his. They followed the man through the arched gate and up the steps to the front door of the castle. The guard pushed it open and waved them inside.

  A pretty girl approached them. Her black hair had grown so long, it nearly touched the floor, and it was beautifully interwoven with multi-colored silk ribbons. “Thank you, Dekker. I will escort them from here.”

  “Very well, Highness.” The sentry bowed and exited.

  Highness? No doubt one of the king’s many daughters.

  She looked carefully around her, then moved close to Carmela and peered into her eyes. “It is you.” She giggled, and the two embraced. “Father will be so pleased to see you.” She turned to Tesher. “I know you not, but I am Wynne, daughter of King Imran and Queen Mesha. If you are a friend of our dark cloud, you are welcome here.”

  “Thank you.” Tesher chose not to divulge his identity and kept his eyes down as Carmela had instructed.

  Wynne put an arm around her and led her down a long corridor. The two young women spoke softly together, and he chose to ignore them and allow them their privacy. He trailed behind and took in the splendor of the castle. Gold inlay shimmered from the marble floor and the silken tapestries draped across the walls were magnificent, resembling the images displayed on the village cottages. Large statues were positioned in even measure along the hallway. He assumed them to be symbols of their many gods.

  The farther they went along the corridor, the sculptures became more provocative, displaying nude, well-endowed men and women. He was thankful to be unseen behind Carmela and Wynne. His face heated upon seeing one statue in particular that showed two individuals entwined together. Knowing young children resided here, it seemed highly inappropriate.

  They passed under an archway and were greeted by abundant sunlight. When he gazed upward, he discovered an opening in the ceiling from which the light came.

  Wynne turned to him. “I can see you are captivated.” She pointed at the opening. “Such a thing is a rarity, but Father loves to feel the warmth from the sun. When it rains, our servants must move a large structure to cover the hole.”

  He almost spoke of Oros and its glorious light and heat, but sealed his lips before he said what he should not.

  A circle of long cushioned benches sat directly below the opening in the ceiling, and beams of sunshine fell upon them. They were wider than normal benches, coming closer in size to beds. Multitudes of pillows in numerous hues had been scattered around them. He had heard stories of intimate encounters that involved more than two people, and thoughts of what likely took place in this room crept into his mind.

  His stomach roiled.

  How could he ever feel at ease attempting to hide in such a place? Was this any better than
facing crimes in Basilia?

  He grunted. Anything appealed to him more than a beheading.

  Carmela removed her veil, then slid her hand into his. “You have no need to be afraid. Nothing bad will happen to us here.”

  That depended on her interpretation of bad. His father would think otherwise if he saw where he now stood.

  King Imran walked in, tall and proud, and hastily came toward them. “Princess Carmela.” He reached out to her with both hands, so she let go of Tesher and went to the king, who promptly took hold of her and kissed her on both cheeks.

  Carmela showed no indication of discomfort in his action. “Thank you for seeing us. I am relieved you understood my riddle.”

  “I confess, it caught me by surprise, but I could not be more pleased.”

  Wynne giggled. “Just as I said.”

  He faced his daughter. “My dear, would you mind giving us some time alone? The princess and I have much to speak about.”

  The ease Carmela and the king had with one another seemed almost too comfortable. Perhaps Tesher did not know her as well as he thought. He certainly hoped she had not participated in promiscuous activities here.

  He scolded himself for even thinking it, still, it did little good. Though he first saw Issa as exciting, it now tormented him.

  Wynne hugged Carmela. “I am so glad you came. We will talk more at a later time.” She kissed Carmela’s cheek, then left the room.

  Kisses appeared to be freely given, yet he was grateful no one had attempted to show him such affection. Unless it was Carmela, he intended to keep it as such.

  “Please…” The king waved his hand toward the cushioned seats. “Let us sit, so we might comfortably converse.”

  Carmela did not hesitate and eagerly perched on the bench, then grabbed a red pillow and hugged it to her chest. “We have not had such luxury in days.”

  Imran sat beside her. “I cannot express how happy I am you chose to come here.” He peered up at Tesher, who had not managed to budge an inch. “Will you not join us, young prince?”

  He gaped at the man. “You know me?”

  The king chuckled. “Even with your head wrapped so crudely, I sensed the presence of an Orosian.” The man laughed harder. “Truthfully, I was recently made aware of your abrupt departure from Basilia with Princess Carmela. When she arrived boasting a friend as her companion, I had no doubt it was you, Prince Tesher.”

  He swallowed the lump in his throat, then slowly unwound the scarf from his face. “Am I welcome in your dwelling?”

  Every trace of amusement vanished from the king’s face. “Do you mean to render harm here, or anywhere in Issa, for that matter?”

  “No.” Tesher cocked his head to one side and stared at the man. “Certainly not. Carmela and I seek refuge, and we wish to remain unknown in the realm. There is much amiss in our world.”

  The king sat taller and sighed. “So it would seem.” He patted the seat that faced him. “Please sit.”

  Tesher abided by the kingly request and positioned himself gingerly on the cushions. They embraced his body in a pleasurable fashion, which only added to his torment. At every turn, the ways of the kingdom were drawing him in. “Carmela spoke truly. This is quite luxurious.” He ran a hand across the lush fabric.

  “Everything in Issa is designed to appeal to the senses. Yet, I can see by your rigidness, you are not fully at ease. I assure you, nothing will happen to you that you do not desire.” He casually folded his hands over his stomach and smiled.

  He must look like a fool to the king, but at least the man seemed kind. “King Imran, is my sister here? I was told she and your son fled Basilia, just as Carmela and I did.”

  He jutted his chin. “Yes. She is here with my son, Yakar. They are to be married.”

  “Married? But our priests—”

  “Have no say here,” Imran firmly interrupted. “Your father refused Yakar’s bid to claim her, yet Pasha professed her love for my son, and being that they are both of age to marry, I believe it is their right. Issa has openly welcomed your sister. One day, Yakar will be king, and she, his queen.”

  Tesher took a comparable posture and lifted his head high. “Only moments ago, I sensed your distaste for Orosians. My sister deserves a family who will accept her despite her heritage.”

  Imran waved a hand. “I said it in jest. As I indicated, all of Issa has embraced her, including my royal family. The only Orosian with whom I have a grievance is your father.”

  “I appreciate your clarification, and I do understand your feelings toward my father. He has never shied from openly displaying his dislike for your realm and its ways.” Tesher leaned toward him. “Yet something more troubles me. I deeply love my sister, and I must know, will Pasha be Yakar’s only queen?”

  The man sat back as if trying to distance himself. “That will be determined by my son. It is not for me to decide where his heart may lead him.”

  “Is it his heart making such choices?” Tesher sat more upright and boldly crossed his arms. “Having multiple wives seems rather selfish. If you can frolic with whomever you please, why marry anyone?”

  “Tesher!” Carmela scolded. “You are speaking to a king. Do not be rude.”

  Imran patted her on the leg. “Worry not, my dear. Not only do I understand his line of questioning, I expected it. He has never before been in our realm and has no true comprehension of our ways.” He shifted toward Tesher. “Intimate contact does not necessarily involve love. In most instances, it merely fulfills a need. Love, however, is as precious to us as it is to you. It is a binding of the heart and soul. The act of lovemaking is simply a means of expression, whereas genuine love goes far beyond.”

  Tesher shook his head. “I cannot accept your ways. I love Carmela, and one day I intend to marry her and join with her alone. It means everything to me that in her eyes I am uniquely special, and I believe she feels the same about me. In addition, when we have children, there will be no question as to their parentage.” He looked at her, hoping he had not overstepped his bounds, especially in regard to a subject with such relevance in her life.

  She met his gaze for a moment, then lowered her head and stared at her lap.

  The king cast her a pity-filled expression, then narrowed his eyes at Tesher. “My children are indeed mine. A queen cannot lay with another man, unless she is with child. Once my seed has been planted, no other can take hold, and therefore, she is free to follow her passions, until it becomes too uncomfortable to do so.”

  Tesher could not believe what he was hearing. “And you do not care?”

  “I care a great deal for my wives’ happiness.”

  “How can you tolerate the idea of another man’s hands on her? Not to mention…” Tesher gulped. “His other parts.”

  “There is no need to speak delicately in Issa. All can be freely said.” He moistened his lips and breathed deeply. “As long as the men my wives choose render pleasure, I am not bothered by their coupling. And if a lover ever harmed her in any manner, he would be severely punished. Truthfully, my wives rarely seek out others. I proficiently satisfy their desires.”

  “How do you find time for all three?”

  Imran’s chuckle returned. “Fortunately, they rarely desire me simultaneously. On the rare occasion they do, well…” He gestured to the area encircling him. “We all enjoy one another.”

  Tesher covered his face with his hands and lowered his head.

  “King Imran,” Carmela quickly said. “I admire your willingness to openly discuss your ways, yet there are pressing matters at hand. First and foremost, are you willing to allow us to stay here—hidden—indefinitely?”

  “Do you hide because you fear Angeline will attempt to steal Tesher from you?”

  “Is that what she told you?”

  “Yes. And considering your betrothed’s proclamation of love for Angeline at her wedding to Frederick, I am confused as to why you remain with him.”

  Tesher felt suddenly invisible, but
chose not to speak. He believed that for now, he had said enough. He had certainly heard enough.

  Carmela gazed adoringly at him. Considering her earlier reprimand, it immensely improved his mood.

  “I love Tesher with all my heart,” she confidently said. “There is much to tell you in Angeline’s regard, but all you must know now is that she manipulated him into believing she cared deeply for him. It was not so, and she is not to be trusted.”

  “I am confused. If this is so, then why would you fear she would seek to regain his affections?”

  Tesher’s heart pounded, and he dreaded how she might answer.

  Carmela frowned. “As you are well aware, Angeline has never cared for me. Now that she is without a husband, and princes are scarce, she has the means to hurt me by taking the man I love.”

  Their ruse continued.

  Tesher sunk deeper into the cushions and released a relieved breath.

  King Imran’s head twisted in his direction. “If you do not love Angeline, can you not refuse her claim, if it is brought forth?”

  Tesher struggled slightly to regain his upright position. He had not expected to be addressed again. “I would not be allowed to refuse, if the scribes and priests agreed to her request. As high queen, she could ask that they dissolve the claim I made on Carmela, stating it was carried out under falsehood. She would remind them of my public proclamation of love…and no doubt, they would grant her appeal.” Simply saying the word in Angeline’s regard soured his stomach. He hated to rethink that ordeal.

  “Hmm.” The king rubbed his chin. “Your laws are odd, to say the least. But in light of this, I will allow you to remain, hidden, as you have requested. Yet, you will not be able to leave the castle. Too many roaming eyes come to our realm, and your identity would surely become known. The thought of Orosian warriors at my gates demanding their prince troubles me.”