Sins of Basilia (Shrouded Thrones Book 4) Page 22

  “Not you. Angeline is to blame.” She nestled against him once more. “And yes, every poor thought imaginable has run rampant through my mind. We may be surrounded by beauty, yet I fear it will all soon go up in flames. It will be two days before we receive word from Dekker and know the outcome of the match. At least Imran had the sense to send someone to witness it.”

  He appreciated how she viewed him as faultless, but he could never see himself that way. Carmela’s reminder of their false beginning soured his stomach. Even so, he refused to spoil the day, so he buried his guilt deep and lovingly rubbed her back. “While we wait for Dekker’s report, we must take a step forward and believe all will be well.”

  “I wish I could. Trepidation grips my heart.” She held him tighter.

  From the time he had been old enough to understand the relationship between men and women, he had been taught it was the man’s responsibility to protect his beloved. He and Carmela were in an almost impossible situation, but he had to prove his strength and his ability as her man.

  Though they stood together amidst an ever-growing crowd, at least Issa afforded them the ability to openly display their affections. In addition, no one gave any regard to their conversation.

  He dotted kisses across her forehead. “Can you not allow the portion of your heart where I reside, to extinguish your fear?”

  She kept one arm around his middle and brushed her fingers back and forth across his chest with her free hand. “Tonight, I will lose myself in you and revel in our love, even if only for a short while.”

  “My hope is that it will carry on happily forever.”

  “This is no children’s tale.” She released him and stepped away. “I wish it were.”

  He moved beside her and made a point to lower his voice. “It pains me to say this, but I am disappointed in you.” He folded his arms and stared at her, waiting for her to look at him.

  It took no time at all. “Disappointed?” Her eyes widened in anger, and she guided him forcefully away from the crowd to a place free of people. “Are you unsatisfied with me because I am morose, knowing our world is likely falling apart at this very moment? Everyone we care about is in Basilia, and only God knows what is happening there. Forgive me for not being joyous, yet how can I when all could be lost?”

  He yanked his shoulders back and jutted his chin. “For days, you scolded me for wallowing. I had every reason, because something horrible actually did happen.” He darted his gaze around them, making certain no one was within hearing. “Yes, you bore witness to the ugliness of Issa that they try so carefully to keep hidden, but even that does not mean our world is ending. You grieve for something that may never come to pass. When Dekker returns with news of Basilia, we can appropriately apply our emotions and face what we must. Until then, please allow me two days of joy.”

  Her expression softened, and her mouth opened as if she intended to speak. Then she snapped it shut, looked at the ground, popped her head up again and grabbed onto him. “I love you, Tesher.”

  “I love you more,” he whispered and cradled her to himself. “Would it not be best to refrain from using our names while here in the open?”

  She nodded against him and did not let go.

  Perhaps he had indeed become a man. All the prior claims he had made seemed ridiculous. His boyish ways had shown through at every turn.

  No longer.

  From this day forward, he intended to put Carmela above all else and stand beside her to face whatever might come. He would be the strong man she deserved.

  Although nothing about Issan wedding rites seemed normal, the setting for the ceremony was extraordinarily lovely.

  Carmela kept herself attached to Tesher’s side. They moved carefully through the masses of people until they reached the edge of the courtyard.

  Pasha and Yakar stood facing a small rise of land that boasted a waterfall and vibrant flowers. The couple was just as colorful, dressed in bright green garments with swirls of multi-hued designs—similar to those on many of the cottages. Parrots and finches perched on trees that overhung a rippling, bubbling pool. Tiny chirps accompanied the rush of falling water.

  Behind them, all of the royal children had gathered, as well as Zela and Udelle. They, too, were dressed in brightly colored garments, and the girls all had flowers interwoven through their hair.

  The townspeople squeezed into the courtyard and overflowed onto the nearby hillside. Carmela and Tesher tried to blend in as best they could, but she urged him to the front of the crowd, so they could capably hear the vows.

  True to Issan custom, the king would be performing the rite. Few people married in Issa, and from what she had been told, when they did, everyone celebrated to the greatest extent. Although Issa was known for flowing wine and frivolity, Carmela expected to see it in lavish excess for days to come.

  As they waited for Imran—who she still had difficulty calling Father—laughter and abundant chattering erupted, accompanied by the gay sound of flutes and dulcimers. The musicians paraded through the masses and positioned themselves to the side of the waterfall. Their melodies overpowered every other sound.

  The beautiful tune melted away some of Carmela’s pain. She found herself moving slightly to the rhythm, then startled when the people jubilantly cheered, all gazing in one direction.

  She turned to see the reason for their exuberance. Scantily clad women with tambourines spun in circles and danced through the crowd, then joined the musicians. As the melody changed and increased its pace, the women shamelessly discarded the sheer material covering their bosoms, then continued beating on their instruments with even more enthusiasm.

  Carmela cut her eyes toward Tesher, who stared wide-eyed, and his headwrap slipped somewhat from his gaping mouth.

  She squeezed his hand. “This is their way,” she whispered. “Perhaps it is a fertility dance.”

  His head drew back, and he questioned with his eyes, then leaned close. “I cannot imagine what to expect from their vows.”

  Shrugging, she offered him a smile, which he immediately returned. It honestly helped to feel a trace of joy and become lost in this unusual celebration.

  Tesher stood tall and craned his neck, peering toward his sister. When he faced Carmela again, he frowned. “Look at Pasha.” He kept his voice low. “She is not herself. Her head is bobbling about as though she is half asleep.”

  Although Carmela could not see Pasha’s eyes to confirm it, the way her head moved indicated one thing. “I believe she has been drinking.”

  They crept further around the courtyard, until they stood off to the side of the couple, rather than behind them. At least now, they could partially see their faces. To Carmela’s dismay, Yakar was smirking, trying to hold Pasha upright.

  Tesher’s entire body tensed, and his breathing quickened. She firmly held onto him, fearing he might pounce on the prince at any moment.

  “If she says her vows while inebriated,” Tesher said with his face close to hers, “perhaps it will be easier to discount their union, when Yakar breaks her heart.” Though whispered, his intense words carried. Even with the music loudly playing.

  “Shh…” Carmela scolded. “We cannot risk being discovered.”

  Thankfully, King Imran appeared and stood in front of Pasha and Yakar. Dressed in a brilliant white robe, he appeared somewhat like a priest, yet not at all stoic. He smiled at them in turn, then flitted his hand at the musicians, who instantly ceased their tune.

  “We have gathered today,” he boldly said. “To join this couple in marriage. They have bound their hearts to one another and wish to remain as one for all eternity!”

  The people cheered, and the half-bare women jangled their tambourines.

  The king held up his hand for silence, then smiled at his son. “Do you, Yakar of Issa, take Pasha of Oros to be your wife from this day forward?”

  Yakar jutted his chin. “Of course.” He looked over his shoulder at the people gathered, then splayed his arms wide. “W
hy else would I be here?”

  Chuckles and laughter erupted, and Yakar’s smirk broadened.

  Tesher’s grip tightened to the point of discomfort, but Carmela did not release him.

  Imran roughly cleared his throat. “Very well. And do you vow to allow her to freely explore her passions, once your child is seeded in her womb?”

  Tesher’s head snapped toward Carmela. “That is part of their pledge?” he whispered.

  “Shh…” She could not fully see his expression, yet the anger in his eyes was more than evident. Her dear man could very well erupt. She had to muster more strength just to keep him in place.

  “Do I?” Yakar arrogantly said. “Only if she vows to be wise in her choosing.”

  The king stood taller. Certainly, Yakar had made the remark in regard to his mother. Imran’s features hardened and he shifted toward Pasha. “Do you, Pasha of Oros, agree to take Yakar of Issa as your husband and abide by his demands?”

  Pasha slowly blinked, yet did not respond.

  Yakar butted her with his shoulder, then leaned close to her ear and whispered something Carmela could not hear.

  “I do,” Pasha said with half-shut eyes.

  “Good.” King Imran patted her head like he would a child. Almost sympathetically. “And do you vow to allow Yakar to freely follow his passions wherever they might lead?”

  Again, Yakar nudged her.

  “I do.” Pasha answered as if not present at all.

  Tesher’s chest heaved, and the small portion of his face that showed above his wrap had turned a dark shade of anger-induced red.

  The crowd had quieted, and the feeling surrounding Carmela became far less joyful. Perhaps they realized the extent of Pasha’s wooziness and obvious detachment from everything around her.

  The king raised both hands in the air. “This couple has professed their vows before you and the gods of nature! Let us celebrate their union!”

  The musicians instantly started to play. Laughter and cheers returned tenfold.

  Four bare-chested muscular men approached the now-wed couple. Two lifted Pasha onto their shoulders, and the others raised Yakar. They carried them into the field, and the crowd followed.

  A canvas tent had been erected on the grassy slope. Colorful banners fluttered from its pinnacle. When they reached it, the men gently lowered the newlyweds to the ground.

  The massive group of people circled their lodging. Their cheering continued, and many of them danced.

  Yakar strutted in front of the tent. “My wife and I have business to attend.” He yanked her against him and kissed her deeply, only to receive encouraging shouts from the crowd.

  Pasha lay limp in his embrace, but he showed no indication that it troubled him. “Wynne!” he called out and waved to his sister. “Come join us!”

  Tesher grabbed Carmela’s arm. “How much more must I endure?”

  “This is their way.” It sickened Carmela simply saying it.

  Grinning, Wynne rushed to her brother. “Will Pasha not object?”

  “She is out of sorts. I need your company.” Yakar kept a firm grip on Pasha and guided her through the opening of the tent. Wynne eagerly followed.

  A man standing close, shut their flap, then crossed his arms and positioned himself in front of it.

  “My sister is in Hades,” Tesher muttered, “and I am unable to aid her.”

  Carmela held his face in her hands and stared into his eyes. “I know it is difficult to accept, but she is a grown woman, and she chose Yakar, knowing full well how he lives.”

  “She could not have wanted this.”

  “I know not, yet we cannot alter her decision. Let us return to our chamber and be done with this.”

  He frowned, but nodded and walked hastily with her from the field. With everyone at the wedding celebration, only one guard stood watch at the castle entrance, so they easily entered. The king had informed the sentry of Carmela’s identity—not as the Princess of Thanwine, but as one of his children allowed to come and go as she pleased.

  She and Tesher climbed the many steps to their room, and happily shut themselves within. Even after the lengthy climb, he was no less restless. He paced the floor, mumbling and cursing under his breath.

  “Yakar is a pig!” He tossed his head-covering on the floor, then shook his fists in the air and kept moving.

  “I cannot argue.” She sat on the edge of their bed. “Your description is valid. He is not the boy I knew, and I fear for this realm, when he becomes king.”

  Tesher abruptly stopped in the middle of the room. “If you are correct in regard to Angeline, he may never hold that title.”

  She removed her own scarf, then eased onto her feet again and went to her beloved. Hurt for him spread throughout her body, and she wanted only to ease him. “Let us not utter her name again. At least, not tonight. I truly want to forget all others for a short while and revel in you alone.” She pulled his head toward her and kissed him. “I love you.”

  Finally, he smiled. “Kiss me again.”

  She happily obliged.

  As before, each kiss grew in intensity and their heavy breathing heated the air around them.

  His fingers threaded into her hair. “It will be hours before the sky darkens and the moon is at its fullest.”

  The tender manner in which he touched her sent satisfying tingles from the top of her head all the way to her feet. She took his hand and led him to the window. “Look, Tesher. Do you not see the orb?”

  “I do.” He stared at the sky, taking it in. “It will be brilliant when night falls.”

  “God is already watching over us. Why should we wait to vow our love? Let us do it now, then enjoy seeing one another plainly when we couple. No darkness will hide us.”

  He shivered. “You speak of it so boldly.” Slowly, he pivoted and faced her. “I fear disappointing you.”

  “You will not.”

  She gazed down at herself. The clothes of a commoner were not what she had imagined for her wedding day. Regardless, she took both his hands in hers and faced him directly. “Tesher of Oros, I take you today as my husband, with God as our witness. I will love you forevermore and keep myself only unto you.”

  “Carmela of Thanwine…” His chest heaved faster and faster. “I take you today as my wife, with God as our witness. I will love you forevermore and keep myself only unto you.” He swallowed hard. “I have no ring to seal our love.”

  She pulled his hand to her heart and held it there. “None is needed. Our love will be sealed when we join.” She covered his hand with her own. “Only in death shall our bond be broken.”

  “Only in death,” he repeated, then moistened his lips and kissed her. The most tender, loving kiss he had ever rendered.

  When they parted, he shifted his eyes again toward the sky. “Are you certain God approves? With no priest—”

  “In these uncertain times, we have done what we must. I am yours forevermore, so please, do as your heart leads. Touch me, kiss me, and love me as you see fit.”

  His hand gradually moved to her breast, and he peered deeply into her eyes as if he doubted her approval.

  She grinned. “Is that where your heart led you?” The blush on his cheeks charmed her.

  “I confess, I have longed to touch them.” He lowered his eyes and pulled his hand to himself. “Had we said our vows in Thanwine or Oros, we would have been whisked away immediately following and forced to show proof of your chastity. Though I would have preferred having a priest in attendance, I am grateful you do not have to endure the humiliation of that particular ritual. Even so, I fear doing something you will not approve of, or worse yet, hurting you.”

  “I am weary of being afraid.” She led him back to the bed. “Even without having to display our bedding, I will likely bleed, but I have been told the pain is short-lived.” The pleasant scent of cinnamon drifted around them. She released his hand, then lay down and let her head sink into the pillows.

  He stared at h
er for several moments as if contemplating what to do next. Fortunately, he climbed onto the bed, stretched out beside her, then rolled onto his side and scooted closer. “I truly do not want to hurt you, even for the briefest moment.” He glided his hand back and forth across her arm.

  She turned onto her side and faced him. “I gladly give myself to you, and I am not afraid.” The lump in her throat indicated otherwise, but she was determined to hide her nervousness.

  Tesher still seemed unsure of himself, so she chose to be bold. She had never felt a man before, yet reached down and tenderly stroked him atop his trousers.

  He quivered at her touch. “Are you certain?”

  His ever-increasing size surprised her, yet her desire to proceed overcame all worry. “Love me, Tesher.”

  In the brightness of daylight, the world melted away.

  Between a multitude of kisses and tender caresses, they shed their clothing, their fears, and their innocence. They bound themselves to one another for eternity. No matter what the next days, weeks, or even years might bring, they would stand together and face the future as one.

  Chapter 18

  Angeline scowled at Lukah, though she doubted he could see the intensity of her expression through her veil. “What do you mean, the drawbridge cannot be raised?”

  “The chains are rusted and will not move! More than one hundred years have passed since the bridge was last lifted!”

  “Then position as many men as you can afford around the castle. Aside from my cousin, Darius, anyone attempting to enter, who is not Basilian, must be slain.” She grasped her belly. “We are at war, and I fear for my unborn child.”

  “At war, my queen? It is the Orosians and Thanwinians who are fighting. Basilia did not join the fray, just as you commanded.”

  “Did you not hear? Kendor was accused of tainting my brother’s sword with poison. Men will surely come, seeking retribution.”

  Lukah’s features hardened. “I do not believe Kendor is at fault. He was morally upright and would not display dishonor by attempting to sway the match.”