One Thousand Nights by Christine Pope Read Free Book Online Page A

Now, though, I realize I would be doing you a disservice. You will find someone else, and be happy. And I — I will do what is good for Sirlende. And perhaps this Hierarch and I will learn to live with one another after a time. I have been told that he is a man of learning, and so at least we will have that in common.”
    “Meaning we do not, I suppose,” Thani said, setting down his goblet. I noticed that he did not bother to refill it. “As I am only a simple man, one who cannot possibly hope to understand you.”
    “That is not what I said — ”
    “Perhaps not. But I think perhaps it is what you meant. Very well, Your Highness. I see your mind is made up, and so I will waste no more breath trying to change it.” He straightened, his fine chin lifting. “I will see myself out.”
    With that he strode to the door, not sparing a single glance back at me. It shut behind him, and he was gone. And I —
    Well, I stumbled to the divan, sank down upon it, and buried my face in my hands.
----
    S ome time later a summons came from my brother. He wished to see me in his private chambers. Immediately. No “when it is convenient,” or “at your leisure.” This summons did not surprise me.
    I had been expecting it.
    So I set aside the book I had been pretending to read, and allowed the two footmen to escort me to my brother’s suite. No one paid me any mind as I passed through the corridors, save to curtsey or bow, or murmur, “Good afternoon, Your Highness.” After all, I visited my brother often, and although most of the time I did so with only Arlyn as my escort, it was still not so unusual for me to be accompanied by a footman or a guard or two. To everyone around me, I was sure I looked placid and calm as always. Inwardly, though, I was writhing. No taking back what I had said to Thani, but oh, how I wished that interview had gone differently.
    I saw no sign of Ashara when the footmen guided me into the sumptuous reception chamber in the imperial suite, and guessed that Torric had requested that she be elsewhere — perhaps consulting with Lord Hein over that evening’s entertainments, or, gods forbid, spending some time with my mother. I would not wish that on anyone, and hoped fervently it was the former.
    No sooner had the footmen retired to the foyer, shutting the door behind them, than my brother stepped forward from where he had been waiting by the enormous hearth of carved black marble, and said, “It is most curious. The Duke of Marric’s Rest has sent word that he will not be staying in the palace, and instead is having his house here in town opened up…and also that he regrets it highly, but he cannot attend the supper this evening.”
    “Indeed?” I managed, although once again I found my throat dry, and the word barely croaked out.
    “Indeed,” Torric replied, dark eyes glinting. He paused a few feet away from me and added, “I was hoping you could cast some light on the Duke’s unusual behavior. For surely a man does not make a journey of a hundred miles in bleak Fevrere to see his betrothed, only to turn away at the last moment?”
    “No, he does not.” I drew in a breath, then said, “I believe he is angry with me because I told him that I had decided to marry the Hierarch of Keshiaar.”
    If I had told my brother I intended to abandon my crown and run off with a troupe of jugglers, I do not think I could have elicited a more startled reaction. His eyes widened, and he exclaimed, “You what? ”
    Now that I had said it, I felt a bit better. Not much, but a little. Uttering the words gave a shape to my intent, made it more real. “You heard me, Torric.” My gaze shifted past him to an elegantly carved table placed against the wall, where a silver pitcher of water sat, surrounded by a set of matching goblets. I went there and poured myself some water, only halfway wishing it was wine. The liquid was cool against my throat, a welcome relief.
    There were not many times in my life I could