The Night Bird

CHAPTER 18 THE HOUSE OF ONYX

“Markus! Ozarson tore away from Allegra and ran down the steps to his brother. He threw himself into Markuss arms. The prince regent hugged him close, and as he lowered his head over his brothers, Allegra saw the immensity of his relief.

For several moments, they held each other. Allegra rose to her feet on the stairs. If Markus had only five men, she had little doubt King Jarid could hold him prisoner until they decided what to do. Aronsdale effectively had in their custody what remained of Jazids royal House. Including her, unfortunately. Watching them, the last descendants of an ancient dynasty holding each other, she thought of all the violence others had committed to keep those two royals alive. Both Markus and Ozarson had suffered far too much in the name of conquest, honor, greed and vengeance.

After an eternity, Markus raised his head and looked at her. If a stare could have incinerated, she would have burned to ashes.

“Get down here, he said.

She stayed on the stairs. “No.

A rustle came from above her, and she looked up as Jarid came to stand with her. He spoke in a low voice. “The boy said, Markus. The prince regent? Still alive?

Allegra knew she couldnt hide their identities after what Jarid had heard. “He survived his injuries from the war. She spoke quietly. “Hes been Ozis guardian for most of the boys life, even before their father died.

Brant Firestoke joined them on the stairs. “I would suggest we invite them inside. I sincerely doubt its wise to leave the two of them standing in plain view that way.

Jarid grimaced. “Especially given who is pouring his uninvited army into my backyard. He went down the staircase and across the foyer.

Markus watched him with suspicion, his arms protectively around Ozarson. The boy lifted his head. Although he stepped away from Markus with a self-conscious gesture, he stayed close to his brother, and the regent kept one arm around his shoulders.

Jarid stopped in front of Markus. Both men were the same height, though Markus was more heavily built. Both had black hair. Markus looked more atavistic, but Jarid had a roughness unusual in Aronsdale men, accented by the scar on his neck.

“Welcome to my home, Your Highness, Jarid said.

“Are you Jarid? Markus asked.

“I am, the king said.

Markus met his gaze. “ Are we welcome, Your Majesty?

“You are my guests. Jarid indicated the foyer. “Perhaps you would come inside.

“Will Allegra stay? Ozarson asked. Tears streaked his face.

“If she agrees, Jarid said, “then yes, certainly.

“I wont go without her, Ozarson told Markus.

“Why? his brother asked, incredulous. “After what she did?

Ozarson looked up at him. “I did it. Not her.

Markus started to answer, his disbelief obvious. Then he glanced at Jarid, who was listening intently, and closed his mouth. Jarid raised his hand, inviting them inside, and Markus walked warily, his arm resting on Ozarsons shoulders.

“Who are the men with you? Jarid asked him.

Markus answered stiffly. “My bodyguards.

Jarid glanced at the Aronsdale messenger. “Have his men quartered with the army. Keep two guards on each one.

“As guests, of course, Markus said, sarcasm edging his words.

Jarid didnt answer.

Markus came up the stairs with Ozarson, and Allegra waited. When they reached her, Markus stopped, his gaze hard. “How could you do it?

“Do what? she asked in a low voice. “Yes, I took him as a hostage. She was so upset, she could barely speak. “All this fighting, fighting, killing one another. Hasnt he suffered enough? Havent you? When will you have given enough of yourselves? When your country and your titles have destroyed both of you?

Markus stared at her. She wondered if it had ever occurred to him that he had been just as manipulated, used and hurt by his life as had Ozarson. He didnt look at the world that way; he was doing his best to fulfill his duty as regent and to deal with the legacy of a father he had more conflicted feelings about than she suspected he could ever express. He was trying, under almost impossible circumstances, to be a good leader. Being away from the constant pressure of his presence, talking to Della, seeing him through Ozarsonit all helped her see this man who had become her husband. In his constrained world, what he had done with her was the only way he knew how to alleviate his crushing emotional isolation. It didnt change the anger she felt nor did it mean she could live the life he wanted for her, but at least she was beginning to understand.

It was a moment before Markus found his voice. Then he said, “We will discuss it later.

Ozarson was watching. Waiting. So was everyone else. Allegra took a breath, then nodded and went up the stairs with them.

Sky and cloud mosaics tiled the ceiling in the suite of rooms. The ivory walls had scenes of forests and lakes painted in their upper half. Markus and Ozarson sat on a couch with brocaded cushions and looked decidedly uncomfortable with the furniture and surroundings. Iris sat with Allegra on another couch across from them, and Brant Firestoke sat in an armchair facing inward to the couches. Jarid paced the room, then sat on the sill of an arched window with shapes carved into its frame.

“Weve sent messengers to Cobalts army, Jarid said. “When they return, well have a better idea whats going on.

Markus remained impassive. Ozarson didnt speak, either, but Allegra could read him better. He wanted to know what had happened with his army.

“We need to know more of Cobalts intentions, Brant said. He regarded Markus. “For example, if hes going to Taka Mal.

“Ive no idea what the emperor is doing, Markus said.

“What about General Yargazon? Jarid asked. “You wouldnt happen to have some idea what he is doing?

“No, Markus said.

“No? Brant raised his eyebrows. “You wouldnt know if he just happened to, say, march an army into Taka Mal?

“How could he? Markus demanded. “They all betrayed their oaths to my father and joined Cobalts forces.

“I wasnt talking about that army, Brant said.

Markus met his gaze. “I know of no other.

“Not even three thousand men hidden in the barrens of Jazid?

Markus shrugged. “Three thousand men would be difficult to hide, Id imagine.

Jarid leaned forward. “But useful in protecting the atajazid and his regent.

“I wouldnt know, Markus said. “Weve been hiding alone.

“Just you, the boy and those four men? Iris asked.

Markus looked at her with a start. His forehead furrowed. He glanced at Jarid, then Brant. When both men continued to wait for his answer, he spoke tersely. “Thats right.

“That isnt much protection, Brant said.

“With fewer people, its easier to hide, Markus said.

“What if Cobalt comes here? Iris asked.

Markus just looked at her.

“Id like to know from Cobalt why the hell hes here, Jarid growled. “Its harder to get information from that man than taking water from a rock.

“Hes going to Taka Mal, Brant said, his gaze on Markus.

“What are you going to do with us? Markus asked.

“Youre our guests, Iris said.

The prince regent frowned at her. “I spoke to your husband.

Jarid came to the couch where Iris was seated and braced his hands on the back, watching Markus. “As she said, you are our guests. He straightened up. “Your Highness, did any of your other siblings survive the war?

Markus met his gaze with hostile silence.

“Your sisters? Brant asked.

The prince regent stiffened. “The women of my family are no concern of yours.

“His sisters are probably married, Iris said. “They would be considered part of their husbands family rather than Onyx.

Jarid considered Markus. “Then you and His Majesty He inclined his head to Ozarson. “You are what remains of the Onyx royal family.

Markus continued his stony silence, but Ozarson glanced at Allegra. Allegra felt certain Jarids question had a deeper meaning than just identifying Markus and Ozarson. She had no idea what, but Brant seemed to have no doubt.

“Jarid, damn it, Brant said. “If you give them asylum, Cobalt will be furious.

“Probably, Jarid said.

“Asylum? Markus shot Brant an incredulous look. “Dont mock us.

“You have to give it to Allegra, too, Ozarson said.

“This is her country, Markus said quickly. “Why would she need asylum here?

Allegra wondered at his reaction. So far he had kept her connection with him a secret. His marriage to an Aronsdale woman worked to his advantage, but it would put her in danger if other people discovered it, especially Cobalt. If she hadnt known better, she would have thought he was protecting her at his own expense, despite what she had done with Ozarson. Then again, given how confusing she found him, she probably didnt know better.

“Allegra is an Aronsdale citizen, Iris told the boy, her voice gentler than when she spoke to Markus. “Her marriage to the tender is almost certainly not legal.

“Tender? Ozarson asked. “What tender?

Markus spoke gruffly. “It means someone who travels with an army but isnt a soldier.

“I know what it means, the boy said.

“Oh, saints to hell and back, Brant said.

Jarid glanced at him with surprise. “What?

Brant pointed at Markus. “Shes married to him.

Jarid swung around to Allegra. “Is that true?

She couldnt desert Ozarson or Markus with a denial. “Yes, she said quietly. “Its true.

“But what about Aron? Brant protested.

“Aron? Markuss face darkened. “You mean, Prince Aron?

Iris spoke coldly. “Thats right.

Allegra could barely breathe. Saints almighty. It was true. They had been considering her as a wife for their son.

“Allegra is mine now, Markus said. “My wife, my consort, my property. Would you let the Midnight Emperor execute a woman of your own country?

“Im not your property, Allegra said. Her thoughts whirled furiously, not only because of what she had lost due to Markus, but also because she wanted this maddening man.

He glared at her. “After what I paid for you, you most certainly are.

“This is Aronsdale, she said. “You cant own women here. Believe it or not, people consider us human.

Markus leaned forward. “You were in Jazid when I bought you. Our laws dont cease to exist because you left the country. I own you, Allegra, no matter where you live.

“Enough! Iris said. “She was taken from Aronsdale in violation of a treaty your own father signed, Prince Markus.

“She was in Jazid when I bought her, he said. “That makes it legal. You cant dissolve our laws because it suits your purpose. That, Your Majesty, was also in the treaty.

“That may be, Jarid said coldly. “But no one here will let you force Allegra to stay with you.

“Which comes to the question he himself asked, Brant said. “Are we going to tell Cobalt shes the Princess Regent?

“You may have to, Allegra said. “Because if he tries to execute Ozarson, hell have to go through me first.

Markus gave her a startled look. “What?

“Allegra, dont say that, Ozarson said.

Her voice gentled. “I gave my oath to protect you, Ozi.

“You cant protect him against Cobalt the Dark! Markus looked as if he wanted to shake her. “I forbid you to kill yourself trying to do something impossible. Stay here. Be safe.

She spoke softly. “Some things are more important.

Jarid stared at her. Then he went back to pacing. Watching him, she felt as if they were holding Ozarson above a raging fire by a thread that could snap anytime. She got up and went over to the king, stopping him.

“ Look at him. She indicated Ozarson. “You tell me this is the monster you all fear.

Jarid sighed. “It isnt that easy.

“Why not? You said yourself you had nothing to do with all this conquering Cobalt seems determined to inflict.

Jarid looked past her to Markus. “Why did you come here, knowing you would probably be taken prisoner?

“To get my wife and my brother, Markus said quietly. “I hoped I could do it in secret.

“You had to know you could be discovered and lose your freedom, Jarid said. “Even your life.

“Yes. I knew. Markus spoke with the difficulty of a man unused to speaking his emotions. “They are worth it to me. Both of them.

It didnt surprise Allegra that he was willing to risk his life for Ozarson. But for her? How could he want her that much when she made him so angry?

Brant was watching the king with a look of foreboding. “Jarid, dont be a fool.

Jarid considered his advisor, then Allegra, then Markus and Ozarson. To Brant, he said, “Better foolish than brutal. He turned to Markus. “I grant you asylum in my country. But you and your family will stay at Suncroft. And yes, as my prisoners.

Markus stared at him in disbelief. “Why would you risk Cobalts wrath to protect us?

Jarid voice had a ravaged quality. “Maybe for another boy who lost his parents when he was six.

A chill went through Allegra. Did Jarid mean himself? Everyone in Aronsdale knew the story. Jarid had succeeded his grandfather because his parents died in an accident. He had spent his youth cared for by one of the highwaymen who had caused the accident, a thief who hadnt wanted to kill a little boy and had no idea of Jarids identity. It wasnt until Jarid was twenty that his family had discovered he was alive and brought him home. Allegra knew nothing beyond those facts, but she thought there must be a great deal more when she saw the kings haunted expression.

Ozarson spoke. “I thank you for allowing us asylum, Your Majesty. And I offer my condolences for your losses, however long ago they may have been.

Jarid inclined his head. “Well spoken.

Ozarson nodded with composure, but Allegra could see the exhaustion he was trying to hide. Markus looked worn-out, too.

Allegra glanced at Jarid. “Perhaps we could let His Majesty rest. Hes had a long journey.

“Im not tired, Ozarson said. “Im hungry.

Markus chuckled and tousled his hair. “You consume more than my entire army.

Ozarson laughed, but an abrupt silence fell over everyone else. Markus glanced up, and Allegra saw comprehension dawn on his face as he realized what he had said.

“Your army, Jarid said slowly. “The army you know nothing about that even now is attacking Taka Mal.

Markus met his gaze and said nothing.

Brant swore. “Saints, man, if were going to defy an emperor to give you asylum, you damn well better tell us everything.

“I have nothing to tell you, Markus said. “If you think claiming to offer us help will trick me into revealing information, Im afraid you will be disappointed.

“Allegra told us she traveled with an army, Jarid said.

“Shes a woman, Markus said, as if that explained something.

“And Im a man, Jarid answered. “What the hell does that have to do with anything?

“Women are unreliable. Markus glared at Allegra. “They say things they shouldnt.

She met his accusing stare. “You mean, things you dont want said.

“Women should obey their husbands, Markus told her.

“Women, she said, “should follow their consciences. If that means defying their husbands to save thousands of lives, they should do what they think is right. Not what their overbearing, I-am-the-center-of-the-world husbands demand.

“Good gods, Brant muttered.

“Center of the world? Markus said, exasperated. “When did that one get in there?

Jarid cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should see about having a meal brought up for His Majesty.

“I would like that, Ozarson said. He seemed bewildered by the exchange between Allegra and Markus.

Markus took a breath as if calming himself. Then he said, “Thank you.

They all stood, awkward with the tension. As the others started to leave, Allegra glanced at Markus.

“Stay, he said in a low voice.

Iris turned to her. “Allegra? Is everything all right?

“Yes, Im fine, Allegra said. “Ill stay here. She didnt understand how she could argue with such vehemence with a man and yet want to see him so much at the same time.

Jarid stopped by the archway. “Are you certain?

“Im sure.

She could tell they didnt want to leave her with Markus. But they did go, respecting her decision.

As the door closed, Markus looked around the room. “I cant stay here.

“Why not? Allegra asked. “Its beautiful.

“Its for a woman.

She glanced around at the elegant furnishings. “Why do you say that?

“Too flowery. He waved his hand at the couches. “And its unnatural to live like this. All these chairs and things.

“Its all right, Ozarson said.

Markus laid his hand on his shoulder. “I need to talk to Allegra. I want you to stay here while we go in the other room.

Ozarson regarded him with undisguised worry. “Dont be angry at her. I told her to take me.

“Even so. I need to talk to her. Will you be all right?

Although the boy didnt look pleased, he nodded and indicated an inner archway of the suite that opened into a room with full bookshelves lining the walls. “I can explore the library.

Markus smiled. “Good. He turned to Allegra and indicated another door. She nodded, for once in agreement with him. She didnt know how much of an argument they were about to have, but if Markus was as angry as she thought, it was better Ozarson didnt hear.

The door opened into a small chamber, which led them into a larger bedroom with a canopied bed made up with blue velvet covers.

“Who would sleep in that? Markus said, perplexed. “Its awful.

Allegra couldnt imagine why he would say such a thing. She thought it was gorgeous. From the colors, gray and dark blue, she suspected it was intended for a man. Compared to his carpets and pillows in Jazid, though, maybe it seemed lifeless.

Markus closed the doors and turned to her with a hard gaze. “Ozi was crying when I got here. What did you do to him?

“Nothing. He saw Cobalts forces. He was terrified. He came looking for me.

“Looking for you? His forehead furrowed. “You mean, he wasnt already here, in custody?

“No, he was free, she said. “No one knew who he was. He had gone riding with another boy. They were playing on the hills.

“Playing on the hills. He walked toward her. “The atajazid, playing on the hills.

She backed up a step. “Thats right.

“Suppose he got hurt? He kept coming toward her, his fists clenched at his sides. “Suppose he fell and broke his damn leg.

She backed into the side of the bed. “He was fine.

“Fine? He grabbed her arms and lifted her off the ground, then threw her across the bed. “Fine? He got on the bed, and when she tried to roll away, he shoved her down. “Fine? You kidnapped him, dragged him across three countries and you say he was fine?

“Markus, dont do this. Pushing up on her elbows, she slid away from him. “Talk to me. Dont hit.

“Like your talk with Yargazon? He pushed her into the covers, pinning her to the bed with his bodyand raised his fist. “Like the general you left bound and bleeding for an entire godforsaken day? You know what he said after he woke up? That I would be better off if you were dead. Why does that thought make me want to die? He slammed his fist on the bed, so close that she felt the brush of air on her cheek. “Talk to you? When you put me in agony for days, not knowing where to find you or my brother? He struck the bed even harder. Pillows jumped around them and the covers bunched under his fist. “How can I talk to you when Im an overbearing, arrogant tyrant? With every word, he hit the mattress.

The intensity of his reaction stunned her. She was scared in a way she hadnt been with Yargazon, because she had let Markus get past her guard and pin her down. He had never lost control this way beforeexcept he wasnt losing control. He was hitting the mattress instead of her, over and over and over.

Suddenly he stopped and sat up so he was kneeling over her, straddling her body with his calves on either side of her hips. He grabbed her tunic and yanked it over her head. “Why do you wear this? Its ugly.

“Stop it. She fought with him, but he dragged the garment off her arms. When she rolled on her side, trying to get away, he pushed her onto her back and threw the tunic on the floor.

Dismayed, Allegra folded her arms over her breasts. “Markus, no, not like this.

He pulled apart her arms and pinned her wrists to the bed, on either side of her head. “You tear up my life, you have from the moment I met you, you take the only family I have leftI thought you would both be dead when I found you. Then what would I have to live for? His voice wasnt loud, but it only made his fury more potent. “We had to send the army to Taka Mal before we were ready because Yargazon knew you were going to warn someone we were coming. I couldnt weaken it by taking a force into Aronsdale while the rest of my men went to war. Yargazon didnt want me here at all. We almost came to blows over it. I had to follow you with only a few men, give up my freedom, maybe even my life. You had no right!

Her anger surged. “You had no right to take my freedom, my life, everything that mattered to me. I had to do what I thought was right!

“Youre my wife, he said. “Dont look at me with those huge eyes, Allegra. Dont destroy the foundations of my life and then expect me to treat you like a queen. He lay on top of her and kissed her. When she jerked her head away, he let go of her wrist and grabbed her chin. Then he held her, kissing her, forcing her jaw open so he could put his tongue in her mouth.

Allegra tore her head away from him. “Stop it! She rolled him off her body and tried to scramble across the bed. Catching her around the waist, he pulled her against him, her back to his front. His armor pressed into her skin.

His voice caught. “You make me weak. He held on to her, his face against her hair, his arm around her waist. “I cant even make myself take from my wife what is right for a man to expect.

“It wouldnt be right. Her voice cracked. “It would be cruel.

He didnt answer. Instead he pulled her leggings and underclothes to her knees. When she grabbed for them, he caught her hand and used his boot to drag the garments off and swing them to the floor. “Why do you wear these ugly clothes? They cover up your beautiful body.

Her pulse had ratcheted up so high, she felt as if she were running a race. “Markus, let me go. Please.

“I cant.

She went still, uncertain what he meant. He lay on his side with one arm around her waist while he caressed her breasts with his other hand. As his breath quickened, his body went rigid. With a groan, he buried his head in her hair and whispered, “Youre destroying me. Then the tension in his body suddenly released, and he sagged against her.

Allegra knew little about men and sensuality, but even she could tell what had just happened. She shifted in his grip, onto her back, and this time he didnt push her down. She sat up slowly, wary as she watched him. He lay sprawled across the bed, a warrior in full armor, mail and boots, the velvet covers bunched up and pulled apart around them.

“Sing me to sleep, Markus said in a low voice. “You put me to sleep for almost a full day, and Ive barely slept since then.

He had tears in his eyes. Tears. The indomitable prince regent of Jazid was crying. She touched the moisture at the corner of his eye. Then she took a breath and looked around. The room was full of shapes. They bordered the windows, tiled the walls, scrolled the bedposts. She laid her hand against the headboard over circles in the carvings of shape-blossom vines.

Allegra sang in a minor key about the rising moon and a lion in the night. He didnt fight the spell, but even after so long with almost no sleep, his body didnt want to let go. Finally the spell caught, and slumber overtook him in a rush, like the cloak of night dropping across the desert.