The Night Bird

CHAPTER 6 THE BARN

Tanner and Allegra wrestled, rolling in the hay that filled the loft. Sunlight sifted between planks of the barn, and dust motes danced in the shafts. He pinned her on her back, holding her down with his weight, while she struggled under him, pressing her body against his. The first time they had wrestled, he had kissed her with tenderness, but this time he took her lips as if he would take command of the world. He grabbed her hands and held them by her shoulders, holding her in place with the weight of his body and the demands of his kiss. She had never known this side of Tanner, fierce and hungry.

Arousal spiraled through her. Her shy explorations, alone in her bed at night, had never roused this intense response. Her skin felt fevered, hyperresponsive to his touch. She had known Tanner all her life and felt safer with him than with anyone else, but today he had changed. His dark edge excited her.

He released one of her hands and fondled her breast. She didnt remember undressing, but she lay beneath him with nothing on except a chain around her hips. No man had ever touched her this way before. She felt exposed and helpless, unable to stop himand incredibly aroused. He slid down her body, his clothes rough on her skin, and settled his hips between her knees in a way that felt familiar, though she had never lain with him like this. He took her nipple into his mouth and suckled, pulling hard, his teeth against her skin. She sighed as sensations tingled through her, and she ran her free hand through his hair. The curls felt thick and soft, longer than she remembered, more ragged.

He came back up and kissed her while he stroked her sides, his palms sliding from her breasts to her hips. He was moving his pelvis against hers in a steady rhythm, and she felt his erection through his trousers. His chest was strong, more muscled than she remembered. She fumbled at his shirt, trying to pull it off so she could feel his body against hers. But instead of buttons, her fingers caught on complicated fastenings, loops and ties. Then he grasped her wrists in one hand and pulled her arms over her head. Holding her wrists down in the hay, he captured her.

Let me go, she said, straining to embrace him.

He slid his hand between their pelvises, and she murmured a protest, wanting to feel his hardness against her. She couldnt free her hands to pull him closer, couldnt do anything but strain against him. Never would she have expected Tanner to affect her this way. He smelled different, an intoxicating musky scent. His palms were rough with calluses, but more like those of a swordsman than a farm boy. He stroked her between her thighs where she had never felt a mans touch, and she groaned as shudders of pleasure shot through her.

Tanner unfastened his trousers, pulling at the ties, his knuckles rubbing her sensually. Then his fist pressed between her thighs. No, not his fist. He was trying to enter her, and she tensed, suddenly afraid.

Its all right, he said. Ill go slow. Relax, sweet night bird. Youre ready for me.

Warmth swirled within her. Her body strained toward him, and he finally freed her wrists. She embraced him, pressing against his muscled torso while he slowly pushed into her.

Ah, gods, he said. I cant hold With a groan, he thrust hard and buried himself inside her. She cried out, barely able to take him, and he stopped, lying on top of her, his heart beating hard, so hard. But she didnt want him to stop. Her dreamlike urgency overwhelmed the pain, and she rocked against him. He began to thrust then, with a strong, steady rhythm, stretching her, filling her. It was so different from how she had imagined, delicious and frightening at the same time. Sensations flooded her like the crest of a wave, and she never wanted it to stop. She was so close, so close to the top.

“Beautiful Allegra, he murmured.

His unshaven chin scratched her cheek with a days growthand it was far too heavy for Tanner. She struggled awake. She wasnt dreaming, she did actually hold that incredibly beautiful body in her arms, and he was moving steadily, his rhythm quickening, his breath urgent. It wasnt safe, secure Tanner. He had never had this sultry, powerful hunger.

“Markus? she whispered.

He lifted his head in the darkness and gazed at her, his eyes glazed. The entire time, he kept moving, stronger, faster. Bending his head, he kissed her with a passion almost out of control. Then he groaned, giving a huge thrust, and held himself deep inside her, his body rigid, his muscles like steel cables. His hips jerked and he arched back his head, the tendons in his neck standing out.

With a gasp, Markus collapsed on top of her, breathing heavily. She lay under him, stunned. She had let him take her, urged him, but he wasnt the boy she had loved all her life. On some level she must have known, but when she comprehended what had happened, tears welled in her eyes.

Markus sighed, then rolled off her, onto his back. Pulling her into his arms, he laid her head on his shoulder. “So lovely, he murmured.

Allegra lay still, too stunned to respond.

After a while, he brushed her inner thigh tenderly. “Youre bleeding.

“I neverNot before this

“I know. He kissed the top of her head. “Even if they hadnt told me, I would have known. Youre so innocent.

She couldnt answer. He thought she had welcomed him into her arms.

“Allegra? he asked. “Are you all right?

“Yes, she lied. She felt as if she were an instrument played just long enough to warm up, then left without a performance of the concerto. But she couldnt go any further.

Markus turned on his side and gently slid his palm between her thighs. “Did I leave you hungry, night bird? I can help. He rubbed circles with his palm, and pleasure surged through her, but now it felt overwhelming, too much. She pushed him away.

“Are you sore? he asked.

“INo. A little. She didnt know what to say.

“Later, then, he murmured, smiling. He sat up, rubbing his eyes. “I wish we could lie here all day. But it will be dawn in about an hour, and I want to be on the move before the sun rises.

Too much had happened. Allegra had reached saturation. She just stared at the ceiling, her hand resting over the triangle between her thighs as if to protect herself from her own desire.

Markus looked back at her. “Youre quiet this morning.

“You surprised me, she said. “I was dreaming.

His lips curved upward. “Of me?

She thought of lying, but she couldnt dishonor Tanner that way. Miserably she said, “Of my boyfriend in Aronsdale.

A long silence followed her words. Then he spoke in a curt voice. “ Gods. I have never met a woman so capable of humiliating a man with so few words.

“Im sorry. Her voice caught. “I thought I was going to marry him. Then you took away my life.

He spoke tightly. “So you sought refuge from me in dreams about him?

“No. I mean, Ive never had a dream like that.

Markus leaned closer, his eyes intense. “Thats because you dont want this boy the way you want me.

“No. Thats not true.

“Then why havent you dreamed of him before? Why do you crave him only when I touch you? Anger edged his voice, but she needed no mood spell to know it masked hurt.

Allegra had no glib answers, so she spoke the truth. “He has been like a brother to me. A friend. Ive never thought of him as a lover. I thought perhaps if we married, that would change.

“Those were moans of passion, Allegra. You were loving me, not some callow Aronsdale boy.

“It wasnt love, she said, bewildered.

“You cant deny what you felt.

“You think making love is the same as loving someone?

“Of course it is. He leaned over her, his voice sharp with his hurt. “You cant deny it. It was me you wanted.

She wondered if he even saw her as capable of more than a sexual response. “Youve taken away my life, my family, everyone I love. You think youre entitled. You tell me I must be whatever you want. And its true, youve caught me. I cant resist drugs and bonds and starvation forever. With pain, she said, “But even if you have my passion, you cant force me to love you.

Silence followed her outburst, and she regretted revealing so much of herself. The words had torn out of her before shed had time to think.

Then Markus spoke heavily. “Come. We must go. He took a cloth off the carpet, one he must have brought over, since it hadnt been there when she had lain down earlier. He cleaned himself off, then climbed to his feet and fastened his pants. “I want to change. And we must prepare to ride.

She stared at him. He was fully clothed, even in his boots, exactly as he had fallen asleep last night. She wore nothing but a slender chain around her hips. In her dream, he had held her down when she tried to remove his shirt. She sat up, hurting in a way that had nothing to do with physical pain. Tears blurred her eyes as she felt around the carpet for her robe.

He knelt and pressed the robe into her hands. “Dont cry.

“Why do you care? She wiped at the tears. “You got what you wanted.

“I thought you wanted it, too. He brushed her hair back from her face. “What did you mean by starvation?

“Ive hardly eaten in days.

“We ate on the ride yesterday.

“Trail rations. I had nothing but water in the morning. The TAmbera hardly fed me more than once a day, usually only soup.

“Dragons breath, he muttered. “I didnt know. Whenever youre hungry, just tell me. Ill get you food.

Allegra wasnt certain she believed him, but she so much needed it to be true, for him to be the decent man he sometimes seemed. She said only, “Yes, please. Id like to break my fast.

He studied her face. “Will you be able to ride with me today? We dont have a litter to carry you.

“Why would I need a litter?

He touched her inner thigh. “I wondered if you were sore.

“Oh. Her face heated. “Ill be all right. She actually had no idea, but given how ready her dream and the miradella had made her for him, she thought she would be all right.

“Ill see what I can do, he said.

He turned away, and she hoped he would leave. She needed time away from the force of his presence. She also wanted to wash up and put on real clothes if she could find any that would fit. Maybe she could use one of his shirts.

He didnt go outside, though. Instead he rummaged in a trunk across the tent. He came back with a blanket, some filmy scarves and a bundle of fur. Crouching down, he showed her the blanket. It had fleece on its inner side.

She brushed her palm across the fleece. “Its so soft.

“I can put it over the saddle blanket.

His unexpected consideration touched her. “Thank you.

He showed her the scarves. “You can wear these.

Wear what? Perplexed, she took the clothes. The fur turned out to be a pair of knee boots, soft rather than heavy, with crisscrossing thongs to keep them up. They were designed to be sexy rather than useful, and she doubted they would hold up well if she walked in them. At least the fur was light enough that the boots shouldnt be too hot during the heat of the day. The scarves were a skimpy skirt and halter sewn from red silk and inlaid with jewels, garments she had no more desire to put on than she had wanted to wear the jeweled chain-skirt.

She regarded him dubiously. “Do you always carry clothing like this?

He laughed softly. “No. I bought it from the TAmbera along with you.

“Trousers and a shirt would be more practical. Theyll protect my skin from the sun.

He stared as if she had suggested she grow a third arm. “Good gods. Do you want to look like a man?

“I dont mind. Id rather be comfortable.

“It pleases me for you to wear what I give you.

She scowled at him. “It doesnt please me.

She thought he would get angry, but instead he smiled. “You can wear the robe to protect your skin.

“Fine, she muttered. “Make me look like an idiot.

“Allegra, youll look beautiful. He indicated an ewer across the room. “You can wash up there. Ill go to the hot springs. If youre ready when I return, well have time for breakfast.

She just nodded, too hungry to argue.

After Markus left, though, Allegra just sat. The bruise on her face throbbed, the gouge on her stomach stung and her buttocks ached from Markuss belt. She hated to think what condition she would be in if he had struck her thirty times instead of two. How could he hurt her and then expect her to want him in bed? And it had been obvious his officers expected him to treat her much more harshly. If all men here felt that way, it was no wonder they had a shortage of women.

She thought of the soldier who had stolen the knife. Markus had said lashes, which implied a whip rather than a belt. Even if the man lived through his sentence, she doubted he would survive being chained and forced to run behind someones horse for three days. Yet none of Markuss men seemed surprised by the punishment. Such a cruel place. Its people were like the land, hardened by the stark desert they refused to let defeat them.

Finally she went over to the ewer. It held beautiful, clear water. After she drank her fill, she used washcloths and soap from Markuss chest to clean up. Then she dressed. The translucent red garments slid silkily over her skin. The skirt fit low on her hips and came to midthigh. The halter just barely covered her nipples and pushed her breasts together in a most embarrassing manner. Rubies, diamonds and topazes sparkled on the skirt belt and in the chains that formed the halter. She felt like an ornament.

The entrance flap crinkled as Markus entered. He froze when he saw her. Then he strode over and, with no preamble, took her into his arms and kissed her deeply, with his tongue, while he ran his hands up her sides. Water dripped off his hair onto her cheek.

Flustered, she pushed against his upper arms. He wore a sleeveless leather thing that resembled a jerkin, and it left his arms bare. His huge biceps felt like rocks under her hands. A wide armband circled his left arm as if he were some barbarian warlord. Which, she supposed, was apt.

She drew back her head. “I thought we had to leave.

“Hmm. He put his hand behind her head to hold her in place and went back to kissing her. He slid his other hand up and caressed her breast through the silk.

“Let me go. She tried to twist away. When he held her in place and kept stroking her, she hit his shoulders with her fists. “Dont be such a bastard, Markus.

He released her as if she had a plague, and for a moment she felt only relief. Until she saw his fury. Then she realized what she had said. Bastard. He was, literally; it was why he was the prince regent rather than the atajazid.

She looked up into his smoldering, furious gaze. “Im sorry. I didnt mean that the way it sounded.

“My birth may have not been royal, he said tightly, “but my father gave me full rights to his name.

“I know. The word is used differently where I came from. It means a boor. Her voice cooled. “A man who forces his attentions on a woman.

He grasped her chin. “Adapt, Allegra. You have no choice.

“Why? she asked, bewildered. “Surely many Jazidian women would jump at the chance to be with you. Why do you want one who fights you?

“I wish I knew, he muttered. He took her arm and pulled her across the tent.

They came out into a crystalline morning. The sun had yet to rise, though the sky above the mountains on the horizon was lightening. A large man with a sword on his back waited nearby, and Markus drew him aside. Allegra couldnt hear their discussion well, but she gathered something had happened last night, and this man, apparently one of Markuss bodyguards, feared the princes reaction. Markus, however, seemed more intrigued than upset.

“Ill check it, Markus said. “You did well to let me know.

“It is my honor to serve, Your Highness. The guard sounded nervous.

Markus stood for a moment, lost in thought. Then he came back to Allegra. “The sergeant just told me something odd.

“I didnt hear much, Allegra said. “Your guards left their posts last night?

He traced his finger along her lower lip. “Such a lovely mouth to sing such sweet songs.

Where had that come from? Her spell couldnt have put his guards to sleep. They had been outside the tent, farther away than any spell she had ever done could reach. But what if it had affected them, and Markus suspected? Sweat gathered on her palms, and she wiped them on her thighs. Her spells were her secret defense. If he realized what she could do, he might learn to counter them.

“No comment? he asked.

“I dont know what you expect me to say.

A smile softened his face. “I slept better last night than I have in years. I didnt wake until this morning.

“Is that a problem?

“Not for me. But two of my bodyguards also went to sleepon duty. He leaned closer and spoke by her ear. “Do you know what else, Allegra? Those two guards may have been close enough to hear you sing.

Well, hell. To distract him from his dangerous train of thought, she glared. “Are you saying my song is so boring, it puts people to sleep?

“Oh, it wasnt boring at all. He set his hands on her shoulders. “By the dragon, woman, what a weapon! How many people can you knock out? Three? Six? A hundred? Could you do it to men during battle?

A weapon? “Thats absurd. She didnt have to fake her astonishment. “I cant do that.

“How many can you put to sleep at once?

“None!

“Tell me the truth, he murmured, “or Ill have to keep you in chains all the time so you cant escape if you make me sleep.

She scowled at him. “If I could knock out people, I would have done it to the nomads and gone home.

“You wanted the compass last night. He scratched his chin. “Something about it being a disk. What does that do?

“Nothing. I just sing better if I have something to hold.

“You said it helps you focus. His smile flashed, all those healthy white teeth. “The spell? Hah! Thats it, isnt it? The disk focuses your spell.

Allegra wished he werent so blasted intelligent. “Dont be silly. Spells are nothing more than childrens fables.

His smile faded. “No one who fought at the Battle of the Rocklands would agree with you.

“The what?

“The battle where the armies of the Misted Cliffs, Jazid and Taka Mal fought two years ago.

Although she didnt recognize the name, she knew about the battle that decided the fate of Jazid. “My people call it the Dragon-Sun War.

“I was nearly killed.

“In the fighting?

“No. He grimaced. “From lightning.

“I heard something about a thunderstorm.

“No! Thats just it. Cobalts wife stood above the battle like some avenging goddess. She brought down lightning. Sheets of it! Out of a blue sky. I was struck by a bolt.

“You were hit by lightning? And you survived?

His smile quirked. “Ive a hard head.

She could believe that. But the rest made no sense. “Youre saying Cobalts wife started the storm?

He regarded her uneasily. “People claim shes the reincarnation of the Dawn Star Goddess.

Even in her isolated rural life, Allegra had heard that name given to Cobalts wife, the daughter of the king and queen of Harsdown. The Dawnfield name derived from ancient myths of a warrior goddess who had become the stars. Mel had done something far less ethereal than rise into the heavens, though. She had married Cobalt Escar to stop him from invading Harsdown.

“Youre talking about Mel Dawnfield, she said.

“Yes. The empress. Markus paused. “Her father is the cousin of your king in Aronsdale, isnt he?

“Thats right.

He considered Allegra, his face thoughtful. “Her parents came from southwest Aronsdale. Like you. They have yellow hair and so does she. Like you.

Allegra didnt doubt Mel Dawnfield could do spells. Most Dawnfield women had the ability. But lightning? “No mage could do what you describe. It must have been a freak storm.

He raised his eyebrows. “Mage?

Damn! She would give herself away without realizing it. “A person who casts spells. I dont know much about them.

“Yes, you do. He tapped his finger on her cheek. “Youre one of these mages, hmm?

She glowered at him. “If I hit you with lightning, you wouldnt survive.

His grin flashed. Taking her arm, he drew her toward where a groom was readying several horses. “We can discuss your mage abilities while we ride.

“Wait! She had to run to keep up with his long strides. “You left my robe in the tent.

Markus called to another guard as he strode past. “Bring me the silk robe from my tent. To Allegra, he added, “Ill let you put it on when the sun rises. I wouldnt want to burn that creamy skin of yours.

“Markus, slow down!

He blinked, then slowed down. “I forget that youre small.

“No, youre large. As they neared the soldiers around the horses, she flushed under their stares. “I really, really dont want to ride in this outfit. Maybe he would get jealous and cover her up. “Your men will see. A lot of me.

“They will all envy me. He didnt sound the least fazed. “For having the prettiest girl in Jazid on my horse.

“Theyll know you didnt really whip me. You can see through the damn skirt!

“Only if you look close. He scowled. “And I would execute any man who looked that closely at you.

“Why not get a thicker skirt?

“Because I like the way you look in that one. And if I like it, woman, you will wear it.

“Youre a pig, she muttered.

His laugh rumbled. “Ah, but a pig who has finally had enough sleep. So I am a happy pig.

“Oh, stop.

“Stop what?

“Having a sense of humor. It made it harder to hate him.

They soon reached the horse he intended to ride today, a huge animal with a gray coat. A soldier made a cup with his hands to help Allegra mount. When she was astride the animal, she realized they had indeed put the fleece over the riding blanket, a much appreciated softness against her skin. Markus swung up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. When he snapped the reins, the horse headed out and they joined a group of other riders already on the move.

Then Allegra saw him: the dagger thief. He stood behind a horse with his hands shackled in front of his body and his head down. A chain from his manacles stretched to the saddle of the horse in front of him. Allegra flinched when she saw the flayed skin and red welts on his shoulders where his shirt hung open. As she watched, Lieutenant Borjan mounted the horse.

Allegra turned back to Markus and motioned toward the shackled man. “He wont survive your punishment.

Markus let out a breath, but she couldnt tell if he was angry or not. After a moment, he veered off and rode over to Borjan. The lieutenant saluted him with his fist turned upward. To Allegra, the salute looked as if the men were offering their prowess as warriors to the sky, the realm of their Shadow Dragon.

Markus tilted his head toward the thief. “Can he ride? he asked the lieutenant.

“I dont know, Sire, Borjan said. “Possibly.

Possibly? Allegra felt ill. If doubt existed as to whether the man could even ride, he certainly couldnt run behind Borjans horse for three days.

“Give him a horse, then, Markus said. “Take off the shackles and let him ride.

A flash of relief lit Borjans eyes. “Right away, Sire.

As the lieutenant vaulted to the ground and strode to the shackled man, Markus went on, riding his horse forward.

Allegra let out the breath she hadnt realized she was holding. Again Markus surprised her. She hadnt expected him even to listen to her, let alone act on her words.

“Thank you, she said quietly.

“For what?

“Sparing his life.

“Why are you thanking me? Do you know this man?

“No. But he didnt deserve to die for stealing a knife.

“He might not have died. Jazid men are strong.

“Even so.

Markus just grunted. Then he said, “Do you want to eat?

“Very much.

He took food out of his riding pack, oranges and peaches. When they finished the fruit, he gave her creamy cheese, a delicacy given how easily it could go bad under these travel conditions. They washed it down with clear, fresh water. His consideration confused her, for she didnt want to like him, and he was making it far harder to hold back that response than she would ever have thought possible.

They continued to ride as they ate. The company was soon moving through foothills, penetrating deeper into the desolate badlands.