Catherine Asaro - The Night Bird

She crossed her arms. “The only trespass was when Aztire and his men went into my country and grabbed me.

He pulled her arms apart. “Im referring to now.

“What, talking is a trespass?

“Even my highest-ranked men rarely contradict me. He opened her robe and stroked his hands from her hips up to her breasts. “And you are definitely not a man. Yet here you are, challenging me.

“Im terrible. Appalling. She shoved away his hands and closed her robe. “Obviously you should send me back to Aronsdale and find a pleasure girl with better manners.

He laughed softly. “She would be far less interesting.

Good gods. He was teasing her. Allegra shook her head. “I dont understand you.

“Ah, well. We have something in common after all.

“Why are you acting nice? A few hours ago you were going to whip me and then have me executed.

“I never said I would execute you. Only that it was the sentence for your actions. He touched his tongue to her ear and ran it over the ridges. In a low voice, he added, “But I have no objection to the whipping. You humiliated me in front of the commanding general of my army.

Anger sparked within her. “You and your general had me dragged in there almost naked, made me kneel while the two of you ate, knocked me around, he lashed me with your damn quirt and you say I humiliated you? Thats so turned around backward, its like riding an ass with your back to its head.

He made an incredulous noise. “I truly cannot believe you said that to me.

“I cant believe half of what you say. Maybe if she annoyed him enough, he would send her home.

“I tire of this conversation, he growled. “You will be silent now.

Allegra let it go. She had used up her energy.

Night cloaked the land, and the riders were picking their way below a huge moon that glowed orange above the mountains. A rock spire loomed out of the darkness, its needled peak silhouetted against the stars. In Aronsdale, mist often dimmed the nights splendor, but in this parched air, the sky sparkled as if the legendary Shadow Dragon had painted diamond dust across its arch.

Eventually they entered a basin ringed with peaks like a giant, ancient fortress. The company was surprisingly quiet. The lack of tenders bemused Allegra. In Aronsdale, civilian men and women traveled with the army to look after the soldiers, but these riders seemed to tend to themselves. Although only a few lit torches, the men knew when Markus rode by. They stood to salute him, turning their fists to the sky.

Markus stopped at a large tent surrounded by soldiers. As he dismounted, he motioned to Lieutenant Borjan, who had stayed close during the ride. “Help her down.

Borjan swung off his horse and gave the reins to a youth waiting there. Then the lieutenant came over to Allegra. Self-conscious, she pulled her leg over the horse and slid into his hold. The rocky land hunched around them, all charcoal shadows, with darker patches where none of the silver moonlight reached. Markus had moved a distance away and was conferring with several men. Although he seemed to have forgotten her, she doubted she would be so lucky.

Soldiers moved everywhere, quiet and cautious. It didnt surprise her that only a few had uniforms. They were renegades, an army in exile within their own country. Allegra thought if she could find a shirt and trousers, she could pass as a youth in the dark. Maybe she could slip out after Markus went to sleep. She would have to secure supplies, a map and a horse, and sneak past whatever sentries he had posted, but if she managed, she could be well on her way home before dawn. She tried not to think about what would happen before Markus went to sleep.

Shivering in the cold air, she drew her robe tighter. The silk shimmered in the starlight, but pretty cloth did her no good. It was too thin.

“Here, Borjan said. “You can use this. He pulled off his jacket and settled it around her shoulders. It enveloped her, coming down to her hips.

“Thank you, she said. Unsure how to deal with Markuss people, she added, “I appreciate your kindness.

“Such courtesy, a dry voice said. “You should try that with me.

She spun around. Markus had come up to them, his presence a subtle invasion because he stood closer to her than a stranger normally would. She stepped away and collided with Borjan. The lieutenant nudged her back to Markus.

The prince looked over Allegras head at Borjan. “Major Taliz caught a man stealing weapons from the armory.

“I could have provided him a replacement weapon, Sire, if he needed one, Borjan said. “He had only to ask.

“I know. Markus rubbed the back of his neck. “Apparently he wanted an extra dagger to send home to his son.

“Just one dagger?

“Just one. But I cant have the men stealing weapons. If a theft goes unpunished, others will break discipline on a larger scale. He dropped his arm. “An example must be made.

“I understand, Sire, Borjan said. “Ill take care of it.

While they talked, Allegra stepped discreetly away, until Markuss presence felt less invasive. He seemed to occupy more area than the extent of his body, as if his personality filled space in some intangible manner.

Two men were coming toward the prince regent, bringing a third. When their prisoner stumbled and almost lost his balance, Allegra realized his hands were tied behind his back. His guards shoved him to the ground in front of Markus. He landed on his knees and stayed there, his eyes downcast.

Markus spoke coldly. “So you are the thief who put his own wishes above his oath to his country.

“Sire, please, I meant no ill. The man looked up at him. “I swear. It was for my boy. I havent seen him in two years.

“So you risk the army? Markus asked. “Our weapons arent toys for children. And if you die here, who will send gold home to support your family?

Allegra froze. What did he mean, “die here? Surely he wouldnt execute a man just for stealing a knife. Saints, he had stolen her from Aronsdale, and he knew it even if he refused to admit it. Did he consider a knife more important than a woman? Then again, maybe she didnt want the answer to that question.

The mans shoulders hunched. “Your Highness, please. Ill pay back double out of my wages for what I tried to take.

Markus glanced at Borjan. “Give him thirty. And have him chained for three days.

Allegra went cold in a way that had nothing to do with the night air. Surely he didnt mean they would lash the man thirty times and drag him in chains for three days. Depending on what they used, thirty lashes could strip the flesh from his body, even kill him. For one knife? Her protest came out before her better sense stopped it. “You cant whip him! Its wrong.

Everyone went silent. When Markus turned to her, she wanted to shrink into a point and disappear. His voice was like ice. “Are you offering to take the lashes for him?

She suddenly couldnt breathe. “What?

He glanced at the lieutenant. “Give her the thirty lashes.

“No! The man on his knees shot an alarmed look at Markus. “Sire, I will take the punishment.

“So which of you shall I have whipped? Markus asked, looking from Allegra to the thief. “Perhaps both?

Allegra had had enough. “Go ahead, she shot back at him. “Whip me for objecting to your tyrannical despotism. Show what a powerful force you are, terrorizing a girl half your age and strength. Theres real bravery.

“Enough, Markus said. He ripped the jacket off her shoulders and tossed it to the lieutenant. As Borjan caught it, Markus said, “Thirty, and jerked his chin toward the thief.

When Markus turned to Allegra, she backed away. He caught her arm and forced her to the tent, then shoved her through the entrance, using her body to push aside the flaps. Barbaric splendor filled the interior, huge cushions strewn everywhere, thick rugs and ornate chests inlaid with jewels and precious stones. Dragon braziers burned in the corners, and even their dim orange glow seemed bright after the pale moonlight outside.