Catherine Asaro - The Night Bird

Jarid was standing in front of his chair with his hands on the table as if reassuring himself it was there. Although he was looking at Cobalt and could obviously see the emperor, Allegra suspected he was close to losing that ability.

“I will also fight against your forces, Your Majesty, Jarid said, “should you seek the Topaz Throne.

Muller spoke in a steady voice. “And so would I.

Allegra felt ill. The battle between Jazid and Taka Mal would be ugly no matter what. If after that, the House of Dawnfield turned against itself, even Muller fighting against his daughters husband, it would be a tragedy.

Cobalt spoke tightly. “You would fight Jazids army and mine?

“If necessary, Jarid said.

“Well, hell, Yargazon drawled. “Maybe we could bring in Shazire, too. Then we could have a four-way battle.

Allegra wanted to punch him. Jarids men would have to fight side by side with Cobalts soldiers, knowing they might soon be called on to attack those very same men. No wonder Muller refused to send his forces into battle for Taka Mal. But Jarid had little choice if he meant to honor the treaty. Allegra wanted to rage at the universe. The Generals chances of winning improved with his enemies divided and demoralized. The universe had no justice, that a monster like Yargazon triumphed.

Baz Quaazera pushed his hand through his hair. He moved as if he were weighted down. “We are decided then. The negotiations here have failed.

Ozarson stood with one hand on the table, his fingers pressed against the wood. Allegra would have so much preferred to see confusion on his young face than understanding. But he knew. Oh, yes, he knew. They were going to war for him. Hundreds had died, and thousands more would before this ended. He would live with the knowledge that for his reign, the settled lands underwent one of the worst bloodbaths in history.

Markus made a low noise, barely audible even to Allegra. He sounded as if he were being strangled. Then he raised his voice and said, “No.

King Muller stiffened, Yargazon tensed and Cobalt turned his harsh gaze on the prince regent.

“No? Jarid asked him. “No what?

Allegra looked up at her husband. She expected to see the hardened warlord. Instead he had a hollow gaze and pain etched on his face. He didnt look as if he had slept at all last night.

Markus spoke to Vizarana. “Your Majesty. Yesterday you presented an offer to my wife. I would ask you now present it to the atajazid, for his consideration. He turned to Ozarson. “The decision of whether or not to accept the alliance must be yours, since its your life that will be most affected.

The relief that poured over Allegra was so intense, it felt visceral. She breathed slowly, trying to calm her surging pulse.

“What offer? Yargazon asked.

Cobalt narrowed his gaze at Vizarana. Like everyone else, she and Drummer were still standing. Her reaction was subtle; she simply took her husbands hand, which was lying on the table. Drummer closed his fingers around hers. They leaned the slightest bit toward each other, and he bent his head over hers, his light curls a contrast to her dark ones. He said something, and she nodded. He looked as if he were tearing apart. Allegra recognized the look. Her father had worn it the day she left home.

Vizarana faced Ozarson. “Your Majesty, she began. “My husband and I offer you the betrothal of our daughter, Zarina Quaazera, to become your lawful wife when the two of you are of age. Your heir will inherit the Topaz Throne. She took a breath. “In return, your army will withdraw from Taka Mal, and you will remain here with your regent as hostages to prevent the armys return.

Ozarsons mouth fell open. In the same instant, Yargazon said, “What the hell? Absolutely not!

Protests rumbled all around the table, though Jarids, “Saints almighty, came out over the rest. Allegra couldnt follow who was saying what, with so many voices.

“Quiet! Cobalt hit the table with his fist.

Everyone fell silent.

Cobalt spoke sharply to Vizarana. “Youre suggesting a treaty by marriage between Taka Mal and Jazid?

“It does work, she said. “As you would know.

“Its out of the question, Yargazon told her.

General Ardoz spoke. “I fail to understand how you could think we would let the atajazid live here as a hostage.

Markus scowled at him. “To stop the war, obviously.

Yargazon regarded him intently, his brow furrowed. Puzzled. His gaze flicked to Allegra, and his already tensed posture stiffened even more. The antipathy in his gaze felt like a blow.

To Markus, the General said, “It is a war you have a good chance of winning.

“At what price? Markus pushed his hand through his hair. “With the betrothal, we achieve our goals without the bloodshed. And with no more mage spells.

A shifting of weight came from around the table while people glanced toward Allegra and Jarid, then looked away quickly, as if they didnt want to be caught staring.

“Achieve what? Yargazon pointed at Cobalt. “He would still have the Onyx Throne. Ozi would still be a fugitive, except he couldnt even live in his own country. It reeks, Markus. It reeks to the goddamned sky.

“Weve already taken part of Taka Mal, Colonel Bladebreak said. His voice hardened as he spoke to Vizarana. “Youre deluded if you think we would relinquish it.

“Wait. Ozarson sounded so boyish compared to the rumbling men. He spoke to Jarid. “My regent and his wife are your prisoners. What would happen to them if I went to Taka Mal?

“Ozi, you cant be considering this, Yargazon said.

“I would have to discuss it with Queen Vizarana, Jarid told the boy.

“If King Jarid allows it, Vizarana said, “we will arrange for them to live with you.

“As hostages? Ozarson asked.

Vizarana met his gaze. “Yes.

“No, Yargazon said. “Its unacceptable. He spoke to Ozarson in a low voice. “Your Majesty, we are so close.

“I know, Ozarson said softly. “I just He took a deep breath and shook his head.

Cobalt pointed at Markus. “If you release this man into Taka Mal custody, my promise to let him live is void. I gave that oath with the assumption he would be held in Aronsdale. Not Taka Mal.

“Will you kill everyone I love, then? Ozarson asked. His face paled, but he didnt back down. “You took everything. My country. My throne. My father. My brothers. My nurse. My mother. His voice cracked. “I have only one person left. Are you going to kill him, too? When youre finished taking everyone and everything Ive ever loved, will you be happy?

Cobalt stared at him. The silence at the table was complete.

The emperor spoke in an unexpectedly gentle voice. “Ive found no joy in your losses.

Ozarson took a breath and turned to Vizarana. “If I can live with my regent and his wife, I will accept the b-betrothal, be your hostage and tell the army not to fight.

“Saints almighty, someone said.

Yargazon put his hand on Ozarsons shoulder. “Ozi, you cant. We will talk of this later.

“No. The boy turned toward Yargazon as if for protection and wiped his palm over his eyes. But he raised his gaze to Cobalt. “Are you going to fight here if my army doesnt?

“No, Cobalt said quietly. “If you withdraw your forces, I will withdraw mine.

Vizarana closed her eyes and her hand tightened on Drummers fingers. Such understated signs of her feelings, but Allegra had no doubt her relief was profound.

“And my regent? Ozarsons gaze was stark as he regarded Cobalt. “Will you kill him if he tries to come to Taka Mal to be with me?

For a long moment, the emperor stared at him. Then Cobalt took a deep breath. “If Prince Markus remains a hostage in Taka Mal with no access to his armed forces, I will not seek his death.