Catherine Asaro - The Night Bird

She suspected he far more preferred that to doing nothing. “And the rest of the army?

His satisfaction vanished. “Cobalt gets them. In return, he wont execute them.

“ Two thousand Jazid men?

“Yes. His gaze darkened. Even a tenday ago, she couldnt have deciphered the expression, but she knew now exactly what it meant. He was furious.

“You cant be serious, she said.

“Its the Jazid army, he answered curtly. “He rules Jazid.

“Doesnt he have to put the deserters on trial?

“Technically, since theyre still in his army, they arent deserters. The lines around his mouth creased with his displeasure. “But damn it, Dusk didnt train them for Cobalt.

“What about Yargazon? Just saying his name made her queasy.

Markus didnt answer. Instead he watched Ozarson up ahead of them. The boy was looking around with undisguised appreciation at the gilded walls and their mosaics. “Ozi has never lived anywhere like this. The Onyx Palace is starker, and he spent the last two years with the army.

She didnt let him evade the question. “And Yargazon?

“You wont like it.

“Cobalt is letting him live?

“Yes. He spoke evenly. “It was my condition for giving up those two thousand soldiers.

Allegra wanted to hit him. But she held it in. Markus had given up more than she had ever expected in that moment he had asked Ozarson to consider the queens offer. She hadnt believed he would ever repudiate Yargazon, yet incredibly, he had done it. He had given up his kingdom and his army because Allegra had asked him to do it. She was still reeling with that knowledge.

“What will they do with Yargazon? she asked.

“Hes going to retire. Markus even said it with a straight face. “Under guard, of course, to make sure he complies with the terms of this new treaty. Hell return to his home in Jazid.

Allegra snorted. “And Im sure Cobalt believes him. It didnt surprise her that the emperor demanded an entire army in return for Yargazons life, given that the General would undoubtedly start trying to outwit his “retirement as soon as he was back in Jazid. “So he wins again.

Markus shook his head. “In Dusks view, hes lost everything that ever mattered to him. He wanted to fight. He thought we could defeat Cobalt. He may be right. But the cost was too high. After a moment, he said, “Its more than the war, Allegra. Ozi and I were the closest he had to a family. He touched her hair. “And he wanted you. It obsessed him. I dont know why, for he genuinely believes you sought to ruin his relationship with Ozi and me and our plans for Taka Mal. The way he sees it, you won by corrupting me and destroying Ozis future. You have everything Dusk wants.

It was an outlook so different from her own, she didnt know what to do with it. “Do you see me that way?

“Gods, no! He gave her a wry smile. “You make me think. Which is good. I may not like it, but thats my problem, not yours.

She exhaled, relieved. “Yargazon wasnt actually the one I meant, though. Its Cobalt. He always comes out ahead, stronger, more powerful. Now he has more land and a bigger army.

Markus lifted his chin. “For now.

For now. With this alliance between Taka Mal and Jazid, saints only knew what would happen. Ultimately Taka Mal and Jazid would become one, in spirit if not in who actually claimed the throneand when that happened, she wondered if even the emperor could stand against their fierce soul.

“Did King Jarid agree to let you live here? she asked.

“As a prisoner, yes. He winced. “Better than his dungeon.

“How does it work? Do wedo we have to live in cells?

“Dragons breath, Allegra. Of course not. He motioned to Ozarson. “He and I will stay in the suite we have now. Well always have guards, and we cant leave the palace without an armed escort. But its more like were guests than hostages.

“You and Ozarson? Not me?

“You are free to leave. If you want. Awkwardly he added, “Or to stay. If you want.

To leave. Or to stay. “Markuswould you have considered the queens proposal if I hadnt asked you to do it?

“No, I dont think so. He took a breath. “You see the world in ways I find difficult. But if you will stay with me, Ill try to understand.

Allegra thought of everything he had given up for her, and she didnt really need to debate her answer.

“Ill stay, she said.

His face relaxed. He took her hand as they walked together.

Vizarana and Drummer were waiting in an alcove of the nursery. Baz Quaazera was with them, and a striking woman who was surely his wife, the Dragon-Sun priestess. A cascade of red-gold hair tumbled down her back. Although she had the upward-tilted eyes common in Taka Mal, they were green instead of dark. She wore a long yellow skirt and a bodice that left her lower abdomen bare. She regarded Allegra with a serene gaze and inclined her head as one mage would to another.

“Zarina is sleeping, Drummer told them. “She usually does at this time of the day.

Ozarson shifted his feet. “Maybe we shouldnt wake her up.

“Its all right. Vizaranas face gentled when she spoke to him. “Come in, please.

They walked into the nursery, an airy room with blue walls and a white ceiling. Toys were strewn in one corner, balls and stuffed animals. A child lay curled under a blue quilt in a small bed with raised sides to keep her from falling out. They stopped just within the archway, except for Vizarana and Drummer, who went to the bed. The queen bent over and picked up the child, cradling her in her arms. The girl was about two years old, with dark hair and a sweet face. She snuggled against her mother and murmured, “Pappy.

Drummer laughed softly. “Im here, little one. He tapped his finger on her hand, and she gripped it with her eyes closed.

When Drummer beckoned to Ozarson, the boy started with alarm, looking young and uncertain. Then he drew himself up straighter and went over to them. He peered at the girl. “Shes pretty.

“Her personal names are Zarina Bell, Vizarana said.

“Bell? Ozarson asked.

“Its my mothers name, Drummer said. “Many people where I come from have names based in music.

“Oh. Ozarson squinted at Zarina. “Is she asleep?

“A little. Then Vizarana murmured, “Wake up, sweetings.

“Mummsi, the girl said drowsily. Her huge eyes opened and she regarded Ozarson. “Boy-boy? she asked.

“His name is Ozarson, Drummer said. “Your husband, someday.

Ozarson turned even redder than before. “Dont be sad, he told the girl earnestly. “Ill try not to be a bad husband.

“Busbus, Zarina murmured. She yawned and closed her eyes.

“Well. The queen caught her lower lip with her teeth, and Allegra saw a sheen of tears in her eyes. When Vizarana glanced at Markus, he went to stand with them. The priestess came with him, her long hair rustling with her elegant walk.

“We will have the more elaborate ceremonies later, Vizarana told Markus. “Since weve already agreed on the basic terms, my people and yours should have a preliminary draft of the contract for you this evening, and we can settle on details. However, this will formalize the betrothal.

Markus nodded his acceptance. “That will work.

She took a breath, then shifted into a ceremonial cadence. “Does anyone here have cause to dispute this joining of the royal Houses of Onyx and Quaazera?

Allegra held her breath, afraid someone would speak and destroy this precarious solution to a brutal war.

After a moment, the priestess spoke in a melodic voice. “Your Majesty, Ozarson Onyx, Atajazid Daz, Shadow-Dragon Prince of Jazid, do you accept this betrothal?

Ozarson looked up with wide eyes. “Yes? I mean, yes, I do.

She inclined her head to the boy, then said, “Your Majesty, Vizarana Jade Quaazera, Atatakamal Doz, Dragon-Sun Princess of Taka Mal, do you accept this betrothal in the name of your daughter, Zarina Bell Quaazera?