Unveiling the Sorceress

Something urged her to be more forthright with him, soon though it was. “If you have any concerns ... about anything, please talk to Amra and Elra, or to me. I may come to you seeking the same confidence in return."

"I understand,” he said, and bowed his head, though she doubted whether he really did. When he took his leave it was with much more purpose in his steps.

They had their ally, their confidant. Kerr was becoming part of their world. Or were they becoming part of his much darker world, the world that called him slave? The doubts were never far away, ready to pounce on her. Whatever hope Yoshi had given her, she still recognized that they could easily be absorbed into the Karseedian court, just as Kerr had been. They too could be made slaves, forever lost to their own kind.

She walked with Kerr to the door, and as he walked away down the corridor, she watched his retreating back with a deep yearning for resolve. Looking beyond him, she stared into the shadows were Amshazar had waited for her, and a tremor ran through her. Part fear, part arousal.

Chapter Four

Yoshi put her hands on her ample hips and nodded at the untouched plate of food sitting by Elishiba's side. “How do you intend to keep your strength, if you do not eat your food?"

"I cannot. Believe me, if you had spent the whole morning with those two, you would have been put off your food as well.” That wasn't quite how it had made her feel, at least not Amshazar. Despite certain vows she had made, she was finding it hard to ignore his effect on her. It was an unsettling state to find herself in, and her mood was getting the better of her.

"It is our penultimate day in Suzin and there are a thousand things I would much rather be doing,” she declared. Soon they would leave for Lhastari. How she hated it. She didn't want to go, so she could not bring herself to be involved in any so-called education they gave her about Karseedia. That, and the fact that she would rather be alone with Amshazar than suffering Sibias, totally unnerved her.

Yoshi picked up the platter of untouched food, helping herself to a cluster of grapes as she did so. “You might learn something that is useful, useful to you in a different way than they had intended.” She gestured with the grapes. “You must win by being observant, find a way to outwit Hanrah and Mehmet.” Popping a grape into her mouth, she gave Elishiba a knowing look.

Elishiba gave a deep sigh. “I know. It belittles my country and my people to be involved in it, but you are right. I will try harder this afternoon, I promise."

"Surely it was not hard to listen to the handsome Amshazar? I believe his voice alone could captivate me, if it was my attention he wished to gain.” She chortled to herself as she deposited the abandoned platter of food on a table near the doorway. “Or was that why you found it so hard to concentrate, hmm?"

Elishiba flashed her a warning glance. Once again she had hit upon the truth. He was indeed a distracting presence.

Returning to her seat, Yoshi ignored the warning. “What exactly did they talk to you about this morning?"

"Oh, Sibias spent a tedious spell of time talking about Karseedian court life, during which he reiterated many times his deep devotion to the Empress Mehmet.” Elishiba rolled her eyes. “In fact, neither of them spoke about the Emperor Hanrah much at all.” She frowned. “Perhaps he doesn't exist.” She laughed. Wishful thoughts besieged her.

"Interesting,” mused Yoshi. “We have heard said that Mehmet is the stronger of the pair. Perhaps this confirms it. What did Amshazar have to say?"

"He was quiet at first.” Elishiba pictured him again in her mind's eye. It wasn't hard to do. “When he took his turn to speak, he spoke formally, of the traditional ceremonies that surround the marriage, and how my life as wife to the ruler of Karseedia might be expected to evolve."

"He wasn't friendly?"

Elishiba picked up her goblet of pomegranate juice, sipping it, thoughtfully. “He wasn't as provocative as before, more formal.” That had been a disappointment, she found. It had been hard to concentrate. She had tried, because she meant to learn things, things that might perhaps enable her to find a way to redefine her obligation. However, she could no more concentrate on it than she could consider it her true destiny. Instead, she had been compelled to observe the attractive features and lithe body of Amshazar, while he focused on the items he had brought to show her, small intricate parchment illustrations of the courtship rituals.

"I notice he seems amused by what Sibias is saying sometimes,” she added, when she realized Yoshi was waiting for her to continue.

"Oh yes, they are like two hounds battling over a bone, that fact is sure enough.” Yoshi chortled again, amused by the potential drama. Her eyes twinkled. “What do they plan for you this afternoon?"

"You tell me, Seer.” Elishiba reached for Yoshi's hand, teasing her by tugging on it demandingly. “Or do you like to see me squirm?"

Yoshi gave a prim smile as she pulled her hand free, which indicated she was pleased with herself in some way. “You can tell me all about it later."

Standing, she reached to tidy her mistress's hair, and then added, “you look a little melancholy, but otherwise you are presentable. Now, go to your meeting, and keep your wits about you, my girl. Ask questions and listen. Don't let your stubborn streak get the better of you."

Elishiba raised her eyebrows, but resisted the temptation to rebel, getting to her feet. “Yes, Yoshi. Of course, Yoshi."

Yoshi merely waved her off.

* * * *

As Elishiba walked along the corridors toward the small private chamber that had been set aside for the day's meetings, she humored herself by planning for the morrow. She wanted to spend it with her people, not those of Karseedia. Once inside the chamber she settled onto her cushions and waited expectantly. She was greatly surprised when the door opened and Amshazar entered the room alone.

There was no sign of Sibias.

A moment later a servant entered behind him carrying a wooden box, which he set beside them before leaving. The door closed with a resounding clang.

They were alone.