Dance With the Enemy (25 page)

Chapter 40

Tahruk dreamed he was being watched and quickly clawed his way back from a wary slumber. He’d slept as he did when engaged in battle – sliding just deep enough into the realm of inertia that he could rejuvenate without sleeping so soundly he became vulnerable. He opened his eyes, taking but a moment to reorient himself before looking up at Elenya. Her green eyes on him were the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen, flooding him with such great joy he had to blink several times to hold back threatening tears.

“Hi,” he whispered, reaching up to brush his thumb over her upturned lips before pushing back a stray curl from her cheek.

She caught his hand to her cheek then turned her face to kiss his palm. “It was your face I saw. You were my angel,” she told him, having to stop to clear her gravelly throat. “You saved me.”

Tahruk shook his head and wiped away a line of moisture from beneath her lower lashes. “No, Little One. You were the hero, and your will to survive kept you here and saved our son.”

“Our son…” She grimaced as she turned her body toward Tahruk and the tiny bundle that lay between them.

Tahruk could read the concern on her face as she tried to push herself up on an elbow for a better look at the baby. The infant who must have sensed a change began to stir. Elenya’s eyes grew big as a he registered a complaint in the form of a squeal. She glanced at Tahruk though her eyes sprung right back to her baby.

“Months of having him growing inside of me and now I’m scared to death of him,” she whispered. “I… I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do.”

Tahruk chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll do just fine, and if I know her, I’m sure Nema is nearby. His cries will bring her quickly.”

Elenya’s face contorted. “I don’t want him to cry!”

His father’s hoot of laughter startled the baby, and his mother’s desires went ungranted. As expected, Nema bustled through the door, took control, and calmed everyone. The enormous amount of admiration Tahruk already felt for the woman grew even greater as he watched her tending the baby and teaching the mother. He felt a momentary pang of sorrow that she hadn’t been able to mother her own children, though she’d always seemed content to mother the children born from her sister’s womb. His father was, indeed, a fortunate man to have gained the hearts of not one but two women who loved him. Tahruk looked at Elenya, offering her an encouraging nod. Even if she had not produced a child for him, with him, he knew he could never love another like he loved her, though he was thankful that was not something he had to even consider.

After helping her up, he moved to sit next to where she was propped against the headboard attempting to feed their son for the first time. He stroked the downy head of the contented infant and kissed Elenya’s temple before she leaned against him using his strong arm for support. He smiled at Nema who beamed her approval at what he was certain was the picture of the perfect family.
His family
. He breathed deeply, his chest swelling with contented pride, almost wishing he could freeze this moment in time.

Chapter 41

Elenya was confined to bed rest far longer than her patience could endure. Only the steady stream of visitors and the time alone getting to know her son made her confinement bearable. Tahruk had returned to the training fields, though he was home with her every evening and quite often in the late afternoon. He tried to keep her spirits up, regaling her with stories of the jousting matches or happenings about the Centrehead. Sometimes they were stories she’d already heard from another guest, but she encouraged him to tell her anyway, enjoying the interaction. She desperately missed the physical closeness they’d shared and longed for the day when he could, once again, take her in his arms for more than just a cursory cuddle.

Slowly, she began to venture from her bed to the sun room and then to their private garden for short periods. Around Rennie’s fifth month, Doctor Jorian released her fully, though he encouraged her to take it easy. His expectation was that it could take up to a year for her to feel like herself again and she shouldn’t push it nor allow others to expect more from her than she was willing to give. As she relaxed in the chase in a far corner of the family garden while Rennie napped in his basket at her side, she remembered how embarrassed she’d been to ask if that meant relations with her husband. Doctor Jorian had been so kind and professional, patting her hand while he explained to her that she was free to do whatever
she
felt comfortable doing. He’d also instructed her to let him know immediately should she become pregnant again – said in the same professional manner he used to address all things.

Elenya had held her excitement in until he exited the room, then she’d thrown herself back, kicking her feet on the bed while she rolled back and forth like an excited child. Tonight, she’d thought, closing her eyes to capture the feel of remembered caresses for a moment before rising to prepare for the dinner hour and her husband’s return from the training fields.

She was sure her desire had been palpable during the meal, and her interest laid open on the table, so to speak, once they returned to their chambers and she’d put the sleepy baby down for the night. But Tahruk had thwarted her plans, her advances met with a cool reception that left her crying softly into the pillow, her back turned to him. Embarrassed and hurt, she hadn’t tried again, instead putting all her hopes into him coming to her.

It had been over a month - time that had not been her friend. He’d seemed to distance himself from her, coming home later or venturing out again shortly after dinner, to the point now where he’d left on a four day training mission that would lead up to this season’s Dremis. Thoughts of her Dremis assaulted her mind, visions of Cerissa mocked her. She’d heard the woman had yet to accept another, holding out hope still that she would belong to one of the elite warriors. Elenya dropped her chin to her chest, blinking rapidly to hold back tears. Had her warrior succumbed to the charms of the blond goddess? Would she be the one he’d go to under the pull of the Dremis moon?

“What’s your problem?”

She looked up swiftly, instinctively moving a hand to press lightly against Rennie’s back. The loud gruffness of his uncle’s voice hadn’t disturbed the baby in the least, unlike the effect it had on her.

“What do you want, Redahn?” she asked, bristling. “I thought you’d gone with the other men?” The words turned her stomach to churning. If Redahn had returned, where was her husband? If he didn’t come to her tonight, of all nights, she would know. She looked up to see where the sun lay in the sky wondering how she’d manage to make it through the rest of the day and evening.

“For a woman married to the King’s finest warrior, having produced for him a beautiful child – a son no less – you have the appearance of a youngster whose birthday celebration has been cancelled. Apparently, you have suffered disappointment and you have no idea what to do with yourself. Perhaps I could offer my services.”

“Redahn! Even if you were the last man in the Kingdom, I would reject your assistance. You are a lurch of the highest level.” The loathing in her voice caused little Rennie to jump, though she was able to settle him with a few gentle pats.

Redahn’s chuckle turned to an all-out laugh when she cut her eyes in his direction. “You should let your concerns lie, Elenya. Imagine life’s hand on your back and allow yourself to settle, much as your comforting touch has settled your child.”

Elenya looked away, not bothering to watch him make his way from the garden, though she sensed when he was gone. She sighed loudly then practiced the deep breathing Nema had taught her to help her remain calm when tending her baby. She thought of the note she’d placed in the bottle thrown overboard on her trip from Aleone. She’d selfishly asked for a life filled with love from a man she adored. Her penned words had also revealed a desire to bear his children. She smiled, looking at her baby. She’d given one perfect child to the man she adored.

Closing her eyes, she prayed his love for her had not grown cold.

Chapter 42

Nema met Elenya and Rennie coming out of the garden.

“There you are!” She kissed Elenya’s cheek then peeked at the still sleeping bundle. “He’s a sound sleeper, isn’t he?”

Elenya nodded. “Yes, especially now that there are no more night feedings to be had.”

Nema nodded and looked the young mother over. “And you are comfortable? Redahn seemed to think you distressed.”

Elenya rolled her eyes. “Redahn’s company is enough to distress a soul.”

Nema laughed, though quickly sobered. “Are you headed back to your chambers?” When Elenya nodded, she indicated she would walk with them. “How is everything between you and Tahruk?”

Tension seeped into every inch of Elenya’s body, her posture became rigid, her face a mask of taut concern. Did Nema know something? If he’d been seen with another, Nema would have been informed…

“Don’t fret, love. He was quite moved by the events surrounding Rennie’s birth. That fear will not soon leave him, nor will the thought that his love for you might easily produce another child.” She stopped Elenya with a gentle hand to her arm. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Looking first at her baby then down the long, empty corridor, Elenya thought about Nema’s words. Could that be it then? A bubble of hope expanded within her chest, dipping down to unleash butterflies in her stomach. Without thinking, she placed her hand over her flattened abdomen. “Oh, Nema. I hope you’re right. I couldn’t bear to think he no longer wants me or that I’ve been replaced so quickly by another.”

Nema cackled. “Oh, my dear, no.” She shook her head and took hold of Rennie’s basket handle.  “There will never be another for the young master of Zanak. He simply needs to be reminded of something he told me once as he left for the battlefields and I handed his sword to him. When I kissed his cheek and told him to be careful, he shook his head, telling me caution and fear are for those who do not understand how truly precious life is, that to truly live one must be willing to risk all. It’s time for him to live again where your love is concerned. He simply needs something to remind him, that’s all. Tonight, you have both the Dremis moon and old Nema on your side. Come, let’s discuss what you need to do,” she called back as she began to carry the baby toward the wing occupied by the couple and their son.

An hour later the two women and the baby emerged again from the chamber door. Elenya juggled a basket filled with Rennie’s belongings needed for his first overnight stay away from her.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Nema? Babies can be such a handful.”

Nema pushed her concerns away with a wave of her hand in the air. “Nonsense. He’s not the first young lad I’ve tended, are you Master Rennie? No!” Rennie smiled up at the older woman, his little body wiggling in the basket making them both laugh. “Besides, it’s not like we’re that far away. If we need you, I will send someone. And his nurse will be close by as well.” She laughed when Elenya bit her lower lip and sighed. “He’ll be just fine while you take care of equally important matters.”

“I know, I know! Oh, Nema. I want this and I trust you completely. It’s just so much harder than I expected to put him in someone else’s care.”

“And where would you fine ladies and gentleman be off to in such a hurry?”

Elenya pulled up short, nearly tipping the laden basket she carried in order to avoid running into Shemek as he stepped into her path.

“Careful there,” he continued without waiting for an answer. Elenya swung the basket away when he reached out to help her.

“I’ve got it, though you startled me, Shemek. What are you doing here?”

“We haven’t been away so long you have already forgotten I’m an invited guest here, have you?” His teasing smile took Elenya back to a time when her dreams centered around a
what if
that would never be. How she had loved him then, never believing she would have those same feelings for another … only stronger.

“Of course I haven’t,” she answered, her brows drawing down as she struggled with the meshing of her past and present. “I just assumed the lot of you wouldn’t be back for a while longer.”

Shemek shook his head. “We were released early. The Dremis gathering is tonight, you know. The King wants his men turned out in their finest.”

“Too bad their manners don’t match their attire.” Elenya bit her lip and turned her head, silently cursing her loose tongue. How she wished she could take back the words that made both Nema and Shemek chuckle.

Rennie chose that moment to let them know he was tired of standing idle, his commanding squeal propelling Elenya to bid Shemek good day.

“Please, let me carry that for you. I don’t mind at all, and it appears we’re going in the same direction.”

Elenya hesitated, though she finally relinquished her load and rubbed the imprint of the wicker basket from her forearm. “Shemek?” A question had niggled as they made their way to Nema’s chambers. “Why were you so far back in the family quarters?” She noticed Nema raising her brows at the question, though Shemek seemed nonplused. He shrugged.

“It seems no matter how long I’ve been here I still get turned around from time to time. I guess the tiredness from training coupled with the excitement of the Dremis has my internal compass completely wound the wrong way.”

The small group laughed though he quickly looked away after his eyes briefly connected with Elenya’s.
Shemek
, she thought,
what are you up to and why are you lying
? She had no doubts in her mind that Shemek had the layout of Zanak down after his first day there, if not sooner.

“Shall I wait to escort you back to your chambers, Elenya? I noticed you have no corisan with you this afternoon.”

Elenya frowned. “I shouldn’t need one within the walls of my own home, not now that we’re no longer battling.”

“Which I hope doesn’t happen again for a good, long time,” Nema added, not really paying attention to anything beyond maneuvering through her chamber door.

Once her son and Nema were through, Elenya blocked the doorway, holding out her arms. “I can get that from here. Thank you, Shemek.” Her dismissal was blatant, finalized by her closing the door behind her. She leaned against the smooth wood surface trying to settle the butterflies in her stomach, wondering why she always felt so peculiar around Shemek now. She had ever since that day at the infirmary, though he’d seemed more himself, for the most part, when they’d met after he’d been released. It made no sense, had to be her imagination. This was Shemek! Her best friend from childhood.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Elenya pushed away from the door to follow Nema and Rennie into the room Nema had occupied during Elenya’s stay with her. She stopped just inside the threshold, a smile covering her face as she listened to Nema prattling to the cooing baby.

“Won’t your grandfather be surprised to find you here this evening, young master? Pleasantly so, I might add. What a fine young man you are…”

Pride filled Elenya’s heart when her son smiled at her and kicked his legs in excitement, toppling himself from his seated position in the middle of the large bed. Both Elenya and Nema laughed, which made him laugh when Elenya righted him. He held his hands out to her, sobering instantly when she didn’t pick him up. As was usual for him, it didn’t last long before he became quickly engrossed in the toys she handed him from the basket she’d placed on the side table.

“You seem ill at ease with your old friend, Shemek, love.” The unasked question to Nema’s statement hung in the air as the two women stood side-by-side watching the baby.

Elenya sighed. “I don’t know, Nema. I think perhaps it’s just me.” She shrugged, not really wanting to think about Shemek. She didn’t want anything to spoil this night with her warrior. Not the fact that it was to be her first night away from her child, or that this night should have brought her sister Denya to the Centrehead to celebrate her inclusion in the Dremis gathering. Although her sister’s lengthy recovery had kept her parents from visiting as well, she wasn’t upset Denya would not be a party to the frenzy that would be taking place at nightfall. She also refused to let the fear of rejection that kept attempting to rear its ugly head keep her from the man she loved, and she certainly would not let thoughts of Shemek intrude on what
had
to be a perfect night.

“So, after dinner, Rennie will come back here with me and you’ll return to your chambers to prepare for Tahruk to arrive home…” Nema was saying when she pulled herself back from her musings with one last thought:
if he returns tonight.