Mary wagged a finger in her face, and Nightshade, tired of playing charades, twisted a knot in the top of the sheet and strode to the first chest, flipping the lid open. Gold and jewel encrusted knives and swords sparkled, mesmerizing her with their beauty. Reverently, she touched the hilt of a ten-inch knife laden with rubies and sapphires. Next to that, a short sword, its golden blade engraved and ribbed near the hilt, so as to rip the flesh of the person impaled.
Beautiful. A weapon cache at her disposal, if she didn’t start drooling over them first.
She took a deep breath and forced herself to close the lid, flipping up her nose as if she couldn’t care less about the treasure trove of death dealers. The next chest revealed goblets and plates and silverware, enough to buy a truckload of rifles and grenades and ammo.
“What is she doing?” Sarah whispered behind her.
“Looking for clothes. The girl is stubborn. Amir will gladly beat it out of her.”
“Can’t we just give her something, then? Make her lay down before someone else realizes she's awake.”
Nightshade purposefully rattled a stack of plates. Mary was on her in an instant, her bony hand wrapped around Nightshade’s wrist, tugging her back. Sarah swooped around and slammed the lid shut.
“Foolish girl. I don’t pity you your fate. Go. Sit.” Mary pointed at the bed. Nightshade lifted her chin and gestured to her clothes once more.
She gave a regal nod. “Yes, yes. Go.”
Nightshade crossed the wide tent, savoring the plush rugs beneath her bare feet, and stood next to the bed. Mary went to a trunk on the opposite wall and lifted out a sleeveless white linen nightgown that tied on the sides.
“Let me help you so you don't hurt yourself.” Mary held the gown in front of her.
Nightshade cocked her head to the side, keeping up the pretense of not understanding, until Mary got close enough for Nightshade to snatch the dress from her grip. The sudden movement sent a slash of pain deep in her shoulder and she couldn’t help but waver on her feet. Idiot. She knew better.
“Stupid girl, you’ve reopened your wound.” Mary crowded her, forcing Nightshade to shove the woman back or sink onto the bed. She chose the bed.
Normally, she’d fight her way out, but not today. Not as Caroline. And not injured.
Obedient, she lay back, allowing Mary and her sharp fingers to cleanse and re-bandage her shoulder. When she finished, Nightshade tried to pull on the gown only to have Mary extract it from her grip and untie the right side. Then she helped Nightshade slip it over her head and re-tie most of the strings. “Rest, now.”
“Thank Allah, Amir was asleep.” Rose rushed into the room carrying a covered tray. “I grabbed what I could.”
Sarah took the tray from her and placed it on the mattress beside Nightshade, taking the lid off to reveal fresh cheeses, smoked meats, and hard bread. Enough calories to last her two days.
She leaned up on her good arm, careful this time not to re-injure her shoulder, and devoured what she could. Unfortunately, her strength sapped quickly, leaving her unable to finish half the serving.
“We have a plan then. Neither of us will tell anyone she is awake. She needs at least a few more days to recover,” Sarah said.
Rose gasped as if the world had ended. “What if Amir finds out? He will have us stoned to death.”
“And if he takes her too soon? Don’t tell me Amir has suddenly turned into a kind and gentle lover?” Mary replied.
“But...but...” Rose stuttered.
Mary grabbed the younger wife’s arm in a tight grip. “Yes, you will see to his needs tonight. And Sarah tomorrow. And then, when his pale beauty is ready, she will see to his needs for a very, very long time.”
