The young man looked up and down the hallway. “He and Thatcher go to Ruskar. They have taken a small boat and they will not make their presence known. Our prince and king want to know why Ruskar has broken their trade with us.”
“What will they do when they get there?”
“Spy, lady. Thatcher is blessed by Brother Air and he makes no sound when he moves. And our captain is also skilled in stealth. They will listen at windows, in taverns. They have operated as a pair for more than half their lives. They know what they do.”
“Our king wants his best,” I mused.
Luka nodded. “They are like the night, lady. I swear it to you. No Ruskarian will sniff them out. Wearethe teeth in Hinnom’s jaw. There has never been a Procurer death from battle or mission. There have only been eight trials held before this one. Procurers have only retired or become a keep guard to be with their family. Alric is understanding in this. That is how I won my position. A man retired. Winning the Procurer trials nearly two winters ago was my proudest day.”
“Alric says you are the fastest man in Tintar. I thank you for your assurance.”
I was in bed that night, alone for the first time in so long, missing his warmth and craving his body to be molded to mine. My mind oscillated from the knowledge that I had but nine weeks of life left and the overwhelming joy that my husband’s hunger for me had not been a result of him being a man and me being the woman nearest to him, but that he had wantedme.
I have prayed for your kiss, wife.
I would kiss him when he returned and I would pour all of the love I had into him for the remainder of these days.
81. Cian
I spent four days pining and fearful, telling myself Luka’s words about my husband’s prowess over and over. I sat in the temple at night and prayed for his safe return. I was agitated and my mind drifted during a stone magic lesson in Cian’s office, the little pebbles coated in my blood. He was short with me and I could tell he wanted to say more to me, but refrained.
“Please forgive me,” I said, searching for the friendliness his green eyes had once held.
He sighed. “Forgiveme, Edie. I have worked you so hard. And I do not know why.” His face was curious, appraising. “May I ask you a delicate question?”
“Of course. You are my archpriest.” I smiled, grateful for his return to kindness.
“Are you content in your marriage? I know it was not your choice.”
Hesitating, I bought time by drying my right hand’s blood with a linen cloth set aside for this purpose. I returned the pebbles to the silver bowl Cian had set before me.
“Edie?” he asked when I remained silent.
I will not shame you and I hope you will not shame me.
“I— I don’t wish to speak of it.” Our marriage was no one’s business but ours.
He tented his fingers on the desk across from me. Then he reached across and took my hand and began to bandage the shallow slice I had given myself. When he tied off the linen strip, he continued holding my hand in both of his.
I was reminded of Alric’s holding of my left hand, bloodied and flayed open, standing in the rising tide with me, both of us wet and exhausted, him calling my hand still beautiful. The palm had healed but did not look well. It had required stitches and the jagged lines crossed over the little quill tattoo. I smiled at this memory, him holding me in the saltwater.
Cian misinterpreted this and began to stroke my hand with his thumb. “Edie,” he said quietly. “You are entitled to your privacy. But may Itellyou something delicate?”
I nodded, stunned into silence at this invitation to intimacy.
“I am third in line to the throne. I have never used this position to my advantage. Not in nearly forty winters. But I am willing to break that personal rule. For you.”
I could not meet his gaze. I did not want to think on his meaning. “I don’t know what you mean, Cian,” I said, numbly. I dared to look up and his eyes held something I could not place.
“I could speak to Hinnom about a divorce. I know how to convince my cousin.”
I was unsure of what to say.
“Think on it,” he said, leaning forward. “You did not ask to be married to such a man.”
“Such a man?”
Cian looked down at our hands. “I have great respect for the captain. And he has an abiding faith in Mother Earth, but I cannot imagine him to be an easy husband. And you do not seem a likely pair, despite both worshipping the same goddess. I believe you would be happier unmarried. You should be free to choose your husband. You do not need to answer now. Only think on it.”
