Page 117 of Tashama
“Tell me what my future shows.”
“Certainly.” Tashama reached out for the man’s wrist to his surprise, then studied him for a moment. “You will be reunited with your friend soon.”
The man smiled. “We’ll have a hostage exchange.” He waved at his soldiers. “Allow the Maldovians and Texan to go through.”
As they returned to the carriage, Aleron turned to Tashama. “About the kiss you said we were going to have…”
“We have had that kiss, Your Highness.”
Listra’s eyes widened.
“Perhaps we should have this discussion some other time.”
“Oh, no, by all means discuss away,” Listra said.
Aleron squeezed Tashama’s hand. “You do know what we’re thinking then.”
Tashama’s cheeks turned pinker. “Yes, sire.”
“Then you know what I was thinking when I walked with you in the gardens the other day and…”
“Yes, sire.”
Aleron pulled Tashama close as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She wriggled her cheek against his shoulder. “I cannot help that I have such visions of you.”
“Most men have such thoughts when they look at a woman who piques their interest.”
“Ahh,” Aleron groaned. “I will have to have you wear the clothes of the Bachavin order to keep others from having such thoughts about you.”
Tashama smiled as Listra sat on the edge of her seat, waiting to hear what thoughts these were. When Tashama said nothing further, Listra sat back against her seat. “So the Alsations will find a Karthlander to trade for the release of their comrade?”
“No.”
“But you said…”
“I said the Alsations would be reunited with their compatriot.”
Aleron tilted his head down. “The Karthlanders take them prisoner?”
She nodded.
“That’s awful.” Listra touched her cheek.
“They’ll soon be free.” Tashama took a deep breath.
“Even the man whom they hold now as a prisoner?”
“Yes.”
“Why would he have been taken prisoner?”
“He was a spy for the Maldovians.”
“Ahh.” Listra looked back at Aleron who raised his eyebrows in acknowledgment.
Tashama turned her chin up to Aleron. “Teach me how to read.”
His face brightened as he considered Tashama’s small, upturned face, her eyes shimmering in the fading light of the carriage. “No.”
