Page 58 of Tashama
“But how could I do such a thing?”
Tashama ran her hands over her golden skirts.
Listra put her tapestry aside. “What happens?”
“You’ll find you have no choice in the matter, Listra. The tidings are not entirely bad, however. You will fall in love too. This is all that I know.”
“But I’m to marry Duke Coryn at the end of the month. He is extremely loyal to the prince.”
Tashama shook her head. “The marriage will never come to pass.”
The door was thrown open. Tashama and Listra turned as Daveal rushed into the room. “Leave us,” she said to Listra.
“You forget I’m the prince’s first cousin,” Listra said.
Daveal turned to Tashama and sputtered, “You…you…”
“Does the lady have a speech impediment?” Tashama asked.
“If you think the prince has any more interest in you than just to use you as a pawn…”
“You’re right about that.” Tashama touched her gold braid. “I’m just a pawn in the scheme of things, though he did enjoy watching me swim in his bath this morning.”
Tashama smiled as Daveal’s cheeks grew red. “Now, she’s the one to blush,” Tashama said to Listra, then she turned to Daveal. “You know, Devil, I’ve offered to teach the prince to swim even. I believe he’ll soon take me up on the offer. Of course, I’ll have to hold his bare chest as he floats on his stomach in the water while he gets used to…”
“The name is pronouncedDavealfor your information.” Daveal faced Listra. “And as foryou, when the prince marries me, you’ll find little protection for you concerning your position here.”
“Ah, but the lady will be more powerful than you can ever imagine.” Tashama winked at Listra.
“You, Karthlander, won’t be the prince’s plaything for long.”
“I should say not.” She tilted her head to the side. “Why, he intends to marry me, haven’t you heard? By marrying me, I will be the greatest pawn he can have.” Daveal’s eyes narrowed. Tashama waved her finger at the woman’s face. “You know, with that pointed little chin and that high forehead, bangs and a haircut could really improve your appearance in a big way.”
“You think you’re very clever.”
“I know so, Devil. I can tell you right now, the prince is on his way to see me this very minute and will not be happy to find you here.”
The guard opened the door a speck. “The prince is on his way.”
Daveal glared at Tashama. “This isn’t the last you’ll hear from me.”
She hurried out of the room, and the prince exclaimed, “Lady Daveal!”
“Sire.”
Listra turned to Tashama. “Why did you say I would be more powerful?”
“Shhh.” Tashama held her finger to her lips and whispered, “Because it’s true.”
The prince walked into the room and nodded to Listra. She curtsied to him, and Tashama bowed her head to him as she remained seated.
“Your feet still bother you?”
“Yes, sire.”
“I was made aware a young thief, one who’d been locked in the tower with you specifically, was near your window a short while ago.”
Tashama smiled. “Yes, I invited him in for tea, Your Highness, but he had already enjoyed teatime earlier in the day, so it would seem.”
