Page 64 of Tashama
The guards pulled the door open for Carissian’s entrance. Tashama shook her head. “I would think a gentleman would knock first before entering a lady’s chambers.”
“You are a prisoner,” Aleron reminded Tashama, “and as such are afforded what luxuries that I wish to bestow upon you.” The prince turned to hear what Carissian had to say as the expression on his face indicated his concern.
“Sire, Prince Loran states the princess is not who she claims to be.”
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“The princess is not the princess?” The prince raised his eyebrows in amusement. “He says this, does he now?”
“Yes, sire.”
“And?”
“No ransom will be paid for the prisoner.”
“Why would Loran say she’s not of the royal house?”
“To discredit her claim to the throne, sire. As long as she has no following, she won’t be a threat to him.”
The prince watched as Tashama sat on her cushioned chair. “What of General Karam and his men?”
“He is but one bee in a hive of bees. Unless he can get the swarm to follow him, he won’t leave much of a sting.”
“Says you, Carissian.” Tashama ran her finger over the velvet fabric of the arm of her chair, causing the fabric to darken. She looked up at the prince. “What do you intend to do with me now?”
Footsteps ran toward the guest chambers, and everyone turned as a messenger ran into the room. “Does no one have to knock when they come into my room?”
“Sire.” The messenger paused to catch his breath. “Prince Loran wants another prisoner exchange.”
“For?”
The messenger glanced over at Tashama. “The lady, Your Highness.”
The prince laughed. “When she is not even Tashama?”
“He states, Your Highness, taking a woman prisoner is not an acceptable practice for either of our peoples.”
“Does he?”
“Yes, sire. He says even though the woman is deluded, she should be returned to the Karthlanders.”
“Deluded?” the prince said as a familiar smile presented itself. Her lips mirrored his. “And she would be exchanged for?”
“One of your men. He didn’t say which he’d offer in return.”
“Do you have the list of names of all of my officers?”
“Yes, sire. Prince Oshon is at the top of the list.”
“What do you think, Carissian?” the prince asked.
“I think,” Tashama inserted, “you should ask for all the prisoners in exchange for me. Do so, and I will go willingly.”
The prince laughed. “You will go whether you wish to or not if I so desire.”
“Loran will kill her,” Listra said. “You cannot be serious about handing her over to him.”
The prince frowned at his cousin. “Did I want your opinion in this regard?”
