Page 109 of Tashama
“Certainly.”
Tashama sat, then stared up at the sorcerer. “You realize if he discovers this traitorous move, you’ll be banished from Maldovia?”
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“To aid you in returning to Karthland and saving my own kingdom, the risk is worth my banishment,” Carissian told Tashama.
Tashama smoothed out her skirts. “Would I be such an intolerable choice for your king?”
“Neither my people nor your own would approve such a match. The notion is folly.”
“And if I gave up the idea of returning to my own beloved Karthland?”
“You could reside here under the protection of His Highness.”
“As?”
“His subject.”
Tashama straightened her back. “I would no more want to be King Aleron’s subject than he would want to be mine. Perhaps if we resided elsewhere instead, as just a man and a woman…”
“You wish to free your people.” Carissian stared out the window. “I will turn you over to General Karam, and then it’ll be up to you to do what you can to bring Loran down.”
“And you wantwhatin return?”
“Your word that you will make peace with King Aleron once you rule Karthland or convince the husband you choose of this at least.”
“If I don’t agree?”
“I know it’s in your heart already, my lady. You desire more than anything else in the world to bring peace to the two lands. You’ll do it if you’re able.”
Tashama stood. “When do I leave?”
“Soldiers will come for you tonight. Oshon will lead the force to get you to Chrisholm Island safely.”
“Aleron wants me to teach him to swim further tonight. Can you dissuade him?”
“I’ll attempt to, but when he has business with you, my powers of persuasion are rather limited.”
“Do what you can. It’ll be best for both of us if we see each other no further.”
“My sentiments exactly.”
“Will Listra be safe?”
“I believe you know she will be.”
Tashama nodded, then walked over to the door that led to the gardens. She opened it and smiled. “Why does this not lock in some fancy way that the other does?”
“I wished for it to be unlocked so you could go that way.”
“Tonight then.” Tashama walked outside and glanced up at the clouds cluttering the sky. She sauntered toward her own room. Then, quickening her pace, she hurried down the path to her own bedchambers. As she entered the room, she gasped as the young thief waved to her from the canopy on her bed. He dropped to the floor. “Because you weren’t here, they’ve posted no guards. You must come away with me now.”
“But other arrangements have been made.”
The boy narrowed his eyes. “By whom?”
“I cannot say, but they will take me to Chrisholm Island.”
