Page 15 of Tashama
Several soldiers entered the tent with the remaining wounded men’s plates, and one offered to take Tashama’s empty dish. When she held her plate up to him, he grabbed her wrist, startling her. She looked into his eyes. “You have a new baby boy.”
The man stared at her and stuttered, “It…it’s true. She has the gift.”
The healer studied her, but before he could speak, a soldier rushed into the tent. “The prince has arrived!”
“Aleron?” The healer’s brows knit together, and he quickly stood up from his stool.
“Yes.” The man motioned to Tashama. “They say it’s because of the woman he comes.”
The healer licked his lips. “He has never made an appearance here before, and I’ve been the healer at the compound for over a year.”
“The general says she’s not to be trusted. He says…”
“I don’t care what the general says. Leave us.”
Tashama stood and found her legs steady again. She walked over to the tent's entrance and peeked out.
The prince sat tall in his saddle. The brilliant red tunic he wore shimmered in the golden rays of the sun, contrasting with his dark brown hair. His sandal ties, made of black leather, intertwined up his well-developed legs, matching the swirls of ebony thread that twisted in intricate patterns on his tunic.
A shirt with blowsy sleeves in gold accompanied this, while he wore a gold sash across his chest. His jewel-encrusted sword rode at his side like his ever-faithful companion. His dark eyes searched the prisoners standing in packs while they watched him.
Tashama’s heart pounded way too rapidly. Annoyed with feeling so affected by his presence, she gripped the tent flap fiercely. Her fingers hurt from the pressure of the heavy cloth. She tried to refocus her thoughts from admiring the sight of the prince to the pain tormenting the tips of her fingers. Her desire was torn between wanting to run as far away from him as she could and having him hold her close so she could feel his heartbeat thumping against hers.
The healer joined her. “He searches for you.”
“Can you cover me up in my bed, and I can pretend to be asleep?”
“One of the guards has pointed to the tent.”
She sighed deeply. “I don’t want to see this tyrant of a man further.”
“He has spoken to you?”
“Certainly.” She scratched her head and looked around the canvas room. “Maybe I could hide under the bed.”
Several of the wounded men laughed. One said, “You may hide under my covers with me, my lady.”
Her cheeks warmed. “Thank you, no.”
A shadow stretched across the floor, and she turned when the prince stalked through the entrance.
5
Three of his royal guard joined Aleron while one shoved the healer out of his path as he entered the healing tent, intent on learning how the woman fared.
“You have no right,” Tashama said with indignation.
The healer interrupted her, “I’m all right, miss.”
Her words were feminine, like she was, though harsh with condemnation. Aleron studied Tashama’s face with amazement at the transformation that had taken place from the last time he’d seen her. Now, he was sure she was the witch who visited his dreams, but last night she had not come to him.
Was it because of her injuries? The healer would have given her the tea to help heal them. Did that make her incapable of coming to him in the night?
He should have been grateful, but all it did was force him to come to see her again today, to ensure she was all right. To ensure she was not a figment of his overwrought imagination. Even though she had not slipped into his dreams, he still hadn’t slept well at all because of worrying about her safety.
He reached for her hand. She stepped back. He motioned to his guard, who grabbed her arm, then held it out to him.Glancing at the healer, the prince tilted his head slightly, causing the healer to step forward and pull her sleeve up. The prince caught her twisting her mouth in annoyance while she frowned at him. Stifling a smile, he signaled the guard to show her other arm to him.
Aleron’s fingers touched her skin with the gentlest of caresses, avoiding contact with her wounds. Without Carissian objecting, he enjoyed prolonging the gesture. After examining her injuries, he opened his mouth to speak, then closed it.
