Page 60 of Tashama
“Daveal,” the prince corrected her. “Why can you not pronounce her name right?”
“Devil,” Tashama said. “It just slips out that way.”
“Does it mean something to you?”
“Devil? Doesn’t it to you?”
“Not a thing—just an annoying mispronunciation of her name is all.”
“Well, that’s something.” Tashama smiled.
“I thought you said I was her savior,” the prince said to Carissian.
“Devil?” Tashama asked.
The men ignored her as Carissian shook his head. “She is wily, sire. She’s attempting a rift between Lady Daveal and you.”
“Nonsense,” Tashama said. “Why the rift already existed well before I ever arrived. Is that not so, my prince? If this was not so, he would have married the lady already by now.”
“He couldn’t have until after the coronation,” Carissian said.
“But he would have made a firm…,” Tashama said, then glanced down at the lower half of the prince’s tunic, “commitment by now.”
The prince studied Tashama, then noticed the sorcerer watching him, as if trying to decide if what she had alleged was truly the case. “She is wily. You’re right about that, Carissian. What should we do with her?”
“I’ve thought of tying her to a rock in the Prathaen Sea. There, she could do no more harm.”
“So who is the decoy to be?” Tashama looked out the window. “Who has blond hair like me?” Carissian shook his head. “Seems, there’s no one who would look right for the job.”
“If we use the lady herself, would we be able to ensure the thieves are unable to abscond with her?” the prince asked Carissian.
“Chain her to the bed, sire, as well as have our guards posted. That should do the trick, do you not think?”
“You mean I will not get to sleep on your pillows tonight?” She stretched her arms above her head.
“You will get to please me in a different way tonight.” The prince waved for Carissian to come with him.
The prince and his sorcerer left the room, and Listra hurried back in. “I don’t know why he dismisses me like he does.” She sat on her chair. “He knows you should have a chaperone at all times, and besides that, you’ll tell me what he said anyway, will you not?”
“I’m to be used as bait for the thieves tonight.”
“You—yourself?” Listra shook her head. “What if they are successful?”
“I’ll be chained to my bed.” Tashama stood up on her toes, then rested her feet gently on her soles.
“Are you all right?” Listra jumped up from her seat.
“Yes, they feel like they are asleep still and prickle with the touch, but I want to stroll in the gardens. Would you mind terribly?”
“I would love to take a walk with you, as long as you feel you’re able.”
“Yes, I’ve been lying around way too much.”And I must find a way to leave this place at once. I have not forgotten my quest, dear Karthland. I will lead my people to victory.
The ladies walked through the exit, and Tashama took the path she’d seen the prince take before. Listra said, “You do not know anything more about my…future?”
“No, I’m sorry, Listra. Maybe later I’ll see something further. I didn’t want to upset you.”
They neared a pool of water winding through islands of ferns. Lantana-like flowers hung on vines that dripped into the still waters, making Tashama smile. “Is it very deep?”
