Page 27 of Ensii
“I doubt he would be so bold as to stay here.”
“Don’t underestimate him,” Talitha answered shortly. “I made that mistake and it cost me my family.”
Ashek kissed the top of her head gently. “And we will repay him for all of it.”
“I hope so,” Talitha exhaled.
“Zula and the rest of my men are searching the city even now.” Talitha reached for her shield, leaning against one knee. “With our luck, that old dog is saving his strength until the opportune moment.”
“It’s what I would do.” Ashek raked a hand through his hair, shoving it back. “We take Ilios overnight without losing a single fighter in the city, but the jackal escapes. No matter. His witchcraft doesn’t fare so well in the daylight hours anyway.”
“My lady.” Shaza was there as if from nowhere. For the first time she could remember, there were dark circles under his eyes. Yet he kept standing stern and straight as a spear, a smug grin on his lips. “No word on my father, but every courtier we’ve rescued is happily pledging allegiance to you and Priest Ashek.”
It seemed the “priest” title was sticking.
Talitha let off a long breath. “Good. One less thing to trouble ourselves with.” She would have to find a new title for Shaza when this was all over. Chamberlin was a respected office, but not one equal to his service for the city. “You’ve done well.”
“Zula sent me to tell you that they have secured the city. She asks permission to have her soldiers rest, keeping a strong contingent of guards to watch, of course.”
“Granted. The same for Gilsazi.”
“You don’t fear my father returning while we sleep?”
“When Nehemian returns, it will be by cover of darkness,” Ashek said flatly. “I’ve met these kinds of sorcerers before. They dislike showing the suns their deeds.”
Shaza only shrugged. “I suppose.”
“Then get some rest yourself.” Talitha nodded her approval. “You’ve done well.”
“Must we destroy the entire palace?” Shaza gestured over his shoulder to where a small crowd had gathered and the people had begun kicking the statue of Anakti. It had shattered when they knocked it over and they had formed a loose circle, punting the head between them.
“I told you we were taking down everything to do with the worship of that harpy,” Talitha answered.
“I understand that, but not the rabble you’re allowing to do the job.”
“Debrei warned us that Anatki cannot be with us when we face Nehemian. We will not take any chances.”
Shaza rolled his eyes. It was a slight gesture, meant only for the two of them. “Very well. I will deliver your message and thentryto rest. Your chambers are a disaster, my lady. But I had a few of the slave girls ready them and the guards search every corner. It’s ready for you.”
Talitha would definitely have to give Shaza a commendation and some sort of promotion. She would need to do that for everyone who had stayed with her through this, as a matter of fact.
“Send word to Gannesaret. Tell Kasrei we have taken the city.”
“Already done, my lady.”
“Did you send for her?”
“No, but we both know she’s going to come.”
That much was true. “Good. You’ve done well.”
Shaza smirked in a way that said he knew and half-bowed from the waist. She watched Shaza go, wondering if he would always be so loyal. A part of her expected him to turn on her as his father had. The other half of her was tired of not trusting, constantly second guessing. She didn’t have the stamina to remain suspicious for so long.
Ashek rose, lowering a hand to help her up. “I agree with your advisor, my lady. You should rest.”
Talitha let him pull her upright and kissed him, capturing his lips with a soft, but insistent kiss. “Come to bed with me.”
Resting a hand on her lower back, Ashek pulled her closer against him. “Seductress,” he breathed against her ear, nipping her earlobe. “After everything we’ve been through, you still want that?”
