Page 33 of Lhora
“Yes, Sarpen.” The woman left, and the guard who’d opened the door closed it behind her.
Lhora noted it. “You have a soldier at that door, but not at that one?” She indicated the one behind him.
“He’s standard procedure,” Duren told her. “Surely, as a captain of the Esstika’s private security, you’ve had to spend a watch or two on duty protecting her personal chambers.”
Lhora nodded. The same was done in Beinight. “But why isn’t there one at the door we came through last night?”
“Because that way isn’t known to anyone other than myself, my father, and a couple of very close confidants whom we trust with our lives. Come and eat.”
She got out of bed to join him at the table where Duren was stuffing himself on the braised laonis. She had no idea how hungry she was, and had no shame in gulping down an excellent tuvis omelet.
Duren paused to pour them both a mug of sweetmint milk. It was cold and delicious. “Looks like we’ve both worked up a hearty appetite,” he joked.
She nodded, her mouth too full to answer.
There was another knock on the door. This time it opened without waiting for Duren’s permission. The woman who’d been there earlier appeared with an armload of clothing.
“Put it on the bed,” he instructed.
The woman gave a nod, dropped off her load, and left.
Lhora started to go over to look at what had been brought, but Duren waved for her to remain seated. “Eat first. Eat as much as you can. I don’t know how long it’ll take before you reach Kotill.”
She emptied her mug. “I’m full already. I guess my stomach shrank.”
She went to the lav first to relieve herself and wash her hands. Reentering the bedroom, she checked out the pile of clothes, holding up a dark purple shirt. “I think these will do.”
“Take whatever you want.”
She dressed, after which she selected another set as backup. Duren grabbed a backsack from the wardrobe and tossed it onto the bed. “Put those in there to take with you. You might also want to wrap up some of those cottle buns for your trip.”
“Where are my weapons?” she reminded him.
“They’ll be in the coach.”
While he finished getting ready himself, she packed what she could into the bag. Duren was waiting for her by the rear door when she slung it over her shoulder. Walking up to him, she paused as he stared into her eyes. For a long moment, they said nothing, but used that time to memorize each other’s faces, studying the lines, the creases, the contours, until Duren stammered, “S-stay with me.”
“I can’t.” She wanted to tell him she wanted to. Oh, by the goddesses, she wanted to. What she wouldn’t give to be able to stay with him.But it can’t be. It can never be.
He bowed his head. Taking one of her hands, he lifted it to his lips and kissed it. “I understand.”
He opened the door and led her through the labyrinth of corridors until they reached the big fortified door she remembered from the day before. Outside, the promised coach sat in the turn-around.
Duren led her over to it, opening the door and helping her inside. She peered out the window at where he stood.
“If you change your mind,” he said. He made it clear his offer would remain open.
All she could manage was a small smile. Duren signaled to the driver, and the coach took off. As she peered out the back window, she saw he remained there, staring at the departing vehicle until they took a curve in the road, and the manse and Duren disappeared from view.
17
Idea
Lhora sat back in the seat and rested her head against the window. She’d come so close to telling Duren she’d stay. So close. Too plugging close.
“But what if I had?” she questioned herself. The implications were too many to ignore.
Her parents had no way of knowing where she was, but they probably had a good idea what had happened to her. Especially when the Sarpi and his entourage disappeared around the same time. If for no other reason than to keep her mother from declaring immediate war on Coltross, she had to return to Beinight. She was the Esstiss, the next Esstika. If she died or never returned, her mother would be hard pressed to find someone to replace her, if that was even possible.
