Page 142 of The Eyes of Tamburah
Shyla poked her head inside. Rendor sat up on the cushion. The fur slid down, revealing his bare chest. He seemed surprised to see her. That made two of them.
“Zhek told me you were resting, andnotto bother you,” he said.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
He waited.
“I was cold.”
Understanding smoothed his features and a tenderness shone in his gaze. Rendor reclined back and lifted the edge of the fur. Shyla closed the door and slipped underneath. Only mildly disappointed he wore pajama pants. Warmth enveloped her. All her aches dulled. Rendor pulled her close and she rested her head on his uninjured shoulder. At peace at last, she fell asleep in his arms.
* * *
Someone loudly clearing his throat woke her. She lay on her side with Rendor behind her. His hand rested on her hip. After a second, also loud, throat-clearing, Rendor jerked away.
Hanif stood in the open doorway of Rendor’s room, scowling his disapproval. “Shyla. We have much to discuss. Get dressed, I’ll meet you in your room.”
Ah, that explained his fierce expression. “I’m already dressed.” She slipped from the fur and stood. Her bruised ribs protested the motion and fatigue still dragged on her limbs. She wondered how long would it take for her to fully recover. One problem at a time. “What do you wish to discuss?”
Taken aback, Hanif sputtered for a moment. “In your room. Alone.” That was directed to Rendor before he left.
She hesitated. “I’ll fill you in later.”
“Are you in trouble?” Rendor asked.
“No. I’m not a monk and I’m an adult.” Besides, all they did was sleep.
“But you’re his daughter.”
Surprised, she asked, “How did you know?”
“I was there when you talked to him about pushing you so hard. And I can see the resemblance. I may be abigbrute, but I’m not an idiot.”
“I know. Sorry.” A pause. “There’s a resemblance?” She never noticed.
“Go before he returns.” He shooed.
Shyla joined Hanif in her room. He’d regained his composure, but his stiff posture and the tight grip on the scroll he held said he was far from relaxed. It was angle forty-five.
“It won’t be long before the Heliacal Priestess and Water Prince figure out you’re hiding here and demand I hand you over,” he said.
She’d been thinking the same thing. “How long?”
“Four or five sun jumps at most. You and your… people need to leave or I’ll have no choice. I can’t risk my monks.”
“All right, I have a place in mind.” If she could remember where it was located. “Can we borrow some digging supplies?”
“You can. Do I want to know where you’re going?”
“No. It’s best you don’t know.”
His shoulders loosened as he chuckled. “Now you’re keeping things fromme.”
“Annoying, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Well maybe now you’ll be more forthcoming.”
