The Tiger

CALTHRACA: THE TIGER by

Camryn Cutler

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright © 2007 by Kelly Petit Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-59374-852-4

Credits Cover Artist: Nancy Donohue Editor: Kate Scott Printed in the United States of America

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT CALTHRACA: THE TIGER From Talia With Joyfully Reviewed, Princess Adama Fawkes is the pampered and utterly enchanting heir to the throne of Lyros. It is while attending a ball in which her mother, the Queen, tries very hard not to be obvious about her search for a suitable husband for Adama, that she sees him for the first time. The Tiger. Tengri Khan, the prince of the Tarks, a warrior unlike any other. Adama is at once fascinated and thrilled by the attention he bestows on her. When he asks her to dance and she accepts, she has no idea how much her life will change from that moment forward. Tengri Khan is used to everyone doing exactly what he wants, when he wants it. Seeing Adama across the crowded ballroom, he knows without a doubt that he has found his first wife. Much to his consternation, Adama isn't at all as thrilled with the prospect as he is. It seems the Tiger now has a she-cat to tame, and tame her he will. I love finding and reading new authors. With The Tiger, Camryn Cutler has penned a novel of exquisite passion and poignant emotions. While some scenes in the book are not for the faint of heart, the tale would not be the same without them. The Tiger takes place in the desert and as such, the reader is fully immersed in a story of one man and the woman he loves. A man who demands respect and complete obedience. A man a woman would follow into death if asked. It is also the story of one woman's strength and love for such a man. Not sure what I would find within the pages of this book, I can honestly say that I hated to see The Tiger come to a close. Thank goodness there is to be a continuation of Adama's story in a second book, one that I suddenly find myself craving

above all others. For a first publication, Camryn Cutler has penned an outstanding novel in The Tiger and I want to be the first to admit that I HAVE to read the next installment.

Dedication This book is dedicated to my best friend, Kathy, who always encourages me and makes me believe I can do anything. Love, Me

Chapter 1 The heavy door closed firmly behind her and she swallowed hard. “Come to me.” His voice came out of the dark. He was Tengri-Khan, Prince of the Provinces of Tartak, Abd Aga Sehzade. The Tiger. She was terrified, suddenly too frightened to move. She heard the light rustle of his clothes as he moved toward her. “Do you fear me still, lovely Adama?” His voice was low. Somehow he had gotten behind her. “You are wise to do so.” She stood trembling, desperately willing herself to stop. His arm, clad in a white silk robe, reached up, and she felt his hand caress her face. She cringed away slightly, leaning into his chest—a place she didn’t want to be. He smelled clean from his bath, and there was a faint spicy smell to his skin as well. “If you please me, I will never harm you… You will be my first wife… Bear me a son, and I will raise you above all others.” He spoke softly in Lyrosian, gently running his hands up and down her arms. She shuddered. “You’ve never told me… How old are you?” he asked. “I’m eighteen,” she managed. He brought his face down beside hers, nuzzling her ear and her neck. “So young. You are lovely; we will have glorious sons and daughters, my Princess.” 1

Calthraca: The Tiger He took a lock of her hair between his fingers and stroked it, thinking it looked like fire captured. “I’m not your princess,” she said emphatically. “I cannot do this.” “Adama, we are beyond resistance. I do not wish to take you forcibly.” He turned her to face him, but she couldn’t raise her eyes to his. “I know you are not experienced. But I do wish to show you pleasure. Come now, you’re no virgin to shrink from my touch.” He pulled her into his embrace and she stiffened. He paid no attention and took her chin in hand, tilting her head up to face him. He bent to kiss her, forcing his tongue between her lips, bruising her mouth. He felt her teeth slightly and he drew back. “Do not bite me,” he warned, and then plundered her mouth again. Gone was the gentle lover he seemed to be earlier. She didn’t resist, but she decided she would not respond. She would totally close her mind to him, and, she told herself, it would soon be over. He knew she was trying not to respond, and he could feel her withdrawing. Her youth and inexperience prevented her from knowing that while the will might be strong, the flesh was weak. He’d soon teach her. He broke the kiss and took her by the hand, leading her to his bed. She hesitated, but his hand was like a vise on her wrist, and he pulled her forward. He had waited long enough. Tonight she was his. When he reached the bedside, he turned, pulling her around; her back was to the bed and he faced her. “You and I shall spend many pleasurable hours here. The word for pleasure in my language is zevk, Adama,” he said. She didn’t reply. She realized there was no way she was going to escape his advances. He was determined to have her. She took a 2

Calthraca: The Tiger deep hitching breath. It was true she’d been with Christian one time before she was stolen, but he wasn’t anything like the Tiger. They had learned together. Christian had been timid and gentle, and just as inexperienced as she was. This man was a force. She could feel the strength of him, held barely in check by sheer will. He frightened her, yet at the same time, he made her burn. He stroked her shoulders once again, and then slid the silken caftan down her arms, baring her to the waist. He caressed her soft skin and ignored her frightened moan. “Your skin is like the finest silk,” he murmured and kissed the top of her shoulder. “Soft and fragrant.” He had taken down his braids and his long hair fell across her arm, black as a raven. It tickled her skin and made her shiver. Her breasts were large, and that pleased him. In his experience, he found that passionate women had large breasts. He cupped one in each hand, running his thumbs lightly over her nipples, enjoying the way she gasped at his touch. He brought his hands up to her shoulders once again, and gently pushed her backwards onto the bed. She looked up at him with huge eyes, which aroused him powerfully. “You are so fine.” He marveled as he looked at her. He lay down on the bed beside her, and she stiffened once more. He began to caress her breasts again, and then bent his head to suckle upon her. Her nipples were taut, and her arousal was becoming more apparent. She gasped as he bit her and then suckled hard, enjoying her soft moan. His hand, which had been caressing her other breast, traveled down her flat belly to her thigh then down to stroke her through the sheer robe she wore. She realized what he was doing and tried to move, twisting away from him, but he held her firmly. He brought his face up even with hers as he stroked her sensitive places lightly through the fabric of the robe. His other hand had relaxed its grip around her middle, and slid up above her head 3

Calthraca: The Tiger while he nuzzled her neck and brushed her lips with his own. She lay there trying hard not to feel anything, but beginning to feel a distinct heat where he was stroking her despite her resolve. She shifted again attempting to get away, and felt his hand firmly entwine itself in her hair, not pulling, but the potential was there. “Do not resist me,” he commanded in a low, dangerous voice and she lay still once more. She felt him slide her robe aside entirely. His offending fingers began exploring within her body, plundering and circling her intimate parts. She moaned deeply in her throat, desire mingling with the fear. “Oh…” It felt wonderful, yet she knew it must be wrong. “You like this,” he said against her mouth. “No…” she gasped. The fire in her loins was nearly unbearable. “I think you do,” he said wickedly. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to shut him out. “Have you ever reached paradise, Adama?” “I do not know what you mean,” she whispered. He continued stroking her slowly. “Do you feel a fire burning within you?” he asked, brushing her lips with his own. She sighed sweetly. “Something you both crave and fear. A feeling that you want to keep experiencing. Your body needs it, as though it were air or water.” “Ohhh…God,” she breathed. “Why are you doing this to me?” Relentlessly he stroked, watching her face intently and knowing she was painfully close. He kissed her mouth as she began to breathe deeply. “Because it is not wrong to feel this passion, Adama,” he whispered. “Let it take you.” She moaned again quietly, and he could tell she was frightened of the new feelings she was experiencing. He watched as her eyes 4

Calthraca: The Tiger slipped closed, and she was swept away. This was the moment he loved the best when he took a woman. He continued to slide his fingers across her jewel gently, using light pressure, then more firmly. Slowly she felt herself begin to spiral. Her body remained where it was, yet her soul seemed to turn and twist, rising above her. Time seemed to stop, and her whole body was flooded with intense pleasure such as she had never felt before. She couldn’t stop it, and she didn’t want to. She peaked and cried out her pleasure, then tumbled down, back into her body, breathing hard as though she’d run a long distance. She could feel her heart hammering within her chest, her pulse throbbing through her. “That…is paradise,” he said quietly. Tengri rose and moved away from her. Crossing to a table near his windows, he poured a glass of wine and watched her as she lay there upon his bed, regaining her senses, slowing her racing heart, breathing deeply. He sipped the dry wine slowly, savoring it, wondering what it would taste like sipped from the hollow of her belly. He smiled to himself—that would have to wait for another time. She bent her knee and raised an arm to her face, sweeping her long hair from across her eyes, unconscious of his presence. She sighed and he watched her touch first her own breast, then just briefly her sex. He smiled. He came back to the bed with the wine, and held it out to her. She drew herself up onto her elbows and accepted the glass, then took a long drink. She looked over the top of it at him, and as he stood looking down upon her, his arousal became almost unbearable. “Does that happen every time?” she asked innocently.

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Calthraca: The Tiger “It will when we make love.” He grinned and sat on the edge of the bed beside her, then stroked her thigh. “Lay back and open yourself to me.” She hesitated slightly. “Why?” He smiled wickedly. “I am your master, your prince. You belong to me. Do it now.” He took the glass from her and put it beside the bed. Although she was terrified, she lay back and spread her legs slightly. He loved the way she looked. Her long, coppery hair was slightly messy around her face, her green eyes were wide and the long strand of black pearls he had given to her fell between her breasts and down her torso as though pointing the way to her passion. She was a vision. Once again she closed her eyes so she wouldn’t have to look at him. Adama was deeply embarrassed at the way she had been plunged into erotic pleasure and had so easily allowed him to lead her there. She was mortified and somewhat incensed at being ordered into such a position, but impossibly she felt quite aroused as well. The sudden rush of sensual pleasure and emotion left her confused and slightly unbalanced. How could her body react this way, when her mind clearly did not want what was happening? “Wider,” he said in a low tone. He was close to her. She couldn’t imagine what he had in mind. He hardly needed her to spread herself so wide if he were simply going to take her. Christian had just lain upon her and done it. He bent his head and kissed her thigh and she yelped. “Shhhh… You will be in heaven soon.” He moved higher, placing hot kisses up her inner thigh, finally stopping before her cleft, admiring the soft pinkness of her and the tuft of ginger hair that concealed her treasures. He deftly ran his tongue up the slit of her womanhood. “Oh God, no,” she moaned. 6

Calthraca: The Tiger Her hands grabbed fistfuls of the sheet beside her body as she struggled to maintain control. He fastened his lips to her sensitive button, then slid his tongue around her in a slow, sweeping arc. She gasped and arched her back, and his hands came up, pulling her legs back over his shoulders, and then moved down to cup her buttocks. He pulled her forward, holding her firmly to his plundering mouth. His thumbs met over her navel, and she arched as he pressed down firmly. Soon a slow blossom of heat exploded within her loins, filling her full of light and pleasure, making her gasp and cry out. He was thrilled at how quickly she found paradise once more and he continued, enjoying her soft gasps and moans. Her hands hesitantly touched his head very softly, then moved away. He knew she was pleased. When he felt her relax, he brought a hand down from her middle and gently slid a finger within her, stroking her passion bud, and she moaned sweetly. He came up beside her and held her. “Taste yourself,” he breathed on her trembling lips, then kissed her deeply. Innocent tears had sprung from her eyes and rolled down her face. Never had she known such intense pleasure was possible. She did as he told her and tasted the heady musk of her own body. His tongue dueled and danced with hers, and she felt a growing flush of desire blooming within her. His fingers had never stopped their brutal love torture on her and she drew in a deep breath as she felt the gathering heat of another climax building. Her body tensed and he felt her shift, grasping his arm, resisting his strong embrace once more. “Don’t fight me, Seref’behar,” he whispered next to her ear. “Let it come.” 7

Calthraca: The Tiger “Ahhh…God!” she cried as her body arched in purest pleasure. She was surely one of the most passionate women he’d ever known. To climax three times in such a short period was amazing. He must have her now. He slid aside his robe and she felt him. She knew what he was going to do and panic set in. Any chance she may have had at freedom would be gone with this simple act. “Bastard!” She thrashed, trying to get away. Aimlessly she struck at his face. Surprised, Tengri reflexively drew back out of her reach. He truly did not want to rape her. He wanted their first time to be a pleasant memory for both of them. He caught her flailing hands and held them tightly between their bodies. “Adama, I will not hurt you,” he said as she looked at him, frightened once more. “Release me at once!” she cried. “Oh how I hate you! It’s true you have no heart!” His manhood pressed against her belly and she began to breathe rapidly, pulling hard against his iron grip. “If I had no heart, I would have simply taken my pleasure upon your body, and been done with you, foolish girl,” he said. He bent and licked her ear. “Do you not realize I wish to bring you pleasure?” He moved slightly upon her body. “Please,” she implored in a small voice. “Can you not let me go? I am sure there must be a woman who would suit you better than I.” “Oh no, you belong to me now. I’ve waited far too long as it is.” He looked into her eyes. “Let me love you, Adama. I swear you will find joy.” He lay there, holding her tightly and she knew that if he so chose, he could simply rape her. The sensible voice within her pointed out that he’d already been far gentler with her than she had 8

Calthraca: The Tiger expected and he had shown her pleasure she’d never experienced. Logic said he had no reason to hurt her now, and as always, logic prevailed. Tengri watched her face as she considered his words; she swallowed hard and at last she met his eyes. She nodded once and a large tear rolled down her cheek. He caught it with a kiss. “I will never hurt you,” he said quietly, then pulled her hands over her head. Sliding back, he nudged her thighs apart. “I’ve imagined how your sheath would feel wrapped around me, at last I shall find out,” he said, and plunged forward into her hot depths. He felt slight resistance and then thrust again forcefully. He filled her fuller and stretched her more than Christian ever could. “Oh!” she gasped and inhaled sharply as she squeezed her eyes shut. He gently ran his hand through her hair, and then cupped her face in his hand as he thrust slowly into her well-readied body. “Open your eyes and look at me as I take you.” The demanding tone of his voice was not to be denied. He was rewarded with her emerald gaze. “Mmmm… You are as tight and sweet as I imagined, like velvet,” he breathed. He closed his eyes as though savoring a delicacy. He could feel her body trembling beneath him. Was it possible she had been a virgin after all and lied to him? To what purpose, though? Adama held back tears as her mind raced, trying to make sense of her whirling emotions. She was appalled at being so used. He had hurt her at first, but soon the pain turned to a shameful pleasure, something she knew had to be wrong. How could she enjoy his touch when he was violating her this way, when it wasn’t what she wanted? How could he continue to hurt her, and then give her such incredible pleasure? 9

Calthraca: The Tiger He opened his eyes in time to see hers slide shut. She felt pleasure, he could see it on her face, and he smiled again. Once she had ceased struggling and accepted him, he let go of her hands; they came down and rested lightly on his shoulders, like two small birds. He continued to thrust into her, running a finger over her sensitive nub and stroking it so the pressure between their bodies carried her to another climax. He loved the small sounds she made, a sweetly urgent humming. She was helpless. No matter how she tried, she could not deny her passion, just as he had known. **** Throughout the night they explored each other and found pleasure together. He spent himself within her body and she lost herself at last, plunging gratefully into exhausted oblivion. After Tengri found completion, he rested his weight upon his elbows. He looked down at her beautiful face flushed with exertion. He could feel the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed hard. He knew she couldn’t resist him as he was a formidable lover. Still she’d fought him hard, only at the end giving in completely to the pleasure he offered her. Deep in his wounded, frozen soul, he knew now he must decide. He could take her body any time, he could please himself and bring her pleasure, but if he would have everything, if he would have her love, love he found he deeply desired, he had to decide whether he was willing to risk being hurt again. Could he show her his real face? Tengri knew how sensitive she was, and he had seen her kindness to all of those around her, despite her circumstances. How she’d refused to call her guards when he appeared in her bedroom, because she didn’t wish to see him harmed. He’d even taken advantage of her kind nature in order to win her. However, while she was kind and sensitive, she was also a fighter. He thought about what had happened at the oasis and re10

Calthraca: The Tiger gret briefly furrowed his brow. He admired her courage. It was a trait he never thought to look for in a woman before. He’d always found women to be soft, weak creatures to be enjoyed. Only there to pleasure him as he chose. This woman was strong. He knew it must have taken great bravery to stand up to him. At first, the defiance she had shown angered him. Tengri was not accustomed to such behavior and he had tried to quash it. He could see now that it was not merely an aberrant action on her part. Her willful nature was part of who she was. Strangely, he was glad he had not succeeded. Perhaps he had been wrong to beat her? As his first wife, that tenacity would be an asset to him in his own house. She would be able to keep his other wives in line, and administer his household properly. Soon enough she would bear his child, the heir to what would one day be his vast kingdom. Together they would raise fine warrior sons. Tengri had never before given himself time to consider that one day he would need an heir. His life was full, or so he thought. Adama changed everything. She was a woman with strength to match his own. Perhaps if he gave her a child, she would finally cease fighting him. For the first time in his life, he looked forward to learning more about a woman and getting to know this lovely captive, his soon-to-be wife. He dared to dream that she might come to love him one day. Tengri’s almond-shaped eyes sparkled as he reached up and caressed her face, then touched her glorious hair. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her, running his tongue nimbly along her top lip and then within her partially opened mouth. He received a pleasant surprise when she responded. Her hands slowly came up to his head and neck as she regained her senses and caressed him tentatively, kissing him back. He didn’t dare to move and scarcely breathed as he let her explore his face 11

Calthraca: The Tiger with her hands. He deepened his kiss, hoping to convey his passion for her. Incredibly he could feel himself stirring once more against her thigh as she continued touching him, running her hands down his back then up again to his neck and through his thick black hair. Her caresses were soft and exploratory. She was learning the feel of his body and attempting to please him. He broke the kiss and looked at her as she examined him intently. Her green eyes were huge and round and he could definitely see fear in there, but also a budding curiosity. “Do you like what you see?” he asked her quietly. “I’m scared to death of you,” she replied honestly. He laughed a little. “I told you, you should be. Thank you for your honesty.” “Will you kill me now?” she asked, recalling the brutal execution she had witnessed the night before. “Kill you? No,” he said simply. He kissed her tenderly then, caressing her breasts and her throat with his big hands, calming her, assuring her she was safe in his embrace. Soon she felt him reaching to cup her; he stroked her passion center to a shuddering climax and she cried out. When she regained her senses, she saw he was smiling down at her and she gave him a reluctant smile in return. She couldn’t believe the pleasure she felt when he took her. It had to be wrong. Didn’t it? She was shocked at what her life had become. He had kidnapped her and held her prisoner for four days now. At first she had been intrigued and attracted to him, thought he was merely misunderstood, the prince of her dreams. Then he had shown her his cruelty. She had been abused and now finally violated by him. She hated him for making her feel this way, but at the same time, she loved the way he made her feel. She had no words for it. 12

Calthraca: The Tiger He moved closer to her again and took her mouth in a bruising kiss. “We will be wed tomorrow,” he declared and stood. He bent to pick up his robe and hesitated as he looked at her. Blood smeared her thigh, and the sheets. He grabbed her ankle and pulled her down the bed, and she made a breathless, frightened scream. “You said you were not a virgin. Did you lie?” He didn’t dare to hope she was. “No,” she said miserably. “Do not lie to me. Look at the blood!” “I’m not lying!” Frightened tears tracked down her pale face once more. She moved as far from him as she could. He stood looking at her for a long moment, still holding her firmly. “How many times have you made love, Adama?” “Once,” she said in a near whisper. “Once?” He laughed. “Just once? Well my little virgin, I’d say the boy who took your virtue wasn’t terribly well endowed. You never lost your maidenhead.” He let go of her ankle, and she moved away from him. He straightened and took her face in his hand. “I have taken your virginity. You belong to me entirely,” he said seriously. “It is your fate. Now you will be my queen.” She pulled away from him and she heard him laugh harshly. In one movement, he grabbed the sheet from the bed and pulled it off, rolling her onto her back. He pulled a fur blanket over her naked body gently and said, “Sleep, Hediye,” then strode from the room, holding the sheet. As he turned, she looked at the long tattooed stripes on his back. They moved and rippled along his muscles as he walked. Terror gripped her heart with icy fingers. He constantly kept her unsettled, cruel to her one moment, and then kind to her, then harsh, then passionate, then playful. He toyed with her, a cat with a mouse. 13

Calthraca: The Tiger The Tiger with its prey. She looked up at the high window and realized dawn was breaking; another day in this bondage. She sighed, and she realized she was tired of feeling sorry for herself. She had to do something. Ever practical, she thought through her situation. She knew she had two choices. Accept her fate and learn to live in this land with this man as her husband and lord, or find a foolproof way to escape. Perhaps she could employ her magic to aid her. She was unsure exactly what she could do, but she made a silent promise to herself to at least try. She shuddered, knowing he would never forgive her trying to escape if she were caught. She thought about the beating she had endured, then at last about the pleasure he’d given her. How could a man be so different from one moment to the next? She looked at her thigh, examining her own blood. Was it possible that she had still been a virgin? She hadn’t bled very much when she and Christian had been together. Just a few spots, and unfortunately Tengri-Khan was right, Christian wasn’t terribly well endowed. When she had been with Chris, it certainly hadn’t been like this. It had been sweaty and uncomfortable and Christian had finished very quickly. Now her body felt sore and bruised and she could hardly move. Her tired mind went back to when she had met the Tiger, and how she had come to be here. She let herself drift, falling into an uneasy sleep.

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Calthraca: The Tiger

Chapter 2 Four days earlier Adama Fawkes sat fidgeting upon the ornate chair. She swung her feet and folded then unfolded a long pleat in her gown. She was at yet another function with her mother. This time it was a ball to honor the dignitaries from the nonalliance countries. She sighed and surveyed the room, not really looking at anything, simply trying to alleviate her boredom. She had begged her mother, Queen Lucia, to allow her to come along on this diplomatic conference, the first time she’d been among so many other nationalities. She was going to the military academy in the fall and wanted to spend this summer traveling. The ball had been going on for nearly an hour, and Adama found herself quite irritated with the social constraints which required her to sit and receive visitors before she could mingle or dance. Had she known how dull things were going to be, she might have simply stayed in Lyros. At least then she could have been with her friends. He entered the room in a loud attention-grabbing scene. Tall compared to others of his land, he stood nearly six feet. He was muscular, fit and lean, obviously a horseman. He was a prince from the eastern plains of Tartak, and his face revealed a cold, ruthless demeanor. Adama had never seen a man who looked so fierce and she watched him intently. 15

Calthraca: The Tiger His eyes were almond-shaped and tilted slightly at the edge; they were dark brown, almost black. A long thin aquiline nose with a razor sharp edge gave his face a regal appearance and he wore no beard or mustache. He removed his hat and revealed long, thick, black hair decorated with warrior’s braids that ended in feathers and silver and lapis beads. He was handsome and he knew it, but one look revealed he was dangerous as well. He was dressed in a long silk shirt to just above his knees, done in peacock blue, and embroidered with silver thread. He wore several chains and medallions around his neck. His waist was encircled in a wide leather belt decorated with more beaten silver, and under the shirt, he wore heavy white pants that ended in leather boots that laced nearly to his knees. He looked every inch the raider he was. He entered the room noisily, surrounded by several soldiers. He threw his black cape and hat at one of them, then stood surveying the room, fists on his hips. The people of Tartak were known as Tarks and their soldiers were known to be particularly bloodthirsty. They were traditionally raiders, and everyone knew they were the finest horsemen in the world. The majordomo introduced him, and once the prince was certain he’d gotten sufficient attention, he walked down the steps with an arrogant demeanor into the ballroom below. His men followed him noisily, glaring at those who looked at them and muttering in their native tongue. Tengri-Khan was twenty-six years old and was the son of Mehtar Aga-Khan, the ruler of the Lower Eastern Provinces. Tengri was also a ferocious warrior and had a reputation as a brutal ruler. No family wanted to send him a daughter to marry, since his reputation preceded him, and therefore, he remained unwed, although he had a number of bastard sons. The rumor was that his father had 16

Calthraca: The Tiger ordered him to appear more civilized and find himself a wife. Once he was married and had an heir, Mehtar Aga-Khan didn’t care what his son did. Queen Lucia pulled Adama behind herself as the Royal Tark passed them. Adama, ever curious, stood on tiptoes to peer over her mother’s shoulder, watching him boldly. He appeared not to notice at all then stopped and turned back. Lucia’s guards stepped together, effectively blocking him from coming any closer. They were fully a head taller than he was, and stared straight ahead as he leaned back and looked up at them. Adama saw him and smiled. She was awestruck by this forceful, charming man. He saw her and grinned back, then boldly made a kiss in her direction and turned away. Lucia whirled on her daughter. “You stay away from him!” She was angry and frightened, Adama knew. “He’s a dangerous barbarian, and shouldn’t even be allowed among civilized people.” She looked at his retreating back. “I do not want to see you near him, Adama.” “Yes, Mother,” Adama replied, even then planning a way to get closer to him and see for herself if he was as dangerous as they said. He didn’t look too bad, maybe he was only misunderstood? For now, she simply wanted to get away from her mother for a bit. “May I go and get myself a drink, Mother?” she asked. Lucia pursed her lips. “Alexei, please go and get Princess Adama some punch,” she ordered a nearby servant. “Yes, ma’am,” Alexei said and quickly went to fetch her drink. Adama sighed and flounced onto a chair near her mother. “I’m bored,” she breathed. She opened her hand and a tiny ball of magical light rolled and danced along her palm. She wasn’t very powerful yet, but there was definitely some magic within her. No one else in her family had any magic, and she sometimes wondered if 17

Calthraca: The Tiger that made her an oddity. It wasn’t the sort of thing she shared with her friends, but she had shown Christian, and the queen. Her mother had seemed pleased when she’d shyly revealed what she thought, and promised to see to it she was properly schooled when the time was right. Adama wished the time was right now. Lucia glanced at her sharply. “Really, Adama, stop that!” Adama closed her hand. “You know how to act better than this.” She decided to change the subject. “There will be dancing soon, perhaps you’d like that?” “I don’t think so… Christian isn’t here,” she pouted. They had left him in Tourn to visit a military academy. She missed him. It was strange not having him around to talk to and laugh with. “Adama, you shouldn’t limit yourself to him exclusively. You cannot marry him. Christian is a sweet boy, but you must marry someone of royal lineage. It would be better if you would at least consider other suitors,” her mother reminded, not for the first time. “Yes, Mother.” Her tone was syrupy and insolent at the same time, causing the queen to bristle. Lucia shook her head and decided to drop the subject for now. At some point, Adama would have to give up the Andalosian boy. She hoped it would be soon. Adama scanned the room trying to find something to do besides talk to her mother. Alexei brought her punch and a few small cakes on a china plate, bowing low as he gave them to her. She smiled her thanks. Alexei looked at her and said quietly, “They call him ‘The Tiger.’” “The Tiger? Hmm…sounds dangerous,” she said, grinning. She sipped her drink and looked around. She saw the Tarks had taken up a strategic position at the farthest back corner of the ballroom. They faced out, but had the doors behind them. 18

Calthraca: The Tiger The prince, Tengri-Khan, was seated on an ornate embroidered chair like the one she sat upon. He was speaking to an overdressed lady who looked old enough to be his mother. The woman laughed and tapped him with a folded up fan. He glanced up and locked gazes with her, catching her watching him, and he grinned. She looked away quickly. Why was she so interested in him? The orchestra had begun to play some sort of disjointed tune in the style of the Qasslian homeland. A few of the Qassli dignitaries made their way to the dance floor and moved to the music. Adama sighed and pulled a loose thread from her gown. Several people had stopped to speak to Lucia and take the opportunity to introduce themselves and their marriageable sons to Lucia and Adama. It wasn’t often Queen Lucia left Lyros and no one wanted to miss the opportunity to speak to her, and maybe meet her daughter as well. Adama would nod politely or speak to some pimply boy who would sit beside her, but noticed quickly what her mother was doing. With some of the people the queen spoke to, she merely nodded and smiled, while with others, she would engage them in conversation and subtly touch her secretary on the shoulder. The girl would record the name of the person to whom the queen was speaking. Outraged, Adama realized her mother was lining up prospective husbands for her. Again. As usual, she was being shown like a prize mare! Silently she fumed. She didn’t even want to marry, but no one seemed to care. From across the room, Tengri-Khan watched it all, his eyes slightly narrowed. She was beautiful and he knew he must have her. Adama felt his gaze upon her and turned to look. His black eyes bored into hers, seemingly into her soul. His face revealed nothing. 19

Calthraca: The Tiger Without looking away, he raised a hand and one of his men bent to hear what he said. The soldier bowed low then stood and approached Lucia’s party. He stopped well before the guards and bowed low again. “Most gracious lady. His Majesty, Tengri-Khan, requests the honor of a dance with your lovely daughter.” “No,” Lucia stated firmly. “Yes,” Adama said immediately and stood up. She could see his brilliant smile from across the room. “Adama, I really don’t think…” “Mother, I shall be fine. There are a hundred people here. It’s not as though he’ll carry me off.” She laughed. Lucia didn’t laugh. She suddenly wished very much that she’d left Adama in Lyros. “One dance, then you go back to our rooms and you can think about your apology for defying me.” “Agreed,” Adama said flippantly. **** The orchestra had begun a more sedate tune and Adama walked to the dance floor to the waiting hand of the Tiger. He kissed her hand and then swung her into his strong arms. He knew the dance and danced well, turning and stopping as the music dictated. “You dance well, sir,” she breathed. He flashed his white teeth at her. “Thank you. You have not told me your name.” His voice was low and he spoke Andalosian with a beautiful accent. Everyone used Andalosian as a courtesy here in the capitol. “Adama…I mean, Princess Adama Fawkes.” He smiled. “I am Prince Tengri-Khan,” he said and inclined his head toward her. “Why do they call you the Tiger?” she asked him boldly. “So you know of me?” He laughed. She smiled and her cheeks turned pink, charming him. 20

Calthraca: The Tiger “It is because of my stripes,” he said softly. then added, “or perhaps because I am ferocious.” “You seem quite tame to me.” “Looks can be deceiving. I am much more dangerous than I appear, I assure you.” He looked closely at her. “You, on the other hand, appear to be a very sweet and lovely young virgin.” He dipped his head and ran his tongue around the delicate shell of her ear. She shivered deliciously and drew back. “I’m no virgin,” she said hotly. He laughed and turned her to the music. The steps called for him to hold her close to his body. He pulled her in tightly and she could feel how rock solid he was. “Maybe no virgin, but not experienced either, are you?” he whispered in her ear. She stepped away from him, cheeks blazing. He regarded her mildly. “I’m done dancing. Thank you,” she said and turned to leave. Incensed at her dismissal of him, he grabbed her arm and whipped her around to face him. As she turned, she swung hard and struck him across the face. He didn’t release her arm, but dug in painfully as he bent away from her blow. His other hand came up to his face quickly, touching the corner of his mouth where she’d split his lip. “Orospu!” he swore. No woman had ever struck him before. He held onto her and examined the blood on his fingertips then looked her in the eyes. Furious fire stared back at him from their green depths. “Release my arm at once,” she said firmly. He looked at her a moment longer, then grinned a slow, menacing grin. He let her go. The room was deathly silent. 21

Calthraca: The Tiger She hesitated a second before turning, and he said to her, “Bir azmetek sahip, olmak sana. I will have you, my beauty.” His black eyes burned into her as he spoke softly, making sure she knew exactly what he’d said. She backed up a step, suddenly frightened. Her mother’s guards were moving toward them, and she could see Tengri’s men approaching as well. Everyone stopped when the Tark said, “Kesmek!” He held up a hand. “Simdi biz hazir!” He raked his gaze across her boldly, then turned and left the ballroom. She stood her ground despite her trembling legs until he left, then turned and saw her mother’s angry glare. Lucas Masters, her mother’s man-at-arms, stood beside her and she turned to him. “Will you please take me to my room?” **** In her room, Molly, her maid, rushed to help her remove her gown, then helped her into her silk robe. “Do you wish to bathe tonight, Mistress?” Molly asked. “No, Molly, I think I’ll just go to bed.” “Is everything all right, my lady?” she asked, concerned. Adama sighed. “I’ve managed to attract the attention and the ire of Tengri-Khan, Molly, and my mother is extremely angry with me for causing a scene as well as defying her.” She sighed again. “No, I’d say everything probably isn’t all right.” “Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?” Molly asked. She would never understand the nobility. Adama smiled tiredly at her. “No thank you, I think I just need to go to sleep.” Molly dipped a little curtsey then left, closing the door behind her. Adama walked to the terrace. She could hear music flowing from the ballroom downstairs. Her mother was furious with her, 22

Calthraca: The Tiger she knew; and while that distressed her, she was more upset about Tengri-Khan. He had been serious when he said those words to her. “I will have you…” She looked out at the dark sky. No stars or moon shone through and it was as black as his eyes. Her blood ran cold and hot when she thought of how strong he’d been, as well as how warm and tingly she had felt when he held her tightly to his body. She ran her hands lightly up her own arms. He had sent waves of excited fear through her, and she was vaguely ashamed of how she’d felt when his tongue had caressed her ear. “You liked me touching you.” Adama whirled around. Tengri-Khan was sitting on the ledge at the corner of the terrace. “How did you get here?” she demanded. “I’d say that was obvious, Princess,” he said, cutting a glance over the side of the wall to the darkness below. “You can’t be here!” A knot of terror coiled inside her stomach. All alone with this rough, rude man, and no one was close enough to help her if she needed it. He leapt nimbly from the ledge, landing silently near her. She stood stock-still. “You drew blood on me, girl,” he reminded her. Slowly he circled, examining her body through the sheer robe. She swallowed hard and watched him until he was behind her. “You must leave, right now! Sen Hazir!” she said, attempting to speak his language. He chuckled low. “Your Tarkir isn’t very good, but I’m charmed nonetheless.” He stepped closely behind her and ran his hands lightly up her body. She gasped and shuddered. 23

Calthraca: The Tiger “Are you sure you aren’t a virgin?” He chuckled. “You act like one.” “Please…” “I’ll go, but first you must pay me a forfeit for drawing blood on a royal Tark,” he said. Cautious relief flooded her. This was all about money! She could manage that. “How much do you want?” He still held her shoulders, and she turned to face him. “Kiss me.” “What?! No!” He let her go then entered her bedroom and threw himself onto her bed, his spurs and belts jingled musically. “You can’t be here!” she hissed, shocked at his boldness, and hurried after him. “Why don’t you call your guards?” he asked. “I…” she floundered. She didn’t want to see him hurt. “Come here.” He sensed her hesitancy. “No.” She was desperate to regain some control of this situation. “Then I’ll be here until your mother arrives.” “Her guards will kill you!” she whispered, horrified. “Then you must kiss me before I die,” he mocked. “If I kiss you, will you go?” “I will go.” She crossed to the bed and leaned down, then pecked him on the lips. He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Is that how you kissed the boy who took your virtue?” “I…um…no,” she said, her cheeks blazing. His dark eyes flashed as he reached up and drew her down to him again. His lips found hers in a feather touch and she felt his tongue flick out and touch her lips as well. 24

Calthraca: The Tiger “This is how a woman should be kissed, Seref’behar,” he said softly. Tentatively she opened her mouth to him and allowed him to explore as her own tongue cautiously touched his. A flower of passion began to bloom within her and she felt slightly breathless. He pulled her onto the bed beside him and deepened the kiss, running one hand through her hair, caressing her cheek. All at once, he stopped and got up, leaving her lying there. “I shall come again.” He left the bedroom and then leapt over the ledge. She heard him speak to his men, and they clattered out of the courtyard in a noisy racket. She lay on her bed touching her lips, confused at her warring emotions. She knew she should tell her mother he’d been here, alert her guards at once. She was suddenly unsure of what to do, and most definitely not sure of how she felt about Christian. He had never kissed her that way before, and she’d never felt as inflamed as she had when Tengri-Khan had kissed her.

25

Calthraca: The Tiger

Chapter 3 The next day Adama was irritable and jumpy, anxious and eager at the same time. She could barely contain her emotions and found herself snapping at Molly several times. She wanted to see Tengri, but at the same time, she was deeply afraid to as well. Her mother had ordered her to remain within her room until she could be civil, and sullenly Adama had stayed, but refused to apologize. She waited for him all evening. The anxious butterflies in her stomach made eating impossible and she refused supper. Her mother thought she was still acting like a spoiled child by dining alone. When the prince hadn’t shown up by midnight, Adama gave up. She fell asleep on her bed, with a cool breeze lifting her curtains. Warm breath on her face, soft caresses on her body… She jerked awake, and Tengri clapped a hand over her mouth. “Shh, Princess,” he whispered. She looked up at him, fright giving way to thrilled excitement. “Do you promise not to scream?” She nodded under his hand. Slowly he removed it. “I told you I would come again.” He was dressed in a black shirt with gold embroidery along the neck and cuffs. It was cut low, and his bare chest was visible almost to his waist. His hair still had the long warrior’s braids along 26

Calthraca: The Tiger the side. He smelled of horses and spices, and she could feel the cool of the night on his body, as it radiated from his clothes. The heavy leather and silver belt had been replaced by one thinner and of braided leather, which held his dagger. Black riding pants and boots completed his costume. He wasn’t dressed for a social occasion—he was dressed to ride. He lay down on the bed beside her and pulled playfully on the ribbon which tied her robe closed. “You don’t sleep in all this gear, do you?” His tone was incredulous. “Well, yes.” “You should sleep as God created you,” he said softly, sending an excited thrill through her from head to toe. She felt positively galvanized. He smiled at her and ran his hand up her body enjoying her shiver. He kissed her again, leaving her breathless. “Come away with me,” he said suddenly. “No, I can’t.” She was slightly shocked at his words. “Mmmm, yes you can… I desire you, Princess. Your mother plots to find you a husband you don’t want… Come away.” He nuzzled her ear. “You only desire my body,” she said. “I cannot just leave. You don’t really think I could possibly go with you?” His eyes grew cold at her words. “I think…I take what I desire.” “What?” she said, outraged. “Do I look like some common peasant? A thing, to be stolen?” She started to sit up. “Leave at once.” He put the flat of his palm on her chest, above her breast, and held her pinned lightly. “Don’t touch me,” she hissed. She was seriously scared now. “I am not a boy to be played with then dismissed, Princess,” he said in a near growl. 27

Calthraca: The Tiger She narrowed her eyes. “Get out.” “I will go.” He released her, then sat up. He stood beside the bed and she sat up as well. He turned like a cat and struck her hard across the jaw, rendering her unconscious. Silently she fell back onto the bed. “I will go, but you will come with me,” he said quietly to her prone form. He reached into the pouch at his waist and withdrew a length of silken cord, quickly wrapping her hands together before her. He then removed a silk scarf and tied it around her head as a gag. A tiny trickle of blood ran from her lip where he’d caught her with his ring, and he wiped it away gently. He bent and lifted her easily. Swinging her over his shoulder, he crossed to the terrace where he’d entered. Looking down, he saw his friend Gurak waiting with the horses below. He spoke conversationally, “Senin dak Kadin. Biz Ruhsat.” Gurak grinned up at him and stepped back, then caught Adama as Tengri dropped her over the side. He’d found his wife. Gurak knew Tengri didn’t care about love, or even if she was willing; all he wanted was a suitable body to bear his child. They’d talked last night over their campfire. The girl, he had said, would suit him perfectly. She was young, a princess, and fine to look at. Tengri said she told him she wasn’t a virgin, but Gurak bet him she was. They had made the plan to abduct her then. Gurak was honored to be his friend. They’d been friends since they were children, and even joined the Sarasci together, Tengri as a young prince along with Gurak, the son of Mehtar Aga-Khan’s best friend. Tengri-Khan was a proper Saracen, apologizing to no one for his actions, and taking what he wanted. Gurak held Adama’s limp form as the prince silently slid down the wall. Once he’d climbed into the saddle, Gurak handed Tengri his woman. 28

Calthraca: The Tiger She was beautiful, he agreed. He’d seen her the night before and he admired her long coppery hair, but he knew Tengri had already marked her for himself. Tengri-Khan sat her straddling the horse, facing him on the saddle, and leaning against his body with her bound hands encircling his neck. He made a low whistling sound and they once again clattered from the courtyard. Adama awoke less than an hour later. The lights of Novata were still visible in the distance over his shoulder. She struggled with him and he clutched her closer to keep her from falling. Tengri said, “Be still.” He relaxed his hold around her and then hooked a finger behind her head to remove the gag. He let the silk scarf flutter to the desert floor behind them. She sat rigidly facing his bare chest. The close proximity of his body unsettled her, and his face was just inches above hers. He looked down as she tilted her face up to his, and held the back of her head with his free hand, taking her mouth roughly. “Unh… No! You mustn’t do this,” she cried, pushing on his chest with her forearms and pulling her head back. He didn’t speak, but released her head and drew her closer to his hard body. She could feel his pelvis undulating gently against hers imitating the sex act. “Have you ever made love on horseback, lovely Princess?” he asked her seductively. “No…” she gasped. He laughed. “Don’t worry, you shall.” “Oh God…” “You should rest. You’ll need your strength.” “Where are you taking me?” she asked suddenly. “Home.” “Lyros?” she said hopefully. “No, Tartak.” “Please take me back, don’t do this!” she begged him. 29

Calthraca: The Tiger “You belong to me now,” he said implacably. “You will be my wife.” She briefly considered flinging herself from the horse, then realized the beast was hurtling along at a breakneck pace beneath them. She’d be killed if she jumped. “There is no escape, Princess. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be for you,” he said, looking down at her. “I will never accept it,” she said fiercely. He laughed. She felt his hand brush her thigh and she gasped. She realized only a thin silk camisole under her robe separated her from his intimate touch. He slid his hand higher and when she felt his fingers caress her nether lips, she fainted against him. “Gurak,” he called back over his shoulder, “I owe you twenty peks, my friend.” He laughed. “I do believe I have a virgin.” **** Adama came awake again as the horses slowed. She had actually been climbing towards consciousness for some time, but chose to stay in her dream, where there were no evil Tarks. Tengri felt her come awake. As they rode through the night, he had held her close to his chest and she had been lulled by his softly beating heart. Her head lifted slightly now as she looked around trying to figure out where they were. It was just before dawn and the world was a quiet uniform gray color. He felt the chill on his bare skin where her head had rested. “We are near Hab Almnar,” he said quietly, “the great oasis.” She blinked like a small owl. “We will rest here through the heat of the day, then continue on to Carcun tonight,” he explained. He stopped beside a huge, buff-colored tent and a young boy came out bowing low. “Selamlar benim, Sehzade.” 30

Calthraca: The Tiger Tengri slipped back into his native tongue. “Yararli sabah, Malik.” He tossed the reins to the boy. “Check his shoes, he feels lame,” he barked and the boy rushed to obey. Holding Adama tightly, he slid from the back of the horse, landing gracefully on his feet. Her arms were still encircling his neck and she made a small, pained moan as he shifted her. “A few more moments and I will untie you,” he said. He strode into the tent where three servants immediately threw themselves on the ground at his feet. Gurak entered behind him, then went off to his own section. “Yer’ar benim tanri?” he asked them. “Where is my father?” “Your father is at his morning prayers. It wouldn’t hurt you to do the same once in a while.” An older man came up beside him. “Zenci. Uncle,” he said, pleased. “It’s good to see you.” “What is this you’ve brought us?” He nodded, indicating Adama. Tengri lowered her legs to let her stand beside him, ducking his head out from her arms. Unsteady and weak, she swayed alarmingly before regaining her balance. “Lower your eyes, girl,” Tengri spoke to her in Lyrosian. She glared hot coals at him. “I am a Lyrosian princess. I do not lower my eyes for camel herders.” Quick as a striking snake he took her arm and tried to force her to her knees. She brought her tied hands up and elbowed him hard in the ribs, then turned to knee him in the groin. He anticipated her movement; turned sideways and grabbed her by the back of the neck. Squeezing painfully, he drove his knee into the back of both of her legs, forcing them to bend, and sending her to the floor, still in his iron grip. “You will do as you are told, or you will suffer,” he snarled. “Let go of me, you bastard!” He shook her by the neck, making her gasp in pain. “I’ll never submit to you! You’ll have to kill me first!” 31

Calthraca: The Tiger He pulled her up to face him. “That can be arranged.” He flung her away and she landed in a heap on the floor near the servants who remained prone before their prince. Stunned, she didn’t move. She’d never been abused so. For him to have struck her in the face last night, and to now assault her, she was terrified and bewildered by his violent actions. What had happened to the gentle prince from her bedroom? “Please tell me that isn’t your future wife,” Zenci said to him calmly. Tengri-Khan fumed. “That’s exactly who she is.” Zenci clapped the prince on the shoulder and walked away laughing. Enraged at being humiliated before his uncle, Tengri strode over to where she lay still, grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet, ignoring the pained sound she made. Without saying a word, he dragged her to a wooden post set in the middle of the large tent and threw her against it. She was knocked briefly senseless again as her cheek connected with the wood, and began to slide down, he violently jerked her wrists up and looped a leather strap around the rope that still bound them. “Razi etmek benim kamcilama!” he ordered. Bring me my whips. One of the servants scrambled to do his bidding and returned shortly with two flails. One of them was simply several strips of leather strap, braided into a handle. The other one was more ominous. Longer by several inches, every strap was tipped with a brass bead. The servant went to his knees and held them before the prince. Tengri glared at Adama and slapped one against his thigh. He narrowed his eyes and her blood ran cold. “I am tempted to whip the skin from your back for shaming me,” he said, holding up the one with the beads. “This is taraf tespih, a beaded flail. It could flay you open to the bone.” 32

Calthraca: The Tiger Her eyes were huge, and he could see she was terrified, but there was a furious spark there as well, like flint. He continued, “However, because you are young, and I know you do not know our ways, I will only use the dis’taraf tespih. The one without beads. Five lashes should be sufficient.” “Go to Hell, you bastard!” she shouted, and then spat at him. He crossed to her and grabbed her by the hair, dragging her head back. “Hellcat! Are you a fool? Ten lashes.” Adama could barely believe the position she found herself in. Never in her life had she been treated with anything except kindness and deference. This beastly Tark had hurt her and continued to hurt her. She could not believe how wrong she had been. The rumors were true, and she knew she was a fool for imagining him kind and gentle. He was a barbarian, just as her mother had warned. Her terror over what he intended to do was rapidly turning to burning anger, and she lashed out, heedless of his threat. How dare he deceive her so! “I’ll never submit to you!” she yelled. “You’ll have to kill me, you filthy sand rat.” It was all Tengri could do not to throttle her right there; he was infuriated, and completely shocked at what she had dared to say to him. Now he must punish her severely. To have her, a mere girl, barely a woman, defy him openly before slaves was totally unacceptable. “Twenty,” he said, and took up the unbeaded flail. She opened her mouth to spite him again and he leaned in close to her. “I will beat you until you are dead, girl,” he warned her. She closed her mouth quickly, finally grasping the danger she was in. Unfortunately it was too late. 33

Calthraca: The Tiger He reached out and tore away her silk robe and camisole in one motion, laying her back bare. She heard the whistle of the flail before she felt it, and cried out when it struck her. Stroke after stroke landed upon her back as he counted them off. By fifteen her legs had given out and she was hanging by her wrists. By twenty, she was completely unconscious. Tengri stopped and it was deathly silent in the large tent. He wiped a drop of perspiration from his nose, and then handed the flail to the slave who’d brought it, and stepped over to Adama, pulling her head back. He was shocked to find his hand trembling as he did so. Blood had run from the corner of her mouth and he could see where she’d bitten her lip to keep from screaming. He had a grudging admiration for her courage. Her back was heavily welted, cut, and bleeding in a few places, although not as bad as it could have been. He’d pulled each stroke at the last moment to lessen the blow. Reaching up he untied the strap binding her, then pulled her over his shoulder. He walked to one of the enclosed sleeping areas and laid her down carefully, turning her onto her side, then took out his dagger and cut her bonds. There was a serving girl in the room, and he said, “Take care of her. I’ll return soon.” He strode stiffly from the tent, sparing no looks to anyone he passed. He mounted his horse in one step up, wheeled the animal, and tore off into the desert. Insolence such as hers was unacceptable. His wife must be entirely obedient. He would break her of her defiance, he would have his way…or he would kill her. **** “Who is that girl?” Mehtar Aga-Khan asked his brother. Together they had witnessed the beating from a curtained alcove. “That is Tengri’s future wife,” he replied. 34

Calthraca: The Tiger The older Khan shook his head. “I hope they don’t kill each other.” **** “Am I dead?” she asked the servant quietly. “Hangi?” Adama sighed. “Never mind. Do you speak Andalosian? Um… Andalosek?” “Ah! Olur! Andalosi.” The girl nodded happily. “Oh good,” Adama said flatly, switching easily to Andalosian. She winced as a sharp bolt of pain crossed her back. “Damn.” The girl was about her age. She was nearly the same height as Adama, but heavier set. She had dark brown hair and her eyes were kind. She looked at Adama’s wounds then got up and brought back a small bowl. Carefully she dabbed at the open wounds on her back to clean them, and then covered them with an ointment. “You’re very lucky he didn’t simply kill you.” “I was hoping he would.” Shocked, the girls eyes grew huge. “Oh no! Don’t ever say that!” “I don’t really care if I die. Ow! Be careful!” The girl apologized. “I’m sorry, the smaller cuts are quite deep, but I don’t think you’ll have many scars.” Adama didn’t reply. She didn’t think she could withstand any further brutality from Tengri. Nothing in her life could have prepared her for what he had done. She raised a hand to her face and covered her mouth, stifling a sob. The girl helped her to sit up, then gave her some mintflavored water. “Are you hungry?” she asked as she began gently pulling Adama’s torn clothing away. “No.” Adama clutched a blanket in front of her. “He’s a barbarian. He’s ruined my clothes.” She was nearly in tears not so much about the clothes, or the pain, but because she was beginning to see the hopelessness of her situation. 35

Calthraca: The Tiger No one knew where she was. She hadn’t told anyone he’d come to her room, not even Molly. What if everyone thought she’d run off! Maybe they wouldn’t even bother looking for her at all, considering how awful she’d been. Large, sad tears gathered in her eyes. The servant had finished with Adama’s injuries and began to brush her hair, holding it carefully away from her wounded back. She braided it and tied it with a leather thong, then laid it across her shoulder. “This will be easier when you’re riding,” the girl said to her kindly. There was soft music coming from outside the flaps of her enclosure, and she could hear people speaking quietly. “What is your name?” Adama asked. Smiling, she replied, “I’m Salma, and you?” “I’m Adama.” “You must be special,” Salma commented. “Special?” “Yes, he barely marked your skin. Anyone else he would have flayed open and left in the desert for the birds and the jackals,” she stated matter-of-factly. “Well, he certainly made me feel special,” Adama commented sarcastically. “I’m not exaggerating.” The girl took Adama by the shoulders and shook her hard, making her wince. “I have never been more serious. Do not ever underestimate how cruel he can be. He has no heart.” She searched Adama’s eyes. “He has killed people for far less than what you did.” Adama swallowed hard. “Killed?” “He has killed people for speaking to him in the wrong tone, for laughing, for preparing his food improperly…” “All right, enough,” Adama ordered. She felt sick. “What do I do? He wishes to marry me.” 36

Calthraca: The Tiger “You must not anger him. You must let him have his way always. Always,” she repeated. Adama began to feel dizzy. “I think I need to lie down.” Salma helped her lie back with a minimum of pain. “I will stay with you, lady, until he returns. If you can, ask for me to attend you. We can be friends.” She smiled tentatively. Adama nodded then closed her eyes and slipped into a deep sleep. Salma had given her a sleeping draught in the water; she knew the overwrought girl needed to rest. The prince would be displeased if he returned to find her hysterical. True to her word, Salma sat on the floor beside the divan Adama slept upon. She dozed lightly as well, ever attentive to the sound of the prince’s step. Everyone rested throughout the heat of the day. As evening approached, there would be more activity in the cooler dusk. Some time later, Salma heard his horse galloping at a full-out run from far off. The animal stopped before the tent, foaming and blowing. Only Tengri-Khan rode a horse that way. She heard his boots jingle as he stepped to the ground, and then the sound of his long stride approaching them. She came awake entirely now and waited. He threw open the flap and surveyed the room. Immediately Salma fell on the floor before him. “How is she?” he demanded. “Her skin is only slightly marked, and she sleeps now, Sehzade,” she answered quickly. “Wake her and ready her to ride.” He threw a bundle at her, then left the enclosure. **** Mehtar Aga-Khan sat upon a gilded throne, waiting for his son to enter. He too had heard the horse approach. Tengri entered his father’s private enclosure and bowed low. 37

Calthraca: The Tiger “Selamlar tanri,” he said, touching his forehead. “Greetings, Father.” “Greetings, my son. Zenci tells me you’ve found a wife?” “Yes, she’s a Lyrosian princess,” he said. “But I fear she may not be suitable after all. She’s far too headstrong, and refuses to comply.” “So that is why you beat her?” He arched an eyebrow at his son. “Be patient with her, Tengri,” Mehtar counseled. “She looks to be worth the extra effort.” He laughed. Tengri grinned. “She is lovely. She tells me she isn’t a virgin, but if she isn’t, she’s not terribly experienced either.” He sat with his father and drank tea and felt more relaxed than he had in a week. Despite his reputation as a bloodthirsty warrior, Tengri-Khan loved his father, and often sought him out for advice. Lately, the Andalosians had been making more and more aggressive threats. They crossed the border and engaged Tengri’s troops many times in the last few months. He worried for his father staying here at the oasis. “Will you travel to Carcun with us this night, Father?” he asked finally. “No, I believe I shall spend another day or two here. I prefer the quiet of the desert to the noise of Carcun, but I shall return in time to see you wed.” Catching the look of worry on his son’s face, he added, “There are more than a hundred Sarasci here, my son. I will be safe.” He grinned. Tengri grinned in return. “Very well, Father. Right now, I think I shall go and visit my bride and see if she still wishes me dead.” “The sweetest fruit is often the hardest to reach,” his father said, laughing.

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Chapter 4 Salma awakened Adama gently and told her Tengri had returned. “Oh God, why can’t he just fall off that damned animal and break his neck?” she said venomously. “Some think I was born a-horse,” he answered from the entryway. Salma fell on the floor in fright. She was scared sick that the prince would beat the young woman again for her insolence. “Are you ready to leave?” he asked. “Yes.” She refused to show this brute any obeisance. She didn’t care if he killed people for less, she decided. She was a princess, not a common slave, and she would not submit. Salma had helped her to dress in a caftan and a silk robe with a hood and she was indeed ready to travel. He stepped back from the doorway to let her pass and put a gentle hand on her back. She stopped and cringed as he touched her. “Please do not do that.” “My apologies,” he said and removed his hand. She left the tent and Salma rushed out to lift her hood. “Where is my horse?” she asked Tengri. “You will ride with me once more. When I decide you can be trusted, I will allow you the freedom to ride alone,” he replied stonily, leaving no room for argument. He stepped up into the sad39

Calthraca: The Tiger dle once again, and lowered a hand to her. “You will sit before me as you did last night. I like to look at you.” He pulled her up and waited patiently while she arranged herself in front of him. “Hold me around the waist,” he instructed her quietly. Her hands encircled him and gripped together behind his back. He tipped her chin up to look at him. “I am sorry I hurt you.” The words felt strange and alien on his tongue. He could not recall ever apologizing to a woman before. Except perhaps his own mother. “I‘m sorry for my behavior,” she whispered. He gently drew her into his embrace and held her. “Tesekkur,” he said, “thank you,” and kissed her lips softly. It chafed her to apologize to him when she had done nothing wrong. She had not asked to be here and wanted nothing more than to go home, but Adama knew if she ever wanted to find a way out of this nightmare, she needed to gain his favor. Pacifying him could be her only means of survival. **** They rode through the night, and she dozed once more against his chest. The feeling of sleeping upon a horse was unusual and strange, yet somehow comforting. She didn’t worry that she would fall, he held her tightly in his embrace, and she knew she would be safe, no matter what. He valued her too highly to allow her to be harmed. Hours later, they clattered into another courtyard, and she came awake with a start. She looked up at the strange, rounded minarets upon the tops of the palace walls. “This is my father’s palace, Sevgili Hediye, Beloved Gift,” Tengri said. “We shall live here.” 40

Calthraca: The Tiger He slid from the horses back, again holding her. “Can you walk?” he asked. “I think so,” she replied. He put her down and she stood holding his arm for a moment, then let go to stand on her own. He looked at her and she nodded. “I’m fine.” “Good.” Taking her by the hand, he walked the horse forward and threw the reins to Gurak, who took the horses to the stable. He led her up a set of steps, then into the cool darkness of a wide open room. High ceilings opened to the sky in a lovely atrium where white doves flew in and out. Several servants rushed forward and bowed low to him. “Bu Kadi ametmek beim es harir,” he informed them. “Bring her to the women’s room, to bathe and rest. See that she eats. I shall arrive in three hours to present her to my mother.” He turned to Adama; she hadn’t understood what he’d said. “You will go with these slaves to the women’s area. You will bathe, then eat and rest. I must tend to a few things, but I will come to you shortly. I wish for you to meet my mother.” She nodded, but didn’t reply, and turned to the slaves who eagerly led her away. They didn’t know what this girl had done, but the prince was certainly much nicer than he’d ever been to them before. They hoped his soon-to-be wife would be kind to them as well. Tengri-Khan watched her go. Was it possible she had decided to accept her fate? He shook his head; she was a mystery to him still. Tengri strode to his own rooms. He knew there was no way he could take her today, her back was still in pain, and he didn’t want to ruin the budding trust he had begun to cultivate with her. But riding with her before him for hours, her body so close and soft had aroused him powerfully. He called to his personal man. “Murid!” 41

Calthraca: The Tiger A large black man entered the room, bowing low. “Yes, my prince?” “Go to the genelev, find me a fahise.” “Yes, my lord,” the man said and left the room. Tengri changed into comfortable robes. He would bathe later. Murid arrived back less than an hour later, with a girl from the bordello. She was made up like a whore, and he ordered her to wash her face. She rushed to do his bidding. She was about his age, with a pointed catlike face and red hair. “Take down your hair.” She could hear the lust in his voice, and it pleased her that he found her attractive. She took the pins from her hair and it fell to just below her shoulders. He picked up a lock and realized it was merely dyed with henna. “How would you have me, my lord?” she asked him, hoping he would impale her with the lance she could see outlined in his robes. “Do not speak to me,” he said harshly. He took her hair in his hand and pulled her down to her knees. “Take me within your mouth.” She immediately pulled his robes aside and began to suckle his manhood. He was large and thick and he thrust into her mouth, nearly gagging her. At length he began to feel a climax approach, and pulled her head away from him, turning her body and thrusting into her female passage from behind. The whore was well-used and did not appeal to him in any way. She was merely there to act as a receptacle for his seed, a body for him to relieve his lust upon. As he used the whore, he thought about Adama. He wondered what her sheath would feel like as entered her. Her body was so soft and young, and he shuddered in anticipation. He would teach her all of the things that pleased him sexually, and together they would find out what pleased her. He smiled thinking about the long 42

Calthraca: The Tiger nights he would spend with her. He spent himself within the whore, groaning more from wanting the beautiful Lyrosian than from sexual satisfaction. When he’d finished, he pushed the woman away, threw a coin at her, and then called to Murid to remove her. She pulled her robes down, and turned to him. “Please, my lord, let me service you further. I know things which will please you endlessly. More than any harem woman would know. I can instruct you on how to last much longer.” “Woman! Hold your tongue!” Murid had returned. Tengri moved behind her, he reached around and caressed her breast. “Is this what you want?” he purred in her ear. He stroked her and licked her earlobe, and she sighed, laying her head back against his chest. “Mmm, yes…” “You like the touch of a man?” “Yessss…” she sighed. His hand came up and grabbed her hair and held her head back tightly, baring her throat as his other hand came up before her, holding a dagger. “Like it a bit rough maybe?” he growled deep in his throat. She was frightened now. “I… If that’s what you like, my lord,” she said, licking her lips. She seemed to have no moisture left in her mouth. “You insolent bitch,” he snarled. “You could have simply left here with my coin, in safety. Now you’ll entertain the barracks and we shall see how long you last. If there’s anything left of you afterwards, I’ll send it to the whorehouse.” He threw her at Murid. “You may have her first if you wish.” She stumbled into Murid’s chest with a terrified whimper. “Thank you, my lord prince,” the dark man said gratefully. Murid tore her robe from her body, and threw her kicking and screaming over his shoulder, leaving the room. 43

Calthraca: The Tiger Tengri crossed to the window. Sometime later, Murid entered the barracks with the naked, screaming girl. The door opened and a chorus of loud male voices shouted their approval. He heard her scream once more, and the door shut tightly. He went to bathe the stink of her from himself. **** The slaves led Adama to another large room, where several ladies still lay sleeping. A few were awake and talked quietly over tea near the windows. At once a tall woman came forward and spoke to the slaves. After hearing what they said, she nodded and dismissed them. She turned to Adama and said, “Bir a Tehlar, Murid’hanim al harem.” Adama looked at her blankly. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I don’t understand you.” The woman smiled. “You’re Lyrosian?” “Yes!” Adama said relieved to find someone who understood her own tongue. “I said, I am Tehlar, mistress of the harem, and you are?” “I am Princess Adama Fawkes of Lyros,” she said quietly. “Or at least I was. I don’t know what I am any more.” Tears threatened to spill once again. Tehlar had seen young women entering the harem many times and knew a potential fit of hysterics when she saw it brewing. She decided to change the subject. “You are lovely. Are you a gift for Mehtar Aga-Khan?” she asked Adama. “No… I’m to be wed to Tengri-Khan,” Adama said quietly. “I see,” Tehlar said, pleased. “Your family sent you to us?” “No, I was abducted,” Adama replied. Tehlar said nothing but took Adama by the hand and led her towards the baths. “Come, let’s get you cleaned up, and we’ll talk some more.” 44

Calthraca: The Tiger Two older women stood near a curtained area where they helped her remove her caftan and clucked maternally over her welted back. “What happened to you?” Tehlar asked, already knowing what the answer was. “The prince beat me.” Her voice was flat. They led her to the sunken tub and seated her in the hot fragrant water. Gingerly, she leaned back against the marble side and closed her eyes. Tehlar joined her. “You will be happy here, if you accept your fate,” the harem mistress said quietly. “The prince said that to me, but somehow I find that difficult, considering I do not wish to be here.” “Princess, Tengri-Khan has claimed you. You belong to him according to our laws. Even a court would not rule against him. He has already beaten you once, although it looks as though he was gentle with you compared to some I’ve seen beaten by his hand. For your own safety, please submit to him. He can only possess your body. He cannot take your soul, Adama,” she smiled. “Are you a virgin?” “No.” “So you know the pleasure of a man. That is good.” “Well, I’ve only been with a man once, and he wasn’t actually a man, he’s my age. I didn’t feel anything though, it wasn’t…pleasure, it just felt…messy.” “Ah…so very nearly a virgin.” Tehlar laughed. “Tengri will be pleased you are not experienced. I’m told he is a very vigorous lover.” “Tehlar, I’m scared,” she confessed. “I only want to go home. I’m not the right choice to be his wife. I know there must be someone better than me.” Her words came out in a long rush. Tehlar looked at the lovely girl before her, impressed with her son’s choice of a bride. “Princess, if you please the prince, if you are a good wife to him, I know he will place you in the highest es45

Calthraca: The Tiger teem, and your merest whim will be fulfilled. He will treat you like the finest treasure.” “What makes you say that?” Adama’s voice was thick with unshed tears. “How would you know?” “Because I know my son fairly well,” she replied and smiled. “You’re his mother?” “Yes, my name is Tehlar-Khan. I am the harem mistress, first wife of Mehtar Aga-Khan, and Kimse is my son.” “Kimse?” Adama repeated. Tehlar laughed. “Tiger. It’s a pet name, something we called him out of love. Although they call him that for very different reasons now,” she said grimly. Adama said nothing. She merely looked at the lovely woman before her. In the straight fine nose and the dark eyes, she could see the resemblance. “Are you all right, my dear?” she asked. “You look unwell.” “I’m sorry,” Adama said, “I haven’t eaten for two days. I’m not feeling very well.” “Two days!” Tehlar said shocked. “Tengri has starved you?” She clapped her hands and called, “Devram etmek!” Two nearby servants rushed to her. Quickly she gave orders then helped Adama from the bath herself, and wrapped her in a warmed towel. “No, he didn’t starve me,” Adama replied. “Oh, good. That would be unusual even for Tengri,” Tehlar said. “I’ve ordered food for you. You will eat with me, then you will rest in my private apartment.” Her words left no room for argument. She sounded like her son. “What about the prince?” Adama asked. “Well, he cannot have you tonight. He’ll have to wait,” she said simply. “Tehlar?” “Yes, my dear?” She could hear the fear in Adama’s voice. 46

Calthraca: The Tiger “I hope you will tell him he has to wait. Because I don’t think he’ll care if I say it,” she said honestly. “Don’t worry. He’ll wait,” she assured the frightened girl. She left Adama with the bath ladies. They dressed her in a fresh caftan and brushed her hair out, complimenting her on how beautifully long and pretty it was, then brought her back to Tehlar. Tehlar led Adama to her apartment; two large rooms set apart from the harem, and sat her beside the windows overlooking the gardens. Slaves rushed forward and placed dishes of food in front of her. Fruit and cheese, cereal and warm bread, as well as juice and tea. She ate ravenously. Everyone in the harem seemed very kind, and they all wanted Tengri to be happy. Could she find happiness here? Adama shook herself from that thought, unsure why it had occurred to her at all. She could not allow herself to think about remaining here. She must focus on finding a way to escape. Tehlar sat and picked at a bowl of fruit. She hoped this girl wouldn’t be a problem. If Tengri had already had to use the lash upon her, it could mean she was far too willful, and had refused to obey him. All Tehlar could do was continue to try and convince her it would be better to submit to Tengri. They talked for several hours. Tehlar was kind but firm when she spoke of what Adama’s duty would be as Tengri’s wife. She must always obey him, never bring him shame, and always show him respect. She must lead her household by example, and honor her husband always, deferring to his rank and his position. Even if she had a differing opinion, she must wait and offer it in private, so not to shame him, and she absolutely must produce a son. Adama’s head was positively spinning with things she must and must not do. They heard a rap at the outer door of Tehlar’s apartment. One of her servants rushed forward and pulled the door open to reveal the prince. 47

Calthraca: The Tiger The slave bowed low as Tengri entered. Without prompting, Adama also fell to the floor and bowed low. She decided to continue pacifying him. Anything to keep herself safe, and keep him from watching her too closely. “Mother!” Tengri said, leaning down and kissing Tehlar. He looked over and was surprised to see Adama showing obeisance to him. He smiled happily. His mother must have spoken to her already. He reached down and stroked her hair. “Rise, lovely one.” She sat back on her legs but kept her eyes lowered demurely. “I see you have met my mother already,” he said. “Yes, my lord prince,” she replied quietly. “I’ve arranged for you to come to me tomorrow night, my dove,” he said and caressed her face. “You will spend the night in my apartment, and then I shall announce our wedding the next day.” “As you wish, my lord prince,” she said. Tehlar indicated the servant girl who had admitted Tengri. “Adama, go with this girl, she will show you where you are to sleep.” Adama rose and bowed prettily to them. “Thank you for your kindness.” Then she left the room, following the slave. Tengri sat down upon the ottoman she had just left. “What did you do to her, Mother?” He laughed. “She is nearly perfection in her manners. If you had seen her yesterday, you would never believe she could behave so.” “All I did was show her kindness, Tengri,” his mother replied. “If you do the same, I promise she will be happy, and give you happiness as well.” She looked at him seriously. “She is no slave girl to abuse, Tengri. She is a princess.” “I know, Mother,” he said, a note of petulance in his voice. “Yet you stripped her and laid her back open before an audience.” 48

Calthraca: The Tiger “She needed to be disciplined. If I let her shame me, I would appear weak,” he said defensively. “Tengri, my tiger. You will never appear weak when you show mercy.” She decided to change the subject. “You were right to wait until tomorrow.” “Thank you, Mother, I do have some sense.” He laughed, then stood. “Right now I need to see the people. Today is court. I would like to have supper with you both if that is acceptable?” “Yes, my love. Is your father coming home?” she asked. “He said a few more days. He’ll be home for my wedding.” He grabbed a fig from the bowl and popped it into his mouth. “Tonight, Mother,” he said and left. She watched him go. She was pleased to see him and she wondered if it was possible for this girl to bring him happiness.

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Chapter 5 When Adama awoke several hours later, it was dusk and she could see stars across the desert through the open window. She was surprised at how much she had slept since she was abducted; it felt like all she ever did. She let out a tired, dejected sigh, and wondered what her mother was doing. Would she have told Christian she was gone? She sat up on the comfortable sleeping couch and looked around. There was nothing here which would aid her in escaping. Even if she somehow succeeded in leaving these rooms undetected, she would have to find a horse, and she had no idea where the stables were. Then she would have the daunting task of finding her way out of Tartak. She sighed and shook her head. It was hopeless. Until last week, she had only left Lyros once. Now here she was, half a world away, with no idea how to get back. She looked down into her hand and conjured her tiny light; her familiar. Trying to calm her thoughts enough to form a plan, she made the little dot of white light flicker and dance along her hand, rolling back and forth along her knuckles then nestling into her palm once more. She smiled, comforted that her magical light was becoming easier to control. She wondered if it would be possible to use her magic to help her get away. A maid entered at that moment carrying a basin of warm water so Adama could wash her hands and face. Adama’s magical light blinked out and she stood, moving to meet the girl. She took the 50

Calthraca: The Tiger offered towel, washed and dried her face, then smiled her thanks. The maid then took up the basin, bowed and left the room. Adama was alone once more. She wondered again how she might use her magic to escape, but her attention was drawn away by something outside the window. She could hear voices, angry voices. She walked to the open windows and looked out, concealing herself behind the drape so she could not be seen. There were several men and horses standing in the courtyard below, where she and Tengri had arrived. Adama listened closely, trying to decipher what they said using the few words she recognized. One of the men tried to leave and three of the others suddenly leapt upon him. Adama gasped softly as she watched them struggle to hold the man they’d attacked. They stood up and pulled the other man to his feet, holding him tightly as he fought hard to escape. From the recesses of the shadowy archway she saw the tall, graceful form of Tengri-Khan slowly emerge. He was wearing a long robe, and looked extremely angry. He walked up to the man and spoke softly. The man shook his head violently. “Ret! Ret! Sehzade! Bir a sucsuz! Memnun etmek Aga!” (No! No! My Prince! I am innocent! Please, my lord!) Tengri-Khan shook his head. His deep voice boomed, “Ret! Bir sahip olmak din’lemek yeterli ‘miktar!” (No! I have heard enough!) He backed up a step and pointed at the man. “Sen tanimak a hukuk. Tukenis.” (You know the law. Death.) Tengri turned and began to walk away. The man yelled, “Tengri-Khan! Bir kufretme beddua! Tukenis a sana ogul.” (Tengri-Khan! I curse you! I call down death to all of your sons.) Then he spat upon the ground near Tengri’s feet. The prince turned and grabbed a knife from the belt of one of his soldiers, and in one motion, he reached the man, and slit his 51

Calthraca: The Tiger throat. A torrent of blood sprayed like a fountain covering Tengri’s robe and splattering his face. “Zar oyunu. Kopek.”(You die. Dog.) He spat upon the man, then dropped the knife disgustedly. The group of men who’d held the dying man cheered. “Sukut!” (Silence!) Tengri said angrily. He pulled the robe over his head and wiped his face with it, leaving himself clad only in his pants and boots, then threw it on the ground where the man lay struggling and clawing at his slashed throat. He watched for another moment until the struggles ceased. “Tutma onu el bozkir.” (Take him to the desert.) The other men bowed low and gathered up the body of the one who had been slain. Adama felt sick to her stomach. She hadn’t understood their words, but it was clear Tengri had killed the man without as much as a second thought. Her legs were weak and she had to lean against the window frame to stay upright. She saw him standing in the courtyard watching them dispose of the body. The light of the moon lit his face and bare chest. He looked totally devoid of emotion, like a stone statue and his eyes looked black to her. She also could see the outline of every muscle on his torso, and shivered. She couldn’t help but wonder what that body would feel like naked against her own, then realized sickly, she would soon find out. Suddenly she felt as though she were going to vomit. She flung herself away from the windows. Tengri knew she was there. She didn’t see him glance up at the windows as she lurched away and became violently ill. Angrily he returned to the palace, wishing she hadn’t witnessed the scene in the courtyard. He should have waited to kill the man away from the palace, but his anger had gotten the better of him, and he had acted before he knew she was there. 52

Calthraca: The Tiger Tengri-Khan made his way back to his apartments and called to Murid. “Send word to my mother I will not be able to attend her tonight. I must go to the village and repair the damage that Abdul did. Tell her I will return tomorrow.” He splashed water into a basin and washed his face and hands. “Yes, Sehzade. Is there anything else?” Tengri pulled a long white shirt over his head then fastened his thin black belt around his waist, checking his dagger and picking up his sword belt and scabbard. “No, nothing. Wait, yes… The girl, Adama…” He stopped. What was he going to tell her? That he was sorry he scared her? He would appear weak if he did. Then he had a burst of inspiration. “Send her this.” He walked to a large chest and opened it, removing a long rope of black pearls, each one separated from the other by a golden bead. He handed the treasure to Murid. “This girl, she is special?” Murid asked, smiling broadly. Tengri grinned. “She is.” “It will be done, Sehzade.” **** Adama sat weakly on the floor wiping her mouth. She’d managed to reach an empty planter pot and had vomited violently after witnessing Tengri-Khan murder the man in the courtyard. She was terrified. He wanted to marry her, but how long would it be before he murdered her? How could she give herself to a killer? She cried to herself miserably. “I just want to go home.” Tehlar heard her from the next room and entered. She looked down at the girl on the floor. “Dear heaven, are you all right?” she asked, alarmed. “Yes,” Adama said, feeling anything but. “Let me help you.” Tehlar put her hand under Adama’s arm to help her stand. She came to her feet, and stood trembling. 53

Calthraca: The Tiger Tehlar felt her head. “You’re not feverish. Did you eat something that made you sick?” “No, it is not the food,” Adama assured her. “I just felt unwell.” Tehlar narrowed her eyes and looked at her speculatively. Could she be pregnant from her first lover? That would cause problems. The child would have to be dealt with, and Tengri certainly couldn’t marry her. “Back to bed then, you’re shivering.” Adama didn’t protest and let the other woman lead her to the bed once again. Tehlar turned and saw the drape at the window was open and went to close it, but not before looking down. She saw the pool of blood in the courtyard. Dogs yipped and fought to get at it, as slaves tried to pull them away. She guessed at what had happened and sighed. It made sense now that she was sick. Still, she would have to watch the girl; she made a mental note of the date. “I came to tell you Tengri has sent his apologies, he cannot come and eat with us tonight. Apparently there is a situation in the village he must deal with.” She paused, then reached into her pocket. “He sent this for you.” She handed Adama a small box, wrapped with a golden silk ribbon. Adama didn’t take the box. She simply looked at Tehlar. “I don’t want any gifts from him.” “To gift you before he has been with you is a great honor, Adama,” she said softly. “You ought to be grateful.” “Madam, I thank you for your kindness to me, but I cannot accept this life. I cannot adopt your culture and replace my own.” Impatiently she wiped a tear from her face. “I was born a princess; I cannot allow myself to be held in bondage to satisfy the lust of a Tarkir ruler.” She was trying to be brave, trying to make this woman understand, but she knew it was hopeless and her facade crumbled. 54

Calthraca: The Tiger “Please help me. I only wish to return to my home,” Adama said, then lowered her head to her hands and sobbed in great heartbroken gasps. “I miss my family.” The older woman sat beside her and held her as she cried. She had seen this before as well. Often when girls realized their fate was now here, and they would never return to their homes, they cried as though experiencing a death. She supposed it was mourning, in a way. When Adama started to get herself under control, Tehlar handed her a handkerchief and sat her up. She spoke frankly to the young princess. “I cannot send you home. I could never defy my husband or my son in that way in any case,” she said honestly. “However, if you try to please Tengri, maybe once you’ve borne him a son or a daughter, he might let your mother know where you are.” She got up and crossed to the windows once again. “Why must I wait?” Adama questioned. “Can I not simply send word to my mother, letting her know I am unharmed?” “Because, dear girl, if you tell your family where you are before you have wed and you have borne a son or daughter, they may try to take you back. I know Tengri will never allow it.” She stopped and looked closely at the young woman. “I cannot stop what will happen, Adama. He will take you, and he will make you his wife. All I can do is counsel you to accept your fate, and try and find happiness with him. Despite everything, he is a good man.” She stopped, then added, “You could help him be a great man.” Adama looked at Tehlar miserably. “I saw him cut a man’s throat, then coldly watch him bleed to death less than an hour ago in the courtyard below. How could I possibly find happiness with such a creature?” Tehlar cursed to herself. She knew it had to have been something of the sort. 55

Calthraca: The Tiger “Adama…as the regent, there are things Tengri must do, and things he can do without question.” She sat beside the girl on the bed once more. “I know you do not know our culture, and there are many things you must learn, but the first and most important thing is this—the prince, Tengri, or Abd Aga Sehzade as he is also known, is the law. He dictates life or death for his subjects, including you or me, and while he is the hand of justice, he is also the hand of mercy, and must do all he can to help his people as well. “I know the rest of the world thinks my son is a bloodthirsty monster. His reputation has gone before him and the image of a fierce raider has served him well. However, the image of him rebuilding a village or teaching children the words of the holy book is never known to those outside of our land He has brought great prosperity and power to our land, and he has kept the Andalosians from simply running over our borders. He will be a legendary king one day.” Adama listened intently. She saw the light of pride and near idolatry in his mother’s eyes. “Mehtar Aga-Khan is the Aga Sehzade, the ruler here. He answers to no one. Lately my husband grows old and tired, and prefers to spend his days enjoying his oasis. Therefore, with his father’s blessing, Tengri has taken over the day-today business of running this kingdom. He has done remarkably well, he protects us, and metes out the justice he feels necessary to uphold the law. I do not know the reason for Tengri’s actions, but I know he rarely acts rashly, and I know there had to be a reason for so severe a punishment. “You must also understand, our law demands if a ruler condemns a man to death, they are obligated to watch the execution until the condemned are dead. We do this to keep our own humanity. When death no longer has a face, it becomes easier to employ. That is why you saw him looking upon the dying man so coldly.” She held Adama’s shoulders. “Will you trust my word on this subject?” she finished. 56

Calthraca: The Tiger Adama nodded. “I will trust your word,” she said, and she did. She genuinely liked Tengri’s mother, and knew at least some of Tehlar’s charm had to be in Tengri somewhere. She thought about how difficult it was for her mother to make the same sort of decisions, ones which seemed unwise or were definitely unpopular. She recalled how she’d acted when she found out that her mother was looking for husbands for her. She had complained and fumed and acted like a perfect, spoiled child, doing her level best to make everyone’s life hell. Queen Lucia was well aware of how it made Adama feel, and it must have hurt her greatly, but she had done it for the good of the kingdom and for Adama’s own welfare as well. Adama was coming to see that it took great courage to lead people, and great strength to be the person whom thousands looked up to and trusted for guidance. “Good girl.” Tehlar tucked Adama into the bed. “I will come and check on you before I retire. If you feel you need anything or become hungry, simply pull the bell rope there.” She blew out the tiny oil lamp, and left the room. Tehlar knew the girl was not stupid; she obviously had a quick mind and was trying to make the best decision. The question was could she convince Adama to accept Tengri despite her fears? **** The next day Tehlar introduced Adama to the other women in the harem. They were all charmed by the young princess and her impeccable manners. Adama had eventually relented and opened the gift Tengri had sent to her, gasping in awe as she pulled what seemed like a neverending rope of black pearls from the box. “They are gorgeous!” the other women gushed. “You are so lucky!” “Surely he loves you already!” 57

Calthraca: The Tiger “Such a handsome man!” Tehlar took them from her gently and said, “Let’s see them on you.” She deftly looped the pearls twice around Adama’s slender throat and let them hang down to just above her breasts. The black color stood out distinctly upon her milky white skin. “They are even more beautiful when placed on the right background,” a male voice said quietly. All the women except Tehlar bowed low, and Adama fell to her knees. “Rise, rise,” he said to them, smiling. “We have no need for such formality in the harem.” He reached down and took Adama’s hand pulling her to her feet. “I’ve missed you, Seref’behar,” he whispered and kissed her lips chastely. She was surprised at his gentleness, and she wondered what made him act so differently today. She was even more surprised at the flutter of excitement in the pit of her stomach when his gaze touched hers. “Thank you for the lovely gift, my lord,” she said quietly. Tengri nodded. He was tired and dusty from riding, but he was hesitant to leave. He had stood at the door for some time listening to the women, secretly watching Adama, enjoying the intimacy of the moment without them knowing he was there. She enchanted him, and catching her in unguarded moments was a special pleasure to him. She evoked feelings in him which he had thought long dead. He desperately wanted to let go and show her everything, give her everything, but he did not quite dare. She must earn his trust and prove herself worthy. “Greetings, my son,” Tehlar said to him and he looked at his mother. “Yararli a ’gun, Mother.” He smiled. He had almost forgotten there were others in the room with them. 58

Calthraca: The Tiger “I take it everything is well in the village?” Tehlar asked him. “Yes, the people are satisfied, and I’ve recovered all but one of the children who were taken.” “I will have refreshments brought,” Tehlar offered. “No, Mother, but I thank you. I haven’t even been to my bath yet. I wanted to come and see you and apologize personally for not coming to eat with you as I said I would last night.” He looked at Adama. “I wanted to see you as well.” She nodded. He continued to look deeply into her eyes, searching. She realized she was staring back, and everyone was looking at them. She looked down and laughed and he looked up and cleared his throat, embarrassed. “Ahem… I must go and bathe,” he said hastily. “Walk with me.” He pulled her arm into his. When they reached the door, he turned her to face him. “That is the first time I’ve seen you laugh. You have a lovely smile; I hope to see it often.” He pulled her hand up and pressed his lips to her fingertips. “Come to me at nine o’clock, and wear your pearls,” he said seductively. He fingered her hair, admiring its lovely color. “Leave your hair down.” He pulled her forward into a deep kiss then left her standing breathlessly near the door. All of the women in the room rushed to her excitedly, chattering wildly about how lucky she was, and what an honor he had done her. “The prince has shown you unimaginable favor, Princess,” one of the women gushed. “To come to you before the baths or sleep… He is in love!” “But he came to see his mother,” Adama protested. “Oh no!” the women said in a loose chorus. “No, my dear, he merely said he was coming to see me.” Tehlar smiled. “He only had eyes for you, and unless I was mistaken, you seemed quite taken with him as well?” she suggested. 59

Calthraca: The Tiger Adama smiled a little. “We must take you to the baths!” the harem women said excitedly. Most of the ladies of the harem were older. They were all given to Mehtar Khan at some point during his long reign. Since their lord now spent the majority of his time at Hab Almnar, they were often bored and the young princess was a wonderful diversion for them. They all loved Tengri, and most had known him since he was a boy. They were thrilled for him, that he had found someone he truly cared for, and they all agreed that Adama was perfect for him. They bustled her off to the baths, happily chatting and regaling her with stories of their own amorous adventures with Mehtar Khan. Tehlar lingered behind. She stood at the window and looked across at her son’s apartments. She watched him enter. Taking off his dusty jacket, he sat and pulled off his boots. Murid said something to him and she saw him laugh. He was happy, and her heart soared. She had not seen him like this in many years. In her heart, she hoped he had found love. She knew the reason he was so hardened was because he had been hurt badly as a young man. Ever since that time, he had become more and more cruel. This girl had given him reason to return to the land of the living. **** The bath women helped Adama bathe, then washed her long hair, and used the juice of lemons on it to make the copper color shine brightly. They brushed it until it was dry then left it down as Tengri had asked. She chose a jade silk robe to wear and put on her pearls as well. The women cooed over her, telling her how beautiful she was. The truth was, she was terrified and the longer she had to wait the more frightened she became. 60

Calthraca: The Tiger At just before nine o’clock, Murid came to the door and bowed low. “I’ve come for the Princess Adama,” he said respectfully. Tehlar, who stood behind her, kissed her cheek then pushed her forward slightly. Adama took a deep breath and went to the door. Down the corridor they walked, her bare feet padding softly along the cool marble, two paces to his one long stride. They stopped before a large wooden door, which Murid opened. He stepped back and motioned her inside, as she passed, he said softly, “Blessings upon you, Princess.” The heavy door closed firmly behind her and she swallowed hard.

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Chapter 6 Tehlar awakened just after dawn and arose before the ladies of the harem. Her maid knew her well and had already brought a tray of tea, fruit and biscuits for her breakfast to the windows where she always sat, as was her habit. She heard the heavy door to Tengri’s bedroom close and watched below, expecting to see him exit to the courtyard where a boy already held his horse. Ever restless, Tengri rode every morning at dawn. The household knew his habits and prepared accordingly. No one wanted to incur his wrath. Instead of seeing him exit the palace, though, she heard a light tap on her door, which immediately opened revealing her son, looking tired but elated. He was wearing a white silk robe and held a bundle in his hands. Without waiting to be asked, he walked to his mother and fell on his knees before her. He laid his head on her lap and she lovingly put her hands on his head. “Tengri? What has happened?” she asked, alarmed at his behavior. He held the bundle out to her; there was blood on it, but not so much she feared someone killed. She looked at the sheets, then at her son. “But she said she was not a virgin. She told me herself. Did she lie?” “No, Mother. Her only lover was merely a boy. He failed to breach her maidenhead.” He searched his mother’s face. “Is this a sign? Is it fate?” 62

Calthraca: The Tiger Tehlar was thrilled. A virgin! “Yes, yes, my tiger! Truly she was meant for you. She is a gift from Heaven.” She stroked his black hair. He looked up at her and she could see that this was the young man she remembered her son to be. She felt as though she were seeing someone whom she had thought dead. Her eyes filled with tears of joy for him. “Go to your bride, Tengri. I know she will not reject you, do not fear,” she encouraged. “How do you know?” he asked quietly. Tengri was finally beginning to feel the stirrings of something in his heart, and this girl was the reason. He had crushed and buried any emotions he felt after his first engagement ended in heartbreak. Perhaps at last he might be able to find love. He hoped it was not too late. “It is fate, my son. I could see her feelings for you yesterday when you came to her. She fears you and struggles with what fate has given her, but deep in her heart, I think she knows it was meant to be.” He nodded. “I will marry her tomorrow,” he said. “We will celebrate it publicly in two weeks.” “I will send word to your father this morning, Kimse.” She stroked his head again. He smiled at the use of his pet name. “Thank you, Mother.” He stood and kissed her cheek. Leaving the sheets with her, he returned to his bride. After her son left, Tehlar called her maid over. “Tell the boy to stable the horse. The prince won’t need to ride today.” **** Adama jerked awake as Tengri caressed her cheek. Vaguely disoriented in her exhaustion, she forgot where she was. After a moment, she regained her senses and remembered.

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Calthraca: The Tiger Wordlessly, he kissed her softly and moved closer. She felt his strong hand on her thigh. Sighing a little, she slid her leg around to him. He wanted her again. Instead of feeling the weight of him upon her, as she expected, she felt warmth. She raised her head to look at him. He held a damp cloth and gently washed her body, wiping the blood from her thighs. When he finished, he looked up at her and she saw the raw emotion on his face, a look she’d never seen on him before— vulnerability. She wondered if she was seeing the real Tengri-Khan. Was he letting her see his heart completely exposed? She was emotionally exhausted, and therefore deeply moved, and her eyes filled with tears. Tengri turned and placed the cloth on the table beside the bed. He then sank to the floor beside her. “Sana ar Hediye a etmek, bir tesekkur sana Keya etmek omur yasam.” His voice was low and rough. He rested his head in her hands. She didn’t understand the words he spoke, but she felt the emotion in them, and she felt the sincerity. Up until now, she had merely watched him and listened to his words. She hadn’t moved or spoken. Through her tears, she smiled slowly at him and stroked his dark head. He went gratefully to her embrace, releasing the pentup breath he held. “Perhaps I should learn Tarkir,” she said, and he laughed. **** As the ladies of the harem awoke, they asked about their young princess, and speculated that Adama must have pleased Tengri if she hadn’t returned yet. Tehlar said, “I don’t know, but it is true that if the Sehzade hasn’t sent her back, he is likely pleased.” The women talked excitedly of what a good sign it was that she hadn’t returned, then as the day wore on, quizzed the slaves for any details or tidbits of information they might have noticed. 64

Calthraca: The Tiger Tehlar didn’t share Tengri’s dawn visit with them, and decided to let them find out about Adama’s virgin state the way everyone else would. The truth of her virginity changed everything for Adama, even though she did not know it. The girl could now be his queen, rather than just his honored first wife. Only a woman who went to the Sehzade’s bed a virgin could become queen. Some rulers of Tartak never took subsequent wives, although they kept a harem. The tradition of multiple wives was going out of style in the larger areas, but most of the tribal chiefs maintained it. Mehtar Aga-Khan had only taken one wife, and her son was his legal heir. The sons of his other women could never be Sehzade. The daughters had been married off to people Mehtar wished to honor, and his other sons, while valued and well-loved, went to the military, or became teachers or holy men. Tehlar had seen to it that none of the other women bore children until her Tengri was named prince. She made sure they were fed a potion which prevented conception. Once her son was installed as the heir, she had discontinued it. Adama had been given the same potion from the time she’d arrived. Tehlar had not wanted her grandchild born of a possible rape, and she would now put a stop to it once more. Tengri was pleased with the young princess, and it was only a matter of time before Adama relented and accepted her new life. Now he could inherit his father’s kingdom, and soon his own heir would be born. All would be well, she knew. She thought she had assured Tengri’s inheritance years ago with the arranged marriage she had authored. Unfortunately it had been a horrible mistake. Wildly in love with the girl, Tengri had lived for the day they could marry. On the morning of the wedding, Tengri had caught his bride and one of his best friends together in her bed. They had been see65

Calthraca: The Tiger ing each other clandestinely for nearly a year. They stole moments together, under Tengri’s very nose, eventually cutting him to the core by their betrayal. Rather than show shame and remorse, the girl had mocked him and told him she carried the other man’s child. Crazed at being cuckolded by two people he thought he could trust, Tengri had tortured the man for three days before finally killing him. He’d given the faithless girl to his Sarasci. Her battered body was thrown to the dogs a week later. Tengri and his men had then raided her village and burned it to the ground. After that, he shut down the part of his soul that loved. What had followed was a time of great raids, and even greater conquests. Unimaginable wealth and prosperity had been showered upon his family and his people at the cost of his own happiness. Life had become meaningless to him. Deeply disappointed in his son, Mehtar was nearly ready to name his nephew Rabi as the heir because Tengri was so uninterested in finding a bride. Tengri hated Rabi. He was not a soldier or a horseman and had no experience dealing with people. He was happy to remain in his country house with his mother and his wife. Rabi was an unpleasant, loud man, and Tengri could not tolerate him. He loved Zenci, Rabi’s father, but he could not abide the son. Finally after speaking at length to his father, Tengri had agreed that he must actively seek a mate, even if it was only to prevent Rabi’s inheritance, and father an heir of his own, but he swore he would never give his heart to another woman. He’d been wrong. **** As the day wore on, Adama and Tengri bathed and then ate together in the rooftop garden near his apartment. “You should let me return to the other women,” Adama said. “They will be wondering what has happened to me.” 66

Calthraca: The Tiger “I am so enamored of you I cannot bear to have you away from my sight,” he replied. He sat back, sipping lemon water from a crystal glass and she caught herself staring at him. His robe was open to his belted waist, and she liked looking at his body, as she had never actually seen a man entirely undressed before. Christian hadn’t disrobed completely with her, and Tengri’s body was so well-made, seemingly sculpted, that she enjoyed what she saw. He smiled knowingly. She raised her cool green eyes up to his. “We must at least let the rest of the world know that we are alive,” she said, smiling slowly back at him. “Seref’behar, I am left speechless by your overwhelming concern for others.” “Thank you.” “I wish to give you a gift, Adama.” Tengri leaned forward. “A gift?” she asked. “But I have need of nothing.” “Gifts aren’t supposed to be serious; they’re supposed to be frivolous. So what can I gift you with? Jewels? Gold? Horses?” He was so earnest it made her laugh a little. “I cannot think of anything,” she said honestly. “Nothing?” “All right, there was a girl, in Hab Almnar? The servant, Salma? I’d like to have her.” “A slave?” he said. “Well, not a slave, but a girl of my own to help me dress and someone to talk to.” She continued, “But, Tengri. She must be free. I cannot own another human being.” “Once more, you astound me with your charity, Seref’behar.” He smiled. “You shall have your girl, and I will free her.” “Thank you.” She smiled warmly.

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Calthraca: The Tiger They finished eating and he set his napkin on the table. A nearby servant stepped in to remove his plate. “I shall walk you back.” It was late afternoon and they were both exhausted. She stood up and took his hand. Together they walked slowly back to the harem’s main area, both seemingly lost in thought. The magical quality of their time alone was quickly dissipating. Adama realized sex with Tengri was not the horrible, frightful ordeal she had anticipated. To be truthful, she had to admit it was very pleasant. Tengri, she was gradually coming to see, was a complicated man, full of contradictions and strong emotions. A warrior at heart, he had difficulty being tender. He was in turns ferocious and then gentle, leaving her dazed and always unsure of herself, and of how he felt about her. Two short nights ago, she had been convinced he would simply kill her and leave her body in the desert, but last night he had been kind and tender. Adama was an intelligent girl, and it had not been lost on her that when she immediately acquiesced and gave him his way, he was more kind to her. She decided to continue placating him, as her options for escape were slim, she knew. Perhaps if he was comfortable with her and she pretended complacency, he would make a mistake and she could get away; or perhaps her mother had already sent an envoy to Carcun! They must have guessed what had happened. She couldn’t imagine that her people would just leave her, despite her horrible behavior. If a royal envoy appeared before Tengri’s father and demanded that his son release her, then maybe the old man would force Tengri to send her home! No one would ever need to know what had transpired while she was a prisoner. She imagined herself regally avoiding personal questions, then she smiled ruefully, thinking about the pleasure he had given her with his hands and mouth, with his fierce weapon. She blushed slightly thinking of how wanton she had been, abandoning all shame and giving in to the delights he’d shown her. She had no idea that sex would be so sublime. It 68

Calthraca: The Tiger was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Certainly sex with Christian would never be adequate after Tengri. She stopped in her tracks and he tugged her hand, breaking into her thoughts. She swallowed thickly and resumed walking. What if she never saw Christian again? She felt his eyes upon her and looked up to his questioning look, then placed a hasty smile upon her lips. “Are you happy, my lord?” she asked him. He looked at her for a moment. “Please call me Tengri when we are together,” he requested. “When I am with you, I do not wish to be Abd Aga Sehzade. I’ve been that for too long. I just wish to be Tengri…Tengri al Kimse.” He stopped. She smiled. “Simply a man.” “A very happy man,” he said and tipped her face up to kiss him. She realized they had reached the harem. They stood for a moment holding hands and finally she said, “What does Seref’behar mean?” “It means, ‘my flower’ and before you ask, Hediye means ‘my gift.’” He grinned at her. “You are so refreshingly honest and innocent, Adama. You leave me breathless.” “We shall see how much you like my honesty when I’m fat and uncomfortable, carrying your son,” she teased. Her words were light, but a sudden chill passed over her—she could already be pregnant with his child. “Ah…that is when I shall truly be happy,” he said wistfully, then straightened, resuming his normal stern demeanor, although maybe not quite as stern as usual. “I will come for you tonight. We will be wed tomorrow, when my father returns from Hab Almnar. Then we will be wed again publicly.” “Why must we wed so quickly?” she asked. “I…I mean, shouldn’t we plan things?” 69

Calthraca: The Tiger He took a deep breath to calm his annoyance and then decided to answer her question. The night had been too pleasant, and he did not wish to ruin it by getting angry over her constant questioning of his will. Soon enough she would learn that Tarkir wives simply did not question the decisions of their men. “We will wed privately first to guarantee the legitimacy of any child we may have created. There will be no doubt as to the paternity of my son.” His eyes hardened and she nodded quickly, eager to return him to his docile mood. He did not notice her discomfort and bent his head once more to kiss her. Adama let herself be swept away with the force of his passion for her. The incredible power of the simple kiss left them both shaken and weak. When they parted, he opened the door and she stepped through slowly. “Until tonight,” he whispered and closed the door. The women of the harem converged on her en masse, rushing toward her as she turned, begging for information. “How are you?” “Is the prince pleased?” “Oh how was it?!” Adama laughed and tried to answer all of their questions as well as she could. Tehlar entered from her apartment and the other women stepped aside for her. She approached Adama somberly and then the older woman smiled and held her hands out to her daughter-inlaw. Adama and Tehlar sat and talked after all of the excitement had died down, and eventually the exhaustion began to catch up with Adama, and she began to drift off. “Dear heaven, child! You’re exhausted. To bed with you!” Tehlar exclaimed. She had a maid lead Adama to bed where she fell into a deep sleep. 70

Calthraca: The Tiger She dreamed. She was riding a horse, a lovely gray gelding, trotting slowly through a glade. The tree branches overhead interlaced and formed a natural canopy. As the horse trotted through, she was delighted by the blossoms that silently fell down upon her, blanketing her and the road in fragrant petals, like snow. She rode on and she suddenly found herself in bed, it was cold and snow was falling outside, and there was a fire crackling in the hearth. Her lover walked toward her and her body ached for him. She felt she would ignite and burn like the flames as she longed for his touch. She sighed and settled farther into sleep, warming to the pleasant and familiar feelings this dream evoked. She looked around, searching for someone she loved deeply; she knew it was the man from the snowbound room. The man was no stranger to her, she’d known him since she was a mere girl and dreamed of him often, and now once more his comforting presence felt near enough to touch. Adama realized she was dreaming and left her mind open, curious as to what might happen if she did not break the spell. In the deep recesses of her heart, she felt somewhat guilty. This was the man fate intended for her, she knew it to the core of her soul. She had dreamed of him too often for it to be otherwise. Somehow her relationship and budding feelings for Tengri caused her to feel a bit unfaithful. Adama had always been gifted with prophetic dreams. They used to frighten her but now she found them helpful and did not dread the visions as she used to. She saw a rider heading toward her, thundering across an open field on a large black horse. The field was green, too green to be Tartak, but it didn’t feel like Lyros either. As he got closer, she could see it was him. The man from the snowbound room. Her dream lover was searching for her. He was tall, taller than Tengri, and well-muscled, bearded and handsome. He grinned and his eyes flashed silver as he caught sight of her. 71

Calthraca: The Tiger He rode gracefully as though he were part of the huge beast under him. He called out to her, and her heart soared—he’d found her at last! She called out to him. “K—” Before she said his name, the dream changed again, and she was standing in a pool of cool water, looking down. Tiny fish swam around her feet and she laughed delightedly as they tickled her with their little fins. Suddenly, she felt pain. Terror gripped her and took her breath away. Adama moaned in her sleep and tried to turn away from the dark images which had begun to form. She found herself in the courtyard in Carcun. It was nearly dark, and heavy smoke clouded the red horizon, as though the setting sun had touched off a million fires. She could smell burning. The wind blew her hair across her face. Gurak was walking toward her. He was speaking but she couldn’t make out his words, and he was crying. He led a large white stallion. Adama knew only one horse looked like this one. He had tassels and braids on his bridle and chest strap. As Adama viewed the hammered silver medallions gleaming on the black leather saddle and breastplate, a knot of dread formed in the pit of her stomach. A limp, lifeless body was draped across the horse’s back and the stallion pawed and shied nervously. Gurak kneeled, sobbing, and held something out to her. She saw her cold, numb hands go out and take what he offered her— Tengri’s braids, silver beads and the white feathers, spattered with his blood. Tengri was dead. Gurak backed away from her and she fell to her knees crying. “No!” Adama dragged herself out of sleep with her own scream echoing in her ears and the smell of burning in her nose. ****

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Calthraca: The Tiger Tengri burst through the door with two guards directly behind him, looking around wildly. “Adama! Are you all right?” he asked urgently. “Yes… I…I’m fine,” she said, feeling anything but. “What happened!?” She looked down at her hands in her lap, embarrassed. She was horrified to see that her tiny light familiar had chosen now to flicker to life. She squelched it in her fist before he noticed. “I had a nightmare.” “A nightmare?” he said incredulously. He looked around again just to be sure then ran his hands through his long black hair. “Seref’behar, I thought someone was murdering you.” He laughed a little, then shook his head and spoke to the guards, dismissing them. He sat on the side of her bed. She lowered her head and wept. The dream had shaken her to the core. “Do not cry, my dove. I am not angry with you.” She looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes and he was surprised to see the depth of her emotion. He gathered her into his strong embrace, holding her tightly, trying awkwardly to comfort her. “In my dream, you were dead.” She sniffled into his shoulder, then began to weep once more. Some dreams were just that—dreams. They held no meaning and never came to pass. But this dream left her numbed and terrified. Unschooled as she was, she could not be certain, but it felt prophetic. “Dead?” A chill ran up his spine. He shrugged it off and then soothed her. “It was only a dream. Do not worry. I do not plan to die for some time, not until my beard is long and white.” His tone was light, but he felt a bit uneasy. In the past two days, his death and ruin had been predicted by two different people. Perhaps a bit more caution was called for. 73

Calthraca: The Tiger “You don’t have a beard.” She sniffled. “Precisely.” She tried to smile at his small joke, but the specter of the dream remained. **** Several days passed after their first night together and Tengri did not call for her again. He had ordered she be given an apartment of her own beside his mother’s, so he could see her privately when he chose. She had a private bath and two large rooms, and a tiny room for her maid, just as Tehlar did. Her rooms faced out to the courtyard, and directly across from her were Tengri’s apartments. Now she stood alone in her new rooms, lost. The ladies of the harem all made suggestions as to how she should decorate them, and she let them do as they liked. It did not matter, she didn’t care. She and Tengri were not married the day after he had taken her virginity, as he’d promised. Tengri had been called away by his father, back to Hab Almnar to fight off a troop of Andalosians. What he did not tell her was that the soldiers were searching for her, under orders from the Andalosian government and pressure from her mother. Now that he had her, Tengri had no intention of giving her up, and once the marriage contracts were signed, there would be nothing anyone could do. In Tengri’s eyes, if she was already pregnant, so much the better. Their actual marriage was simply a matter of signing contracts. The wedding ceremony would take place within the next two weeks. Now, a sharp rap upon her door signaled Tengri’s arrival, breaking into her thoughts. The servant girl whom Tehlar had given her rushed to answer. The girl bowed as she opened the door and Tengri strode in. His brother, a holy man from the Dor’amah, accompanied him. He 74

Calthraca: The Tiger would act as witness, and then perform the ceremony at a later date. “Seref’behar, this is my brother, Mirad. He will be performing the wedding ceremony.” Adama bowed slightly to the monk beside Tengri. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” Mirad, she saw, was nearly as tall as Tengri. His head was bald, and his eyes were light, unlike his dark-eyed brother, but his physique was the same, and they shared the same golden complexion. “Good day, my lady.” Mirad smiled. “We have brought the documents you must sign.” “Documents?” Adama looked to Tengri, then back to Mirad. “Yes. If you do not sign, you will not be considered wed.” He handed her the sheaf of papers. “We won’t?” She examined the documents in her hand, unable to decipher the strange writing. “No.” Mirad looked at his brother, who had fixed his gaze upon his soon-to-be bride. “Forgive me, Princess, I thought that my brother would have explained this to you already.” Adama briefly considered simply throwing the pages upon the floor, however, when she looked up, she caught the warning look in Tengri’s eyes and hastily looked down again. She didn’t dare defy him, but she did not wish to sign either. “Will you read them to me?” Mirad began, “Of cour—” “No,” Tengri interrupted. “There is nothing unusual in the marriage contract. I wish for you to sign it now.” Taking her arm in one hand and the papers in the other, he guided her to the small desk near her terrace doors and had her sit. He then slapped the papers down in front of her. “Mirad, a pen,” he barked, and his brother jumped to obey. 75

Calthraca: The Tiger Tengri dipped the pen in the inkwell, and then handed it to Adama. “Sign the papers.” He held the pen out to her. Her endless defiance and questioning tried his patience once again, and his anger churned forth, threatening to break free. Why could she not simply do as he asked? He was unaccustomed to having anyone question him, let alone a woman, yet she did it ceaselessly. Adama looked up into his eyes and the hopelessness of her situation slammed home. There was no way for her to avoid signing the papers without incurring his wrath. He shifted slightly and his body language spoke volumes. Adama took a deep breath and took the pen from him. She signed her name where he indicated: Adama Rasia Fawkes. Tengri exhaled as she carefully set the pen down, then brought her hands to her lap. She did not look up. “Good. You have pleased me,” he said, “and I have a gift for you.” He picked up the pages and blew on the ink to dry it, then handed them to his brother. “I will see you in two weeks, Mirad. Make certain these documents are filed and a copy is sent to Lyros.” Tengri spoke quietly as he led him to the door. Mirad left, but there was someone waiting in the corridor. It was the slave girl, Salma. “I found your servant, Seref’behar.” He motioned the girl inside and then closed the door himself. Adama smiled at the girl who bowed to the floor. “Thank you, Tengri.” He nodded, pleased she was now a bit happier. “I will return tonight, be ready for me.” “Oh…yes.” He looked into her eyes and nodded once more, then turned and left her rooms. 76

Calthraca: The Tiger “I am so happy you are here,” Adama confided to the maid. “I asked him to let you come to me as a gift.” Salma, who continued to bow, placed her forehead on Adama’s slippered feet. “I cannot thank you enough, my lady. No one in my family has been freed in six generations. Thank you.” Her tone was nearly reverential. “I cannot own a human being. Especially now that I know how it feels to be kept in bondage.” Tears gathered in her eyes and threatened to spill over. Hastily she wiped them away. Adama tried not to think too often about her mother, her friends and Christian, but sometimes she couldn’t help it, she missed them so. She wondered if they missed her too. Lonely and homesick, she often caught herself swallowing back tears. Salma saw her sadden and tried to cheer her. “Would you like to show me your beautiful rooms?” she suggested. Adama wiped her eyes once more, composing herself. “Of course, follow me.” She led Salma into the bedroom and then showed her the bath. On the other side of the bath, there was a small room with a cot and a basin. “This is your room.” Adama eyed the thin cot. “I will see to it you have a more comfortable bed.” “It is fine the way it is, my lady, thank you.” Salma had never had a bedroom all to herself before. Adama realized how grateful the girl was and smiled. “Did you not know you would have your own space in my household?” “It had not occurred to me.” She was still wide-eyed. The reality of her new situation finally struck home. Not only was she free, but she was the personal maid to the new Sehzada, and one day her mistress would be queen! Her rank and status among the other servants was suddenly quite high and it made her giddy with delight. So much so that she threw her arms around the princess, then immediately realized her error. 77

Calthraca: The Tiger Adama took a step back, entirely shocked by Salma’s reaction, then brought her arms up and hugged the other girl tightly back, pleased that her simple kindness had so delighted her maid. When Adama released her, Salma stepped back and looked at her feet, prepared to be reprimanded. “Please forgive me, I was so happy… I forgot myself.” “Do not be silly.” Adama smiled. “I do not mind at all. Besides, you said you wished to be friends, did you not? It will be our secret.” Salma smiled happily. She already liked this young woman and knew she would be a gracious and kind mistress. **** Adama took a nap later in the day and dreamed of Tengri. Since that first dream of his death, her nights had been dreamless, mostly because she hardly slept. She’d been terrified of having another nightmare like the first, but this one was different. In this dream, he was lying beside her upon the bed, fondling her breast with his big hand, kissing her in the hard possessive way he did, and she shivered in delight. He slid his hand down now, touching her lightly, stroking slowly along her belly, and then down to her pubis. She sighed and opened her legs to him, arching into his hand as he fondled her. **** Tengri-Khan stood in the doorway of her bedroom, watching her as she slept. She moaned softly, the way she had when he’d made love to her and he knew she was dreaming. It never ceased to amaze him the way she made him feel. Normally he was able to keep his lust and his emotions in check with women, but with her, he felt raw and exposed and spent most of his time thinking of the ways he wanted to make love to her. Carefully now he sat upon her bed and touched her leg, stroking her. She inhaled and stretched and then opened her eyes. Her 78

Calthraca: The Tiger emerald gaze swept over him. It was not the look of a girl; it was the look of a woman, one who wanted. He leaned down and kissed her, his incredible desire for her leaping forward, causing him to crush her to him in a kiss that was deep and passionate. “You are so alluring lying here in your bed. I do not think I can resist you,” Tengri said softly. Adama moved to get up, but he held her. “I thought you might wish to have dinner…” she began. “Right now, the only thing I wish to have is you.” Tengri drew his hand slowly up to cup and caress her breast, finding her already aroused. Her nipples were hard little beads beneath the silken robe she wore, and he stroked them slowly with his thumb. The sensation of the silk on her very sensitive nipples made her sigh with desire. “Do you like this?” “It feels good, yes,” she breathed. “Were you dreaming of me?” “Yes.” “I have thought about you all day, Seref’behar. How much I wished to come to you and make love with you.” He wrapped his arm around her back, pressing her close as he stroked her soft breast, toying with her, bringing his head down to bite softly at her neck, and then her earlobe. “You have?” she whispered. Her head was spinning from the pure sensation she was feeling. “Yes. I missed you while I was gone.” He nuzzled her neck and she sighed, tilting her head back and offering him her throat. “The only solace I had was recalling the first night we made love. Do you recall how delightful it was?” “Yesss…” she exhaled.

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Calthraca: The Tiger Tengri lifted her hand and drew it down to his groin. She could feel his arousal, huge and thick, awaiting her touch. She stroked him tentatively, and then drew back. “Tonight I wish for you to show me pleasure,” he said. “Touch me again.” “But I do not know how…” Her voice rose in pitch and she blushed furiously. “What if you do not like it?” “I will instruct you. Simply do as I say and you will please me.” She looked up into his eyes and nodded slightly. “You recall that I used my tongue and mouth upon you to bring you pleasure?” he asked. “Yes.” “I wish for you to do the same.” “I’ve never done that… I do not know what to do.” Adama was worried, yet at the same time, curious as to what she might be able to do to please him. Her senses were already inflamed, and she was ready to experiment further with their lovemaking. The thought of him touching her again and showing her that incredible pleasure once more made her insides quake. Her dream had been so vivid that she wondered if perhaps she had somehow conjured what was happening now. “I know you have never done it. Your innocence thrills me, Adama, but perhaps we ought to begin by taking our clothes off.” Adama nodded and began to pull the laces on her silk robe. “No, I will undress you, and then you will undress me. Sit up,” he instructed her. He liked that she was eager to do his bidding. It aroused him to see her so submissive, and he decided to be more firm with her this time. She sat up and he moved to sit beside her. Tengri pulled her laces slowly, letting the two halves of her gown fall slowly apart to expose her glorious breasts. He dipped his head and kissed her breasts and then drew his tongue slowly up between the valley, to her neck and ending upon her lips. 80

Calthraca: The Tiger He gently pushed the silk from her shoulders and she pulled her arms from the sleeves, leaving herself clad only in the lower half of her robe. Tengri sank to his knees and pulled the belted tie from her waist, then pushed the soft fabric from her hips, pausing to nuzzle his face into the soft triangle of ginger curls between her thighs. Adama groaned and squirmed, her own arousal nearly overwhelming. “Do not worry, my flower. I will pleasure you as well,” he said, recognizing the need she had. “But first you must undress me.” He sat back upon the bed once more, and she began. She untied the laces from his waist and pulled the long ties from around his middle, then slid her hands slowly up his chest, all the while watching his face to be sure she was not displeasing him. She honestly wished to make him happy, at least in bed; to show him she enjoyed lovemaking as much as he did. While she was always wary of his wrath, she did not feel he would hurt her. He did not make her feel threatened when they were intimate. When her hands reached the two halves of his shirt, she pushed them back, baring his chest to her. She kissed him and touched his nipples briefly. “You may suckle upon them,” he breathed. “They are sensitive like yours.” She did as he said and he made a slight inhalation at the sensation of her teeth timidly scoring his flesh. She looked up quickly, but he shook his head. “Keep going.” When she had removed his shirt she pushed him back and he lay down upon the bed, wondering what she planned next. Adama stood and looked at what was left to take off. She decided his boots must come next, and pulled them off one after the other. Tengri smiled as he watched her, the way her breasts jiggled and swayed made his already randy cock twitch with excitement. 81

Calthraca: The Tiger When his boots were gone, she pulled the tied flies of his breeches and then slid her hands inside, stroking his flat torso and enjoying the feeling of his warm skin on her chilled hands. He lifted his backside and she pulled the breeches down to his knees where he kicked them off, allowing his rigid manhood to stand upright. “Now use your mouth and tongue upon me,” he nearly growled the words, so great was his arousal. She surveyed his cock warily, then bent over his body. To his surprise, she kissed his flat belly, then moved lower to take the head of his shaft within her mouth. It was large and filled her mouth but his pleasured groan told her he enjoyed what she was doing. Slowly he moved his hips, thrusting against her tongue and she guessed at what he wanted her to do. She slid her mouth up and down the length of him, letting her tongue press against the thick veins along the edges. She withdrew and bent her head to suckle at his heavy sac, and he grasped the blankets tightly, grinding his teeth together. “Circle the head with your tongue,” he ground out finally. She moved to do as he’d asked and looked up at him as she did so. He groaned again and his eyes rolled upward. He could feel her teeth brushing against him along with her hot tongue, moving up and down, up and down the length of his great shaft and he nearly lost himself. “Adama…” he groaned and she came up beside him quickly. “Have I hurt you?” she asked, distressed. “No, you have not hurt me,” he drew her down into his embrace, “but if I let you continue, I shall not be able to pleasure you.” She had done remarkably well for her first time, but he was not about to allow her to control their lovemaking. He simply needed a moment to regroup. “Get on the bed, on your knees.” She scrambled up onto her bed and kneeled as he’d instructed. 82

Calthraca: The Tiger “Bring your hands up and lace your fingers together behind your head.” She did as he told her and realized it pulled her breasts upright and taut. “You are perfection. Tell me, what does your name mean?” Tengri kneeled behind her. He encircled her with his arms and drew his hands up and down her naked flesh, feeling her tremble in his embrace. He did not know if it was fear or desire, and plainly it did not matter. She was entirely his. “Adama means love and Rasia means rose.” Her words were barely audible, as she was fully focused on the way he was making her feel, rather than what he asked. “A perfect name for you.” He was very close to her and she could feel his breath upon her neck. He caressed her breasts again and then drew one hand down her body to tease at her sensitive pearl. He stroked her and felt her body move along with him. He peered over her shoulder and saw her eyes were closed, and she was savoring his every movement. “Tell me what you want,” he whispered. “I…I want you to make me cry out, to show me paradise,” she breathed. Tengri unlaced her fingers and had her bend down until she was on her hands and knees. He positioned himself behind her and slid his rock-solid length slowly into her wet sheath. “You are aroused. Have you enjoyed this?” “Oh yes…” she groaned. He thrust into her at a leisurely pace, enjoying the soft panting sounds she made, pulling her hips into his. After a few moments, he reached below her and fondled her passion center until she began to shudder and moan. He could feel the silky clench of her tight passage upon his length and he thrust harder, determined to delve as deeply as he could, to carry them both to bliss. 83

Calthraca: The Tiger Adama cried out as her climax rushed over her, hot and sweet and hard. Her whole body trembled and she nearly collapsed beneath him. Tengri groaned as he found his own completion, moving steadily upon her until he was entirely spent. He rolled to his side and gathered her into his arms. “You have pleased me once more.”

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Chapter 7 The next day Adama arose when she heard a commotion outside her open terrace windows. Tengri had left her some time before, kissing her softly in parting. She hastily took up her robe and put it on then peered down over the rail. In the courtyard below, she saw a young boy of maybe seven or eight holding the reins of Tengri’s stallion. The horse pawed and snorted, making half-turns despite the child’s attempts to calm him. Suddenly the horse reared, drawing his deadly hooves high in the air above the boy’s head. In his fright, the boy forgot to release the reins and move to safety. “Oh! Look out!” Adama cried. She covered her mouth in horror at what she was about to witness. Suddenly the boy was flung away and the horse’s crushing hooves came down. Tengri had been standing just inside the main foyer of the palace. As he exited, he detected the horse’s agitation and saw what would happen if he did not act. With barely a thought, the prince launched himself at the terrified boy and pushed him hard, out of danger. Tengri however, was unable to avoid the animal and received the full force of the stallion’s front legs upon his back and shoulders. He fell to the cobbles of the courtyard and the huge horse stomped upon him once more before bolting toward the stables. Tengri groaned and rolled to his back, then lay still. 85

Calthraca: The Tiger “Oh my God!” Adama gasped. She whirled and ran for the steps, which led down from the terrace to the courtyard. When she reached Tengri, she fell to her knees and lifted his hand. “Ahh!” he cried out. “Oh! I’m sorry!” She hadn’t intended to hurt him. She dropped his hand and he groaned again. He ground his teeth and closed his eyes. The pain in his shoulder and arm was excruciating. He tried to sit up but a nauseating bolt shot through him and he lay back once more. The boy whom he had saved had regained his feet and stood staring at them. “Ruhsat…ona bos neden, inceye a’ musaade… Ah…cazibe!” (Do not just stand there, get help!) Adama fumbled out in Tarkir. Apparently the boy managed to understand her halting words or at the very least her tone, and rushed away. Adama looked back at Tengri, and his eyes opened just a crack. “You look very distressed, Seref’behar. Does this mean you no longer wish to see me dead?” he said at last. “I thought you were injured.” Adama’s concern was turning to pique at his poor joke. She sat back and accidentally bumped his arm with her knee. “Ouch, damn!” Tengri groaned. “I am injured.” In truth, he had been hurt in riding accidents before. Saracens were so closely bound to their horses, it was inevitable one would be injured at some time. He wasn’t sure how seriously he was hurt this time, and just now, he was too busy enjoying her concerned attentions to think about it. “I sent the boy for help.” Adama moved slightly closer to him again, and tried to gently pull his head to rest in her lap. “Please…don’t…” He moved for himself, awkwardly levering his back, trying not to further damage his shoulder. At last he 86

Calthraca: The Tiger found a position which was less painful. He looked up into her eyes and saw the genuine concern there. “Thank you.” She nodded, but did not speak, afraid she would cry. Adama had led the sheltered life of a princess. She had never witnessed violent injury or death before and this stretched her already taut emotions further. She did not wish to see him injured, and found herself truly distressed. A few moments later, the boy came running back followed closely by Gurak and several soldiers. “Sehzade, are you injured?” Gurak went to one knee beside Tengri. “Send for the physician!” he thundered, making Adama jump. Tengri looked up at her. “Go back to your rooms, I shall be fine. I will send for you later.” The pain in his voice was evident. Adama paused, about to protest, and then nodded. She slowly climbed the stairs, looking back often, worried for him. When she reached the terrace, she turned and watched as Gurak hoisted Tengri to his feet. The prince had his right arm slung around the other man’s shoulder. His left arm hung away from his body at grotesque angle. She could only watch helplessly as they half carried, half walked him to his own apartments across the courtyard from hers. He did not cry out. He wouldn’t, but she knew he was badly injured nonetheless. Unable to simply stand there, alone at the windows doing nothing, Adama fidgeted and paced. At last she did the only thing she could think to do. She rushed from her rooms and found his mother. Tehlar was presently seated at her breakfast, speaking quietly with one of the women from the harem. When Adama burst in without waiting for permission, she knew something was very wrong. 87

Calthraca: The Tiger Breathlessly, her daughter-in-law related the details of the courtyard incident. Tehlar took her by the arms and held her, trying to calm the seriously distressed young woman. She could feel Adama trembling. “You said they took him to his rooms?” Adama nodded. Speaking to her breakfast companion, Tehlar said, “Stay with the princess, I will return shortly.” Tehlar swept from the room, walking quickly to Tengri’s apartments. The door stood open, and Murid was nowhere to be seen. Instead, at least ten Sarasci soldiers stood crowded around her son. She scanned the room and located Tengri’s personal servant beside Gurak. The physician was seated beside Tengri upon the bed. All three men bore the same grim expression, and her stomach lurched. “God dammit!” Tengri yelled. “That hurts!” The doctor fell back a bit at his violent outburst and then began apologizing profusely. Tehlar knew then that her son would be all right. When they noticed Tehlar’s presence, all of the men bowed. “Everyone out, now,” she commanded. The soldiers began to file out and Gurak moved to pass her but she took his arm and stopped him. “You may stay.” The physician had finished speaking to Tengri and Tehlar turned her attention to her son. They had removed his shirt and she could see the beginnings of several huge hoof-shaped bruises upon his back and shoulders. His arm looked distended and somehow wrong. He was alert, but very pale, and it was clear he was in pain. “What happened, Kimse?” Tehlar moved closer, needing to comfort him. “My horse was agitated. He reared, and I was unfortunate enough to be under his hooves when he descended. Ah!” Tengri sucked in a pained breath as the physician once more shifted his 88

Calthraca: The Tiger shoulder, pressing around the tautly stretched skin. The prince set his jaw and exhaled through his nose. “This fool tells me I shall be fine though.” He growled through clenched teeth. The physician sat back and spoke, “Your shoulder has come away from its joint. There is no break in the bones, but I believe the muscles may be torn.” “What can be done?” Tehlar demanded. “I shall attempt to replace it, my lady,” the physician replied. “That is, if it is what you wish, my prince?” “Just do something.” Tengri was becoming irritated again. The physician nodded and then rose to gather the things he needed and to summon his assistant. Before he left, he poured a cup of wine, mixed in several powders and stirred it. He set it upon the table beside the prince. “You must drink all of that,” he stated firmly and then left the room. Tehlar sat where the physician had been and lifted the cup for her son. “Mother, I am not an invalid.” Tengri took the cup and drank it off in three long gulps. He noticed the stricken look on her face and softened. “Would you bring my wife to me, please?” “Yes, I’ll go and get her now.” Tehlar stood and left the room quickly. Gurak stood beside Tengri. “How bad is it, my friend?” the large man asked. “It hurts like hell,” Tengri laughed ruefully, “but I will be fine.” They lapsed into companionable silence for a moment and Gurak watched Tengri’s eyes slide closed, then open halfway. The medicine that the doctor had mixed into the wine was potent and worked quickly. 89

Calthraca: The Tiger “Adama was worried about me, Gurak, did you see?” Tengri slurred. His eyes closed once more and did not come open again. “Yes, Sehzade, I saw.” Gurak stood beside his friend. He knew the prince was in no danger, but long years of ingrained habit kept him on guard. Adama rushed in followed closely by Tehlar. Gurak bowed as the Sehzada hurried to Tengri’s side. “Oh my God… He is dead?” Her eyes widened with fear. Tehlar embraced her, trying to soothe her. “No, he merely sleeps.” She was encouraged by Adama’s concern for Tengri. It boded well for their marriage. The physician entered once more and without preamble went to work. His assistant moved in front of Adama, who stepped back to give him more space after being rudely shoved aside. She was hurt that they cared so little for her feelings, but quickly realized Tarkir men treated all of their women the same way. The man was thin, barely half of Tengri’s size, and looked fairly brittle to her. Apparently the doctor had the same impression—he looked at Gurak. “You hold his arm on that side, and hold him well. He may feel this. You come here and help me,” the physician ordered his assistant. Gurak took hold of Tengri and held him as the doctor instructed. Adama watched, fascinated, as the doctor moved to Tengri’s left. He felt the heavy muscle and then counted off. “One, two, three…” On three, the assistant pulled Tengri’s arm straight down as the doctor pressed down hard on the top of the wounded shoulder. There was an audible pop and a groan from the patient, but he did not awaken. The procedure was completed and the physician’s assistant helped the doctor affix a sling, and then bowed his way out. 90

Calthraca: The Tiger Adama sat beside Tengri again. “When will he awaken?” she asked. “It will be some time, Sehzada,” the physician replied. He looked at Murid. “The prince may have some pain. If it becomes unbearable, summon me.” When the doctor left, Adama looked up at Gurak. “Thank you.” He nodded his head in acknowledgement of her thanks, and then took his leave. Tehlar bent and kissed her son softly on his cheek, smiled at Adama, and then left her as well. Only the servant Murid remained, and he stood silently in the shadows. Adama looked at Tengri. Her husband. It was the first time she had thought of him in that way and the thought made her surprisingly warm. She touched his face, and he turned his head slightly toward her hand. When she lowered her head to his chest, she could hear his heart beating steadily and she lay beside him, allowing herself some comfort for the first time since she’d arrived here. She remained there for the next several hours. As she lay beside her husband’s sleeping form, she would gaze at him from time to time, wondering why she had reacted so strongly to his injury. At that moment, it had felt entirely right and appropriate to her to be so upset, but now upon reflection, she was almost shocked. Without thought, she had felt compassion for a man she had considered a beast and a monster less than a week ago. Part of it she knew was simple human kindness, but could it also be that she was beginning to care for him? Did she still hate him? She sighed and rolled to her side, mindful not to disturb Tengri’s sleep. It was true, he had been brutal to her the first day, but since then, he had not touched her in anger. Last night had been glorious 91

Calthraca: The Tiger and she closed her eyes to the excited flutter she felt when she recalled the way he had taken her so forcefully. It had not crossed her mind to refuse him, in fact when he had awakened her from her lust-filled dream, she had been happy to see him. Had wanted him as much as he wanted her. Oh God! Did that make her a whore? She quickly pushed that thought aside as nonsense. Of course not! They were married after all, and it was entirely appropriate to enjoy lovemaking with one’s own husband. She recalled the giggling, half-whispered conversations about sex she had had with her friends, girls her own age from the palace, daughters of her mother’s courtiers and attendants. They had all talked and guessed as to what lovemaking would be like. When she and Christian had done ‘it’ she had dutifully reported back, embellishing what she felt was necessary. She wished she could tell them about Tengri. A smile crossed her face briefly. They would be horrified and then fascinated and then bombard her with questions. Tengri shifted his position slightly and then dropped back into deep sleep. Adama looked up to see if he was awakening. He wasn’t. She kept looking at him, taking in his features. He was so very handsome, even more so when he slept. The hardness left his jaw and brow and it softened the lines of his face, making him seem younger and more innocent. None of the careful control remained and he looked almost peaceful. Adama began to doze a bit, but continued thinking about him. Perhaps one day, they would be able to travel to Lyros, to see her mother. Maybe after she had a child with him, he would allow it. Tehlar had said he might let her write to her family, so a trip might not be too much to ask. She thought Tengri would like Lyros. The climate was such a marked change from this arid land; the lush forests and cool green fields would be a pleasant change. Dreaming about her home, Adama fell asleep as well. 92

Calthraca: The Tiger It was near evening when Tengri awoke. He sat up with a start and Adama, sitting near the windows, roused quickly as well. She had awakened earlier and had been paging through a book from his desk, trying to decipher their strange scrawling language. “You’re awake.” She stood and set the book upon his desk again. “How do you feel?” “I feel sore and trampled,” he said quietly. “Is there any water?” She moved to his table and poured him water. “How long have you been here?” He drained the cup and held it out to her, and she refilled it. “All day. You’ve been asleep for hours.” She placed the decanter on the table. Tengri gave his shoulder an experimental flex and grimaced at the flare of pain. It wasn’t as bad as before, but it certainly wasn’t healed either. He laid his head back again. Adama didn’t know exactly what to say to him now that he was awake. She had planned cool aloofness, but now she realized that she had some budding emotions for him. Ultimately, she had been shocked at how concerned she was for someone she wanted to hate so badly, but realized she may have to face the fact that she cared for him despite it all. “You saved that boy,” she remarked, moving to sit beside him again. “The poor child was so frightened he forgot to release the reins.” “He did not forget to release the reins. He knew not to let go of my horse,” Tengri replied. “He is training to be a Saracen. His duty is to care for Cesaret. It is an honor to do so.” “Oh,” Adama said faintly. “I will find out his name and see to it that he comes to thank you properly.” What sort of culture was this that young children trained to be soldiers, and what sort of training 93

Calthraca: The Tiger made a child more frightened of losing a horse than being trampled by it? “It is no matter, I know the boy.” Tengri shifted a bit and got more comfortable. “You do?” “Yes, he is my son, Oded.” Adama’s shock could not have been more profound. “Your son?” “Yes.” Tengri smiled. “Your face is a mirror to your thoughts, Seref’behar.” “But if you already have a child, then why did you not simply marry his mother?” she asked. “Because his mother is nothing more than a servant. I have four sons and none of them are able to inherit.” He looked pensive for a moment. “I do see to their care. All of them will enter the Sarasci. They will make fine, loyal soldiers.” Adama said nothing. It had not occurred to her that he might have children. Tengri lifted her hand and kissed it. “Is it not obvious you are the perfect mate for me?” He looked at her calmly. “I have given this careful thought, Seref’behar. It was surely providence that led me to take you for a wife. Had it not been meant to be, then you would not have been at that ball, and wouldn’t your guards have discovered me in your room? Certainly your virginity would not have been intact. So you see, our union was predestined.” Adama sat enrapt, listening to his theory. She wanted to argue with his logic, but he seemed so convinced, and the passionate way he’d spoken suggested that he truly believed it when he said their union was fated. Could it be possible that he was right? She couldn’t deny she had strong feelings for him, or deny the way her body responded when he loved her. He wanted her to be 94

Calthraca: The Tiger happy with him, and everyone else here certainly seemed to want it as well. Adama looked down at their linked hands. She needed to think… She needed to be alone and mull over what he said. When she was with him, it was difficult to concentrate and her thoughts were jumbled. Tengri watched her face as she considered his words. He knew she was thinking about the things he said, and he knew he must seize the opportunity to reinforce it. Like a predator, he had sensed a change in her, a softening, and he wanted to capitalize upon it before the chance was gone. “I think perhaps you secretly wished to be with me. You never told anyone I came to you, did you? I think your family knew it too. Why else would there not have been an envoy sent, or someone searching for you?” “No one has come to look for me?” she asked faintly. Her eyes brightened with unshed tears. Tengri sensed she was teetering on the edge of final acceptance, and he decided to pull her into his world once and for all. “No one,” he lied. “I am sorry. Perhaps they finally saw how unhappy you were. I know you will be much happier and more cherished here.” To let his words work upon her fragile emotions and let them sink in, he decided to change the subject. “Have you had anything to eat today?” he asked gently, still holding her hand. “No, not yet.” “Murid!” he summoned his slave. The man stepped up from his post near the door. “Yes, Sehzade?” “Have supper brought up, enough for me and my wife.” **** 95

Calthraca: The Tiger The days passed and Tengri healed. Adama spent long hours with him learning about him, what pleased him, and what did not. He spent the time regaling her with stories of his exploits and adventures and she listened in wide-eyed fascination, impressed by his courage. It pleased him that she was finally beginning to accept her circumstances, and she seemed to blossom with the attention he lavished upon her. She smiled more often and he noted she rarely questioned him. They did not make love. Tengri decided he did not wish to take her again until after the ceremony, and they had done nothing more than kiss. He wanted her, and he knew he could have taken her despite the pain in his arm. But he also knew that it would be that much better for waiting. He had a suspicion that Adama wanted him as well and thought it would be better to let that longing grow. Adama enjoyed her time alone with Tengri. She liked walking in the gardens and playing chess and backgammon with him, and had even managed to win a few games. When he was alone with her, he was the man she knew from the ball, not the angry man whom everyone else knew. She was afraid she might be falling in love with him. She told him about her childhood in Lyros and about the magical forests and glens of her land. Adama wasn’t the only one who was falling in love. As the days went on, Tengri found more and more that he loved her. Tengri told her stories of his childhood in the steppes and on the plains, his education, and his military service. He was welleducated, spoke four languages, and understood both the military and cultural history of the lands surrounding Tartak. He might be a raider, but he was also a prince, and his education reflected his rank. He revealed the facts of his disastrous engagement, leaving out only the most horrible details. He knew she would hear of it eventually and he wanted her to know the truth. Part of him also 96

Calthraca: The Tiger wanted the story to serve as an unspoken warning as well, should she ever consider betraying him. Tengri recalled how she had looked when he met her at the ball in Novata, how lovely she’d been. Then he was only interested in her face and her form and his need for a wife. He recalled the dance they’d shared, how powerfully aroused she had made him when her firm body was pressed against his, and he smiled when he thought about how hard she’d hit him. He’d been shocked and pleasantly surprised that she had so much fight in her. She’d very nearly gotten away from him in Hab Almnar, and if he hadn’t anticipated her attempt to knee him in the groin, she might have. During their times alone, he continued to work on her emotions. As often as he could, he reinforced that no one had searched for her, and that she was in fact where she belonged. Tengri felt no regret over doing so; having her was what he wanted, and he always got what he wanted. Often Adama caught herself thinking about him. Thinking about his strong arms holding her or his powerfully possessive kisses. She wondered when he would call her to his bed once more, and she laughed at herself. Less than a month ago, she wanted nothing more than to leave here. Now she could barely wait to be with him. Sometimes she would think of him, and he would be there almost as though summoned by her thoughts. Secretly, she still toyed with her magic. Only Salma knew. The girl had become so close to her that she had no trouble revealing her secret to her, but Adama had given up the thought of using it to escape. She had tried various things, attempting to turn the will of servants, to make them do what she wished. It had not worked. Apparently she was not powerful enough to control others. She knew from stories she had heard that many sorcerers could bend the will of others to their own, but she simply did not know how—yet. 97

Calthraca: The Tiger It was amusing to do little tricks, but that was all she could manage effectively and it always seemed that she could try again another time. A little grain of self-preservation kept her from sharing her magic with Tengri. It would do little good and perhaps anger him, she reasoned. She kept her ability to herself and to Salma. When they could not be together, Adama found she missed Tengri terribly. Small gifts would be sent to her room, little trinkets or jewels, presents which he sent to please her after she had mentioned something that she liked. She knew he could not be with her all of the time, but it was pleasant to know he thought of her too. They talked often about her family. She told him how hurt she had felt when her mother informed her she must marry someone of the queen’s choosing. He did not understand her anger and explained to her that in his land, only men were able to choose their mate, and most parents arranged marriages for their children to better their families or gain power. Love seldom had anything to do with it. Adama was slowly becoming more and more certain it was as he had said. No one had inquired about her, no one cared that she was gone after all this time. Finally, worn down and defeated, Adama decided this was indeed her fate. She mourned the loss of her dream lover. He had not come to her for weeks now. Perhaps she had been wrong, perhaps her fate truly had lain with Tengri after all, and her dreams were just that—dreams. She resolved to make the best of her new life with her new husband. **** Their wedding was the event of the year for the people of Tartak. Tengri might have been feared and loathed by those in other countries, but he was beloved and exalted by the Tarks, and his wedding was reason to celebrate. Parties went on all throughout Tartak for days. This ceremony was for the benefit of their people to finally get a look at the Sehzada. 98

Calthraca: The Tiger The bride was dressed in a golden silk gown, with white piping running along the hems of the cuffs in an inch-thick band and embroidered with silver and gold thread. Her waist was encircled in a heavy golden belt, made of several thick, round plates beaten nearly flat, and numerous long white silk panels embroidered with silver threads hung from the belt to the floor over the golden silk sheath of the gown. The bodice was tight and fit her form perfectly. She wore a sheer golden scarf over her hair, and a crown of finest diamonds and emeralds. Golden slippers covered her feet. The groom was resplendent in a long white coat and pants with golden trim. The coat was brocaded with gold and silver thread, and richly detailed. Under the coat, he had on a white linen shirt that wrapped around his trim waist. He wore high white boots, and upon his head was a simple golden circlet. Adama and Tengri hadn’t seen each other for three days. To Adama, the three days seemed an eternity. She found she could not stop thinking of Tengri, and caught herself watching his windows, hoping for the briefest glimpse. She had become so enamored of him that she realized she could no longer bear to live without him, she was totally dependent upon him, and she loved him. Adama arrived at the temple in a covered coach. She was ushered to the spot where she would wait until summoned by the priests. Tengri had arrived earlier and paced like a cat within the tiny room where he waited. After an interminable time, they were called to the center of the temple, and finally stood together. Each was struck speechless by the sight of the other. They smiled, but before they could speak, a mellow brass bell rang three times, summoning the groom. The priests of the Dor’ amah officiated over the ceremony. Four of them were positioned on the steps on either side of a raised platform, and they held bells which they rang in unison as Tengri passed by them to the top of a high raised dais. They rang the bells and called to God to bless the groom, to make him strong and vir99

Calthraca: The Tiger ile, to bestow many sons upon his house. Reaching the top, he surveyed his people, who cheered him wildly. Tengri smiled down at them and they cheered more loudly than before. The priest chosen to perform the ceremony was his brother Mirad. He motioned to Tengri to bend down, anointed him with oil and said a few words of prayer over his lowered head. It pleased Mirad to see the proud Tengri-Khan show some deference to God. He knew his brother rarely made the time to practice his faith, preferring his own power over that of his creator. The bells then chimed three more times, and Adama walked slowly up the stairs to the dais. The priests rang their bells at her passing and called to God to bless the bride and make her fruitful, to bestow many sons upon their house. When Adama appeared at the top of the platform, Tengri offered her his hand and she stepped close to him. The crowd cheered even more wildly for their new princess, whom most had not seen until today. Adama smiled modestly and bent her head to the priest, who also anointed her and said a few words. Mirad asked them both if they consented to being wed, and they both affirmed their consent. He then asked the name Tengri had given to her. A Tarkir husband renames his bride. Tengri looked down at her and said, “Seref’behar.” The priest nodded and then began to speak. Tengri softly translated the words of the holy man to Adama and she answered in Tarkir in the correct places, pleasing Tengri and the priest. Finally Mirad called for the rings. Specially made for them by Mehtar Aga-Khan’s jeweler, they were wide, stunning, hammered silver circlets with inlaid lapis and onyx, and they glittered in the bright sunlight. 100

Calthraca: The Tiger Mirad gave one of the rings to Tengri, and he tenderly slid it over Adama’s finger, staring into her eyes, showing his deep feelings for her. She took the other ring from the holy man, and slid it over Tengri’s finger, looking lovingly up at him once more. The priest told Tengri he could kiss his bride, and he did just that, holding Adama in a crushing embrace that bent her backwards and kissed her soundly, to the eruption of wild cheers from the people below. He broke the kiss, smiled widely at her, then pulled her back upright and presented her to his people. The other priests stood behind them and rang the bells in unison, chanting at the same time. Tengri and Adama smiled at each other, then laughed and kissed passionately again, to the delight of their people. The newly married couple descended the stairs together and rushed to their wedding feast. **** Seated on a raised platform upon large pillows, Tengri and Adama were above the others in the room, giving them a clear view of everything. A long, low table was before them. Tengri’s Sarasci stood behind them as an honor guard, their cold eyes and perfectly still demeanor unsettled Adama. Seated on Tengri’s right, she looked around and noticed a large basket beside Tengri’s left hand. It was filled with small pouches, with a layer of larger pouches lining the outside edge of the basket. People were lining up to see them and bring them gifts. Two hundred people from all reaches of the kingdom were chosen from a lottery to attend the wedding feast. They came from all social classes, bringing with them whatever small gift they could afford. Occasionally Tengri would reach into the basket and hand someone a pouch. It was a small gift to those less fortunate than themselves, and considered good luck. To those who were obviously extremely poor, Tengri gave the larger bags. Those who ap101

Calthraca: The Tiger peared more affluent received nothing more than the thanks of the happy couple. Once all of the people had passed, the basket was removed and another one replaced it. Tengri’s Sarasci now filed past, offering their blessings and pledging their lives to protect the royal couple. Each Sarasci was hand-picked by either Gurak or Tengri to serve with him, and was a professional soldier. A few wore the tattoo of the leaping tiger upon their forearms. They were a group within a group—Tengri’s elite. He thanked them for their dedication, and handed each one a heavy pouch filled with gold and jewels. To some of them, those who had served well or distinctively, he gave scrolls granting them land or a promotion. The Sarasci went back to their positions behind the royal couple, all pleased with their gifts. After the soldiers came Gurak. Tengri handed him a heavy pouch, a scroll and a medallion, naming him commander of the Sarasci. Gurak’s eyes filled with grateful tears and he bowed low to Tengri, who reached out and hugged him ferociously. Next in line were the women of the harem. Adama presented each one with her own pouch of gold and jewels. They all thanked her profusely and blessed her and Tengri. After the women came the servants of the palace. As a gift from Tengri to his new wife, all were given their freedom and allowed to decide if they would stay or leave their positions. Lastly Tengri’s parents, Mehtar Aga-Khan and Tehlar, came to congratulate the newly married couple. Tengri stood and helped Adama up, holding her elbow so she wouldn’t fall, as her legs were shaky from sitting for nearly three hours. They both bowed low to his parents. Mehtar placed a gentle hand on both of their heads and blessed them and told them to rise. He kissed his son’s cheeks and those of his new daughter-in-law, then sat down beside Tengri, on the left 102

Calthraca: The Tiger side, honoring him. Tehlar similarly blessed the bowing couple and sat on Adama’s right, honoring her. The feast began in earnest. Huge amounts of food from the kitchens of the palace filled the numerous tables. Fruit, cheese, bread, and vegetables, fish, roasted fowl, beef and lamb were carried from the kitchens and kept in abundant supply for the guests. Wine imported from Minalos and Sakendahl flowed steadily. Tengri and Adama ate lightly and drank sparingly. Occasionally their hands would brush, or they would lock gazes and both would feel the heat of the passion they knew was to come later, when they were alone. As the night wore on, the entire kingdom celebrated with dancing and singing, and musicians and actors performed before the royal couple. After several more hours, Adama needed to stretch, to work the muscles in her legs and get some fresh air from the stuffy room. Tengri and his father were mingling with the people, so Adama informed Tehlar that she was going to the terrace. She made her way down the stairs, stopping to smile and talk to her guests as they congratulated her. Finally at the terrace, she inhaled the cool night air deeply and looked out across the dark sand. She heard the jangle of bridle and saddle and turned her head to see Cesaret, Tengri’s magnificent white stallion, standing beside her. She looked up and saw Tengri seated atop his mount. Wordlessly, he reached down to her. She took his hand and he pulled her up to sit once more before him in the saddle. He bent his head and kissed her deeply, and she clung to him. He spurred the huge horse and held Adama tightly as the horse leapt forward, charging off into the cool night desert.

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Calthraca: The Tiger He rode holding her close to him for miles, until he reached a small oasis. There she saw a large tent glowing warmly with lamplight. Tengri reined in and came to a halt directly before the tent, then lifting her into his arms, he slid from the horse’s back in one graceful movement. Adama raised her hands up around his neck and Tengri kissed her once again. She could feel his longing for her held in check, but just barely. He carried her into the tent and set her down on her feet near the large, soft sleeping pillows that had been arranged for them. Still beside her, he said, “I’ve been waiting to bring you here all night.” She smiled. “I know.” He slowly removed the beautiful crown from her head and set it aside, then lifted the golden veil, releasing her lovely hair. It looked like copper to him and he plunged his hands into it, watching her face. Her look of pure rapture at his touch aroused him mightily, and he pulled her forward into another searing kiss. He found he could not resist the urge to taste her once more. Tengri slid his hands down and cupped her face, savoring the small, passionate moan she made. He explored the heat of her mouth, his tongue dancing slowly with hers as she kissed him back, showing him a desire nearly as great as his own. Reluctantly he pulled away from the kiss to caress her breast through the tight bodice, and she sighed as his hand slid over her. Still holding her breast in the one hand, running his thumb over her rapidly hardening nipple, he pulled the laces on her bodice with the other, first on the left, then switching to the right. Adama released a pent-up breath and moved her hand down to cup and fondle him through his breeches, surprising him. She could feel his length growing and hardening under her hand. The way her touch aroused him so powerfully was incredibly erotic to her. She looked up and found him looking down at her, his eyes 104

Calthraca: The Tiger nearly black from the desire he felt. She pressed herself closer to him, her own need growing by the second. Adama shrugged out of the gown, letting it slide to the floor, leaving her naked before him. She had purposely left off any undergarments, knowing he would love the thought of her naked for him. Tengri pulled his coat and shirt off and then kicked his boots off as well, and laid his own crown beside hers. Now standing only in his pants, he held her closely while she continued to stroke his granite hard cock through the fabric. He nuzzled her neck and stroked her breast, then slid his hand down to feel her moist womanhood. She was wet and nearly desperate in her need. She closed her eyes as he plundered her mouth once more. He wanted to touch her everywhere, to taste her, to make her cry out his name. He slowly worked his way down her throat, pressing hot kisses to the tops of her breasts. She felt rather than heard a growl come from deep within his chest, and she moaned softly, arching into him further, offering herself. He stopped suddenly, surprising her by easily picking her up and leaving the tent. He set her down and then mounted his horse, pulling her up before him once more. “Straddle your legs over mine,” he said huskily. She looked down and saw he’d pulled his breeches down to release his thoroughly aroused member. Adama lifted her buttocks slightly then slid forward and down, impaling herself upon him. She gasped at how deeply within her he was, and the new sensation was incredibly erotic. Tengri wheeled the horse, letting the animal’s movements rock his hips to thrust within her. He gripped the horse’s sides tightly with his knees and thighs and held Adama against him, bending his head to nuzzle and suckle at her breast. Tengri kicked the horse with his heels and the animal picked up speed. Adama’s arms encircled his neck and she clung to him, throwing her head back and crying out as the first of her climaxes washed over her while they raced across the flat desert. 105

Calthraca: The Tiger He felt his own climax building as well and groaned as she tightened her muscles upon him. He pulled the reins and halted the animal, then turned her body so she was facing out away from him, and he was joined to her still. He turned Cesaret with his free hand, and stroked her breasts from behind, sliding his hand down to her flat belly to hold her against him as he thrust harder within her. Once more he could feel her muscles tighten around him, and he breathed through his nose, trying to resist the urge to find his own pleasure first. He plunged his hand down to fondle her until she cried out, “Oh God, Tengri!” Her body bent as her climax tore through her, leaving her spent, leaning back against his hard chest. He continued thrusting forcefully, the soft trembling of her sheath caressing him. He savored the sensation for a moment then allowed himself to find paradise as well, groaning his satisfaction softly into her ear, kissing her neck and murmuring that he loved her. They were nearing the tent once more. Tengri lifted her into his strong arms and dismounted his horse. He carried her into the tent, laying her this time upon the pillows, and took her mouth in a searing kiss. Loving her. They made love again in their desert bower, unaware and uncaring about the world outside. **** They spent three days in the oasis before it was finally time to return. Servants came and went, leaving covered dishes of food, but never disturbing them any further. It would not have mattered; neither Adama nor Tengri noticed anything except each other. When they were preparing to leave, Tengri presented Adama with a horse of her own. “I am aware you know how to ride, Seref’behar.” He grinned at her. The animal was a lovely, gentle white mare, not as large or heavily muscled as Cesaret, but impressive nonetheless. She was 106

Calthraca: The Tiger bedecked in a saddle, bridle and breastplate that matched and complimented Tengri’s. “Her name is Sa’hane. It means ‘magnificent’. Just like you,” he said softly. “Thank you Tengri, she is beautiful.” Adama's voice was quiet as she tried to swallow her sudden rush of emotion over the thoughtful gift. She ran her hand along the animal’s velvety nose, then turned and kissed Tengri hard, throwing her arms around his neck. He held her in a crushing embrace and kissed her back, making her moan under his mouth. When they finally parted, they looked at one another for a long moment but said nothing. No words were necessary. He helped her to mount, and they rode side-by-side back to Carcun to the cheers of their happy people. The Sehzade and his Sehzada had returned.

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Chapter 8 By all standards, their lives took on a happy pace. Tehlar and Salma taught Adama to speak Tarkir, which she learned quickly. She and Tengri spent happy days together birding and hunting. He showed her the sights of Carcun, and she watched him compete in festivals and exhibitions. She counseled him during court days if he asked her opinion. He would go on raids with his Sarasci, but always ached to return to her as soon as possible. Their nights were spent in passion, enjoying the pleasures of each other’s bodies, learning, teaching, but also talking about their dreams and fears. The news of her virginity had brought great relief and happiness to the people. Everyone knew a virgin was much more fertile. After six months of marriage, despite their constant trying, Adama still had not become pregnant. The physician counseled them to relax and stop worrying about it, that a child would come when God wished it, and not until. Privately the physician took Tengri aside and suggested he consider taking another wife. It was possible that Adama was, in fact, barren. Tengri hung his head, then nodded and thanked the doctor. He had feared the same thing, but the doctor’s suggestion had solidified it in his mind. As autumn turned to winter, Tengri raided along with his Sarasci. He hadn’t called for Adama in weeks and she could not understand why. She knew he was distressed because she had not yet conceived a child, but she was sure it would happen. She lingered 108

Calthraca: The Tiger in her rooms for hours, sometimes catching herself staring at his windows, wishing he would come back and wondering what she had done to displease him so. Finally Tengri returned, with a girl he had taken from the borderlands of Sakendahl to be his second wife. She was a pretty girl. Tiny and young, no more than sixteen, she had long curly blonde hair and large blue eyes. Her name was Inga. Tengri called her Altin ayni, Golden One. Adama began to spend more and more of her time in her rooms, avoiding everyone. She knew Tengri needed an heir, but she still felt hurt and abandoned. The girl had been in the harem for three weeks, and no one could speak to her. She would scream and cringe when someone would bring her to the baths, and Tengri couldn’t get near her without her having fits of hysterics. Finally he appealed to Adama for her help. He came to her rooms and she was delighted to see him. Perhaps they would spend the night together. It had been so long since he’d spoken to her that she was nearly giddy in her excitement. Adama knew the reason why he’d turned from her, and she had heard the other women speaking in hushed tones of why he’d brought a new woman back with him, but she had not abandoned the hope that he might want her once more. While she was hurt and upset, she was also willing to forgive him. Tengri embraced her, then sat down. Adama asked Salma to bring him refreshments, and then sat across from him. He didn’t bother with niceties, but came directly to the point of his visit. “I know you have to speak a language this girl understands. You must help me,” he said. Tengri did not want to be here. Had there been any other way to communicate with the Sakendahli girl, he would have used it, but no one he could find could speak the language, other than Adama. 109

Calthraca: The Tiger Adama was crushed. He hadn’t come to see her because he missed her; he came so she could get his new wife ready for his conquest! She stood up and moved away from him. Her happiness rapidly turned to near rage at his incredible lack of compassion. She pretended indifference. “I haven’t bothered to listen to her. All she does is wail hysterically,” Adama said dryly. “Really, Tengri, you couldn’t find anyone better than a peasant?” He blinked. “What?” He was completely shocked at her words. “She’s a common peasant, Tengri. Oh yes, she’ll breed sons like a bitch for you.” “Adama…” he began. If he had just left her then, she might have been able to hide her anger, but instead it rose to the surface and boiled over. She turned back and spoke to him with near hatred in her voice. “You have no heart. To come here and ask my help, when you’ve left me alone for months, just so you can bed another woman, is cold. Colder than I’d ever have thought you capable of, although I should have expected it. I thought you loved me at least a little.” She was angry, he knew, but he didn’t know how to make her understand he needed an heir. Love had nothing to do with it. Perhaps he had been too lenient with her, allowing her to become so close to him and counsel him the way she had. Experience had warned him of letting a woman too close to his heart, but he had not listened. “If you want to talk to your blonde brood mare so you can rut like a hog with her, I suggest you figure out how. I won’t help you.” The venom in her words worked its way straight to his heart and he felt suddenly unable to control his carefully maintained emotions. 110

Calthraca: The Tiger He stood up and came behind her, taking her by the arm and turning her to face him. He was furious at her for defying him, for making him ashamed of how he’d treated her and angry at her for not being able to bear his sons. He had wanted her to be the mother of his children. “How dare you say these things to me?” he demanded. “I hate you,” she hissed. All of the pent-up emotions she had kept so well hidden suddenly burst forth. She wrenched her arm out of his grip and slapped his face as hard as she could. Instantly he backhanded her to the floor and she cried out. He stood looking down at her. “You are forbidden to leave this room until I call for you. Striking me is an offense punishable by death. I must consider what punishment is appropriate for you, Sehzada,” he said in a detached voice. “I don’t care what you do to me,” she said. “I’ll never apologize.” Tengri knew she wasn’t lying or bluffing; he would never bend her to his will. He reverted back to what he had been, to the violence and anger that had ruled him for so many years. He knew he would have to break her, and something snapped inside of him. His pain and frustration from the months he had spent alone overwhelmed him. He lifted her up by her arm and flung her onto her bed. She backed up to the top, suddenly terrified. He removed his thick sword belt from his scabbard, then doubled it and walked to the bed. Tengri whipped her severely. She cried out once then no more, and her stubborn refusal to scream fueled his anger. “Why couldn’t it be you?” he cried, at last. “Why can’t you bear my sons?” Tears ran freely from his eyes. “It was supposed to be you!” he yelled hoarsely. “I’m…sor…sorry,” she said weakly, her eyes slipping closed. 111

Calthraca: The Tiger He stopped when she was unconscious. Crying out in frustration and anger at what he’d done, he flung the belt across the room. Wiping hot, angry tears from his face, he exited her rooms to the frightened looks of the other women. He walked to the door of the main harem room and spoke without turning. “Princess Adama may not leave her rooms until I permit it.” His voice was raw. He then opened the door and left the room. The women rushed to Adama’s apartment. Tehlar saw Tengri leave the palace and mount his horse. He raced off into the desert, to whatever soothed him there. **** The next day Tehlar went to Adama. She was shocked at the sight of her daughter-in-law. Her face was bruised and beaten, and she could barely move. She sat in a chair beside the window, looking out at the desert. Tehlar had never seen Tengri treat a woman this way, and she was appalled. “What did you say to him?” she asked Adama. “I told him the girl was a brood mare, and he could find his own manner of communicating with her,” Adama said quietly, as speaking hurt her. “Then I struck him.” “You struck the Sehzade?!” Tehlar said, horrified. “Yes I did.” Tehlar took a deep breath. “Adama, I know he hurt you. He hurt your heart, and he hurt you physically, but you’ve always known that he could take a second wife, or a third.” Adama hadn’t turned, but Tehlar knew she was listening. “Your duty is to help your husband. You know this,” she said. “This is our way.”

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Calthraca: The Tiger Adama looked away from the window. “Tehlar, are you saying you wish for me to help my husband take another woman to his bed, and give her a child? So that I may be put aside?” “You are still his first wife,” Tehlar said quietly. “He loves you.” “Oh yes, he does. Can’t you tell?” Adama said bitterly. “I might be the first wife, but I won’t be the mother of the heir. Will I?” “You will please Tengri, and he may let you leave these rooms,” she suggested. “If Tengri wants his little blonde, he can teach her to speak Tarkir. I am satisfied to remain here if I must. He is a selfish spoiled child, constantly indulged at the expense of everyone else,” Adama said. “He beat me because I refused to help him, Tehlar. What makes you think I will do it now?” “Because you are a princess, and you love him too,” she replied, then stood and left the room. Adama hung her head. Slow, sad tears ran from her eyes. She turned and looked across the courtyard for the hundredth time. His windows were dark, he hadn’t been back since he’d beaten her and she presumed he was in the desert still. She cried because it was true—she did love Tengri. She feared him, and she hated him for what he had done, and what he would do, but she loved him as well. God alone knew why. A small rueful laugh escaped her. How could she love someone who would do such a thing to her? Her tears began to fall afresh. She didn’t know how, but she did. Salma entered and found her crying silently. “What should I do?” Adama asked miserably. “Teach the girl, my lady,” Salma counseled. “The prince will be happy, and may come back to you. If you can find it in your heart to forgive him for what he’s done?” Adama thought about it for another day. Always practical, Adama knew Tengri had not tried to hurt her by asking her for 113

Calthraca: The Tiger help, but she had been so shocked and hurt she did not consider his reasons. The beating he had given her was another matter. She knew immediately that had she spoken one more vicious word to him, he would have easily killed her. He was, after all, entirely capable of murder. Certainly he would have regretted what he’d done, but that would hardly matter. The other women had told her he’d banished her to her rooms alone and counseled that it would be good for her to use the time to consider what had happened. So that left the problem of what she would do. Obviously the girl needed to be able to speak to them. Perhaps she was as frightened as Adama had been when she arrived. A tiny flicker of compassion flared inside of her when she looked at it from that direction. Tengri needed an heir. One what would be able to inherit the throne, and if this girl was the one he chose, then it was her duty as his first wife to help him. She told Tehlar once that she would trust her word, and she meant it. She would help him. She sent word for the girl, Inga, to be brought to her. **** Adama began by speaking to Inga in Lyrosian, with no luck. She switched to Andalosian, still no response. Then she realized the girl had been taken from Sakendahl, and she addressed her in her own tongue. The look of obvious relief on Inga’s face was gratifying. She chattered nervously to Adama for nearly an hour. Finally Adama said, “You know who I am?” The girl nodded. Her eyes were huge. “The prince, Tengri-Khan, wishes to make you his wife as well,” Adama said. “But I already have a husband,” Inga said, horrified. “That no longer matters. He has chosen you, he will take you. Your life is here now. Hopefully, you will bear his son. If you do, he will raise you above all others.” Adama’s voice caught on her own words. 114

Calthraca: The Tiger “Did he do this to you because you could not have a child?” Inga asked, indicating her bruises. “No, he did this to me because I defied him. Look well.” Satisfied the girl had seen the damage Tengri could inflict, Adama continued. “I’ve been asked to teach you to speak Tarkir. That is what we will do until I am confident you are ready to go to the Sehzade.” Inga nodded, understanding that she had no other choice.

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Chapter 9 For the next six weeks, Adama taught Inga to speak Tarkir. She also explained her role, and what the role of the second wife was, and what would happen if she bore the heir. Finally, when she was satisfied with the girl, she told Tehlar that Inga was ready to go to Tengri-Khan. That night at nine, Murid came to the harem for Inga, bringing her to Tengri’s apartment, across the courtyard from Adama’s. Adama cried to herself. He truly did not love her. He only wanted a brood mare to bear his sons. She threw herself upon her bed and curled into a ball. She had done her best to be stoic and not let her feelings show, but her heart ached at the thought of another woman touching him, at the thought of him kissing lips other than hers. Her head pounded and she could barely catch a breath, so great was her pain. Her husband, a man she loved beyond everything, was making love to another woman and there was nothing she could do about it. Tengri was a tender, considerate lover, and when she imagined what he might say to Inga, how gently he would treat her, bitter tears stung her throat and eyes and she sobbed. At last, emotionally exhausted, she fell asleep with tears upon her beautiful face. She awoke the next day before dawn, opened the heavy drapes to her terrace and walked outside, automatically looking across to his rooms. Her bruises had healed but her heart still ached. She saw him arise and open his own terrace doors. He was wearing his white silk robe, and he stepped out and looked to her 116

Calthraca: The Tiger rooms. Their stares locked, and they stood staring at each other for some time. Finally Adama’s heart clenched painfully, as she saw Inga’s arms come around Tengri’s slim waist and encircle him. Adama lowered her eyes, and turned back to her own rooms. Tengri saw her pain and it hurt him to see her so. Still, he turned back to the young girl holding him, and let her lead him back to his bed once more. **** Three months after Tengri took Inga as his second wife, they announced she was pregnant. Tengri had spent every night with her since the first time, as he needed to be sure the girl was with child. He wasn’t particularly attracted to her and had no feelings for her other than joy over his impending fatherhood. The girl for her part gloated and gloried in her newfound position as the mother of Tengri-Khan’s heir. Never quite daring to say anything in front of Adama, but sending subtle messages nonetheless. Adama, always dignified, remained quietly within her rooms. Tengri had released her to come and go as she pleased and she would sometimes venture out to walk in the women’s garden, or go to the bath with the other ladies, but sadness and loneliness held her heart. She kindly sent a gift to Inga to congratulate her for her blessing. A month after they announced Inga’s impending condition, Murid entered the harem at nine as was his custom, but instead of calling Inga, he called for Sehzada Adama. She had been sitting with Tehlar at the loom, working on a tapestry. The room went completely silent. It had been nearly six months since Tengri had requested Adama’s company. She looked up surprised as the large black man stood patiently waiting to escort her to the prince. 117

Calthraca: The Tiger Slowly she crossed the room to the main doors. She caught the look of daggers she received from Inga, and ignored it. He probably didn’t want to make love with her anyway, he just wanted to thank her for helping with Inga. She walked beside the big man, saying nothing until he opened Tengri’s door, then murmured her thanks. Tengri sat at in a chair overlooking the courtyard. The room was dark except for a small lamp at the far back corner. “I would sometimes sit here, and watch you, in the darkness…after,” he said quietly. Adama said nothing. “She is a vessel to hold my child,” he continued. “I feel nothing when I take her body. No joy. No passion. No emotion.” She swallowed hard, holding back tears that threatened. “Why have you asked for me, Sehzade?” she finally managed. “Because I miss you, Seref’behar,” he said softly. “Do you miss me?” She heard the catch in his voice. “Yes,” she whispered. He stood and approached her. “For nearly six months, I’ve felt nothing but pain whenever I’ve thought of you, Adama. I’ve wanted to come to you; I’ve wanted you beside me. I find no joy without you, but we simply cannot make a child together, and you know I must have an heir.” She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. “I’ve seen you walking alone in the ladies’ garden. I nearly went to you the other day, but I was unsure what to say to you, Seref’behar.” He stood in front of her now, and slowly sank to his knees. “Please forgive me.” He put his head in her hands. “I love you.” Tears spilled over the edges of her eyes, falling on his head and his hands. 118

Calthraca: The Tiger She nodded and quietly said, “I forgive you.” She sank to the floor beside him. “I love you too.” It had been many months since he’d spoken to her, and she had thought perhaps he never would again. In that time, she relived over and over what he had done, until she saw the incident in an entirely different light. She did not think he intended to hurt her so badly; she guessed that something in him had broken, and his rage was a blind one. Over the long months alone, she was lonely and missed him so much she could not deny him her forgiveness when he asked for it. He took her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. **** When Tengri opened his eyes, he knew it was nearly dawn. He was accustomed to awakening early. The palace was still quiet, and his wife lay on her side in his embrace, his arms draped possessively around her. Tengri hated to rise, although he knew that soon he must. Because he was a purely sensual creature, he enjoyed these quiet moments, and drank in the flood of sensation around him— the golden line of sunlight at the eastern horizon, harbinger of the day, the night cool air that still hung within his bedchamber, the sounds of birds awakening to the dawn. He looked down. Adama felt soft and warm asleep here in his arms, her back and bottom nestled against him, the contours of her body familiar and comfortable. This was exactly where she belonged, and had it not been for his desperate need to have an heir, she would never have been absent from his embrace. He laid his head down again, close to the exquisite woman who shared his bed. She inhaled and stretched, then settled herself once again and he inhaled the warm, clean scent of her. Tengri's lips brushed the back of her neck, pressing warm kisses there, and she shivered. Adama awoke a little, and as he moved closer he saw her smile sleepily. Sometimes he felt like a boy, his need for comforting was so great, and she always com119

Calthraca: The Tiger forted him without ever knowing how very much he needed her. She wiggled her bottom back into him and he smiled at her response. He had missed this part of passion, the playfulness, the joy. Inga enjoyed the act, but not the closeness; she was always aloof after they made love. She loved all he could give her, but Adama loved him. He moved his hand and drew it up her body, slowly stroking it over her breasts, lightly rolling her rapidly hardening nipples between his fingers, his touches igniting her passion. Adama shifted slightly and released a soft, lustful sigh. He continued moving his hands over her sensitive breasts, and she responded by arching into him. They had been married for more than a year now and she knew his needs as well as his moods. He was a lusty, sensual man who enjoyed giving pleasure almost more than taking it, and he’d taught her well the ways of passion. Adama moved restlessly against him, needing him desperately. His touches had awakened the ever-present desire within her, the need to be taken and loved. Sometimes rough, sometimes gently, but a need only he could meet. He rose up and she rolled to her back, looking up into his dark eyes. Tengri stared at her for long moments, just savoring her beauty, eager to take her but resisting the urge and moving slowly instead. His hand came up the length of her body to tease at her center, moving swiftly to stroke her until her nub was throbbing with excitement, and she gasped. He could feel the desire within her, like a barely contained creature, yearning to bolt to freedom. “Patience, Seref’behar,” he whispered. “Patience.” She released a long sigh. “Tengri…” He lay beside her, teasing her body and then moved up to kiss her, taking her mouth roughly as her hips ground into his probing fingers, trying to force them deeper. He would not allow it. 120

Calthraca: The Tiger He could feel her body arching, and her breath came short until she was nearly panting. He relentlessly teased her and, after what felt like an agonizingly long time, she moaned softly and stiffened. He’d brought her to a climax and she let it sweep over her. “That was magnificent,” he whispered. “Please… I need you,” she said. “What do you need?” he teased, touching her lips with the tip of his tongue, pulling back playfully as she reached up to take his mouth. “Take me, fill me full… Dear God, please,” she groaned. Tengri moved over her, pressing his length within her ready sheath, inhaling sharply at the tightness there. She threw her head back in ecstasy as he firmly seated himself in the familiar embrace of her thighs. He began to move gently over her and she moaned softly at how wonderfully good he felt. He moved upon her with a careful mixture of power and passion. His rhythm was slow, but controlled, and she groaned her pleasure. He took her hands and guided them up to his shoulders, where she pulled his head forward to take his mouth with her own. He broke the kiss and his breath was warm against her neck when he lowered his head. She shivered as she felt the rough rasp of his unshaven chin against her neck. He moved his hips in a circular motion which dragged her attention from her neck to her passion center, while his hand came between them. Both his hand and his raging cock combined to drive her over the edge and into a searing climax that left her senseless, but she felt him succumb to his own passion as well. They lay tangled together for long moments before he began to extricate himself from her embrace. “I wish to ride, come with me to the desert.” **** 121

Calthraca: The Tiger Adama didn’t return to the harem that night, or the next two, much to Inga’s displeasure. Tengri and Adama made love, but surprisingly, they talked more. Every day before dawn, they left the palace upon Cesaret and rode into the desert where they made love again. Near noon on the fourth day, Tengri walked Adama to the harem himself. He opened the door and let her enter before him. Inga nearly flew from the couch she was sitting upon to confront Adama, but stopped short when she saw Tengri directly behind her. She bowed low. Adama ignored her and went to her own rooms, followed closely by Tengri who scanned the room before closing the door. “You did not have to come and protect me, Tengri.” She smiled at him. “I’m not protecting you.” He laughed. “I’m simply letting everyone know that although you might not be the mother of the heir, you are my favorite.” She smiled at him. “Thank you, Tengri.” “There is nothing to thank me for,” he said. “I should be the one thanking you, Seref’behar.” He embraced her and kissed the top of her head. “I am so sorry I couldn’t have your child,” she said in a near whisper. Her arms reached around his middle to embrace him. He took a deep breath. “So am I.” They ate lunch together on her terrace, with Salma bringing their food and drinks. Inga caught Salma bringing a tray out of the room and demanded she tell her what was going on. Innocently Salma said, “The prince is making love to his favorite, my lady,” and continued on her way, leaving Inga standing with her jaw agape. Adama and Tengri made love quietly and slept for a few hours together. As dusk fell, he arose and left her sleeping in her own bed, kissing her mouth softly, enjoying the sweet smile she gave 122

Calthraca: The Tiger him. He closed the door of her room with a smile on his face, which wasn’t missed by any of the women there, including his mother. A smile that had been absent for six long months. Inga rushed to him. “My lord, will you call for me tonight?” she asked him desperately. “Not tonight, Altin ayni, I am weary and wish to sleep. Perhaps tomorrow,” he lied. Now that she was with child, he would not touch her again. He looked at Inga and realized what it was that he disliked so much about her. She was weak, not strong like Adama. He admired a strong woman; they were rare. This one was like most, soft and cuddly and totally dependent upon him or whatever man they had. He knew Adama was not weak. He recalled the day she had defied him. She had not backed down at his threats, and had only cried out when he first struck her. Were she not already his wife, he would have moved heaven and earth to have her. Had she been a man, she would have been a formidable foe. Inga threw herself at his feet. “What have I done to displease you?” she cried. He rolled his eyes heavenward and bent to help her up. “Nothing, Altin ayni, but you knew that Adama was my favorite. She may not be able to bear my child, but I will not put her aside.” Once she was on her feet, he tipped her chin up to him. “I will not have her unhappy again, do you understand?” She nodded, understanding the unspoken warning. He bent and kissed her forehead, then left the harem. Tengri didn’t call for anyone that night; instead he sent gifts to the harem. Dozens of colorful bolts of silk arrived for Adama, as well as a box of loose pearls, rubies, diamonds and emeralds. Matching onyx and opal pendants in heavy silver settings came next, then a pair of golden bangles for her wrists and golden anklets. Her favorite in123

Calthraca: The Tiger cense and perfume were also sent in abundance along with a beautiful beaded saddle and blanket for her horse. Inga and Tehlar received several gifts and a smaller bag of jewels and coins. The other women of the harem, although they were his father’s women, received similar items as well. The message was plain—while he honored Inga as the mother of the heir, he honored Adama more highly, and placed her above all others. That message was received by all of the women, and they counseled Inga not to anger Tengri. Hadn’t she seen what he had done to Adama? And she was his favorite! Rather than heed their warnings, Inga began a campaign of maligning Adama whenever she had the opportunity, thinking herself safe because of her pregnancy. She constantly made cutting remarks, speaking rudely to her, and finally criticizing her openly for her inability to bear Tengri’s child. Adama ignored it all, dignified as always. One day as she and Salma walked to the baths, she overheard Inga questioning why a barren woman would be allowed to be the Sehzada. The other women saw Adama enter and remained quiet, scandalized that their lovely princess, who had never been anything but kind to all of them, had heard the girl’s vicious words. A few of them left, showing their displeasure with Inga. Wordlessly Adama allowed Salma to pin her long hair atop her head, and then dropped her robe, revealing her beautiful body. Gracefully she stepped down into the marble bath. She had her own bath in her apartment, but often preferred to bathe with the other women. It was an opportunity to socialize and chatter about nothing in particular. Finally Adama looked at Inga and said, “I was born a princess, not a pig farmer’s daughter. I hold the title of Sehzada because our lord Abd Aga Sehzade gave it to me; it is mine until I die or until he takes it from me, if that is his will.” 124

Calthraca: The Tiger Inga’s mouth worked soundlessly. It was true she was the daughter of a pig farmer, but she didn’t know how Adama knew that. She’d never told anyone. “You lie!” she finally managed. “Do I, Inga?” Adama said quietly. In truth, she was unsure if Inga really was a pig farmer’s daughter. The image had simply popped into her head that very minute. “I’ve sat and listened to you spew your venom for months now. Who was it who befriended you, and taught you our language? Who was it who taught you the ways of this country and their customs? Who was it who jeopardized her position, to allow you to go to the Sehzade, to become the mother of the heir? Your time grows near, and once you have borne Tengri’s son, I know he would be more than happy to send you to the genelev, if I merely asked, because that’s where you belong. With the other whores.” Inga blanched. “You cannot!” “I can,” Adama said softly. “I’ve ignored your unkind remarks about me all of this time, because I know who it is that Tengri calls every night. You have become slovenly and ugly in your manners and your appearance. You’ve repaid my kindness with rudeness and ridicule.” She took a step closer to the now frightened woman. “The only reason you will remain is because I haven’t the heart to tear a babe from its mother, but hear me well. You will cease your vile talk about me, and show respect to me for my position or I promise I shall overcome my compassion and see you whipped.” Adama had reduced the other girl to tears. She indicated to the bath women to help Inga from the pool, and once she was gone, relaxed only slightly. Tehlar had overheard the entire exchange. “You’ve become quite a force to reckon with, Adama.” “I think I’ve been more than patient with her, don’t you?” Tehlar laughed a light musical laugh. “I think your standing up to the little cow and putting her firmly in her place was the best thing I’ve seen in years.” 125

Calthraca: The Tiger Adama smiled a little, then laughed. “She really has become quite a thorn in my side, Tehlar. I couldn’t allow her to keep saying those things and causing problems in your harem.” “You did the right thing, my daughter.” Tehlar got out of the pool. She turned back as the bath attendants rushed to her with warmed towels. She hadn’t missed the deference Adama had given her when she mentioned “her” harem either. “You truly are a princess, and I admire your strength.” She smiled at Adama and was pleased to see a genuine smile in return.

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Chapter 10 “I’ve heard you were rather hard on Inga today,” Tengri said to Adama. They had made love earlier and she now dozed upon her back, while he drew lazy circles upon her flat belly. “Yes, I was. She deserved it, and I hope you won’t ask me to apologize to her. She’s been saying things for months and I’ve ignored it. Today she finally crossed the line from merely rude and annoying to rude and disrespectful.” He lay on his side beside her. “No, I won’t ask you to apologize. I heard you were incredible,” he laughed, “but then, I already knew that.” He ran his hand up her body, caressing her belly then encircling her nipple with a single fingertip. Both stiffened provocatively, making him stir. He smiled at how easily aroused he was, simply by touching her or looking at her. She brought a lazy hand up and stroked his long hair. “Would you like to go to the desert, Tengri?” she asked seductively. “Mmmm, yes I would,” he said quietly. “However, we cannot.” “Why?” “Because, Seref’behar, there are Andalosian forces in the desert. They’ve been seen by our scouts. It is very unsafe, and I do not wish to have you fall into their hands.” He changed position and rose up over her. 127

Calthraca: The Tiger She brought her arms up and encircled his neck as he bent to kiss her. “You are magnificent, my husband.” “Say my name,” he said. “Tengri-Khan,” she breathed. He closed his eyes and thrust into her hot body. Her eyes opened wide for a moment, then she smiled slowly, relaxing and letting her body follow his rhythm. She squeezed him with her muscles and he groaned, “Oh God! Do not do that!” Then laughed a little. She looked intently at him, as though trying to sear his face in her mind. She suddenly felt great sadness, and her eyes filled with tears. She wiped them away, irritated. How ridiculous to feel sadness! Tengri increased the speed of his thrusts and enjoyed the small sounds she made. He felt his own climax building and slowly drew a finger around her passion button, the way she liked, easing back and forth, and was rewarded by her gasp and cry as she arched her back in pleasure. He withdrew from her as she descended, and he stood up, breathing hard. He was still very aroused, and his body begged for completion, but he made himself wait. He had something else in mind. When Adama had regained her senses, Tengri took her hand and pulled her upright to stand beside him. Her knees were wobbly and unsteady and she leaned against the wall. “I’ve wanted to do this since we first met,” he said. “When I saw you in Andalos, at the royal palace. I thought it would be very arousing to take you against the wall.” “Standing?” “Oh yes.” He stepped forward, pinning her body to the wall with his. “Like this.” He reached forward and down, lifted her easily, then thrust his hips and impaled her. 128

Calthraca: The Tiger “Unh!” she breathed. “Oh!” The sensation was more intense as a whole different set of muscles were worked. “Wrap your legs about me,” he said in a husky whisper. “Rest your hands on my shoulders.” She did as he told her and he let go of her bottom, letting her balance between his body and the wall. He took a single step forward to brace her, then thrust hard. She gasped as he moved on her body, placing his hands on the wall on either side of her. He bent his dark head to her breast and she locked her ankles behind him. “Tengri… Oh yes.” “You like this.” “Oh…my God, yes!” she panted. He smiled wickedly and continued moving upon her, thrusting then pulling nearly all the way out, and thrusting hard again. They kissed passionately, dueling with their tongues as they both soared higher. Her head bumped against the wall behind her and she barely noticed. He was making her peak again and she cried out in pleasure. He let himself go and climaxed within her hot body, shuddering hard and groaning in pleasure as well. He brought a shaky hand down and held her as she unlocked her legs from around his waist, and kissed her passionately as she slid down to put her feet on the floor. Rather than wait for her to regain her balance, he swept her into his embrace and laid her upon his bed. She looked at him with her beautiful emerald eyes. “You are incredible.” He laughed. “Thank you, Seref’behar.” He lay next to her once more. “I shall miss you while I am gone.” “Where are you going?” “I must go to Hab Almnar in the morning, as my father has asked me to join him. We have to decide if we are to take a diplomatic or a military stance with the Andalosians. I would prefer to 129

Calthraca: The Tiger drive them from our lands like the dogs they are, but my father counsels patience. I must, of course, defer to his wishes.” “Will you be gone long?” Adama asked. “Your child will soon be born. I know Inga would like you to be here.” He kissed her. “I am still overwhelmed at how kind you are to those around you. Even those who least deserve it.” He rolled her onto her side and curled his body behind hers. “I shall try to be back as quickly as possible. I cannot promise more,” he said softly in her ear. She smiled and snuggled into his embrace. Fitting her bottom into his lap comfortably, she sighed and tried to slide into sleep. Soon she felt him fall asleep; his body relaxed and his breathing deepened and became more regular. She fell asleep after some time, trying to lose the feelings of unease, which had invaded her thoughts. Tengri awoke her before dawn to make love with her once more before he left. When they finished, he went to his bath and washed quickly, and then returned wrapped in a towel. His hair was still wet and tracks of water ran down his chest in warm rivulets. He leaned over her and let the water drip upon her face, waking her up. “Tengri!” She laughed. He smiled, then bent and kissed her. “Do you wish for me to leave while you prepare to go?” “No, Seref’behar. You may stay here if you wish. I like the idea of you sleeping in my bed while I’m away.” He grinned seductively. She rolled onto her back and stretched languorously. “If you continue doing things like that,” he said, “I shall never leave.” Sighing regretfully, he stood up and began to dress, heavy white riding pants tucked into high boots, a bright, saffron-colored silk shirt and his thin black belt with the dagger. He sat on the bed and jumped a little when she surprised him by coming behind him with a brush. She ran it through his hair, brushing it until it was nearly dry, then took his side locks and 130

Calthraca: The Tiger braided them skillfully into the warrior’s braids he favored. She braided in silver beads, as he always wore silver to ward off evil, and white egret feathers, which would to aid him should he be in battle. She didn’t speak as she worked and he closed his eyes, enjoying the gentle tugging on his hair, and the way her fingers would occasionally brush his face. When she was done, she leaned forward and kissed him softly. “Return to me soon, my love,” she said in her gentle voice. His heart clenched painfully. “I will.” As he left his room holding his sword belt, he saw Murid waiting to walk with him. “Sehzada Adama is still asleep in my bed,” Tengri said. “She may go to the harem and be with the ladies during the day, but she will sleep here until I return.” Murid smiled. “It will be as you wish, Sehzade.” **** Cesaret stood saddled and waiting for him, Oded holding his reins bravely. Tengri-Khan smiled; the stallion could easily pull the boy off his feet should he so choose. Still, Tengri admired the child’s courage. He bent and took the reins from his son and said a solemn thank you. He leapt onto the horse’s back in a fluid motion that looked nearly effortless, then pulled the horse around and looked up. Adama was standing on his terrace wrapped in a blanket. He held up his hand and blew her a kiss, then grinned and wheeled Cesaret out of the courtyard. As he left, he thought, If that were the last vision of her I should ever have, I would never be happier. He could not know how prophetic those thoughts would be.

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Chapter 11 Adama left Tengri’s rooms shortly after he left, beginning a pattern that became a habit after a few days. She would rise and go to the baths with the other women, then eat with them, work on her tapestry, or simply walk in the gardens, staving off the inevitable loneliness of Tengri’s absence until she returned to his big empty bed to spend the night. One morning a week after Tengri had left, the harem ladies chattered merrily with her, talking about nothing in particular. Inga had mercifully decided not to join them, and they were pleased once again to have Adama there without the strain of the presence of Tengri’s second wife. Adama had spent the day learning a new dance from some of the older women. They felt it would be amusing to the prince if she could dance for him, and she had gamely agreed. She had learned the steps before lunch, and then spent the early afternoon perfecting them and coordinating her hand movements with her feet. They gave her a wide belt of tiny beaten copper and brass plates that jingled musically when one shook it. She tied it around her waist and placed her feet the way they’d shown her, and waited for the music to begin. The reedy pipe and the thumping drum started and she closed her eyes and moved. She swayed her hips seductively and raised her arms above her head in a graceful sweeping motion, then shook her shoulders and upper torso then swished her hips quickly, shaking the belt and making it jingle. The whiny flute and pace of the drum picked up tempo as 132

Calthraca: The Tiger she continued rocking her hips and moving suggestively, turning in a circle, stopping. She slid her foot forward and turned slowly, shaking her torso once again, going through all the steps once more, finally ending by falling gracefully upon the floor, head and arms down, with one foot before her, bent at the knee, and the other beneath her. The women of the harem had stopped what they were doing to watch her dance, and now applauded her loudly. She looked up breathlessly and blushed. They exclaimed she was a natural and the prince would be thrilled with her new talent. Adama thanked them for their kindness and patience in teaching her, and removed the belt, laying it upon the table near the flute player. From across the room, Inga sat and watched them sullenly. Once she finally had this child, she would make them teach her the dance as well. Her days lately were occupied thinking of ways to get back into Tengri’s bed and have him put aside Adama. Inga envied her and wanted everything the other woman had. She couldn’t understand why she couldn’t have her own apartment as Adama did. When she complained to Tehlar, the older woman explained that Adama would often entertain Tengri intimately, and they obviously needed privacy. Furthermore, if Inga wished to have her own apartments, then perhaps she should begin to take better care of herself, and after the child was born, Tengri might take an interest once more. For now, she must be satisfied sleeping in the common areas where the other women slept. Less than satisfied with that answer, Inga retired to the farthest back corner of the harem, napping and constructing elaborate daydreams where she was Tengri’s favorite. She would be loved and adored by the other women, and Adama would be forced to dance or watch while she and Tengri made love, then she’d laugh scornfully at the other woman.

133

Calthraca: The Tiger The day grew late and Adama went to Tehlar, who was sitting at her loom working on a new tapestry. The one she’d completed with Adama now hung upon the wall in the atrium downstairs. “Your light will be gone soon,” Adama commented quietly. “I know,” Tehlar replied with a sigh. “My eyes aren’t what they used to be.” “How do you do it, Tehlar?” “Do what?” she asked. “How do you defy the boredom and the loneliness while Mehtar Aga-Khan is gone?” Tehlar laughed. “Dear child, I learned long ago my life would be what I made of it within these walls.” She put down her shuttle. “I did not have a great deal of life outside the harem, as you have. This life, our life, is much different from what you would have had if Tengri had not taken you… Yes?” Adama nodded. “I was planning on becoming a soldier.” “A soldier?” Tehlar exclaimed. “Yes, a soldier.” Adama laughed. “Everyone is encouraged to spend a few years in the military in my country. After I left the service, I would have had a diplomatic position, I imagine. Then eventually, I’d have been queen, but women in my country aren’t pampered and coddled like they are here.” She smiled. “I’d have been a working monarch.” She looked out the windows. “Tehlar?” “Yes?” “What is that?” Adama asked indicating a huge column of black smoke billowing into the sky at the horizon. She walked out onto the terrace. “I don’t know,” Tehlar said, coming to stand beside her. As they watched, more smoke appeared, rising into the darkening sky, bringing the smell of burning to them across the dusky desert. A flutter of unease settled into Adama’s stomach. She took a deep breath and tried to force herself to relax. They were safe. 134

Calthraca: The Tiger Still, she felt mildly panicky. She took Tehlar’s hand silently, her arms pebbled with gooseflesh. The other women of the harem had come behind them to stand and look as well, murmuring quietly as to what it could be. They all stood upon the terrace that overlooked the courtyard. Then they appeared, a column of Sarasci riding to the palace. Adama looked at Tehlar and saw her own terror reflected back at her. She let go of Tehlar’s hand and turned away from the railing of the terrace, gently pushing her way through the other women, feeling a dreadful sick panic beginning to grip her. She nearly ran to the harem door, and threw it open, then ignoring all conventions she bolted down the hallway to the stairs and flew down them, barely touching the stone steps. She yelled at the guards, “Open the doors!” and they rushed to obey. She ran through the doors praying to no one in particular. “Please no… Please no.” She came to a halt in the courtyard, breathing hard. Gurak was leading a huge white stallion. She saw his face, tracked with tears. He was speaking but she couldn’t hear what he said. A high-pitched sound was ringing in her ears, deafening her. Cesaret pawed and snorted and stamped nervously and Adama saw Tengri’s body slung over his saddle. The peacock shirt he’d worn when she first met him was torn and shredded upon his back, and she could see his tattoos clearly. Gurak reached out to her. She saw her own hands go out, with no conscious thought of doing it. She knew what he was giving her. The Tarks cut off the braids of fallen warriors, then gave them to the widow. Tengri’s braids were placed gently in her palm. Her fingers were numb. She saw everything with the horrible clarity that only a terrible shock can bring. The silver beads she’d braided into his hair were spattered with blood, the white egret feathers speckled red. 135

Calthraca: The Tiger Adama rushed to the horse. They tried to stop her, telling her she must not, that she did not want to see him this way. She shook them off and pulled Tengri’s body down from the horse’s back. She was sobbing. “Tengri, oh no… Please no…” Tengri’s body slid bonelessly down on top of her, dragging her along with him to the ground. She pulled his body back, struggling to look at him. His handsome face had been destroyed, totally obliterated. They had beaten him beyond recognition. His big hands were streaked with blood and dirt. She saw the dull gleam of his wedding ring, dented and bent upon his finger, as though he’d hit something hard. She wailed her sorrow and anger. “No!” She cried and rocked with his dead body in her lap, weeping bitterly, keening the loss of her beloved husband. Strong hands pulled her away from him, and she screamed, “No!” Finally, mercifully, she fainted away. The normally stoic Sarasci bent their heads, echoing the sorrow of the Sehzada. Murid lifted her and carried her to Tengri’s room, where he knew the prince would have wanted her, and laid her carefully upon his bed. Tengri’s braids were still clutched tightly in her hand. The physician was summoned, and when Adama awoke screaming during the night, he gave her a mixture of potent drugs in wine to drink and she slept once more. **** Tengri’s body was prepared for his funeral and Adama, deep in mourning, knew what was expected of her. Tarkir custom decreed that as Tengri’s acknowledged favorite wife, she must follow him into paradise. She didn’t mind. She now welcomed death because there was no point in living without him. She had refused to eat anything since the horrible night they’d brought Tengri back, and would only drink water. 136

Calthraca: The Tiger Inga had given birth the day after Tengri’s death; to a daughter she named Kimsa. In a rare moment of charity, Inga brought the child to Adama, trying to help the other woman through her grief. Adama smiled wanly at her and thanked her for her thoughtfulness. She got up and walked to a large chest sitting on a table near the windows. She opened it and took out a long strand of black pearls. She placed them gently in Inga’s hands. “Take these, I wish for you to have them.” Through the rest of the day, she received visitors, giving each of them gifts from her jewel case, thanking them for their kindness. Her eyes were dull and hollow, and red-rimmed. She found herself crying all the time. Salma was always nearby, hovering to comfort the princess, but Adama could not convey the incredible sorrow she felt. It was a physical thing within her, and the urge to be sick was never far from her. She would remember odd scraps of conversations she and Tengri had had and she would cry, or she would recall his smile or the way he looked when they made love, and knew she would never see it again. The pain of her loss was like a knife to her gut. One afternoon she picked up a jeweled mirror he had given her as a gift. She turned it over in her hands and recalled the very moment he’d given it to her, telling her to look upon her beauty and see what he saw. She held it and imagined him standing behind her. She could almost feel his strong hands upon her shoulders. She cried out her anguish and grief and smashed the mirror upon the floor, then sank down beside the shattered glass, covering her face with her hands. “Oh God… Why?” After noon on the fourth day, the day they would bury Tengri, Adama received a woman from the village. The woman brought with her a small case and sat on the floor beside Adama’s feet. Adama put her foot on a low stool and the woman began the 137

Calthraca: The Tiger slow, painful process of tattooing her leg. She sat motionless, staring. She wanted the three traditional lines written there: “Sehzada Adama es harim sevgili al Tengri, Vermk onakar a cennet. Kuyruk icin ‘ahiret.” (Sehzada Adama, beloved wife of Tengri, gives herself to Heaven. Together for eternity.) When the woman finished, Adama gave her a coin and thanked her. The woman bowed to the princess and left the palace, weeping herself at the profound sorrow of the dignified young woman, and her courage over what she must do. Adama dressed in a long black silk robe, her head covered by a sheer silk veil. As the sun set, she walked barefooted behind the soldiers carrying Tengri’s body to the tomb where he would lay. Tengri’s soldiers placed his body upon a raised dais, and she laid her head upon his legs. Then, as the whole assembly watched, she took out a long knife and cut off her braid. She laid the long, twisted copper tresses across his feet. Silently she replaced the veil, then turned and left the tomb, supported by Gurak. She returned to Tengri’s room where she sat upon the bed. Tehlar came to her and kissed her. “I have loved you like my own daughter, and I hope for you all the blessings of the world along your journey.” She placed a vial in Adama’s hand, then kissed her again and left the room. Adama raised her hand and looked at the red liquid in the vial. Salma, seated upon the floor beside her, spoke quietly. “My lady. I wish to go with you.” She showed Adama her own vial which Tehlar had given her. Adama nodded. “Of course, Salma.” The young women held hands, then quickly drank the poison together. Adama’s hand soon felt weak, and she let go of Salma and then lay back. Wrenching pain tore through her abdomen, her stomach muscles went rigid and she gasped and cried out in pain. Outside of the 138

Calthraca: The Tiger doors, Tehlar covered her face with her hands, and Murid lowered his head. They heard the two women cry out over and over, and he realized the servant had loyally followed her mistress. When silence had fallen in the room, they opened the door and found Adama and Salma motionless. Tehlar sent word to the Sarasci that the princess was dead, and she would be interred with her husband at dawn the next day. Gurak was saddened by the loss, but knew she had done the right thing. What Tengri would have wanted. At dawn, the procession of only women this time carried a body wrapped in long golden veils to the tomb. Weeping, they laid her reverently on a smaller dais just lower and to the right of the Great Tengri-Khan. The couple was united once more. War raged on. Carcun fell. Tartak burned.

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Chapter 12 Rocking… Rocking… Adama moaned and sat up slowly holding her pounding head. Where was she? She opened her eyes and the world was dark and blurry. “Lay down, Adama,” someone said. A man. Seeing no better alternative, she did as she was told. She began to slide back into sleep when she realized the voice had spoken Lyrosian. **** The next time Adama awoke, there was sun in her face. She realized she was starving. She opened her eyes experimentally, and did not feel the pounding headache at all this time. Slowly she sat up and looked around. She was in a tiny room. A ship’s cabin? Salma lay on a couch near her, sound asleep. Panic seized her. Where was she? She was supposed to be dead, with Tengri! The door opened and a tall man entered. The sunlight glinted off sandy blonde hair, and the man had a mustache, which looked strange to Adama, since men in Tartak did not wear them. “You’re awake. Good.” He smiled. She spoke to him in Tarkir. “Kim ’ar sen?” “You must speak so I can understand you, Princess,” the man said kindly. “Do not fear, you are safe. You’re no longer in Tartak. We are four days off the coast of Lyros.” 140

Calthraca: The Tiger “Ret,” she said. “Tutma etmek arka!” He looked exasperated. “I do not understand you, Princess. I believe you are addled still from the drugs they fed you.” “Etmek Sehzada Adama, sevgili a Tengri. Sen Tutma etmek arka!” she cried. He shook his head and left the room. Salma had awakened at her mistress’s raised voice, and now sat up. “Where are we, my lady?” Adama was sitting on the floor, her face pale and shocked. “We are on a ship.” “A ship… But why?” Salma asked, confused. “They are taking us back to Lyros,” she said dully. Suddenly, Adama jumped up and flung open the cabin door. She looked around wildly and saw the steps to the upper deck. Running for them, she climbed quickly to the top deck and raced for the railing, intent on flinging herself over the side. Voices were shouting at her, begging her to stop. She made the rail and jumped, only to feel an incredibly strong arm grip her around the middle and haul her back. She kicked and flailed and screamed at the arm and the person holding her. “Adama! Stop now, dammit.” Someone spoke to her in a deep voice. She looked into dark blue eyes, and saw the blonde hair. Huge and powerful, he shook her once, twice. “Adama!” Christian. Adama finally broke down, sobbing her grief at the loss of her husband and her inability to join him. Why had Tehlar not allowed her to die in Tartak? A flood of memories overcame her and she recalled her long forgotten desire to be reunited with her family and with Christian who now held her in his arms once more. Unable to fight any longer, she submitted weakly, and he carried her back to her room and laid her upon the bed. She wouldn’t speak to him and soon dropped into a deep, shocked sleep. 141

Calthraca: The Tiger Christian looked at the girl in the room, who was obviously terrified of him. “Do you speak Lyrosian?” he demanded. She looked at him blankly, and he thought for a moment. “Andalosian?” “Olur… I mean yes,” she said quietly. He sighed with relief. “I am Lord Christian Valore, the foster son of Queen Lucia Fawkes, of Lyros. Do you know the name?” he said. The girl shook her head. “Are you the servant of this woman?” he demanded. “Do you know who she is?” He was frightening her terribly, this huge, shaggy man. All she wanted to do was go to her lady and comfort her. “Yes. My name is Salma,” she managed. “This woman is Sehzada Adama Khan. Wife of the Sehzade Tengri-Khan.” “This woman is Princess Adama Fawkes,” he said sternly. “Tengri-Khan is dead.” “We are supposed to be dead as well, sir,” she said respectfully. “No. You will live. We are bringing Adama home to her mother. I will ask you this one time. Will you help me?” he said. “Help you how, my lord?” she asked. “Will you help me make sure this woman lives, and does not kill herself?” “But she must—” Salma began. “No!” he thundered. He pointed a finger in her face. “Will you help me to convince her to live, or do I have to throw you over the side?” In that instant, she knew he was serious. “I will help you,” she said. She didn’t wish to die without her lady, and wander through eternity alone. The next few days passed as a long battle, Adama fighting both Christian and Salma fiercely as well as the physician, trying to kill 142

Calthraca: The Tiger herself, completely refusing to eat, and pleading for death. Christian and Salma tried to make her eat something, consistently begging her to live. She was much weaker when they finally made port, although Adama didn’t know they were in Lyros. It had been more than nine days since she’d eaten any food or taken anything other than water. She drifted between consciousness and the half-waking dream world she preferred to dwell in. Soon enough she would be with Tengri. “Dear God,” she heard her mother say. “She’s wasting away.” “She refuses to eat, madam. I have a plan to place a tube down her throat into her stomach and force-feed her, although I’m not sure if it will help at this point.” It was the man speaking, the physician. Adama shut him out. It was nice to hear her mother’s voice though. “Let me speak to her.” “As you wish, Majesty,” the man said. His boots thumped and the door closed. “Adama, can you hear me?” her mother said. She opened her eyes a crack. It was her mother. She smiled a little. She wanted to speak but her mouth was too dry. She weakly flapped her hand at the decanter beside the bed. Lucia picked up the cup and held it for her daughter to drink. “You looked much better the last time I saw you,” Lucia said. Adama smiled again at her. “Missed you too…” she managed to croak out. She realized it had been more than two years since she’d seen her mother. A tear rolled out of the corner of Adama’s eye and down her cheek. “Please, Adama, please let them help you. Do not die.” Lucia was crying. “I cannot bear to lose you again.” “Mother, I must join him… You don’t understand… Tengri’s spirit will be alone if I do not. He will be lost without me.” Her 143

Calthraca: The Tiger voice was low and raspy, but a wistful look crossed her face, and Lucia realized her daughter was very close to the edge of insanity. She was desperate to understand what horrors the girl had suffered to make her so intent upon dying. “Adama, I know you do not wish for Tengri to be alone,” she said gently, hoping to soothe her, “but could you not stay with me a little while longer? I have missed you so very much and I wish to hear about your Tengri. Will you tell me about your adventure?” Adama looked up at her mother and nodded a little. “Yes, I will tell you. You would have liked him, Mother, truly.” She began to cry a little and Lucia held her hand, listening and hoping she could somehow convince her daughter to live. She understood her child’s pain. When Adama’s father, Addar Draga, had been assassinated in BasSalaam so many years ago, all Lucia had wanted to do was die. His loss had cut her to the very bone and for so long afterward, she could not imagine living without him. At least she had had Adama to bind her to this world. Her poor daughter seemingly had nothing. Adama told her mother everything, and she was grateful that someone finally wanted to listen. They talked until it was long dark, and Adama realized that her mother was slowly talking her out of taking her own life, by reminding her of all the things she had to live for. Lucia was crying a bit and Adama smiled tiredly. Her mother always was able to turn her mind from one thing to another and maybe she was right. Perhaps dying was not the answer? Adama was too weak and hungry to think about it now. Adama sighed. “I’m so hungry…” Lucia laughed through her tears. “You’re hungry?” “Yes,” she said and smiled. **** It was three more days before Adama was strong enough to be taken from the ship to the castle. Because she was too weak to walk very much, she spent a lot of time lying in her bed, thinking about 144

Calthraca: The Tiger her time in Tartak. She decided she honestly did not wish to die, and she felt a sad pang at the thought of Tengri being alone, but did she really believe he was alone? She didn’t think so. Her own religion said he would not be, and although she had adopted Dor’amah when she was in Tartak, she had never given her whole heart to those beliefs. Tengri, she knew, would be fine. She also decided she wanted to see Lyros again and she was eager to go home. It was the first real positive emotion she had felt since Tengri’s death. In her heart, she knew that her mother had never given up looking for her, and she thought perhaps she had always known it. She supposed that Tengri had lied to her so she would not try to leave, and it had worked. In her time alone, she thought often about why he had done the things he had. It was not simply because he was deceitful or cruel, she knew, but because he wanted her, and Tengri would do anything to get his way. Rather than feeling betrayed and lied to, Adama felt only simple sadness. She missed him despite everything. Salma had gone ahead to learn the layout of the castle and prepare for her return. The maid arranged her lady’s things in the large chamber and anteroom that made up Adama’s suite, found the tub in which she bathed and had it filled with hot water and her favorite scent, Freesia oil. Her bed was remade and Salma opened the terrace doors to freshen the rooms for her. Adama walked a little ways to her room and found Salma waiting there for her. She smiled and embraced her maid, pleased to see her again. “Salma, I missed you,” she spoke in Tarkir. “Please, you will call me Sarah?” Salma said in Lyrosian. Adama laughed. “Sarah? Yes, I shall call you Sarah.” After she bathed, Adama spent the day teaching Salma how to speak more Lyrosian and then walking in Lucia’s rose garden. That evening after the meal was done and Adama had retired, when they were alone, Sarah gave her a rolled scroll. 145

Calthraca: The Tiger “This was within my robes. I think it is for you,” she said. Adama took it. It said “Seref’behar” on the outside of it, but was not written in Tengri’s scrawl. Tehlar. “Tessekur. Ah… Thank you, Sarah,” she said quietly. Adama turned and walked to her balcony and pulled the ribbon off the scroll. She unrolled it and read: Dearest Adama, By now you have reached your home of Lyros. I am sorry I prevented you from joining our beloved Tengri in Paradise. I am sure you must believe it was cruel of me. I hope you will one day come to see that it was for the best. You once did me a great favor. You returned my son to me. Somehow you mended his wounded heart, and gave him happiness once more, even if it was for only a short time. He died as he would have wanted, as a warrior. Moreover he died with the love of a good woman whom he treasured. Like the rebirth you gave Tengri, take the gift of your life and find love once again for yourself. All of my love and blessings, Tehlar Adama looked out at the darkening sky. Tears had fallen steadily down her cheeks as she read Tehlar’s letter, and she wiped at them with the back of her hand. She had been angry with Tehlar for preventing her from dying, thinking it was some sort of terrible punishment. She realized her mother-in-law had given her a second chance, had given her permission to live again, and she had loved her like a daughter. She shredded the letter in her hands, and finally held the pieces up, letting the night wind take them, like a flurry of autumn leaves. 146

Calthraca: The Tiger **** For the next several months, Adama continued her recovery, enjoying the warm spring in Lyros. Still many people in the court found it awkward to be around her, afraid of saying something wrong and offending her, or discomfited by her quiet demeanor. They were used to her fiery temper and loud ways. Christian would often call upon her, taking her riding or walking. He always tried to be gentle with her but she could feel his frustration building and knew he was going to break soon. He had grown into an enormous man in the two years she’d been gone, and it was strange to see her friend so changed. She wondered if she appeared any different to him. She knew he wanted to make love to her, to resume their relationship, but it was too soon, and Adama knew she would feel unfaithful and hollow. Tengri’s memory would not be easy to replace, and she had no desire for a man in any event. One day, they were walking in her mother’s garden, and she’d just finished another “Tengri-story” as Christian called them. He looked at her and said, “When are you going to let that sand rat go?” Shocked, she stared at him. “Adama, he stole you from your family, raped you, forced you to marry him, and God alone knows what else. He was a barbarian, yet you’ve martyred him in your heart,” he said angrily. She was too stunned to reply, and he continued. “Tartak has been annexed by Andalos. After I graduate from the academy this spring, I plan to return to Andalos. I’m requesting a deployment to Tartak, and maybe I can put a few of his worthless Sarasci to the sword. They’ve scattered like bugs,” he said cruelly. “Why would you say such things to me?” “It’s time for you to climb out of this hole of despair you’ve dug for yourself. I swear if I never hear ‘Tengri this’ or ‘Tengri that’ again, it will be too soon.” 147

Calthraca: The Tiger “He was my husband,” she said, aghast. “He stole you and raped you and forced you to be with him, convincing you he was your husband. He drove you half mad, Adama,” he said harshly, taking her by the arms, gripping painfully. It drove him half mad that she held such feelings for the dead Tark, but no longer looked at him as she used to. Had it not been for Tengri-Khan, Christian might this very moment be her husband. Adama had absolutely no control over what had happened to her, but he still faulted her for not getting over it as quickly as possible and getting back to her real life. Perhaps if he shocked her enough, if he made her realize how terrible the Tiger had been, she would abandon his memory and once more come to love him. “No. You don’t know! No one knows how it was, I loved him.” “What you had with him was wrong. It wasn’t love, Adama, it was fear and abuse. I’m sorry I have to be the one to tell you this, but no one seems to want to. It was wrong, Adama, and you have to forget him and move on. I am your friend, I know it is for the best.” Her face was pale. “Let go of me.” He looked down at his hands, as though surprised to see himself holding her. He released her arms, and she turned to walk away from him. “Adama. It was wrong.” She stopped. He could feel a strange tingling sensation as though all the hair on his arms were standing on end. She slowly turned and looked at him, narrowing her eyes. He felt a strange sensation, something similar to being very close to a lightning strike. It emanated from her, blossoming into a nearly visible spot over her head, forming a light. Suddenly the light shot a bolt that hit him directly in the chest, flinging him across the garden into the wall. It knocked him senseless. 148

Calthraca: The Tiger Wordlessly Adama turned and began walking back to the castle. She had wondered if she changed at all during her time away. She supposed she had changed after all—she had gained a strength and power she never could have imagined. “Adama, did I hear thunder?” Her mother met her at the door. “No, Mother,” she said. “It was me.” “You?” “Yes, I think I need to go away for a while.” It was time to learn how to use the powerful gift she possessed. “To Miranda?” Lucia knew already. “Yes.” She continued on to her rooms.

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Epilogue Adama was nearly finished with her education under Miranda Altrop, and with the help of the sorceress, she had developed into a very powerful sorceress in her own right. The magic was something she had always known was within her, but had never developed wholly. She and her mother had discussed her studying with Miranda some years before she’d been abducted, but there never seemed to be a right time. Miranda had met with her and counseled her that she would know the time, and she had. Today she was heading for Regiata, to visit her mother, and Christian, with whom she’d reconciled. She was still hesitant to resume their physical relationship, but she valued his friendship and wanted to keep him close to her. Sarah was doing well becoming a Lyrosian, much to Adama’s delight, and she looked forward to seeing her friend. She found herself riding her horse through a glade. She looked up as the blossoms from the trees fell upon her silently like snow. She shivered, recalling her dream, her premonition of Tengri’s death. She reined up and had to dismount for a moment. Her eyes filled with sad tears, and she wiped them away. Over the months she had been gone, and with plenty of help from Miranda, she had slowly come to realize that Christian was right, or at least partially so. Tengri had controlled her, and abused her; but she knew in her heart he had loved her in his own way, as much as she had loved him. She had been his wife, and he had been her husband and for a brief time, they were happy. 150

Calthraca: The Tiger As she guided her horse forward, she thought more about that long-ago dream. She remembered there was another, the man riding the dark horse. Adama knew now he was the man fate intended for her, the one who would return her unconditional love, and hope flickered in her heart for the first time since she had returned. She did not know his name, or when she would find him, only that he would be there. Briefly, she felt that nearly forgotten sensation of comfort that accompanied the dreams of him. The longing for his touch flared in her, making her flushed and hot and it passed as quickly as it came, but left behind a calmness she had not felt in ages. She realized that she was saying goodbye to Tengri, and at last it felt right. She had loved him regardless of his many faults, and though she wasn’t through grieving him, she had finally begun to heal.

Turn the page to read an exciting excerpt from the continuation of Adama’s story in the next thrilling book of the Calthraca Series, Adamare. Available May 2007 from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid.

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He rose from the bed and walked to the window. He watched the people come and go in the courtyard, thinking it must still be fairly early, but the clock on the mantle read half past midnight. He’d been with Adama for nearly four hours. He laughed shortly to himself and realized he still felt randy enough for four more. “Four more? I don’t know if I can,” he heard her say weakly. How strong is she!? he asked himself, startled that she could pick up a thought from that far without making physical contact. He stepped back and drew the drapes closed. He turned to her. “Adama, you are incredible.” “I…” She didn’t know what she was going to say. She’d never been like that before. She had thrown herself at him and was ashamed for having acted like what she considered a common whore. She knew he was a stranger to her, but something about him made her feel comforted and safe. There was a familiarity there that she could not quite place. She closed her eyes and sighed. Maybe Christian was right when he had called her a whore, but then Christian had never made her feel the way this man just had either. She had never experienced an orgasm with Chris at all; even her husband Tengri hadn’t brought her to the heights this sorcerer had. Tears of exhaustion and confusion rolled slowly down the sides of her face, pooling by her ears. He walked to the bed and lay on his side beside her, kissing her eyes. 152

Calthraca: The Tiger “Don’t be ashamed, you are not a whore. I’m afraid I may have taken advantage of you in a weak moment. It’s my fault entirely.” He caught a tear as it rolled down her face, and he put his arms around her. “It has been so long…” she sniffled. “I’m sorry.” Still she lay there crying softly in his arms. He knew she needed sleep and was angry at himself for pushing her so hard when she was still vulnerable. He passed his hand over her face, smoothing her glorious hair back. “Rest, we shall talk soon enough.” “We can’t—” “Consopios—sleep,” he whispered. She sighed and slid into deep and peaceful sleep. He would let her rest for a few hours then wake her. They would need to talk before they met with Eleana. He got up and pulled on his pants then crossed the room, unbarred the door and stepped barefoot out into the sitting room. He was surprised to see the fire lit in the hearth and two covered dishes on the sideboard. Adama’s maid was sitting on a small stool by the door, dozing lightly. He walked quietly over to her and touched her shoulder, startling her. “Find your bed, girl. Your mistress won’t need you tonight.” “Is she all right?” Sarah sat up quickly, instantly alert. He could feel the fear radiating from her, but still she stood her ground and faced him. Her devotion was admirable. “She is fine, she’s sleeping. You may look in on her if you like,” he said smiling. Sarah stood up and ducked past the sorcerer and hurried to the bedroom to check on her mistress. She pulled the coverlet over Adama’s bare shoulder, then left her room quietly. Sarah looked at him pleadingly. “Please do not hurt her, she’s been through too much already. She is a good woman, and deserves to be treated gently.” He tilted his head and looked at the maid closely. “I have no intention of doing anything except protecting her, I swear.” 153

Calthraca: The Tiger Normally he wouldn’t bother to explain himself, but he admired her courage, and felt she deserved it. She nodded then curtsied. “Goodnight, my lord.” “Goodnight, Sarah,” he replied, surprising her by knowing her real name. After she left, he lifted the covers on the dishes and then decided he’d eat later with Adama. Right now he felt nearly as exhausted as she was. He returned to the bedchamber, looked up at the mirrored wall and his own reflection. He knew his duty, but he wasn’t sure what to do about his feelings for Adama. What he had done was entirely improper and he could lose his commission, he knew. He knew and he did not give a damn. Still the powerful emotions she evoked in him, the familiarity and sentiment, the incredible passion, nagged at him, making him question everything. Why her? Why now? The man staring back at him had no answers either, but they both looked tired. He waved his hand at the mirror and said, “Recursus,” and it was once again just a wall. He knew he should leave now, return to his own apartments and forget those feelings for her. Concentrate on his mission and see her safely home. He walked to the bed and looked at Adama sleeping, and knew he wasn’t going to be able to leave. He dropped his pants and climbed in. She was beautiful and irresistible, and for now, his. Once he was settled, she curled up to him, sliding an arm across his broad chest, sighing contentedly. He was accustomed to sleeping alone, but he found her embrace pleasant and comfortably familiar. As he started sliding toward sleep, he realized the name Adama meant “love.” He opened his eyes and looked at her again.

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Calthraca: The Tiger In his world, words were powerful. From the lips of a sorcerer as talented as he, the right word could mean death to an enemy, or ecstasy to a lover. The love spell Adamare was easy enough to invoke, and he wondered if perhaps that was the reason he felt so drawn to her so quickly. As he considered that possibility, he saw a small smile play across her lips, and she sent the thought, Redamare. To love in return.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR An Original Yankee, Camryn was born, raised and educated in Maine, where she still lives. She shares her life with her husband of fifteen years and her three children, along with George the dachshund, Samhain the calico cat, Disney the hamster and Eddy “the undead gerbil.”

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