Moon Hunt by Kathleen O'Neal Gear

Author:Kathleen O'Neal Gear
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

The Prize

Perhaps it is not fair. Nevertheless I cannot help but compare bedding the Morning Star to what I just shared with Straight Corn. I sigh and hold my Straight Corn close, feeling the man I love firmly in my arms. This is the boy who was my friend before he became my husband and lover.

I wonder what it means, sometimes, to have two husbands under two such different sets of values. Which marriage is more valid? Which should have primacy in my life?

“I hate sharing you with him.” Straight Corn shifts his head, staring into my eyes. I can see the hurt and turmoil within him.

“There was nothing I could do. It all moved so fast. Once father’s warriors had me, I barely had time to collect my wits before I was thrown into a canoe and brought here. And I sure didn’t expect such a rapid marriage to the Morning Star.”

I pause. “And it wasn’t like I could turn around and run for it. Believe me. I really considered it. Wouldn’t have made it past the palace doors before the warriors would have had me.”

Spooned against Straight Corn’s body as I am, I look up at the roof overhead. I can hear voices outside where my escorting warriors and the porters who carried my litter are waiting out front. They think I am discussing delicate peace terms.

Hanging Moss, Wet Clay Woman, and Fighting Dog had barely said hello before they ducked out the back way, exiting through a small doorway in the rear wall in order to leave us alone for a little connubial bliss. I’m delighted that they found a building with a back entrance. It might just save someone’s life, depending on how things work out.

I know Straight Corn and I don’t have much time, that they will be back soon, and we have to act as if we’re really discussing diplomatic measures. Otherwise my escort will become suspicious. It is a foregone conclusion that they will report everything to Five Fists.

“I’m so glad you still love me,” Straight Corn whispers into my ear. Then he sits up. “They will be back soon.”

I reach for my skirt, pulling it up over my hips. As I do, the thought rolls around in my head that making love to Straight Corn is making love to a boy. That the act with him isn’t the mature intimacy that categorizes the Morning Star’s performance, let alone the intensity of my physical response.

The novice versus the master, my internal voice tells me.

I thank the Spirits that Straight Corn can’t hear my thoughts.

He slips to the rear door, setting it to the side and reaching through to signal. Moments later Hanging Moss comes ducking in and climbs down to the floor. He is followed by Wet Clay Woman and finally Fighting Dog.

“Glad that you had a chance to get reacquainted,” Hanging Moss says, giving me a wink. “Some of us remember the fires of young love.”

I feel my face flush as Wet

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