The Lion's Daughter by Loretta Chase

Author:Loretta Chase [Chase, Loretta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780425209509
Amazon: 0425209504
Barnesnoble: 0425209504
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 1991-12-31T11:00:00+00:00

SHORTLY AFTER SUNRISE, Fejzi arrived to escort Varian to the Vizier. He found Lord Edenmont broad awake, washed though not yet shaven, and touchy.

Varian's troubled sleep had been punctuated by a series of dreams, each of which had begun lewdly and ended in the most grisly fashion. In the last, a naked Esme had held in one hand a bloodstained knife and in the other a slimy piece of throbbing flesh. “You have no heart,” she'd said, smiling. “No heart, no heart, no heart.” He'd awakened to find his own still safe in his bosom, hammering wildly. It set up another racket now at the unexpected and thoroughly unwelcome summons.

Varian raised no objection, however. The last thing he wanted at present was to antagonize Ali. After last night's confrontation, it was a miracle Lord Edenmont's head remained secured to his neck. Five hundred pounds he'd rejected—for the second time—to leave Esme behind. His reasons had been closely examined. So closely that Varian had felt he'd been turned inside out, scrubbed clean of every secret, and wrung thoroughly dry.

Oh, he'd won in the end—about the time he'd begun to suspect Ali had intended that all along, and the bribe was merely part of some convoluted Oriental game, or a test of some sort. Then Varian could have kicked himself for refusing the money. What would Ali have done had he accepted? What would the old fiend do with a girl he knew wanted to cut his cousin's throat? Or did the Vizier want her to kill Ismal?

No. Varian would not attempt to comprehend the labyrinthine mind of Ali Pasha. That way madness lay.

The Lion of Janina was standing when Lord Edenmont entered—a promising sign of royal condescension. Much to his lordship's astonishment, the Lion hastened forward to embrace him.

Via Fejzi, Lord Edenmont learned he was as dear to his highness as a son, and were circumstances otherwise, the Vizier would give half his realm to keep this wise and brave lord by him always. Alas, one could not keep him even another day. Ali could not, either, accompany his lordship to Corfu, for duty called him elsewhere. There appeared to be some difficulties in the southern realm; a little war may be necessary to bring peace. Still, there was no need for alarm. Lord Edenmont would depart this morning and reach Corfu speedily. He would not wish to endanger the young ones by remaining.

Ali spoke casually, as though he mentioned negligible matters. Hearing Fejzi stammer through the translation, however, Varian experienced a chill, as though an icy finger traced its way down his spine.

“I told his highness last night I had no intention of lingering. What's the meaning of this ominous hint?” he asked Fejzi.

“His highness is concerned the Red Lion's daughter will continue to raise difficulties that might slow your progress. At another time, her waywardness would be amusing. At present, it could prove perilous. Ismal is deeply disappointed. It is possible his friends will take advantage of the Vizier's preoccupation with internal troubles.

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