The Tahaerin Chronicles by J. Ellen Ross

Author:J. Ellen Ross [Ross, J. Ellen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-02-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Leisha slid down Capar’s side and into Symon’s embrace. One arm went around her shoulders while the other cradled her head as he blinked away tears. They should have done this inside, but protocol be dammed. People in the courtyard cheered and jostled to see. Huddled in the doorway behind him, Danica and the other maids wept openly. “Thank the gods,” he said, his voice muffled in her hair. “My darling girl. I can’t tell you how happy I am you’re all right.”

She leaned against Symon, her eyes closed, trying to will away the urge to bolt inside. “I thought I’d never see you again,” she said against his shoulder as tears threatened again. I thought I was going to die, and now I think I’m mad. The words sprang up unbidden, and she clenched her teeth against them.

Standing nearby, Andelko waited his turn, looking stoic. He hugged her when Symon let go and tried several times to say something. Nothing felt adequate to express his relief and joy at seeing her alive again. There was so much he wanted to say and so much he could never tell her. Finally, he gave up, satisfied with just crushing her in his embrace.

Beyond the walls, the soldiers began taunting and jeering at Lukas and Lorant as they were led through the crowd. For three days, Leisha had ridden in front of the men, kept from seeing them. The prospect of coming face to face with either set her heart to racing. I can’t do this. They’ll all see.

The safety of the castle called to her. Outside, she felt vulnerable, exposed, as if danger lurked everywhere. When Andelko finally stepped back, Zaraki took her hand, looking torn between staying with her and seeing to Capar.

“Go. Take care of your boy,” Symon said, seeing his indecision. “Let me take her inside.”

“Yes, I’m tired,” Leisha lied, feeling overwhelmed and panicked. She wanted to get out of this with her dignity intact. “I think I’d like to go lay down. Come find me when you’re done.” Her smile looked as insincere as her words sounded, but Symon offered his arm anyway and she took it.

As they turned, he sent Danica to draw a hot bath. Tearfully, she curtsied and ran off.

“Bath and bed, my dear.” He put his arm around Leisha’s shoulders and led her through the hall. Servants came away from the doors and windows they had watched her arrival from, following their progress.

“Should I call your doctor?” he asked as they climbed the stairs.

Leisha shook her head. “No, I’m not hurt.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her trying to say more. Each time, though, she pursed her lips and kept silent. When they reached her apartment, she managed a quiet, “Symon?” before stopping herself and looking away, trying to blink back tears.

”Take all the time you need, my dear girl. Everything is in order here.”

Once Danica and the other maids had the small tub filled with scalding hot water, Symon turned Leisha over to them.

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