over the High Prince’s face, then drew Sioned gently outside into the clean night air.
Urival and Walvis followed. Guards, kept at bay until now by the high-ranking Sunrunner, rushed into Roelstra’s tent, and moments later there were shouts for water, bandages, and the High Prince’s personal physician. Sioned stumbled as Roelstra bellowed an order to be left alone, his voice making her flinch. Rohan moved as if to carry her, but she shook her head silently. They left Roelstra’s camp behind, and no one said anything until they reached the first of the blue Desert tents.
At last Walvis could stand it no longer and burst out, “I’m sorry, my lord! I watched and followed, but they took me by surprise, as they did my lady—”
“You’re not to blame for any of this,” Rohan said. “And you did very well to keep him distracted for so long. Walvis, I’m proud of you for not crying out. It wouldn’t have done any good and it might’ve gotten you killed. I can’t afford to lose you.” Aware that Sioned’s steps were faltering, he went on, “Urival, please tell Andrade that we’re all right. Sioned will stay with me. Walvis, if anyone asks for me, tell them anything you like. Just don’t let them know I’m not inside my tent.”
“Yes, my lord,” the pair said together.
“Rohan,” Sioned whispered. “I want out of here. Now.”
He took her down to the river, frightened as she leaned on him and gasped for breath. He wanted to stop, but she insisted they keep going across the soft gravel, far enough downriver so no one could find them. Rohan knew they were being watched; he felt eyes on his back, but knew they were faradhi eyes and that faradhi ways would deal with anyone else who attempted to follow.
At last Sioned directed him toward a tree. Thin, supple branches rose over their heads and then swept down to the ground, forming a small, private darkness within. It was here that they sheltered from even friendly eyes, screened from the night by silver-green leaves, with the tree arching over them and rustling softly in the quiet night breeze.
“My head hurts,” Sioned murmured.
Rohan cradled her against him. “Forgive me, love, for not taking better care of you.”
“It wasn’t your fault. I should’ve known.” She shifted in his arms. “Roelstra—said things to me, before.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You would have been angry. And probably said something you shouldn’t and ruined your plans.”
“To hell with my plans!”
“See? You’re angry now.” She rubbed her cheek to his bare shoulder. “Aren’t you cold?”
“No.”
“I keep wondering how he drugged my wine. And what with. I saw you dancing with Ianthe, and when she left I followed her. Do you think she meant me to, so her father could get me alone?”
“You don’t have to talk about it, beloved,” he said as he felt her tremble.
“I have to understand what happened,” she said stubbornly, and massaged her temples with her fingertips, stretching her neck to ease the tension in her muscles. “Goddess, what a headache! He had two winecups and gave me one of them. I can be so stupid.”
“How could you have known?”
“Well . . . I did something even more stupid by going to his tent. I wasn’t really sure what was going on, I think. He gave me more wine.” She paused. “I wish you’d killed him.”
“So do I.”
“Good thing you didn’t, though. I had to hide the ropes from you—I knew they’d only make you angrier.” She laughed softly. “Oh, beloved, did you see his face when you called me your wife?”
“Shh. Just rest now. You’re safe, and no one can find us here. I’ve got you and I’m never going to let you go again.”
“It was horrible, being tied up like that. I couldn’t conjure so much as a flicker of Fire. Not at first, anyway. I tried later—and the flame flared up and scared me half to death. And then he caught Walvis, and I didn’t dare try anything. I wonder what was in the wine,” she repeated fretfully.
“Hush. Don’t think about it.” He smoothed her tumbled hair.
“Mmm. . . .” She nestled to him, her hands running lightly over his chest. “You’re so warm, Rohan. All gold and silk and beautiful muscles . . . did you know how beautiful you are, my love?”
“You’re drunk,” he said, blushing.
“A little,” she admitted. “But the headache’s going away, at least. I’m beginning to feel quite wonderful, as a matter of fact.”