Mica (21 page)

By the rasp of his breath and the endearments murmured between deep, soul-stealing kisses she knew he too was aroused. This realization further increased her pleasure.

He thrust faster, pulling almost completely out then lunging deep inside. His warm, wet tongue laved her neck. Sun gasped and writhed, her legs trembling with need. She was so deeply in love with this man who pleasured her body and wrapped her soul in his.

“Mica, yes. Oh yes.”

“Dame Sun. Goddess I feel like I’m going to burst with passion.”

His words, his ragged breath and the wild pounding of his heart drove her over the edge. With a sharp cry she convulsed, her pussy clamping around his cock, squeezing, contracting with waves of pleasure so incredible that for several moments the world turned black.

“Ahh,” he cried, doubling his speed, his buttocks like steel beneath her clutching hands. “Ahh. Goddess. Sun.”

His sleek body tensed and lunged hard, exploding in orgasm and filling her with his essence. Completely lost in pleasure, Sun remained limp beneath him, simply enjoying the moment.

Mica rolled onto his back and cradled Sun to his heaving chest. She listened to their harsh breath and the hard pulsing of his heart beneath her cheek. When her strength returned she raised her head and stared at him. There were so many reasons for them to hold their emotions at bay.

Before they entered a serious relationship she had so much to tell him about herself, so much he had to know to make an informed decision. If he hadn’t been adamant about Priesthood she might have told him then and there but if he still held back part of himself why should she discuss her deepest, darkest secrets?

“You are so beautiful. If any woman is in the Goddess’ image, then you’re the one.”

“Isn’t that blasphemy?” She kissed his fingertip that was outlining her lips.

“It’s not meant to be.”

Sun drew a long breath. She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue and tried rolling onto her side.

He held her, brushing her mouth with a chaste kiss. Strangely it stirred her as much as his deep kisses of moments ago.
“Sleep well, Dame Sun,” he whispered.

“You too, Mica.” She smiled slightly, curling up beside him, their bodies touching beneath the blanket.

* * * * *

“Mica.” Zareb embraced his friend once Mica had dismounted in the midst of the Bedouin settlement.

The Bedouins had chosen to spend the season on a small oasis west of Ademene.

Already crops were planted, tents pitched and herds of goats grazed on the outskirts of the temporary village.

Men and women went about their daily chores while children assisted them or played games beneath the shade of leafy green trees.

Mica cringed to think about what would happen to the settlement should the army attack. He’d seen destruction of places much larger and stronger than this. Unless the Bedouins moved to Ademene until the army was disbanded they would be slaughtered.

The Messenger searched Mica’s face, concerned. “You’ve been sick again.”

“I’m fine, but we have more important matters to discuss. I know you’ve been told about the army massing in the desert.”

Zareb’s jaw stiffened. “I know. I’ve been trying to convince the Bedouins to move to the city just until it’s safe to wander again but they’ll have no part of it.”

“They will kill all of you.”

“I know that but I won’t leave. They need some kind of—” Zareb paused as two young children tugged on his sleeves, begging him to give them another horseback riding lesson. The Messenger offered them a strained smile. “Go finish your chores.

We’ll ride this afternoon. I promise.”

Momentarily satisfied the children left and joined a small group by a wagon. Sun noted the youngsters were skinny and unkempt.

“Their father was killed in the battle with the false emperor and their mother died of a snakebite over a year ago,” Mica explained. “I wasn’t able to get to her in time.”

Sun nodded. “Looks like there are many children like them here.”

“This season hasn’t been good,” Zareb admitted. “Food has been scarce and they’ve lost much of their livestock to disease.”

“They’d be better off in Ademene. You Messengers and Priests have set up some excellent shelters and found work for many.”

“You’ve been spending time with our workers?” Zareb smiled at her. “So have you convinced Mica to settle for being a Messenger instead of truly giving it all to the Goddess?”

“I’m trying.”

Zareb’s gaze flew to Mica. “Someone’s finally managed to talk some sense into
you?”

Mica folded his arms across his chest. “We don’t have time for this foolishness.

Where’s Arsha? I must talk to him.”

“He’s working in the garden but you’re wasting your time. I’ve talked until my throat’s sore. They won’t go to Ademene. The say they’d rather die free than live in a polluted, overly crowded chicken coop.”

“Don’t they mean pigpen?” Mica tossed Sun a teasing look before heading for the garden.

He had to convince the Bedouins to abandon the oasis and join them in Ademene.

* * * * *

“I’m sorry.” The Bedouins’ leader held Mica’s gaze. “I respect what you’ve done for us but I cannot bring my people to Ademene where they must follow another man’s laws.”

“It’s only temporary, Arsha.”

Though Mica’s voice remained calm Sun sensed his growing frustration. For the past two hours he’d worked alongside Arsha in the garden all the while trying to convince the man to lead his people to safety. The Bedouins had lived in the desert for generations. It seemed they would rather die than adapt to city life even for a short time.

Mica stood, his fists clenched. “You’ll be slaughtered.”

“Then we’ll die free.”

“You’ll die fools.” Zareb snapped from where he knelt under a tree, milking a goat.

“And take me with you.”

Arsha glanced over his shoulder at Zareb. “You’re here of your own free will, Messenger. We never asked for your help.”

Mica squeezed his temples with his thumb and forefinger. His teeth clenched visibly. “What can I do to convince you?”

“Nothing.”

“At least let me take the children—”

“We care for our own children.”

“Then prove it.” Sun stepped forward, unable to control her temper any longer.

“Do the right thing and don’t keep them here to suffer.”

Arsha looked right through her. She resisted the urge to wring the man’s neck. Mica had told her how closed-minded the Bedouins were to anyone outside of their clan. It had taken him and Zareb years of service to gain their trust.

“We never asked for your help,” Arsha told Mica. “What you’ve done here has been your own choice. We’ve looked on you as a friend in spite of who your father was. Now you try to bend us to your will. Perhaps you’re not so different than him after all.”
Zareb looked from Mica to Arsha, his expression furious.

Mica’s jaw tightened even more. “It’s your life.”

“Exactly.”

Glancing at Sun, Mica said, “Let’s go. If we leave now we can cover at least a few miles before nightfall.”

Sun followed him to the horses. “We’ll leave tomorrow.”

“Tonight.”

“In the morning after you’ve rested.” Her tone left no room for argument.

He glared at her.

“Look, if we’re headed into a war I’m not going to waste time nursing you in the middle of the desert again.”

A smile played around his lips. “You do have a way of convincing a man.”

A tall, dark-skinned woman draped in tan robes approached. “Please spend the night.”

“Zea, your husband is a stubborn fool,” Mica snapped.

The woman nodded. “I will continue talking to him but I doubt he’ll change his mind about moving the entire settlement. Maybe I can convince him to let the children return with you.”

“Please try,” Mica said, his expression concerned.

“I will. In the meantime join us for a meal. You both must be hungry.”

Sun and Mica sat by one of the fires with Zea and Arsha’s family eating a meal of fruit and bread. Sun listened to the pleasant chatter of the Bedouins and noticed many spoke with Mica about everyday matters as well as the coming battle. Several children sat close by him, asking for stories or showing him toys, carved animals, dolls and dice.

Sun recognized many of the tales he spun. Apparently his grandmother
had
told him all the myths of the Western Continent. He spoke of Alrik, a wizard, and Lila, his wife sent by the Spirit, and how they defeated the evil sorcerer, Mar Maska, who had once ruled Zaltana.

As Mica told his tale a little girl of about six edged closer to Sun until the child tilted her head against her arm. Sun glanced downward and smiled.

“Are you the Warrior Goddess?” the girl whispered.

Sun chuckled. “No I’m not the Warrior Goddess.”

Mica winked. “But she’s probably the closest thing to it this world will ever see.”

“Tell us another story, Mica,” a boy called.

“No, that’s enough stories for tonight,” Zea said. “Mica and Sun are tired and want to get some sleep. They’re leaving early tomorrow.”

“Another story another time.” Mica stood and ruffled the boy’s hair.

He and Sun walked to a tree. They spread their blankets beneath it and settled
down for the night. Mica tugged Sun into his arms, pressing her to the length of his body and burying his face in her neck. She cuddled closer, her thoughts darting between the pleasure of being in Mica’s arms and concern for the Bedouins. If Zea couldn’t make her husband see reason so many innocents would suffer.

“Why is Arsha being so stubborn?” she muttered.

“His decision is madness. If I could stay here with Zareb I would but I’m needed in Ademene.”

“Zareb’s a courageous man.”

“Yes, he is.”

“Much like you.”

“I think that’s the first real compliment you’ve ever given me, Dame Sun. I’m honored.”

“You should be.”

His arm tightened around her. Closing her eyes, Sun prayed Arsha would change his mind.

* * * * *

Sun’s eyes opened, though it was still nighttime. She burrowed deeper into the blankets against the chill then realized Mica was gone. She stood, her gaze roaming across the camp until she noticed him seated by one of the fires, his back to her.

She approached, careful not to disturb the sleeping Bedouins. Several guards posted by the trees glanced in her direction but remained silent. A tender feeling touched Sun’s heart. She neared Mica who sat on a log, a toddler in his arms, the girl’s smooth cheek resting against his chest. One of his hands gently rubbed her small back and stroked her head of fine, dark curls.

“I thought you were supposed to be resting?” Sun whispered, sitting beside him.

“She’s been sick.” Mica’s head tilted in the toddler’s direction. “Zareb is very busy.

He can’t spend as much time with some of them as they need.”

“Hasn’t she any relatives?”

“Like many of these children she’s orphaned.”

Sun understood their situation all too well. If it hadn’t been for Blaze and Dame Neila she might never have known the affection every child deserved. Mica’s actions were more like Blaze’s than she’d realized.

“Good news,” he said. “Arsha has agreed to allow Zareb to bring the children to the temple outside of Ademene.”

“It’s still not in the city.”

“But the temple is evacuated on Kado’s order.”

Sun smiled. “So one way or the other they’ll be protected when the attack comes.
Good.”

“I told Zareb we’d help him guide the children there along with mothers of infants and any pregnant woman who wants to go. I hope that’s fine with you.”

“Of course it is.”

“I thought it would be.” He stood, carrying the girl back to the group of children sleeping by the fire. When he tried placing her on the blankets she whimpered and clung to him.

“I’ll take her.” Sun approached and accepted the girl who immediately fell asleep against her shoulder.

Mica smiled.

“What are you staring at?” she asked.

“You.” He touched her cheek. “With all your good qualities, you’ll make a wonderful mother someday.”

Sun turned away, her heartbeat quickening. That was the last thing she had expected him to say—and the last thing she wanted to hear.

“I’m not a motherly sort of woman.”

“Yes you are. You could teach children so many things, how to handle a sword, how to ride horses, how to be kind and giving.”

“Shut up, Mica.” Sun flung him an irritated look before settling down by the fire.

Chuckling, he went off to assist Zareb with the other sick and injured.

Sun glanced after him, swallowing an annoying lump in her throat. He’d make a far better father than she would a mother—not that it would do either of them any good.

He planned to castrate himself and her chance for motherhood had been stolen long ago.

The toddler murmured in her sleep and Sun hugged her a bit tighter. She’d always liked children but Dames were often away from home. Still, many of them married and had families. Yet Sun never would. Ever.

* * * * *

Mica spent most of the night helping Zareb prepare a wagon to carry some of the young children and women too pregnant to walk. Everyone else would make the journey by foot since Arsha and his warriors couldn’t afford to give up wagons and horses needed for defense against an attacking army.

“We’ll have to make frequent stops and most likely two trips,” Mica said. “The wagon is far too small for the number of infants and women in the final stages of pregnancy.”

Zareb’s blue eyes flashed. “Of course. We’ll all risk our lives just so
Arsha
can look brave. The man is an ass.”

“I agree but short of convincing the emperor to take them by force there’s nothing
we can do.”

“It would serve them right but why would the emperor waste his troops to arrest these fools for their own good?” Zareb ran a hand through his hair. “I’m going to get some rest while I can. It will be a long journey tomorrow.”

“Have a good sleep.”

Zareb cast him a skeptical look before trudging across the camp. Mica saw him pause beside an elderly woman who had apparently needed help. A healer’s life wasn’t easy. Priests and Messengers were forever busy. His gaze fell on Sun who still held the toddler against her shoulder while she tucked a blanket around another sleeping child.