Mica (27 page)

He dried off and tugged a fresh tunic over his head then joined her for a meal. The table wasn’t meant for two exceptionally tall people. Or maybe it was. He grinned,
nudging her knees apart and settling one of his legs between them.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“I’m fine.”

“You keep saying that.” He reached for a chunk of dried fruit. Her nonchalance concerned him. He knew she must feel as invaded as he did—more considering this was the second time in her life she’d been violated.

“It’s true.”

“I’m not fine.” Perhaps if he opened up to her about his feelings, she would respond in kind.

“You’ve probably never been raped before.” She took a swallow from her water mug. “Can we talk about something else? It’s done, Mica. All we can do now is rip the cocks off the bastards who did it.”

Oh I plan on it.
Mica reached for her hand. “I know how you must feel. I want revenge too but—”

“But what? You want me to cower in a corner somewhere to show how humiliated I am?”

“Of course not.”

“That’s not me and if you don’t know that by now you don’t know me very well.”

She stood, kicking her chair aside and walking across the room.

Mica approached and wrapped his arms around her. He half expected her to pull away but she clung to him instead and rested her head against his shoulder. Tilting his cheek against her hair, he inhaled its pleasant herbal scent.

“Sorry I lost my temper.” She tilted her face up to his.

“If you didn’t lose your temper I’d be worried.”

They sat and ate while discussing less emotional subjects.

Mica leaned back in his chair and attempted to run a hand through his hair. Feeling the bandage, he dropped his arm. It had taken him ages to grow all that damn hair.

Now it was wagging behind Karlus’ helmet.

Sun smiled. “You look sleepy. Must be the portia kicking in.”

Mica nodded and headed for the bed. He flopped into it, his bruised ribs and back aching at the impact. He started to mention something about the emperor’s attack plans but his voice faded before the sentence formed completely.

* * * * *

Sun lay on her bed for several moments, her gaze wandering from Mica to the pale gray ceiling. Though her muscles still ached from the abuse of a few days ago she longed for the training field. Now that Mica was out of immediate danger her thoughts focused on revenge. Dame Neila would advise her to be grateful that she and Mica were alive and not to lose herself in vengeance. Blaze would agree with Neila though he
would understand her feelings. They were probably right but she couldn’t seem to help herself. She’d been violated too many times to sweep aside hatred.

Sun kissed Mica’s cheek before leaving the room. He didn’t move and she guessed he’d sleep for most of the day. On the way to the great hall she met Lock’s wife, Sparrow.

“Sparrow, I’ve been wanting to thank you for cleaning me up onboard the ship but I’ve been spending much time with Mica.”

“I’m glad I could help. How is your friend?”

“Better, thank you.” It amazed her how wonderful she felt knowing Mica would recover and have the life he deserved.

“And you?”

“I’m fine. I hope to be back on the field in a few days.” Sun wished everyone would stop asking how she was and simply allow her to cope with the situation in her own way. Whining about it wouldn’t change anything. The only way to gain any release from the anger and pain festering deep inside her would be to take revenge on the men who sullied her and Mica.

“Don’t rush it.” Sparrow placed a hand on Sun’s shoulder. “You had some serious injuries.”

“I know. If Lock and the others hadn’t gotten there when they did we’d have died.”

“Lock dreamed the whole thing. He was quite upset when he woke up that night and turned the ship around so fast the crew thought we might capsize.” Sparrow shook her head. “At times I hate it when he has those dreams though in this case I’m glad.”

“So am I. Believe me.”

“I was actually on my way to see you and Mica. I would have come sooner but I’ve been spending much time with the High Advisor’s councilmen. I’ve spoken with the emperor and Sir Blaze and we hope to form an alliance between Ademene and the Ruby Order.”

“I understand how busy you must be,” Sun said. Sparrow held a special position as one of the only females working for the Ruby Order. Fluent in over ten languages, she had been appointed ambassador for the Order and traveled on Lock’s ship in that capacity. Her talents were invaluable. She loved being stationed with her husband so the arrangement worked well.

“Mica’s asleep right now,” Sun said as she and Sparrow walked down the hall.

“The treatment for bog tremors is very strong but I’m looking forward to introducing you once he’s better.”

“And I’m looking forward to meeting the man who gives you such a look in your eyes.” Sparrow grinned, opening the door to the chamber she shared with her husband.

Inside Lock sat on a chair by the window, polishing his sword. The Knight smiled at the women, his teeth gleaming against skin almost as dark as Mica’s, a striking contrast to his white-streaked hair. “Glad to see you’re better, Sun.”
“If it hadn’t been for you I’d be food for the stone buzzards about now. Thanks.”

She offered Lock a firm handshake.

“All in a day’s work, right?” Lock said, winking at Sparrow.

“I was just saying we’re looking forward to meeting Mica.”

Lock nodded, focusing on his sword. “Right enough. The man has earned himself quite a reputation as a fighter.”

“Funny how much I hated him when we first met. Now we’re good friends.”

“Friends? Yes. That’s important for a relationship,” Sparrow said. “Lock and I are good friends.”

The Knight grinned, placed his sword aside and dragged Sparrow onto his lap. “I hope I’m much more than that.”

“What do you mean relationship?” Sun folded her arms across her chest.

“You care for Mica very much,” Sparrow observed.

“Yes.”

“It’s just that when you talked about him you didn’t look merely friendly.”

Slightly irritated by her friend’s comments, Sun said, “Either I’m too obvious or you’re too observant.”

“Probably a little of both,” Sparrow told her.

“Nothing permanent will develop between us. You know how I’ve always been.”

“Change can be good sometimes,” Lock said. “I used to think I was too cold-hearted to marry. Sparrow changed me.”

“It’s not just me,” Sun said. “Mica’s a Priest in Waiting. Almost a Holy Man.”

“And they’re forbidden to marry?” Sparrow asked.

“Not forbidden but it would be very difficult. Before becoming a Priest they undergo a ritual.”

Sparrow looked interested. “What kind of ritual? There’s so much to learn about the culture in the Kennas.”

Sun rubbed a hand over her face. “It’s almost too ridiculous to describe.”

“We’ve been so many places there’s nothing we haven’t seen.” Lock leaned back in the chair.

Sun raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think you’ve ever seen the likes of this. I know I haven’t.”

“Well don’t keep us in suspense,” Sparrow pressed.

“In order to become Priests the men are castrated in a ritual to honor their Goddess.”

Sparrow’s eyes widened and Lock’s face froze momentarily.

“What are you talking about?” he demanded.

“And you’re a trained healer, love?” Sparrow elbowed her husband gently. “What
part of castrated don’t you understand?”

Lock stood, nearly dumping Sparrow onto the ground. He caught her arms before she fell. “What kind of crazy religion demands a man cut off his balls?”

“Lock,” Sparrow snapped.

“Let’s call it what it is, girl. Pure insanity.”

“Try telling Mica that.” Sun didn’t bother hiding her disgust.

“I plan to. As soon as you introduce me to the man.”

Sparrow looked horrified. “Lock, you can’t say anything. You don’t even know Mica. It’s none of your business.”

“I’m standing on principle, girl. No man should cut off the balls he was born with.

The Spirit put them there for a reason and not just to dangle pretty when you’re impressing a woman with your naked glory.”

“Lock.” Sparrow tried to cover his mouth with her hand but he gently grasped her wrists.

“What if he ever decides he wants children?”

Children.
That had been Sun’s greatest concern of late.

“I don’t understand the custom either,” Sparrow said.

“Now that he knows you, Sun, maybe he’ll change his mind.” Lock walked to the window and gazed out. “I have to get back to the training field. We’re not leaving while Ademene is under threat so my crew has been training with the emperor’s men and that group of Nalmites. Fierce warriors they are. Be proud to fight alongside them, in particular Valor and his mother.”

Sun raised an eyebrow. “His mother?”

“It’s her troops that came with him to fight with us,” Lock explained. “She’s something like a Colonel. Zimm-Bella her name is. You’ll want to get a look at her, Sun.

She’s got an inch or so on you I believe.”

“Really?” Sun’s interest piqued. Few women rivaled her in height or ability. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the field.”

“Rest up first.” Lock sheathed his sword and kissed Sparrow. “See you for dinner, girl.”

The Knight left the women alone in the chamber. They talked about home and briefly discussed the impending war before Sparrow excused herself for another meeting with the councilmen and Sun made her way back to Mica’s room.

* * * * *

After checking Mica, Sun sprawled on the bed near his and drifted to sleep. When she awoke several hours later Mica sat at the table, a sheathed sword resting across his lap.
Sun stood and washed her face in a basin of water then rinsed her mouth. Wiping her lips on her sleeve, she nodded toward the weapon. “Plan on fighting any time soon?”

“As soon as I’m able.”

She gripped his shoulder. “You have a while to go. Blaze said you’ve responded well to the portia but it’s very important for you to regain your strength completely.”

“I’m not a fool, Sun. I’ve been given a second chance at life. I don’t intend to waste it.” With one hand he placed the sword aside and used the other to tug her onto his lap.

“Mica.” She tried to pull away but he slipped both arms around her waist. “I’m too heavy for you right now—”

He looked completely insulted. “I’m not
that
much of an invalid. And you’re not heavy—for your height.”

“You obnoxious son of a hog.”

He laughed and slid his hand beneath her trousers, his palm gently warming her soft mound.

“Now get your hands off me before I give you another wound to worry about.”

He dropped his hands, his smile fading. “I’m sorry. That was inconsiderate of me.

After all you’ve gone through the last thing you want is a man groping you.”

Instead of standing she slid her arms around his neck and said, “That’s not the reason. I really was thinking of you.”

He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. “That’s your problem, Dame Sun.

You’re always thinking of someone else.”

“Then I guess we do have something in common.”

She took his face in her hands and kissed him. His hands slid up her back, pressing her curves close to his lean, hard body.

A tap sounded on the door. Sun got to her feet just as Zareb stepped inside, Ebony Starr snug in his arms.

The Messenger smiled. “Didn’t mean to intrude but all this child has been saying for days is ‘Where’s Mica?’ I was hoping you’d feel up to visiting with her for a short time.”

Mica stood, taking the child from Zareb. “I always feel like seeing my girl. Missed me, Ebony?”

“No.” The toddler giggled, clinging to his neck.

Mica glanced at Sun. “No is her favorite word.”

“Mica, tell a story,” Ebony demanded.

“I think I can accommodate you.” He settled into the chair with Ebony Starr.

“Sounds good to me.” Sun kicked out another chair. “Zareb?”

“I’ll be down the hall talking to Val. Be back in a little while. I’m sure neither of you feel up to chasing her around and I doubt she’ll sit still for long. All her energy is back
in full force since she’s recovered from her illness.”

“Good,” Mica said.

Once Zareb left Mica spun the tale of a wizard called Ragnar, father of Alrik, who fulfilled the ancient prophecy to end a thousand-year war with Zaltana.

Sun watched Mica and Ebony Starr, thinking he would make a wonderful father.

After the story Mica and Sun played with Ebony Starr until Zareb returned. Several times she noticed Mica watching her with a tender smile on his lips.

“You’ll make a fine mother someday, Dame Sun,” he said once they were alone.

“No. I won’t.”

“You don’t want children?”

“It’s not that. It’s just difficult for Dames to raise families.”

“But many do.”

She shrugged. “I plan to move up the ranks and not remain a foot soldier for the rest of my life.”

“Well you definitely have the ability and determination to become a great warrior.

I’d fight alongside you any day.”

A smile flickered across her lips. “You’re not so bad yourself. I’m looking forward to seeing you at full strength once you’ve recovered.”

Mica’s gaze hardened. “Maybe you are but Karlus won’t be.”

“We should forget about him until we can actually do something.”

“Sensible. I’m surprised at you, Dame Sun.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He drew her into his arms and for a moment they stood in silence, warmed by each other’s embrace until another tap sounded on the door.

“It’s open,” Mica called.

The door swung open and Lock strode inside. Sparrow, carrying a tray of food, followed him.

“Thought we’d bring you supper.”

“Thanks.” Sun accepted the tray and placed it on the table. “You’ll be joining us, I hope?”

“If you’re not too tired for company.”

Sun glanced at Mica in question and he said, “We’d be glad for the company. I’ve been stuck in this room for too long.”

“I wouldn’t be in too much of a hurry to leave it after how you looked when we found you.” Lock pulled a chair away from the table and straddled it backward. He extended his hand to Mica. “I’m Lock.”