Page 116 of North Queen
The evening wore on, and Norah mingled freely through the warm acceptance of the Uru. It surprised her how much she enjoyed herself. She’d been desperate for the freedom to be out and to breathe and to be herself, even in Mercia. Why was she able to feel this freedom only now, after being captured by her enemy?
She saw the king on the other side of the fire, still gazing back at her, and she gave a small smile. She hadn’t spoken to him since they’d arrived, having been spirited away by Tahla. Norah gathered her courage and made her way around the fire to him.
His eyes shifted over the dress Tahla had given her as she approached.
She raised a brow. “Do you like it?”
He stared at her a moment, and she thought he might not answer. Then he said, “I do.” His voice was thick, a different tone than the light jest she’d expected. Alexander would have politely complimented her, but the king’s gaze held more than a compliment.
He stood and stepped closer. Too close. Norah pulled the outer wrap tighter around her shoulders; he still unsettled her. He grasped a lock of her hair and brought it near his face, smelling the corian. Her skin prickled, and she pulled away.
The king’s brow furrowed, and his lip twitched. “Do you not want me to like it, North Queen?” he asked.
She didn’t know how to answer. Did she?
He stepped closer again, his voice low. “Will you come to me tonight?”
She puffed a small breath of surprise with a sting of offense. To hisbed? “Why would I?” she asked, taken aback.
Confusion flashed across his face. “Because you’re to be my wife.”
“But I’m not yet your wife,” she snapped.
His words came choppy. “Then why do you fashion yourself… with scent in your hair?”
“Because I like to be clean and feel beautiful and smell… not like I’ve been battling and riding for weeks. Not everything is about pleasing a man, you know. Women like to do things for themselves!”
Mikael took a step back, clearly not expecting her response. He’d mistaken her self-attention, and she could tell she’d hurt his pride.
He gave a stiff nod. “Of course,” he said. “I’ll leave you, then.”
A wave of regret ran through her, but she wasn’t sure of the reason. She had no intention of being intimate with the king, yet she found herself not wanting him to go. But she pushed it down. She felt nothing for him.
He paused, turning back to her. “North Queen,” he said, his eyes piercing into her. “You do… look beautiful.”
She felt nothing for him, she reminded herself.
Chapter thirty-five
Themorningsunspilledover the horizon as the Shadowmen prepared to leave. Tahla approached with a smile as Norah readied her mare.
“I brought you something to take back with you,” Tahla said, holding a satchel out.
Norah took it and peeked under the flap. Inside were small jars and wraps of oils, balms, and soaps. She’d already felt a deep appreciation for the extra clothes that Tahla had provided. She smiled. “I know I’ve only been here a short while, but I want to thank you. Not only for your hospitality, but for your friendship. It was very much needed and so appreciated.”
“I’m glad we’re not going to war, Salara. Riding Savantahla is a moment I’ll never forget. Remember, we’re sisters now. Whatever you need, say the word.” Tahla cocked her head and looked over Norah’s shoulder at the horse. “Take care of her, yes?” she called out.
The mare snorted, and both women laughed. Norah turned and swung up into the saddle, then looked down. “Goodbye, Tahla,” she said.
“Goodbye, Salara,” the chief’s daughter replied.
The king sat on his destrier, waiting patiently. When she was ready, they started out into the morning. He brought his horse up along hers, glancing at her.
“What?” she asked without turning.
“You said something yesterday that made me question.”
She finally looked at him, waiting.
