Savage Splendor (Savage Lagonda 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

To him tears were a form of weakness. She remembered the one time she had seen him cry. It had been when his cousin Anias had abducted her and Tajarez, bound by a leather strap, was forced to watch what he thought to be her death at his cousin's hands. He had despised himself that day for his weakness, and Mara knew that he had not forgotten that she had witnessed his shame. To her it had been final proof that he loved her, but to him it had been a sign of weakness and shame.
    Mara must have fallen asleep, for she felt Tajarez's hand on her shoulder as he shook her gently awake.
    "Beloved, it is almost sunrise," he whispered.
    She threw her arms around him knowing they were approaching the time of parting.
    "Mara, do not forget to leave St. Louis no later than the end of July in order to be home before the first snowfall."
    "I will not forget."
    "Mara, you will let no other man touch you," he said in an agonized voice. "I know you will see many of the men who have admired you."
    She cupped his face between his hands. "You know Palomas would never allow any man to touch me. What about you? Will you smile at all the pretty maidens while I am away?"
    His dark eyes looked deeply into her green ones. "I will look at no one," he whispered. "You have my word as king."
    "You have my word as queen, that I shall be too busy thinking of you to look at anyone else." The tears she had willed not to fall washed freely down her face. "Oh, my dearest love, my heart is breaking at our parting," she sobbed.
    Tajarez grabbed her and crushed her tightly in his arms as he smothered her face with kisses. They remained in each other's arms until the sun made its appearance for the day; then they both arose and dressed.
    Mara went into his arms, knowing it would be the last embrace they could share, for the king could not make a public showing of his feelings.
    “I will miss you each moment, Tajarez.''
    He traced the outline of her face with his finger, then he lowered his head and kissed her passionately. They stood locked in each, other's arms for a long time, but at last Tajarez raised his head.
    “It is time for you to leave, beloved. Oh, I almost forgot."
    He led her over to a chest and raised the lid. Mara saw it was filled with ^old. "This is so you will be able to purchase whatever you need."
    She laughed up at him. "Oh, Tajarez, what could I possibly need with all that gold? Besides I already have everything a woman could want."
    "You will purchase a large quantity of the tea and coffee that you like to drink."
    Mara knew it would do no good to tell him that with such a large amount of gold she could buy several coffee and tea plantations.
    "Come, it grows late," he told her.
    They walked out into the morning sunlight, and as soon as they had vacated the tent it was dismantled and loaded onto the back of a packhorse.
    Tajarez raised his hand and the warriors gathered around to hear what their king had to say. "I charge each and every one of you with the queen's safety. When you reach her brother's home you will set up camp in the woods, awaiting the time for her to return home. I do not want her left alone. When she is in her home, Minet and Falon, as her servants, will attend her. You, Palomas will not leave her except when she sleeps at night."
    Everyone nodded in agreement.
    Palomas led Mara's horse forward and Tajarez lifted her onto its back. His hand lingered about her waist and she knew by the look he gave her that he was reminding her she was the queen. She touched his face softly and he stepped back a pace.
    "Until I see your face again, beloved," he whispered so only she could hear his words.
    Mara urged her horse forward as the warriors closed ranks around her, each knowing he was charged with her safety, and each willing to stand in the way of anything that would harm her.
    Looking over her shoulder Mara saw Tajarez raise his hand to her. She was too far away to see the expression on his face. Was his heart breaking as hers