The Son of Thunder

Chapter Eighteen

Dark stood at the doorway as Glenada conducted Magpie, Canary, Annadam and a few other women out of the inn. Magpie couldn't see the bump under Annadam's robes, but was perfectly aware of it. She couldn't ignore Dark more resolutely than Annadam.

Just as they stepped over the threshold, Dark stepped into their path. "Please, Annadam, I beg you."

Annadam was unmoved. Glenada halted, kept the other ladies in line. Dark started marching again, an internal war battling in his head that could rival the Acidonian War occurring just beyond their walls.

"I hate you, woman!" he yelled.

"Thank you for troubling yourself," she said, gathering her skirts and starting again.

He grabbed her arm. "I hate you for making me love you."

She dropped her skirts, folded her arms and waited for him to continue. Star Children and inn guests alike gathered round.

"Do we have to do this in public?"

Annadam took in the voyeurs who had gathered in the street. "Yes, we do."

How long had their affair been hidden? Seemed the war had just started, yets moons, almost a full annum, had passed. Annadam hadn't confided in anyone, not even Magpie. Annadam was rarely out of her company. Magpie had a hard time believing Annadam and Dark had been sneaking around all this time. Magpie sympathized. She wouldn't tolerate a man who didn't openly embrace her.

Dark marched again, threw his hands in the air. Down on one knee, the way they did it in the Old World. "Annadam, you will bear me a child? Will you bare your life to me and share it with me always?"

"Swear to take the Star Child ways."

"I won't be a vegetarian."

"That has little to do with it."

"Fine, I take the Star Child ways too."

Annadam nodded once, then strutted back through the hallway to their rooms. Glenada had Magpie lassoed into the group before she could remind her that the only reason she had agreed to go was to accompany Annadam. They were all herded to the Playground.

* * * * *

"Lightening!"

Lightening rubbed the flesh at his temples. "I have no choice, Rhysya."

"I'm your bride!"

"If you're secure in this knowledge, why are you yelling at me?"

"Don't you dare go to that, that whore line!"

Lightening was stony. Rhysya's skin was ruddy and covered in a film of sweat. Liquid stood in her eyes, but the tears weren't for sadness.

"Rhysya, I have to go along with the charade," he said, forcing his fingers to be gentle as he stroked her arm. "I know better how to handle Shawna than you do. Proclamations have been made, girls and young ladies are gathered. At the very least, I respect my people enough to give them a viewing."

Rhysya's mouth came open again. Lightening whipped his finger up. "Don't worry, my wife. I am suffering Shawna's misguided notion. I'll talk to the ladies, politely decline them all, then rejoin you here."

Rhysya huffed and folded her arms.

"Rest on my bed. Try to read. Nap or pray. These rooms should be safe enough today."

"I hate Shawna."

"It's not profitable to hate anybody," he said, moving to the door. "Give it a few hours. Settle yourself. It will be fine."