Nubian Sun: In The Land Of Nubia, #2

By Lp Johnson

Reuniting after so many years was the simple part. There was neither pretension nor doubt that they were going into the future together as man and wife, come what may.

Only, what comes nearly tears them apart

• Language: English
• Publisher: LpJ Publishing Enterprises
• Release date: Feb 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386226208

Lp Johnson

Wordsmith Lp Johnson is a native Illinoisan, born in Chicago in the late 60’s to parents who both migrated from the southern US to the South-side of the City during their own youthful years. Adventurous by nature and a self-proclaimed ‘nomadic spirit’, since arriving at young-adulthood Ms. Johnson has explored life in several states, including her current residence in Oklahoma. She has a healthy interest in the Sciences, the Arts, Photography, Music, and is ever seeking out new information in her research.  Although best known for her Historical Romance series 'Here In The Land Of Nubia', much of her career focus has been in Early Childhood Education. An Instructor for more twenty years, Ms. Johnson has always been dedicated to advancing the excellence of students through various venues, including Tutoring as a volunteer, Teaching in classrooms, and in Faith-based instruction in the youth ministries. Above and throughout it all, writing has remained her driving force. From her very first poem to the latest of her undertakings, Ms. Johnson brings an especially artistic flair to the words which call forth vivid images in the scenes portrayed in her fiction novels, and displays a passionate desire to encourage others in her poetry and inspirational writings. Now, as CEO of LPJ Enterprises and NightWriters Publishing Consultants, she focuses her on her work as a professional writing consultant; a return to her goal of offering support for the community of fellow writers, as they discover the wonders of having a work with their own name on it available to a waiting public -whether on the bookshelves of a downtown store, or a mere click away in a browser.

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Here In The Land Of Nubia

IN THIS SERIES

Here In The Land Of Nubia – Series Guide

Nubian Star

Nubian Sun

Nubian Shadow

Nubian Sword

Nubian Song

Download The Series Guide Online

In The Land Of Nubia

https://landofnubia.wordpress.com

Come Again, To The Land Of Nubia

WHEN TYELAH AND DEVALEH met in the practice field all those years ago, neither could have foreseen what the Fates had in store for them. She, Crown Princess of Nubia, by rights had no valid cause to be where she was, and away from her Keeper. He, by rights, should have been executed for daring to approach her so boldly.

Kusta, having been eager to carry out his duty and dispatch the insolent warrior, instead was forced to heed the demands of his Charge who, to his consternation, heedlessly falls in love with Devaleh and refuses to be turned back. When the Great War separates them, he cannot attest to being entirely upset, though he is as heartbroken as she over the loss of her father, which occurs in the same span of time.

Nonetheless, Nubia has been for ten years relatively at peace, and the lives of the inhabitants of Hummingbird Palace are particularly easeful.

At least, until Devaleh returns.

Now, a decade later, the couple has the chance for the future they so desperately wished for, then, and their Union should be the apex of lifelong dreams.

But of course, that is not how matters have been proceeding, at all.

Here In The Land Of Nubia

NUBIAN SUN

© 2021 Lp Johnson.

Revised Edition

NightWriters Publishing.

All Rights Reserved

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places,

and incidents either are products of the author’s

imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to

actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely

coincidental. No part of this book may be used, reproduced

or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic

or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by

any information storage or retrieval system, without

the written permission of the publisher, except where

permitted by law, or in the case of brief quotations

embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Cover Arrangement: Lp Johnson

© 1994 NightWriters Publishing

All rights reserved

Here In The Land Of Nubia

The Royal House of Hummingbird Palace

Queen Tyelah Olesk-Knaye

King Devaleh Knaye

Ovani Laset

THE HIGH COUNCIL

Kusta Obe

Ezek Matmah

Verinay Tarhser

Anomi Keasa-Obe

Shunan Nereh

Yanzee Xan

Terak Mitis

THE ROYAL GUARD

Jama`re Hedash

Kalee Hedash

GUIDE

IN BROTHERHOOD

A SURPRISE FOR HIM

THE FESTIVAL

HOME TO ROOST

THE TRUE HEIR

A ROYAL ROW

MENDING THE RIFT

A ROYAL WEDDING

PART TWO

TO SPEAK OF TROUBLE

HAPPY RETURNS

RONIAN INFLUENCE

MORE PLOTS AFOOT

THE KING'S WAY

UNRAVELING

IN THE AFTERMATH

~Meet The Author

DEDICATION

This one, to you Matt...my sounding board and sanity corner. And to you, dear Butterflies – proof that dreams fly beyond the skies –keep believing! To each of you who listen, encourage, and light my journey...I couldn’t do this without You.

IN BROTHERHOOD

DURING THE SEVERAL months since the matter with the Archer, things had calmed and returned to some semblance of normalcy in Nubia. Of course this was a relative state, for the proceedings surrounding the coming Royal Wedding assured that expectancy and excitement permeated the very air. Time for the two had oddly seemed to slow and conversely rush forward at an amazing rate.

Verinay was ever bustling to and fro, with new staff members to oversee, several banquets to arrange, and a Palace to render into its best form. There were visiting Kings, Queens, and dignitaries to prepare for, and of course a very nervous Tyelah to calm and reassure that all would come out as it should. However, with only weeks remaining before the Ceremony, there was yet much to be done.

Jama`re and his twin had managed to work things out between themselves quite nicely. She had then shared with him her growing admiration for the Colonel, who was now a common sight about the Palace, as he had visited Devaleh several times.

Despite having attempted to arrest him, she said that she had even then thought him quite attractive, and since had found him to be well-spoken and manner-able, in a way that none of the fellows her own age could hope to be.

Jama`re was not entirely certain at the moment how he felt about the idea of his twin being interested in a man who was her senior by more than a decade and a half. Yet he too found that he liked the gruff officer. Thus he had promised to consider it further—if it went any further.

Tyelah as well had taken a liking to Terak, since Devaleh had at last convinced her to invite him to brunch several weeks prior. She had investigated his overall record of Service, and had discovered that among other instances of his performance as a warrior, he too had taken part in the Great War, and had been close by to offer his assistance to her father when he had been injured. In addition to his obvious loyalty to the Crown, she found him personable, respectable, and—she admitted privately—quite charming as well.

Terak himself was not quite accustomed to the attention associated with being in the favor of the Royal Couple, (as everyone now thought of them). He had never imagined that he would dine with the Queen, and the fact that Devaleh—who had begun as a simple soldier himself—had been responsible for it, manifested as a deep and abiding affection for the younger man. The King-to-be made no pretensions that he could see, and seemed genuine in his desire to know and understand the Warriors who would be serving under his coming Rule. Terak respected this quality in any man, and in Devaleh in particular.

Adowa, the newest member of the Palace inner circle, had made himself invaluable to those he served in the space of a few short months. He was extremely well-liked by all. Kusta (whom he admired greatly!) regularly had him standing nearby—when he was not with the Queen or Verinay—to run errands for him.

It was Tyelah for whom he stood attendance on this particular day. The Queen had easily convinced his parents to grant him a few months at the least to satisfy his wish to be a Royal Page, and he was beside himself with pleasure over his good fortune. To him the Queen was the kindest, most wonderful person he had ever known—excepting his parents of course. She treated him not as a boy who could not be trusted to behave himself, but as a friend. Nearly as a younger brother of sorts. This to him was more valuable than even the two gold coins (true Gold!) he earned to take home to his father at each week's end, when he was on respite.

She was entirely immersed now in details concerning her Union, while leaving—she maintained—Devaleh, Kusta and Verinay to see to configuring sect divisions of the various Armies in the Barracks, both here and in Sheridan, and the various other trivia to be arranged for the inundation of visitors due to begin arriving within the fortnight.

He had been as helpful to her as he had been able to be, hovering close-by without being underfoot, yet he did not believe she had taken much note.

He was proven wrong in his estimate when, taking a much-needed rest after the Court was done; she called him to her and addressed him quietly.

Adowa, I have a very important errand for you.

Bounding forward immediately, he presented her with a sweeping bow, as he always did for her, and replied with a hint of excitement, My Queen has only to command it!

She nodded, a bit distractedly; then paused to truly look at him steadily for a moment. Setting away the task in her mind, she began again, Adowa, you have spent several months here now. Do you enjoy your Service?

Despite—or perhaps because of—his adoration for her, he was yet shy in her presence, and thus lowered his eyes before bringing them again to meet hers as he answered with a blush, Very much, Milady.

She smiled at his continued enthusiasm, going on to ask, Would you care to continue here, regularly? Lord Devaleh shall be in need of a dependable young man to serve as his morning valet. When he is done with you, you would continue to make yourself useful about the Palace, as you do now.

The boy's eyes went wide and he forgot his shyness as he gaped at her excitedly. As quickly as it blossomed however, it faded as he realized that his parents would never agree to allow him to remain at the Palace! They yet thought of him as a little boy!

Besides, he admitted to himself, he would miss them greatly.

Reading his thoughts in his face, Tyelah chuckled lightly, placing her hand upon his narrow shoulder. Do not fret, little one. I shall arrange it with your parents. You would arrive a bit earlier in the morning, yet you would be able to go home for your dinner each night, as you do now. You would also receive an additional gold coin for yourself alone. Does this interest you?

Awed at the prospect of being Valet for the King, Adowa could only nod his head, at a loss for words. Understanding his excitement, she said simply, Excellent. I will visit with your parents myself, when they come to collect you this evening. Now, she returned to the errand about which she had summoned him, ...follow these directions precisely; go into the city, to the stone-cutter, and inform him thusly; 'The Queen wishes to determine how much longer.' Only that, and return to me alone with his reply. Do you understand?

Copying exactly the salute of the Warriors, he replied solemnly, I hear and obey, My Queen! before taking off with wings of happiness on his heels.

She smiled to herself as she watched him clear the doorway. He was indeed proving to be an adept member of her Service, and she felt certain that his parents would agree to his joining in true. The boy was well suited to the atmosphere of fellowship among the inhabitants of the Palace. And of course, there was the incentive of his salary being added to that of Umburah's.

The errand upon which she had sent him involved the new Throne she was having made for Devaleh—unbeknownst to him, of course. It was to be constructed of variously sized stones, as closely matched in color and shape as possible, and hewn into the image of Nubia's most magnificent and beloved bird, the Whitehorn.

The bird's wings would appear ruffled—as if in preparation for flight. The breast would form the back rest. Devaleh's feet would rest on the bird's feet, and the talons—expanded as though to grasp its prey—would form his armrests. In the face would sit eyes of Sapphire, which would peer over the King's head at those who stood before him.

And, since he seemed fond of the hue, she had decided that the stark white stone would be upholstered in the same shade of red she had allowed for his garments on that first day of his arrival.

This and all the other arrangements for the Ceremony had been at full process for more than a month now. And despite her eagerness to have it all culminate at the point she became Devaleh's wife, she found that the many emotions which accompanied her excitement tended to overwhelm her at times. Exhilaration, mingled with trepidation and, at times, consternation, were a constant source of consideration for her.

She loved Devaleh with her entire Self, and Selflessly. And, she was certain of his ability to be a good husband, for she knew in her heart that he loved her immensely. Their ability to connect with one another through the Tzari seemed to cinch the knowledge that they were meant to be together, for she had never heard of another instance where one who had not been taught the Way from birth had expressed such a capacity for learning it as an adult.

And yet, she genuinely could admit that she had not given the proper consideration to the sort of commitment she had been making at the time she had decided to have him as her lover. Nor had she truly seen it in the light of being required to alter anything of her Self at all. All she had seen then was that Devaleh was a kind, considerate, supremely wonderful man. One who listened to her, understood her heart and, truth be told, was extremely easy on the eyes!

Now however, she was equally as certain that he would be an exacting husband as well. Devaleh had a true temper, and although he seemed to keep it well reined, that effort was quite clear when he felt adamantly about something that she was not in agreement with. He was genuine in his demands that she commit her life, her body, her mind, her Spirit, her loyalty, and—she did not delude herself—her 'obedience' as well. And, he absolutely insisted she recognize that no longer would she be merely the Queen of Nubia. Nor as Queen, would she be alone in her Rule any longer.

Since the day he had been denied entry into the chambers by her guards, she had been forced to truly consider how far exactly she was willing allow him to go. The paddling, begun as a mischievous reprimand for embarrassing him, and later transforming into a sort of play that had often ended with them abed, had recently escalated to genuine efforts to enforce his will—just as he had threatened—and no longer carried a sure promise of a lovemaking session.

They had also become a bit harsher. And twice now their playacting had gotten quite serious, with astonishing speed. She yet wished to believe that he would never act in manner intended to truly hurt her, yet the other day had given her cause again to wonder.

During this particular dispute, when he had threatened yet again to turn her over his knees, she had informed him that she no longer wished to take part in his little game. To her shock, he had informed her that this suited him just fine, as he was no longer playing.

And despite knowing herself to be quite strong-willed in her own right, she had backed down, and allowed him his way. Fortunately, he had relented—with her apology—yet she did not know which should concern her more; that he was willing to resort to physical displays of his refusal to tolerate her 'disobedience', or her own willingness to give in to him to avoid such a demonstration!

Thus she worried ever the more now that this—what he termed his 'tolerance' for her headstrong manner—was a temporary state. Would he, she wondered, become even less willing to be swayed from just this sort of intent once they were wed?

It had all begun because she had offered him the use of her smaller conference hall, to greet and entertain those guests who had been invited by him to attend their ceremony.

This had been her own first reception area, which her father had surprised her with when she was twelve. He had later added a smaller version of his own throne, to allow her to experience that which she would one day be entitled to.

Unfortunately, she had not thought to have the throne removed before taking Devaleh to see the chamber, and afterward had needed to explain the need for it to be removed. Nubian Law prohibited any who were not (or, not yet) of the Royal Family from being seated upon a throne anywhere in the Kingdom, regardless of the circumstances.

She had tried to explain, calmly, that she was removing it to spare him the discomfort of being in the room with his guests—some of whom were Royalty themselves—and having to sit elsewhere. But, predictably, Devaleh had not been appreciative of her efforts on his behalf, and he had not taken it well. Not at all.

DEV, I REGRET THAT it is so, yet not even for you am I able to alter this, her voice rose slightly in her attempt to make him understand the position she was in. It is the same as with the edicts governing the Imperial Court Throne and the Council Chambers.

Be cautious of your tone woman, and do not raise your voice when you address me. His own tone was cool; the reference to the Council Chambers was one she could have held to herself. "I am aware of the Law, yes. But, this not the Imperial Court. Nor the Council Chamber. It is a meeting place. YOUR meeting place. What difference?"

Frustrated, she blurted out unkindly, "Devaleh, you are behaving as a child! You are most aware of—OH!"

In the middle of her sentence, he stepped forward and grasped her arms, pulling her to him roughly. He brought his face to within a whisper of her own and reminded her in a curt tone, Did I not warn you to keep your tongue? Shall I need to re-iterate?

Taking a deep breath, she tried again, this time in a softer tone, Of course not, Dev. I did not intend...Devaleh, please...you are hurting me.

It was the first time she had admitted to his grip being painful, and he looked down at his hands, as quickly releasing her. Turning away briefly, he scrubbed his face with the same hands, before turning to her again, his manner contrite. Oh Tylee...honey, it is I who must offer an apology. I am behaving boorishly. I have overstepped the line entirely. He looked at her dolefully, Forgive me? Please?

Slightly annoyed herself, she regarded him skeptically. Then with a sigh, she spoke again. There was a clear meaning in her tone now, Devaleh...hear me. Please. She stepped close to him, slipping her arms about his waist as she went on, I love you. And yes, I am to become your wife. As such, I have granted you my complete Self, and I shall give you all that I have, and more, should you seek it from me. I am aware that your standing is at issue, and agree that you are entitled to this which you ask of me. Yet you cause me concern when you become so forceful. I am a woman, not a child, and I am unhappy when you treat me as such, for I desire your respect as well.

She gazed at him steadily, waiting to see how this little speech would be received. He gazed back at her for several moments. Then his expression, as well as his tone, became rueful.

Again you have spoken true, he said sincerely, tilting her chin with a finger, I have treated you unfairly, Tylee, and I truly am sorry. I shall make a greater effort to control my temper. And, temper my demands. Can you forgive me? He fell silent, looking inquiry to her as she considered his words.

His words of apology were sincere, she sensed, and came from his heart. For Tyelah, there was truly no question at all. Of course she would forgive him, her love for him was unconditional. Her only concern was that he understood her feelings; listening to him just now, she had been satisfied that he had truly heard her. With a softening smile, she stepped into his embrace again and kissed him.

Feeling her forgiveness, he relaxed and held her to him closely.

NS

At that moment, Devaleh was in fact inside the aforementioned chamber, arranging for the comfort of his guests and himself. He was also, not surprisingly, thinking of the same conversation which occupied Tyelah's mind. Only he was analyzing—or attempting to—the reasons behind his recent behavior towards her.

Surely he had no desire to cause her pain, he had known enough of it in his lifetime not to wish anyone else to undergo such. Why then, he questioned himself, did he constantly succumb to madness when he was denied what he wished from her? Why did he obsess with ruling she who ruled Nubia? Was it deliberate? Was he, he wondered seriously, angry with her for not ever attempting to determine what had happened to him? Did he somewhere within him wish for her to make up somehow for the many years he had spent in slavery?

'That is ridiculous', he berated himself in frustration for this line of thought. He well knew that Tyelah had not deliberately ignored his absence, she had merely been attempting to find a way beyond the pain that she was in. He had done so himself, in befriending Maelo. Yet...

He shook his head in consternation. No, he loved this woman, and she meant more to him than any missive in his life. Thus he vowed to himself then that he would keep his promise to control his temper.

And even as he made this earnest vow, he realized of the irony in his having to make it. Here was a woman who just a short while ago had ordered the execution of two men—and the exile of another—for their attempt upon his life. A woman who could defend herself with the ease of a Company of Warriors. A woman whose own abilities assured that she never need fear anyone, or submit to any form of pain! And yet, she found it within herself to submit to his desires.

Unfortunately, he could not say with honesty whether he believed this to be to her benefit or detriment.

Done now with the chamber, he set off in search of his bride to be, sure that she would be done, at least, with her household session.

NS

Actually, Tyelah had long ago done with most of what she needed to accomplish that morning. She had stolen away to spend some time with the arrangements for the Crown Suite. Now, as she sensed his search for her, she hurriedly sent the attendants away.

Slipping through the passage to return to his suite, she managed to leap into the bed, calming the excited racing of her breathing—and an overwhelming urge toward a case of the giggles—with not a moment to spare!

Hello beautiful, he greeted her as he strode breezily through the door of the bedchamber. I have missed you. He sat beside her on the bed as she rose up on one arm to accept his kiss, before he added quietly, I will be happy when we are able to come and go within one suite, without this need for secrecy. He glanced at her. Are you alright? It is unusual for you to be abed at this time of the day.

She shook her head with a smile, I am fine, Darling. I merely wished to lie down for a bit of quiet. All is so busy with the preparations, and now with the guests on the way. It grows rather tedious at times.

He nodded vigorously, thankfully distracted from querying her further on that (she was not certain she could continue to restrain those giggles if forced to speak on it!), then chuckled lightly, moving to lie beside her. Yes, it seems one can not turn about, without encountering a package or a messenger!

She snuggled readily into him with a contented sigh, replying, Hmm, yes, the preparations do seem to be occurring everywhere at once. Yet I am pleased you found time to seek me. Was there something special you wished to do today, darling?

"There is ever something special to be done with you, love," he quipped.

She grinned in response, trailing her fingers along his thigh as he stroked along her back. Yes. I imagine that this is ever the case with you. Never ending! However, I referred to something which did not involve the bedchamber!

We could move to...say, the library? he returned, sliding his hand up her inner thigh.

Devaleh! she exclaimed. You know that is not what I meant! She laughed and gave his hand a slight push as it crept ever higher. Truth, sweetheart, I must go and speak to Verinay. I wish to see how preparations for our Banquet are proceeding.

Hmm, he muttered, intently studying the valley between her breasts. Briefly tracing its outline with a finger over the fabric of her garment, he then lay back upon the pillows, drawing her with him, closing his eyes as he went on in a soft voice, I trust that Verinay is quite capable of seeing to the details of feasts.

Surely that is so, she agreed. "Yet, it is my first hosting of an event such as this, and as it is my own Union that is being prepared for, I would simply be more assured if I am able to see for myself that all goes well."

His hand stilled, and he opened his eyes to meet her gaze. For a moment, Tyelah feared another outburst, Yet when he spoke, his words and his tone were calm.

Are you certain that you would not rather remain here? I could think of several things which would be more favorable...and enjoyable.

Tyelah hesitated before allowing the protest she was considering to come forth, knowing that should he truly desire that she remain here with him, the matter would be settled; Verinay would wait.

Thus, her reply was cautious, Dev, it is important to me that everything is perfect for your introduction to the Rulers of the Kingdoms which will be represented at this gathering.

Considering her, and recognizing her attempt to appease his growing amorousness, he softened a bit. With an undecided, last glance at her lusciously full breasts, he smiled gently and replied, Very well...for now. He lifted himself to claim her mouth briefly. Yet I shall await you here, this eve.

She rewarded him with a sensuous smile, saying, Hmm, I shall therefore await the eve with eagerness...

"Aah...we had best depart, while I am yet able to control my eagerness for you! He held out his hand as he stood. Come, I will escort you to the Central Hall. It is possible that I might benefit from some time spent in the practice hall."

His look left her no doubt of his meaning. Smiling at him, she took his hand and climbed down from the bed.

Anomi signaled to the guards ahead that the Royal Couple was exiting the wing as they came together in the corridor—from their respective suites, of course (although she was fairly certain that they had been together before this)—then fell in behind them as Jama`re did.

When the two men turned off into another portion of the great hall, she followed behind Tyelah silently as the Queen turned in the direction of the Kitchen.

In her thoughts, Tyelah heard Devaleh's words to her, 'Until later, my little minx. I have something special planned for you this eve.'

She 'smiled' in response, then turned about to give him a look of promise before he rounded the corner and was out of sight. She was thinking to herself that she had something 'special' in store for her handsome Lord, as well!

NS

Verinay, upon hearing of Tyelah's reason for coming to her, queried in her usually frank manner, "So now you do not trust Eema? Hmm? Do I not always prepare only the best for my baby? No?"

Even at the ripe old age of twenty-eight, Tyelah knew that she would ever be Verinay's 'baby'. Smiling contritely for having questioned the aged cook, she shook her head as she assured her, Of course you have my full confidence, Eema. I came only to ask after the seat placements. Have you received the list from Ovani?

Verinay eyed her skeptically. Tyelah gazed back, all innocence. Finally, Verinay grunted, turning away briefly to berate one of the kitchen helpers, Silly girl! Do you not desire your fingers? Attend your task!

The cook immediately lowered her gaze to the vegetables she had been slicing, embarrassment pinkening her cheeks.

To Tyelah, Verinay went on, As for you, do not concern yourself for these trivial matters. Go, attend your preparations. Or perhaps, that handsome Lord of yours!

This statement let Tyelah know that her Eema had made an observation she would not risk questioning. Yet her gaze was loving as she went on, I shall have every detail tended here, little one. Now, go! And, suddenly there was a stern warning in her eyes, "...do not even consider touching the sweet trays!"

With this, she turned back to check the ingredients for that evening's supper which she had been arranging when Tyelah arrived. On another counter—indeed, on several other counters!—there were platters and plates and pans, all filled with warm, deliciously scented, irresistibly decorated desserts. They would form a magnificent display on the eve of the Banquet.

And Verinay had been astute in her warning; Tyelah had never been able to resist the craving for the sweet taste of Verinay's sugared lemon wafers, thus even as she turned away to her task, Tyelah was sidling over to the tray which held these favorites. With a smiling wink at one of the maids—who quickly covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, as did several others—she as quickly swiped three of the treats from the tray and turned to depart.

As she gleefully bit into one, Verinay—without turning—said sternly, "I see you, Little One!"

Now, the muffled giggles which had been held back quietly erupted around the kitchen as Tyelah, speaking around a full mouth, mumbled gaily, As you say, there are matters to which I must attend, Eema. Thus I shall leave this in your capable hands.

Verinay did turn now, one brow raised as she took in Tyelah's crumb covered mouth. Placing her hands on her hips, she rasped, "Hah! You have not changed one bit! Out of my Kitchen! Go!"

Despite her words, her eyes carried merry amusement and, shooed from the Kitchen as she had been at least once per week since she was able to walk, Tyelah giggled happily and made her escape. Out in the corridor, she shared one of her pilfered treasures with Anomi, who accepted it with a knowing smile of shared conspiracy. She had always shared those treats with her, too.

For the guard however, the moment was dampened a bit by the knowledge that, although Tyelah—like herself—had lost her own mother at her birth, the Queen would yet have someone to stand that place for her. Tyelah and Verinay had always been so close, nearly as a true mother and daughter, while she, who had been actively raised by Verinay, yet felt a bit cheated of the love she had sought as a child. The special love only a mother could express. A love that her own mother obviously had not felt for her.

Her heart was squeezed by an uncharacteristic pang of envy for Tyelah, and she fought to banish it, reminding herself that she had no reason to begrudge Tyelah any happiness. The Queen had never been unkind to her, and just recently had begun to treat her in a manner of friendship exceeding even her known generosity. It was only that she sometimes wondered what her life would have