Asaro, Catherine The Charmed Sphere

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of bed and pulled on his indigo robe, belting it at the waist. Silver geometric designs bordered its hems,
stirring his power. It filled the room, which had six walls in a hexagon, with a domed ceiling. Instinctively
he imagined the room divided into two parts, the dome and the hexagonal box. A mood spell grew
around him, but he held it in check. With Unbent, alone in the cabin, they had desperately needed his
gifts; it had been one of their few ways to communicate. Here it became less vital. Nor did he have a
connection to the people here. They had no reason to want him sensing their moods. So he respected
their privacy. Right now, though, he did catch enough to identify the person beyond the door; Standson,
his sphere-butler, always patient. Someone waited with him
Chime?
Jarid didn t know whether to fume or worry. He liked Chime. She had a great deal of common sense.
He enjoyed the bold spirit she hid under a veneer of impeccable conduct. Right now, though, he could
have done with less of the bold and more of the impeccable.
He opened the door to find Standson, stoic in sleep clothes and a robe. Yes?
Jarid asked.
My apologies, Your Majesty, Standson said. I am terribly sorry to disturb your rest. He looked
terribly sorry to have had his own disturbed. We have a problem.
Jarid looked past him to where Chime waited with Aria, her circle-maid. So we do. He glowered at
his cousin s wife. I thought you felt ill, Lady Chime. She came forward and bowed more deeply to him
than protocol dictated. But then, protocol didn t encourage waking the king in the middle of the night,
either. I apologize, Your Majesty, she said, contrite.
Jarid tried to glare at her. It was difficult because she looked angelic. Jarid? Iris s sleepy voice came
from behind him. She joined him at the door and leaned on its frame. Chime? What are you doing up?
I must talk to the king, Chime said, the picture of sincere urgency.
Well, here I am, Jarid grumbled. So speak.
Iris gave him an exasperated look. Then she gestured to Chime, inviting her inside. Come sit with us.
As Chime and Aria entered the suite, Jarid crossed his arms. Standson gave him a look of apology.
Aria s face was so red, Jarid wondered her cheeks didn t catch fire. For good measure, he glared at her,
too.
Iris set up candles on a table, and they sat around it in wing chairs with gold upholstery emblazoned by
the Dawnfield crest. The octagonal table concentrated Jarid s spell. He hadn t intended to read Chime s
mood, but it jumped out at him. She meant to ride with his war party in the morning. Absolutely not! he
exploded. Out of the question. They all blinked at him. Warriors, criminals, rogues, kings those he
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could handle. What to do with three women watching him in polite bewilderment was another story
altogether. He felt outnumbered.
Never, Jarid added for good measure, giving Chime the full force of his irate stare. She smiled sweetly,
her face aglow in the candlelight. Jarid, dear. Iris spoke carefully, as if he were perhaps dangerous.
What are you talking about?
He frowned at his wife. She thinks I am going to take her and Aria with me tomorrow.
Iris seemed nonplussed. With the Heptagons?
I absolutely will not, Jarid told them.
Aria spoke quickly. Well, I m glad that s settled. She stood up. We are sorry to have Aria, sit
down. Chime yanked her back into the chair. The maid sat with a thump, a tendril of hair flying around
her face.
Chime folded her hands in her lap. Your Majesty
Using my title won t help, he growled. I will not take you with me. That is final. You may go now.
But I must go with you, Chime said in her most sensible voice.
You are worried about Muller, Iris said.
Where I come from, Chime said, a wife looks after her husband. If he is in danger, she rescues him.
What, now you re a lady warrior? Jarid tried to ignore the quelling look Iris gave him. At least she had
the sense to speak no rebuke. He was the king, even he was only twenty. He was in control here. He
couldn t believe they were discussing this absurd proposition at such an hour of the night. Brant would
have apoplexy. Maybe that was why Chime had come now; his advisors were in bed. She knew they
would never countenance such an outrageous scheme. Well, neither would he.
I must do something, Chime said. I need to help.
The answer is no, Jarid said. N. O.
What if Iris was in danger? Chime turned to the queen. Or if you knew Jarid needed you. You would
go to him.
Well, yes, I would, Iris said.
Jarid almost groaned. If Iris decided to insist that she go after all, it would encourage Chime in this
madness. He turned his darkest scowl on his wife. You would stay here at Suncroft.
Her smile curved. I would rescue you, my love.
You would do no such thing. The conversation was getting away from Jarid and he didn t know how
to pull it back. Blustering probably wasn t the answer. He spoke more calmly to Chime. I understand
why you would like to come and I appreciate your offer. But you cannot. The danger is too great. I m
sorry. It is more dangerous to stay here. Fear shadowed her face. When Varqelle s army arrives,
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what will they do to the pregnant wife of your current heir? Better I go with you.
The idea that Varqelle would attack his home made Jar id ill. She was right; she would be in danger
either way. But Suncroft had walls and warriors. We are leaving many soldiers here.
You will have many in the north, too, Iris said. The Heptagons and the two units already there. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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