To Seduce An Assassin (The Omaja Series Book 2)(68)

“Yes, Sire. Whatever you need, just say the word.”

“Men of integrity, Manck. I need people I can trust.”

“I will send Shor and Tor. Brothers, from Hajan. You remember Tor—he was at the battlefield outside Caladia.”

“Yes, I remember. He was the young man serving us in the tent.”

“We accepted him into the Warrior Army soon after. Him as well as his older brother Shor. They are both excellent swordsmen.”

“Good.” Yavi gave him a taut smile. “Once they arrive, I shall spar with them in the courtyard, test their skills. Gentlemen, that will be all for now.”

The officers bowed and took their leave.

Once they were alone, Yajna raised an eyebrow at him. “Extra guards for the queen’s sister, eh? Is there something you wish to tell me, brother?”

“Yes, there is something I wish to tell you. Piss off.”

Yajna laughed. “Don’t pretend you haven’t noticed how stunning our young houseguest is.”

“Well, she’s off-limits to you, so stop taking notes on her attractiveness.”

Yajna raised his hands defensively. “I was merely making an observation. I have already claimed her beautiful older sister, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my choice.”

Yavi poured himself a cup of water, ignoring his brother’s smug grin.

“I’ve seen the way you look at Gracie, brother. And I don’t blame you—she has grown into an undeniable beauty. But you swore an oath.”

Yavi drained the water cup, then sighed. “I did swear an oath. You are right.”

“Are you having second thoughts about it?”

Yavi turned away to stare out the window, down at the guards running drills in the courtyard below.

“Brother.” Yajna’s voice softened, and he placed a hand on Yavi’s shoulder. “When will you forgive yourself for what happened to Gerynwid’s maid?”

Yavi swallowed, hard. “I don’t know if I deserve forgiveness. Or Graciella’s love.”

“You’re a good man, brother. You would have given anything to save Svana. You would give your right arm now to save Nandala. And you have always given everything to protect me. You deserve Graciella’s love, if ever you’re blessed enough to win it.”

Yavi glanced at his brother. “She told me she loved me last night.”

“She did?”

“Yes. And I confessed my love to her as well.”

“Do you love her?”

“Yes, brother. I would not have said it otherwise.”

“Did you break your oath of celibacy with her last night?”

“No. I came close. I didn’t want to do it without the Arunima oil.”

“You showed more restraint than I did with Jiandra, then.”

“You made love to her without the oil the first time? You beast!” He punched Yajna’s shoulder.

“No, no, I didn’t penetrate her without the oil. I did other things, things you don’t need Arunima for.”

“I see.” A few choice images filled Yavi’s mind. “Spare me the details. I’m struggling enough as it is at the moment.”

“Look, brother. If Gracie loves you, and you love her, I say Tejeshwar’s blessing is with you. You could inquire of Master Volkan to be certain. I will go with you to the monastery, if you like.”

Yavi turned his back to the window and leaned against the sill. “Brother, what do you think Mother would say to me, if she were here? About Svana, about my oath, and about Graciella?”

“There is no doubt in my mind what Mother would say. She would tell you to stop punishing yourself for the past and to open your heart to a woman’s love, if the woman is worthy of you. Graciella is more than worthy. She comes from good stock; you know that her family is virtuous and true. She works hard, and she’s loyal. If she truly loves you, Mother would approve.”

Yavi grasped his brother’s wrist and pulled him closer for a one-armed hug. “Thank you, my brother.”

“You’re welcome,” Yajna said, patting his back. “Now stop being such an ass.”

Yavi chuckled and picked up his cloak on his way to the door. “Ladies first,” he said, motioning Yajna to go through.

§

Graciella was putting the final garnishes on the trays of roasted stuffed pheasant when she heard a commotion in the dining room outside the kitchen door. It sounded like guards shouting. She and Wilten hurried to see what was the matter.

When they pushed open the kitchen door, they saw Yavi running through the dining hall in their direction. He shouted something at Wilten, who took off running toward the servants’ quarters. He grasped Graciella’s arm. “Come with me, Sheir-zin. The city is under attack. Wilten, go hide in the basement with the others.”

Graciella let him pull her up the stairs, struggling to keep up with his pace. They headed for his wing, then ran down the hallway toward her room. He shouted orders at the two guards they passed on the way, who followed him to her bedroom door.

He shoved open the door and pulled her inside, then grasped her arms to make her face him. His silver eyes glinted dangerously. “You stay in here, out of sight, until I come back for you. Do not open the door for anyone but me. Do you hear?”