Part XII
Excuse me? Daine asked.
Do you like wine? Ozorne repeated patiently, hoping that the girl who came so highly recommended wasn't deaf and stupid. His doubts disappeared when she smiled. That smile lit up her entire face, making her gray-blue eyes shine with humor and intelligence.
she replied. But only if it's red and good.
Ozorne poured himself a glass and tasted it delicately. I agree. White wine is too...light...for me. He regarded her carefully. You're Daine.
Veralidaine Sarrasri, she corrected, ducking her head. And you are Ozorne Muhassin Tasikhe, emperor of Carthak and her holdings.
How is it that everyone knows who I am before I know them? the emperor demanded, his voice slightly irritated. Then he smiled. Ah well. I do have a reputation.
A big one, replied Daine with a small laugh. A very big one. No one's ever gone through all the ladies here as fast as you.
Let's just say...I'm open to new experiences,agreed Ozorne. Where I come from, the women are nothing like you. I get bored easily.
Ah. That is a problem, Daine drawled. She knew how to play this game very well. Slowly, deliberately, she put her glass down on the table. I'll wager that I can keep you with me for much longer than any other girl has before, she murmured, putting the correct emphasis on certain words. Then she drew up to the emperor, so that they were chest to chest, placed her mouth close to his ear, and whispered, After all, I am one of the best courtesans in Cría. I can make you feel things you haven't even considered imagining!
Ozorne shivered pleasantly, and Daine knew she had him. Grinning wickedly, she stepped back, cocked her head, and asked, How about it?
How long have they been in there? demanded Valentina between sneezes. It's almost midday!
Damara, who had just returned from upstairs, smiled dimly and shrugged. Daine's a talent, she reminded Valentina. This isn't the first time they repeat rounds in the morning.
Valentina opened her mouth to retort rebelliously, but didn't get a chance to say anything, as she started to cough violently. Damara looked at her in concern, then shook her head and prepared some tea.
I think I'm going to send you to a healer, Damara said after a moment of silence.
What? I'm fine!
Sure you are. That's why you have an uncurable fever, dry skin, and a nasty cough, retorted Damara dryly. No, don't argue. My friend, her name's Gemma Thomasri, will be stopping by here at midday.
Valentina only snorted and accepted the tea.
A bird singing outside of the window was the thing that cut through Daine's sleep. Slowly, she opened her eyes, wincing slightly at the bright light that shone through the drawn curtains. But other than that, she felt completely at peace.
Then she remembered the night before. Was it a dream? she asked herself, sighing at how wonderful it had been. Too wonderful - so wonderful that it only could have been a dream. She rolled herself onto her back, looked to her left, and grinned when she saw the sleeping man beside her.
Nope, it wasn't a dream! she thought gleefully. As if he sensed her happiness at that revelation, Ozorne's eyes flickered open and met hers.
Good morning, Daine greeted in a half-whisper, leaning down so she could kiss him lightly. He responded immediately, then pulled away, tugging her down with him, so that her head lay in the crook of his arm.
It certainly is, he informed.
Was it good for you?
His arm tightened on her. He paused, then looked into her eyes. Are you a goddess?
Daine laughed. No. Only a mortal gifted with - Don't tell him! screamed the part of her that agreed with Numair. He is just a customer - you don't know him, you don't trust him, you don't love him! She rapidly came up with a new answer. Only a mortal taught by the best.
Ozorne snorted, showing his disbelief. You didn't seem like a mere mortal last night, he informed her haughtily.
Believe me, Daine replied. I am. Red blood runs through my veins, just like yours.
In reply to that, Ozorne flicked his fingers. A small dagger appeared in his hands; he pressed it to Daine's wrist. I'll believe it when I see it, he whispered harshly. Then, so quickly that Daine didn't have time to react, he slashed sharply at her wrist. Red blood welled from the shallow - yet long - cut; Daine cried out.
Ozorne didn't pay any attention to her. As if he was in a trance, he pressed his fingers to the cut, collected some blood, then brought them to his lips. he muttered; Daine only stared at him, her heart thundering against her chest. None of the girls mentioned this behavior when they gushed about the man! Then, maybe because he heard that thought on some level, Ozorne's eyes cleared. He shook his head and gasped, seeing what he had done.
Mithros, Mynoss, and Shakith! he cried, ripping a sheet and binding Daine's wound. She blinked, recognizing the familiar curse from somewhere...and snapped back into focus when she felt Ozorne's lips against hers. I'm so sorry, sorry, please forgive me... he was whispering.
Summoning her courage, Daine sat up. It's alright, she told him, examining her bandaged wrist. Some men are...dizzy...in the morning. That'll cost you extra, though, she finished, waggling a teasing finger under Ozorne's nose. He laughed, sprang out of bed so he could get dressed, and handed her a heavy purse which jingled with coins.
Full price, plus the extra, he reported, pulling on his boots. It's midday - I have to get going. See you tonight, yes?
Daine nodded. Tonight. Bye. Tying the cord to her robe, she pocketed the purse and left the room, her mind filled with disturbing thoughts.
The healer, the stocky blonde known as Gemma Thomasri, arrived on time. It was quite obvious that she and Damara were friends - they talked and laughed while Valentina arranged herself in a chair.
So let's see what's wrong with you, lass, Gemma crooned, sitting across from the sick courtesan. Don't fight me, she warned sternly as she placed her left hand on Valentina's forehead. Almost immediately, she drew back, a frown replacing her kindly smile.
That's one nasty fever you're running, she scolded Valentina. What have you been doing, romping in the snow? That's not advisable - the body heat created between you and the man isn't quite enough to protect you.
It's just a spring flu! Valentina snapped. Anyone'll tell you - Daine, inform the healer that all I have is a flu!
Daine, who had just entered the kitchen, hoping for some breakfast, frowned. Maybe you should let her look at you, she advised softly. Muttering under her breath, Valentina nodded to Gemma, who put her hand back on the courtesan's forehead.
she mumbled. And your skin is dry - do you use cream?
I put some on every night, growled Valentina. I pride myself on having smooth, healthy skin -
Not anymore, it seems, Gemma interrupted. The skin I can heal. I can also reduce the fever. Just relax and let me work.
Valentina sighed, made a face to Daine, who grinned, then nodded. Do your stuff.
A light blue glow appeared around Gemma, though it was focused mainly around her hands. She pressed them to Valentina's cheeks and kept them there for a few minutes - and broke away with a cry.
What's wrong? Damara demanded, coming up to Gemma; Daine went to Valentina's side and squeezed her hand, because the courtesan was starting to look nervous.
The fever...it's...
suggested Daine, ignoring Valentina's gasp.
No, no...it's natural, Gemma stammered. But...every time I try to get your body's cells to destroy it...I can't! The cells...they're not there!
shrieked Valentina. Daine tried to calm her friend, but Valentina was ignoring her. What does that mean?
Your body can't fight that fever, Gemma rasped. There's a..a disease - one I've never encountered - that's killed off all of your natural defenses and is now inhabiting your body.
There was a heavy silence.
Can you cure her? whispered Daine, breaking the quiet.
I don't know, the healer admitted. I can try...let me just check something. Valentina, what did you do for Midwinter?
echoed Valentina; Gemma nodded. Valentina frowned in thought. There was a party...I think, because Damara throws a party every year...many people came...and I...I...I can't remember!
Calm down! Gemma ordered. Her voice was firm and commanding. I cannot work with hysterics.
Valentina took a deep breath.
Good. Now control yourself. Gemma shook her head. That disease is impairing your memory as well. And -
Gemma, I asked you before - can you cure her? That was Daine, starting to lose her patience. The healer stared at her hands, losing herself in thought.
I'll try, she said at last.
Prepare a room. Make sure it has a fireplace. We're going to sweat the fever out and use herbs alongside my magic. You have to help too, as you have a small healing Gift. Daine, I want you to get firewood, the basic healing herbs, several blankets, a clean shift for Valentina. There's some alcohol in my bag - grab it and clean that cut of yours.
How did you know? gasped Daine, grabbing her bandaged wrist.
I'm a healer, was the lofty response. Now, go do what I said.
Nervous, worried for her friend, Daine hurried to obey.
Sorry for keeping you guys waiting so long - I've had a terrible head cold...still do, actually. Ah well, that's what you get when you jump into a near-freezing pool on a sunny March day, just as you're recovering from bronchitis...anyway, sorry if this was too short, I have to go and research some diseases...
Like? No like? How about Ozorne? Weird behavior, no? I think I'll give him a *cough* slightly *cough* weird obsession with...blood. Oh God, I just thought of some absolutely horrible things he could do to Daine!!! Mua-hahaha! Yes, I am the essence of pure evil! *bows* However...*frown* then I might have to change the rating...aw, what the heck!
On a more serious note, my friend's parents are getting divorced, so while I'm comforting and giving her an e-shoulder to cry on, I might not write loads. And school starts on Tuesday and I haven't done my h/w...damn it all...
Review, guys! I was so happy when I saw I had 100 - I've NEVER had so many reviews in my life. *grabs a champaign bottle, opens it, rememebers she hates champaign, and uploads it to ff.net for the people who'd like to celebrate*.