Two weeks later, Thom and Lianne's boat was pulling into
harbor at the Yamani Islands.
"We're
finally here, love. And you're almost due!" Thom murmured, hugging Lianne.
"Our
parents would be so upset." Lianne giggled, pushing him away. "Now, what do you
want to name the baby? I'm thinking Cyanne for a girl, and Liran for a boy."
"Cyanne and
Liran it is, sweet. Are you feeling well?" Thom asked tenderly, stroking her
cheek.
"Of course,
Thom. I'm fine. Do you think Jass' got caught?"
"No, he
would have told us, don't you think? And Jonathon trusts Jass, doesn't he?"
"As far as
I know, my dear father loves him." Lianne replied sarcastically.
"Someday, I want to go back and----"
"Now, now,
'anne. Don't overreact." Thom teased, before sighing and resting his elbows on
the rail, gazing out at the Islands. "I hate them. I HATE them. They're
so---so—"
"Master
Thom! We're docked!" A sailor called out from behind, interrupting the troubled
lover's thoughts.
"Ready?"
Thom asked.
"Yes. I'm
fine, Thom. Really. You don't need to baby me so." Lianne replied, lightly
punching his shoulder.
"But 'anne,
it makes me feel better! Come on, sweet, let's go onshore." Thom said, and the
young couple walked over to the gangplank and descended to their new home and
country.
"Thomas
Cooper! Lianne Conte!" A messenger boy ran, panting, up to them. "Messages for
yeh!"
Thom frowned and accepted the bundle of letters from the
boy, handing him a copper and shooing him away. Thom handed Lianne her letters,
and tore the three he had received open.
Thomas,
Thomas,
what is wrong with you? You were-are- forbidden to have contact with Princess
Lianne. Return her at once to Corus and you will be let off easily. Why can't
you see how much your mother and I love you? You are throwing all of that away,
Thom, and ruining your life!
George
Cooper
Thom,
Really,
you bastard, was that necessary? If you ever fireball me again, I'll make you
regret it. Please return to Tortall. Bring the Princess back, Thom, please, or
I will be forced to scry for you, and that will not be pleasant. Thom, everyone
here cares about you…. Alianne is worried sick. We need to finish that spell
for Master Seastone, remember? I can't do it without your help. If the Princess
has the baby before you return her, take care of them both. Thom, you'll grow
to regret your decision! Really, Thom, please come back. I need you here, and
Lianne will be more comfortable at home. Mia and Maude miss you, little
darlings that they are. I wish I could say the same for George. He and your
mother are not very pleased. Can't you see what you're doing to them? You're
their first child, Thom, and they love you.
Numair
Salmalin
Thom,
Have
'Anne write me when you arrive. How was your voyage? Father and Mother don't
suspect me as of yet, but they are steaming mad. Your father is even worse—I
hate to think what he'll do to you. Tell me what the babe's name is when it is
born. Liam, Roald, and Kali all came back to Corus, because of you two. I'll
probably be dead if they find out. I hope you have fun! Good luck!
Jass