Goddess by Fiona McIntosh Page B

chamber, ‘Please take Pez away. I wish a private conversation with the Spur.’
    The man nodded and urged Pez to follow. The dwarf meekly took the man’s hand, ambling at his side as the monkeys did with their handlers in the Zar’s zoo. He left quietly but not before loudly wiping his nose on the corner of the Valide’s silken shift.
    She shrieked, scowled at the Spur’s helpless amusement. ‘Why does he entertain you and Boaz with such vulgarity?’
    ‘It’s not him, it’s you, Valide. You give him so much fun to work with. In his addled mind he still seems to sense that he can provoke a loud reaction from you every time. You must learn to ignore him as we all do, then he’ll likely leave you alone.’
    ‘Why you tolerate him around you is beyond me. Has he been barking like that for long? It must set your nerves on edge.’
    ‘No. I hardly notice him. A lot of the time he sits quietly and picks his nose.’
    She made an involuntary sound of disgust before she noticeably softened. ‘Are you cold? Let me fetch you a blanket.’
    Lazar sat down. It was obvious this would be no fleeting visit and he dared not be rude after all her care.
    ‘Herezah, you don’t need to wait on me like this,’ Lazar called over his shoulder, although he was grateful for the warmth when the soft rug was placed around him.
    Herezah had come to Lazar’s quarters this morning with a mission in mind. She had deliberately distracted the Elim with Pez and then left a message for that same Elim to run some errands for her. She was counting on him being kept busy for a while—long enough for her needs. She was also gambling with the notion that the more senior Elim would not realise the single day and single night guard they maintained around the Spur was compromised. The guard was token, simply as a show of respect towards the harem. The Elim trusted the Spur implicitly but the principle of a man living relatively near to where the women were housed warranted the show of a guard. Herezah had earned the Elim’s respect these few moons, always seeing to it that the Elim were informed when she was visiting the Spur’s quarters, diligently ensuring she was never without her escort. She neither removed her veil in the Spur’s company—even when he was too far gone in his fevers and hallucinations to be aware of anyone around him—nor did she touch him below his neck. Instead she supervised the Elim in this regard. Trust had been earned and she intended to take full advantage of her weeks of patience.
    She leaned against the railings, her back to the Faranel with her sheer, rather revealing costume ensuring that the full glory of her stillfirm, voluptuous body was showcased for her guest.
    ‘But I enjoy looking after you,’ she admonished in a lazy voice. ‘I’d be lying if I said I’d been happier in my life than these past four moons in caring for you.’
    ‘Please don’t say that aloud to anyone else. Don’t even say it to me again, I beg you.’
    ‘But why, Lazar? Why not to you?’ She made her move, crouching near his side now, careful not to crowd him but close enough to place her hand over his. ‘Surely you cannot deny that I have always been honest with you about my feelings.’
    He shook his head. ‘It is unwise—’
    ‘Why? You are well now—or much fitter than a few moons back when I swear to Zarab I thought we’d lost you. But—’
    Lazar surprised her by covering her hand with his own and she helplessly shivered at his touch. ‘And I haven’t thanked you for that. You saved my life—’
    ‘You saved mine in the desert.’
    ‘That was my duty. Helping me back to good health has surely been unpleasant and you didn’t have to do it.’
    ‘No, but I’m glad I have. And yes, you do have to thank me, but do so properly. I don’t want your carefully chosen words, Lazar. I want you. Don’t look at me like that! I’ve never hidden my desire and although we’ve often felt like enemies, for my part it’s