Naamah's Kiss - Jacqueline Carey [276]
I stared at her, my lips parted.
If the princess had not blushed, I would not have been certain of what she was asking of me. But she did, a tide of blood rising to kiss her throat with crimson, flushing her cheeks, even the tips of her ears. It was so unexpected, and so utterly, utterly charming, all I could do was stare at her with surprised delight.
"I should not have asked, should I?" She scowled. "Forgive me, I do not know the protocol for such a thing. It is only that… I do not think anyone in the world needs her blessing as much as I do. And… what the dragon did when first we met, I know he intended well, but it was not helpful." Her voice faltered, then continued, resolute and determined. "And yet you understand in part because of it. So I thought, although it is against custom, after all, it is a little late to worry about that, and you are the one person I trust… Moirin, would you please say something? Why are you smiling like that?"
There was a fluttering burst in my belly like a thousand doves taking flight at once. I did not have to consult my diadh-anam. This was not the business of the Maghuin Dhonn. This was Naamah's business.
The bright lady approved—oh, so very much.
"Yes," I said softly. "The answer to the question you ask is yes, my lady. And I am smiling because it makes me happy."
"Truly?" She smiled in profound relief.
"Truly," I assured her. "Well and truly, I promise you."
The following day, as I made my preparations to travel, it lay between us unspoken. Every time I thought about it, I smiled. Every time I smiled, the princess blushed.
If there had been aught I had desired for the journey, she would have given it to me, but I had to trust my instincts. The matter lay between Bao and me. It would be best if I left quietly, without fanfare. I didn't like being alone, but one can be alone in the midst of strangers. I had grown up in considerable solitude, and I could take care of myself.
And the dragon had promised I would always find love on my path.
So I sorted through the many gifts I had been given, setting aside the gorgeous robes stiff with embroidery and packing a couple of the more sensible garments. Most of the jewelry I kept, hidden in the bottom of my pack next to the crystal vial of Jehanne's perfume and a purse of D'Angeline coins. I kept a belt knife that Snow Tiger had given me, a slender blade with an ivory hilt carved in the shape of a dragon. I had the yew-wood bow that my uncle Mabon had made for me.
I had a horse, a virtual twin of the valiant chestnut that had carried me across the battlefield. The Emperor had made me a gift of him. Now I accepted the gift of a pack-horse and supplies.
There was one last gift of jewelry I accepted, too—a jade medallion strung on a silk cord. It bore the image of the Imperial dragon carved on one side and the Emperor's seal etched into the other. It signified that I was under the protection of the Son of Heaven and to be afforded every courtesy.
"It will not help you on the far side of the Great Wall," Snow Tiger reminded me.
"I know." I hesitated. "Are the Tatars truly so fearsome?"
She frowned in thought. "They are a wild folk. Nomads. But there have been enlightened rulers among them in the past. I don't know how you will find them."
"I come from a fairly wild folk myself, my lady."
"True."
It seemed like there should have been more to do to prepare for such an undertaking, but by the end of the day, I was finished.
There was only one thing left to do, and that was ask for Naamah's blessing.,
* * *
CHAPTER NINETY
The princess was nervous, so nervous. After dismissing all her attendants, bidding them not to disturb us until summoned, she quivered with restless uncertainty, watching me light sticks of incense and offer a prayer to Naamah.
"Do you think she will hear so far away?" she asked me.
"I do not think far means anything more to the gods than time means to a dragon." I watched the fragrant smoke coil. "And the dragon himself