Free Shadow Over Avalon by C.N Lesley Page A

was smaller than average and an unusual honey-blond color. If it had two tails, or an extra leg, she might have understood.
    Ashira dismounted when grooms rushed forward to get their mounts clear before the purification ritual began. She tried to edge into the fort, but Uther held her arm and steered her to the inner ring. She forced herself to watch when the priest brought his rod of office to bear upon the sacrifice. The calf writhed, screaming in blue fire. Life fled, and a drift of ash floated to ground. Ritual phrases droned over the pathetic remains. The crowd responded, making way for the priest to glide back to his sanctum. Ashira wrenched her arm free to hurry away.
    “Lady, come back here.” Uther’s tone came with a warning authority. An irresistible wave of sickness threatened, her head ached and she wanted privacy.
    With seconds to spare, Ashira reached her cleansing room, spending a virtual lifetime evacuating every meal in memory. A bath helped take away the remembered stench of burning flesh, but her headache grew worse. She snuffed all light except the time candle, almost falling into bed.
    A calloused hand on her shoulder shocked Ashira awake. She struck out blindly, connecting with flesh. A hard body pinned her down.
    “Lady, what have I done to earn your scorn?” Uther demanded, a dark shadow pressing against her.
    She recognized the scent of a fighting man and the sharp odor of liquor on his breath. Memories of that other time he’d taken drink flooded through her. He hadn’t wanted a clear memory of killing a girl.
    “Ashira, you disobeyed a direct order given in front of my people. Be warned, my patience is on a very short rein. I’ll have your reasons for discourtesy right now. They’d better be good.”
    The duke’s voice sounded quiet and controlled. That control washed over Ashira like a bucket of icy water. He hadn’t stormed after her immediately, which said a great deal for how much distance from her he’d needed to bring his temper under control. She had taken his leniency for granted. Now she must face the consequences.
    “I’m sorry, my lord. I ask your pardon,” she said.
    His body remained as tense as a coiled spring about to snap. “Sorry isn’t a reason. I’m waiting,” Uther replied, his voice even quieter.
    “I heard you well enough, but I didn’t stop because I wanted to be sick in private.”
    As much as Ashira hated admitting weakness, she owed him the truth. The duke released her to light the candle on her nightstand. His face resembled a carved mask with hard sapphire eyes.
    “I’m listening.”
    “It was the ritual. I knew what would happen if I watched. I didn’t have time to tell you, or I would have lost breakfast in front of all. Uther, I am not very happy at any priest service, but that one has instant effects.”
    “So when another sacrifice happens I can count on your presence, as long as you are free to leave afterward.” The duke’s face relaxed. “That is reasonable and fair.” He settled on his side, facing her. “This argument wouldn’t have happened if we knew each other better. Something we can work on tonight.”
    “Uther—” she began, to be cut off by his kiss. She didn’t try to stop him, remembering how he got his own way on the beach, and she liked his kisses.
    He broke away after a while to strip off his tunic and shirt. Watching her intently, he sat on the side of the bed to pull off his boots and socks. Uther’s hands went to the lacings on his pants. Ashira looked away, scared, excited and embarrassed all at once. A slight movement later and his muscular body settled against her. “Your turn.” Uther reached for the drawstring on the neck of her nightgown.
    She shivered against the feel of air on her breasts as he pulled it down to her waist. He waited, one eyebrow raised in mock challenge until she raised her hips to allow him to strip her lower body of the garment.
    “Say now if you want me to stop.” His eyes were