Free Savage Splendor (Savage Lagonda 2) by Constance O'Banyon Page B

Vista and picked up his son, Hamez, who had been named for his father. Lifting him over his head, Tajarez was rewarded with a happy giggle from his small son.
    Little Hamez fixed his father with an intense gaze with his green eyes. It was almost painful for Tajarez to look into Hamez's eyes, since they so closely resembled Mara's. Mara's and Hamez's eyes were a clear emerald color, while Tamera's were green with brown flecks.
    "Are the children eating well, Vista?"
    "Yes, my king," she answered with a smile on her face. It was not for her to tell the king that he had asked that very same question only that morning when he visited the nursery.
    Tajarez kissed Hamez on the cheek and placed him back in his bed. Ignoring his son's loud protest, he walked to the door. "I will be back to see the children later this evening, Vista."
    She smiled. There was no need for him to tell her he would return. He was a most devoted father, and Vista thought the people would be surprised if they could witness the many occasions on which their king sat on the floor playing with his offspring. He was a very loving man, and since Mara had become his wife, he showed his affection openly to those who were close enough to the family to witness it.
    To his people he appeared a commanding figure, but many were the times that Vista had seen the soft look of love in the king's eyes when he looked at the young queen. It was a special look that warmed Vista's heart.
    Vista's brother, Palomas, was protector of the queen, and their family had been honored to have two members serving the royal family. The positions she and Palomas held were coveted by many.
    She picked up the young prince royal, trying to soothe him. The two infants missed their mother greatly, and Vista would be happy when the queen returned. It seemed the young queen could brighten up a room just by entering it, and Vista, like many others, had been the recipient of the queen's kindness on many occasions. The queen had insisted that Vista's own baby daughter be brought to the nursery so she could have her near her. There were two other women assigned to help her with the twins, but Vista preferred to do most of the personal things for the young prince and princess herself. Her husband, Naras, had been given a position in the royal stables so the family could be together.
    "Do not cry, little prince," she soothed. "Your mother will be home soon. Until she returns Vista will speak to you each day of her, so you will not forget she loves you."
     
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    Tajarez entered the anteroom and found Sagas pacing the floor. He watched the old man in silence for a moment. Sagas stopped in front of Tajarez and glared at him.
    "You took your time coming. Did not Jeffery tell you that I sent for you?" Sagas demanded.
    Tajarez smiled slightly. Sagas had the habit of addressing the king as if he were his subject. But Tajarez took no offense. It had been no different when Tajarez's father had been king. Sagas the all knowing, the sage, was a very dear and trusted friend and advisor.
    "Had I known the summons was an order, I would have rushed to you, Sagas." Tajarez told him lightly.
    Sagas waved Tajarez aside. "I have to go away for a while," the old man said wearily.
    Tajarez saw nothing unusual in this. Sagas was always going into the mountains where he would disappear for long periods of time, and no one knew what he was doing or when he would return.
    "Where are you going, my old friend? When can I expect you to return?"
    "I am going to the mountains, and I do not know how long I will be away."
    Tajarez was thoughtful for a moment. "Did you hear about Unat's death?"
    "Of course," Sagas said impatiently.
    Tajarez raised his eyebrow. "You are in a rare good spirit."
    Sagas favored Tajarez with a look of disgust. "I have no time to pass