Free The Pirate Prince (Pirate's Booty Series, Book Five) by Temple Hogan Page B

lover’s touch. Azara pushed the thought away and rose from the settee where she lounged. She hadn’t seen Rajak for nearly a week. She’d hope that he would summon her to fill his bed, for had he not planned that for her? Still, he’d remained aloof. And what would she have done, if he had? Refuse him? Would she be strong enough to do that? She wanted to think so, even while she longed for his touch. She wandered to the balcony and stared out at the tropical garden.
    The sound of voice came to her, and she watched as Rajak stalked into the garden followed by another man. They conversed for several minutes in harsh, agitated tones. In an attempt to hear them better, Azara leaned over the balcony. Their words were still too quiet for her to make out until Rajak raised his voice in a final command. Abruptly, he turned toward the palace and, glancing up, found her watching him. He made no gesture nor did he call a greeting, but she felt his eyes burning into her very heart. Silently, he followed his guest inside.
    Troubled, she left the balcony, no longer finding pleasure there and sat before her mirror, studying her face and hair for any imperfections. She was still as beautiful as she’d been when she’d left her home to go as a bride to the Mogul land. But that didn’t seem to matter to Rajak. He’d put her aside. Perhaps he planned to ransom her after all. His palace was sumptuous and surely cost a lot to maintain. She couldn’t blame him for wanting the money she would bring. But if that were so, why had he taken her virginity? Why had he claimed that one day she’d be his wife, and he would once again be the Mogul ruler of the Peacock Throne?
    “What are your plans, princess?” Hestia whispered in her ear. Picking up a brush, she proceeded to brush Azara’s hair. “Do you wish me to send a message to your father or perhaps to your betrothed husband?”
    “No,” Azara snapped, loathe to give up any final hope about Rajak.
    “He doesn’t want you anymore,” Hestia said softly. “He hasn’t come to join you since we arrived. And that woman, bah. The servants tell me that he goes to the city to see her again as he did before.”
    “I don’t believe it,” Azara said sharply. “You lie or your sources are not reliable. Leave me now.”
    “You can’t ignore the truth,” Hestia said, turning away.
    Her words lingered in the room long after the woman had left.
    Malika came into the chambers. “You look very sad, Your Highness. Can I do something for you?”
    “No, no one can,” Azara answered and threw herself across the bed to weep, but the tears wouldn’t come. Instead, anger and pride made her pound the pillows in frustration.
    “Your Highness, what troubles you?” Malika asked gently.
    Azara raised her head and glared at her favorite.
    “Send Hestia to me,” she said harshly and flopped on her back to stare at the arched ceiling, while she plotted what she must do. She’d not be an obedient slave to Rajak’s whim. She’d make her own plans and carry them out as ruthlessly as Hasna had taught her.
    “Your Highness?” Hestia entered the chamber as silent as always. She stood with her head lowered, her shoulders rounded in a facsimile of acquiescence, but her expression was sly and triumphant.
    Azara rose from her bed and paced the room. “See if you can find someone to carry a message to the Mogul Shah.”
    “You would not send one to your father?” Hestia asked in surprise.
    “My father would take the stand that I am no longer his responsibility. He would simply refer the problem to Mohan. Why waste time for all that. Send a message directly to the shah. When he learns his brother has taken me, he will see it as an act of treason and will act at once.”
    “Ah,” Hestia said with new respect. “You have learned to reason well.”
    “Go at once,” Azara replied. “Go by horseback so you will be less noticeable to the servants. If you’re questioned, tell them I have sent you on