Kushiel's Mercy

I want to be reckoned aught but a performing lap-dog.”
    “Lap-dogs don’t give Bodeshmun cause for concern,” he observed. “Which is to the good.” We fell silent on reaching the central stretch of the arena, waiting until we were out of earshot of the few folks availing themselves of the palaestra. “What did you think of her?”
    “Disconcerting,” I said. “She’s quick-witted and bored. I can see why Bodeshmun’s worried.”
    Sunjata increased his stride. “What did you think of her, Leander?”
    I pushed myself to match his pace, feeling my muscles warm and loosen. It came easier than I remembered. Our bare feet thudded softly on the path. “I’m not entirely sure of that, either. But whatever it is, I find myself thinking a good deal too much of it.”
    Another stretch of silence. I could hear Sunjata’s breathing, steady and even. I matched him breath for breath.
    “Perhaps you’re falling in love with her,” he said when next we reached the turn at the far end of the footpath.
    “At one meeting?” I laughed. “Don’t be absurd.”
    “At a glance,” Sunjata said. “At a single, devastating glance that stripped clever Leander Maignard of all his smooth beguilements and left him standing in the street, staring after her palanquin like a man besotted.”
    “That only happens in poets’ tales,” I scoffed.
    He gave me a sidelong glance. “Are you sure?”
    I opened my mouth to reply, but Sunjata pulled away, his effortless stride increasing once more. Irritated, I pulled abreast of him. My lungs were working hard now. He pushed his pace and I struggled grimly to keep up with him, running too hard for conversation.
    Another lap, then another and another. My lungs felt like they were bursting and I had a stitch in my side. Even Sunjata was breathing hard. Still, I managed to keep up with him this time.
    “There!” he gasped at last, slowing to a panting halt. “See, I told you. We’re all capable of things we can’t imagine.”
    I braced my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath. “You’re out of practice.”
    “Not so.” Sunjata shook his head. “This is my one great escape. I suspect you’ve been training at somewhat.”
    I eased myself upright. “Not that I recall.”
    Sunjata gave me one of his opaque looks. “Let’s get you into the baths. I can still smell that damnable pomade.”
    We passed a pleasant time lingering in the baths. I kept my promise to Princess Sidonie and bathed thoroughly, washing my hair several times over. Afterward, we bought food from one of the many vendors there and dined while strolling the colonnade. I felt an unaccountable excitement rising as morning gave way to noon.
    “I’ve got to be on my way,” I said to Sunjata outside the baths. “Shall I see you later?”
    “I’ll meet you here on the morrow.” He smiled wryly. “I’ve a commission to work on. A particular ring.”
    “Ah, I see,” I said. “Good. Tomorrow, then. But why don’t you come to the villa? I had some business I wished to discuss.”
    “I prefer this,” he said.
    “Fine.” I threw up my hands. “As you wish.”
    “Leander.” Sunjata caught my arm as I turned to go. He lowered his voice. “Listen . . .
    whatever you’re feeling for her, don’t fight it. It might be exactly what you need.”
    “I’m not,” I said. “It feels more like it’s fighting me .”
    He let go my arm. “That may very well be true.”
    Before I could ask what in the world that was supposed to mean, Sunjata turned on his heel and set off at a brisk walk. I let him go. There was no reasoning with him when he was in an obstinate mood.
    Besides, I had a date to keep.
    Once more, I presented myself at the villa of the House of Sarkal. This time, I was bade wait a moment before I was escorted within. When I was, I found the princess already awaiting me, seated in the sunlight alcove and pondering the chess board. One of the Amazigh had taken up his customary position, his presence warning me to be discreet.
    Today the princess wore a silk gown the color of apricots. The decolletage wasn’t low enough to be unseemly, but I could see the swell of her breasts. My mouth went dry.
    “Leander Maignard.” Her gaze flashed up at me.
    I nearly greeted her by name. I swallowed it and bowed. “Your highness.”
    “Are you thoroughly scoured and ready to match wits?” she asked.
    “Both, my lady.”
    “Well, then.” She smiled and gestured at the table. The chess board was