Concubinage L.E. Bryce

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."Yes, my dear," he said."His name is Inandré, but I did not know he was coming tonight.He was here as Sutyka's guest."For some reason, Ghazri did not seem pleased."I have heard disturbing rumors from the capital," he said."Of late, there have been certain scandals involving one or more akhari."Wherever Ghazri heard these tales, no hint had ever reached Hanithi's ears.That alone he found unsettling, for it seemed to him that he should hear about such scandals and gossip before his patron."I am afraid I had not heard anything," he replied."These days, I do not receive news as quickly as I used to."32Concubinageby L.E.BryceGhazri gave him a stern look, one that reminded Hanithi of a father reprimanding a wayward child."I know you find Marreh small and mean compared with Tajhaan, and that you have been slow to establish ties with the local akhari and merchants.For your sake, I advise you to increase your efforts.It would not do for you to associate with anyone of low character."Such criticism was the last thing Hanithi expected to hear, especially the last.Surely he cannot mean Inandré? What has happened with him since I left? "Forgive me for being so ignorant, dear," he answered softly, "but while I realize I have been slow to adjust to life here, I was not aware that any of my acquaintances were objectionable.""Of these scandals, I can tell you very little," said Ghazri,"only that one of them involves a male akharu, a very high-ranking nobleman, and from what I am told, a very sordid lawsuit.Of course, it would be premature of me to insinuate that this Inandré of yours has had anything to do with these matters, but you would do well to be cautious."I can tell you very little.Hanithi, fixing a smile upon his lips, kissed his patron on the cheek.I know you are lying to me.You would not waste time or words warning me if you did not know something.Tomorrow, he must have the truth from Inandré.Sutyka might be able to tell him what he wished to know, but Hanithi preferred to hear it from the source.If there has been a scandal, he thought, and I have to end our association, it is only right that he has the chance to explain.The thought offered no comfort.33Concubinageby L.E.Bryce* * * *Daylight cast deep shadows under Inandré's eyes.Hanithi did not have to study his face long to know he was not eating or sleeping properly, however much Inandré assured him that Sutyka was a caring and gracious hostess."Thank you, but I have no appetite," he murmured, waving aside the sweetmeats a servant offered."Have you been ill?" asked Hanithi."No, though I apologize if I do not look my best."Inandré offered no further explanation.The atmosphere in the salon grew awkward, the silence heavy, and the wine and delicacies untouched.Hanithi, observing his guest for any subtle shift in mood, noticed how Inandré's hand gravitated toward the pearl collar at his throat.He had worn it last night, and fingered it then also."Is that a new ornament? I do not think I have seen it on you before."At once, as though caught in an inappropriate act, Inandré lowered his hand."I hope you do not think it forward of me, but might we go upstairs?" he asked."It seems rather soon, and somewhat awkward considering my favors now belong to my patron," said Hanithi."Besides, you have hardly said a word since you arrived."Inandré shook his head."No, you misunderstand." His voice sounded too small, too timid for his vibrant personality."I want to tell you—I do not want to do it here."Even a self-assured tone could not have erased the apprehension Hanithi felt at the request.What could be so 34Concubinageby L.E.Bryceterrible that he cannot speak freely except in my bedchamber? "If you wish," he replied.No words accompanied them on the climb upstairs.For once, Hanithi was grateful they were not in his old house in Tajhaan; the surroundings would have recalled Inandré's amorous nature, his impatient kisses and gropes that could not wait for the bedchamber.Now a stranger followed him, moving past the landing and curious servants, into a room only Ghazri had ever seen.Hanithi closed the door behind them."Something is troubling you," he said."We are as alone now as we might ever be.Will you not tell me what is wrong?"Without meeting his eyes, Inandré unfastened the pearl collar."I do not want anyone else to see this," he whispered.Against his honey-colored skin, Hanithi glimpsed shadows, discolorations he did not recognize as fading bruises until Inandré self-consciously raised a hand to conceal them."Sutyka says they are hardly noticeable now, but I cannot look into a mirror without seeing them as they were when—In the right light, who would notice? But I cannot help it.It seems to me that everyone will see, and then they will point and whisper."Hanithi grasped at fragments, snatches of his last conversation with Ghazri.Words came to his mind, then phrases: sordid, low character, scandal."Who did this to you?"Inandré tried to replace the collar, his hands trembling so hard he could not work the clasp.Finally, Hanithi approached, and closing his hand around the intricate mesh of seed pearls, 35Concubinageby L.E.Brycegently took it from him."Who would do such a thing?" It seemed inconceivable that anyone would strike, much less leave bruises on an akesh or akharu, yet not only had it happened, but Hanithi thought he could discern the marks someone's fingers had left around Inandré's throat."He tried to strangle me." Covering his face with both hands, swaying back and forth on unsteady legs, Inandré suddenly burst into tears.Still clutching the pearls in one hand, Hanithi gathered him close."I think you had better tell me about it," he said softly."Come, lie on the bed beside me, and we can talk as we used to do." He managed to get Inandré to remove his shoes and outer robe, and to lie down on the wide, soft bed."These tears are not like you at all.""I know it is selfish, but I wish you had not left," replied Inandré."It was so much worse with you gone."As he listened, Hanithi suspected he knew what the matter was about, and also realized his presence would not have made any difference.He said nothing, not wanting to upset Inandré further, then cautiously ventured a comment."Ghazri mentioned something about a lawsuit.""So he knows everything, and if he knows, so does everyone else." Squeezing his eyes shut, Inandré bit his lower lip."I came here to escape all that.""You are exaggerating," said Hanithi."Ghazri has contacts in Tajhaan, so he would hear any news.I am sure others do not know, whatever it is." He touched Inandré's damp cheek, wishing he had a cloth to wipe away the tears, and added, " I 36Concubinageby L.E.Brycedo not know anything, though I think perhaps you had better tell me.""It was a mistake, all of it."A sobbing, rambling narrative did as much good as none at all."Inandré, dear, you need to start from the beginning."Sniffling, Inandré nodded and started again."That nobleman who would not let me alone," he said."I took your advice and left the city, thinking that would do it.I had enough saved to rent a little place in Akkil, and I had a good time for a few weeks.I went to parties and collected handsome fees for my company; there were several promising men who were unattached.""Then he came.All my engagements were mysteriously canceled; the men gave me strange looks and made lame excuses.I did not know what to make of it, except that it made me uneasy, because I knew he had everything to do with it.The only thing I could do was ignore it.I had money enough, and Akkil was pleasant even without clients.I even started to enjoy myself again.Then the rumors started [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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