Page 54 of Over the Emerald Valley
When Solon and his men had entered, however, Ottah’s scowl returned in full force.
Temaj rose from his spot and clapped his hands. “So many handsome men. How kind of our pharaoh to send you all our way.”
Solon surprised him by crowding his space, taking his face in those big hands of his, and inspecting him in front of everyone. “You’re not hurt?”
Temaj’s neck was already bandaged, thanks to Seli. “All is well. I need to talk to you alone, but first, introductions are in order, yes?”
Solon released him with a somewhat sheepish look, as if he only now realized everyone was staring at them, soldiers and concubines alike. A warm bloom of affection traveled low in Temaj’s belly as the general’s cheeks took on a healthy flush.
“I’ll start.” Temaj introduced himself to Neku and the others, then went around the room, pairing off his people with Solon’s men. His plan had evolved since their bloody fight outside of Abasi’s chambers. Like a plant with many buds, it had blossomed until the most good could be done for the most people.
He just had to get Solon on board.
After the restrained palace guards were left with two of Solon’s men and Met to watch over them, Temaj dragged Solon from the common room down the hall toward his own.
Qeb passed them, headed the other way, laden with overstuffed bags.
“What’s all that?” asked Temaj.
“My things. What I can carry of them,” Qeb said smoothly. “In case we must leave in a rush.” His gaze shifted from the general to Temaj and back.
“Smart.” Temaj should pack as well. Or not. No time, really. Qeb left, and Temaj turned to Solon. “Here’s the thing,” he began, but a fierce kiss cut off the rest of his words.
“I was worried,” Solon murmured against Temaj’s lips. “I can’t believe I left you with that barbarian.”
Temaj smiled and pushed him away. “I’m fine. Ottah’s fine. You can stop worrying. In here.”
Solon entered and glanced around with curious eyes. “All this is yours?”
Temaj saw his little space with a fresh perspective. The double bed with its luxurious feather mattress draped in silks of teal and burnt orange, the little table and chairs with his collection of trinkets decorating the surface, the chest of drawers bursting with linens, satins, and silks of all colors. And sitting atop it, his jewelry box full of silver, gold, and gems aplenty.
If everything went according to plan, he’d be leaving all this behind. The thought was both frightening and exhilarating.
“Yes, this is my room, though I rarely sleep here. I prefer to stay with Seli and Met. I can’t sleep alone. But you already knew that.”
“I wasn’t sure it was true at the time. Why can’t you sleep alone?”
“That’s a story for another day. Listen, I need more from you than you’ve offered.”
Solon took the subject change in stride. “Anything within my power is yours, Temaj. What do you need?”
“You should probably sit down.” Temaj gestured to the bed, but Solon took the wooden chair next to it instead. So Temaj settled on the bed, legs tucked beneath himself. Where to start?
“Let’s hear it,” Solon urged. “Abasi will be awake in little more than an hour, and with three of the palace guards missing and two others who saw our exchange with Ottah, we’re not likely to have much time before he rallies his troops against us.”
“Right. I’ll hurry. You’ve offered to plead my case to the pharaoh for my asylum—”
“For your freedom,” Solon corrected.
Temaj dipped his head. “Freedom," he repeated, though the concept didn’t feel real and scared him as much as it thrilled him. “That won’t be good enough if I have to leave the others behind. So this is my plan. The harem will assist you and your men, and in return, you’ll plead their case for freedom to the pharaoh, along with mine. Do you think that will work?”
Solon gave a slow nod. “I can certainly try.”
“It’s very important. They can’t remain here, with the viceroy position up in the air and their futures uncertain. It isn’t fair.”
“I don’t disagree.” Solon hesitated.
“But?”
