"How is she punished on this ship?"

Pphira bit him. He would have tooth marks there for a day or so. "She rows, Blade. She pulls an oar in a galley like any slave, though she is not beaten. It is a ship of women, all women but for the master, one Marius, I think, who is a seaman. I have found, though I do not understand it, that women do not make good sea captains."

Blade tried to imagine what it would be like to captain a ship full of women. He came up with some pretty lurid ideas and had to chuckle.

Pphira stopped what she was doing, which was very pleasant and exciting, and regarded him.

"I was only thinking," Blade said with half truth, "that I Was worrying about Zeena for nothing. I liked her well enough, Pphira, and I would not like evil to befall her. Now I find that she is not harmed - only being disciplined a bit Though I confess I do not yet know why."

Before she bent to him again Pphira gave him a long look, and in those dark eyes she saw at last the years and the bitter wisdom.

"I will tell you why," said the Queen. "Zeena is much in love of you, Blade. This in itself is not good for one who may one day be Queen. Love softens the heart and makes it weak. A Queen cannot be weak. And Zeena spoke much of you. Too much. It was Blade this and Blade that. Of your prowess as a lover she never tired of telling, nor of your beauty as a man. She told how huge you were - a thing I did not believe until I saw for myself - and she also spoke of your wisdom. She spoke of your marriage and, before the Council of Five, she renounced all claim to the throne of Sarma. She wanted only you, Blade. She wanted only that I order your release from Barracid and that you be greeted and welcomed as a freeman and a stranger."

Blade writhed on the bed. He had thought himself drained, but pleasure was beginning to take over once more.

"And you could not grant Zeena even this?"

Pphira did not look at him. "How could I? I had heard too much, Blade. I wanted you for myself. And I am Queen."