Lion's Bride - Iris Johansen [132]
“I don’t mind.” He sat down on the bed. “I agree. It’s entirely fitting.”
His hand enfolded hers. Comfort. Warmth. Safety. She could feel him hovering over her, extending his protection like the dark wings of a falcon.
A falcon. She fought off slumber long enough to murmur, “Eleanor and Henry. We’ll have to get your falcons….”
Dawn poured through the narrow window, painting a strip of brilliant light on the coverlet.
Kadar shifted a few inches on the bed to block it from Selene’s face. The child was sleeping deeply, trustingly, her hand holding his even in slumber, refusing to let him go.
So much fire and determination. He had never dreamed anyone would ever care enough to venture into the darkness to pull him into the light. He felt bewildered and awkward and filled with a strange sense of wonder.
And a stranger sense of grace.
“Selene informs me that my way of ridding ourselves of Kemal is without merit,” Kadar said when Ware opened the door to his knock. “It seems we will have to decide on a new plan of action.” His gaze went beyond Ware to Thea, who was clutching the blankets to her breasts. “Good afternoon, Thea. You look very…rested.”
Heat flushed her cheeks. “Where is Selene?”
“Still sleeping. She had a troubled night.” He entered the chamber. “Put on your tunic, Ware. We must talk, and it’s clear Thea is not comfortable with your nakedness.”
Ware bent down, retrieved the garment from the floor, and pulled it over his head. “What plan?”
Kadar dropped down into the chair and stretched his legs out before him. “I hoped you would have an idea. After all, you’re the warrior. Whatever it is, it must be soon. Sinan may lose patience, since I’ve chosen not to amuse him any longer. He’s most unpredictable when he doesn’t get what he wants.”
“How much time do we have?”
“I can stave him off a few days, perhaps.”
“Will you be safe long enough for me to bring Abdul and my troops here from the border?”
Kadar tilted his head, considering. “Three days there, three days back. It’s possible.”
“Don’t tell me it’s possible. I have to know.”
“I can do it.” His lips curved ruefully. “Though Selene may not be pleased with my methods. You will leave at once?”
“As soon as darkness falls.”
“No,” Thea said. “I won’t have it. How will you get past Kemal?”
“With extreme care,” Kadar answered. “One rider might be able to do it if there is a distraction.” He shrugged. “And I’ll provide the distraction. It should not be difficult. Kemal’s men should be very nervous right now.” He snapped his fingers. “The death drums. They terrified them before. I’ll take a few of Sinan’s men and—”
“It’s too dangerous.” Neither of them were listening to her, she realized. She wrapped the coverlet around herself and stood up. “Even if you get past Kemal, what of the Templars? The whole countryside may be a battleground by now.”
“If it is, we’ll be helpless without an army.” Ware went to the washstand and splashed water onto his face. “It’s our only hope.”
“You’re too weak. You were lying almost dead a few days ago.”
He smiled. “Have I not proved my vigor?”
“Stop crowing like a rooster and listen to me. A ride like that could kill you.”
“It was my head, not my body that was hurt. My endurance is not harmed.” He crossed to stand before her. “Now, stop arguing and think. I’m a warrior. I can do this. My men will follow only me into battle, so I’m the only one who can do it. You know it.”
She did not want him to be right, but she could not deny it. “I don’t want—” She stopped and then said fiercely, “You will come back to me. And it won’t be with your stupid head crunched or a sword through your belly. Do you hear?”
“I hear you.” He tenderly brushed her cheek with his hand. “Did you ever hear such sweet words of parting, Kadar?”
“I’ve said all the sweet words you’ll hear from me until you return.” She had to steady her voice. “And this is the last time I’ll be put aside. Next time you go into battle, I go with you.”
“When we reach Scotland,” he promised. He brushed her cheek with his lips. “I’ll do the