Lion's Bride - Iris Johansen [38]
He grieves.
She had a sudden memory of Ware’s agonized expression. Perhaps he did need Kadar but he would allow no one else close enough to comfort him. “I cannot help him. He wouldn’t let me.”
“You must care for my possession.” Kadar’s tone was gentle but firm. “Promise me. So that my mind is free to attend my task.”
She gazed at him in exasperation. “The only care he wants is a woman for his bed, and he has no problem asking for that.”
“But what he wants is not always what he needs. He’s the loneliest man I’ve ever known. He needs company to ward off that loneliness. He will not accept it readily, but you must battle him until he accepts what is good for him.”
She glanced beyond him to Ware, who was standing in the courtyard. She was to do battle with this formidable titan who had known nothing but wars all his life? “I cannot do it.”
“You like children. Pretend he is a child like Haroun or Selene whom you must nurture and protect.”
Her gaze swung back to Kadar in astonishment.
He burst out laughing. “Ah, your face. But we are all children, Thea.”
“Not him,” she said flatly.
“You will see.” He waved his hand for the guard to lower the drawbridge. “You will care for my possession and I will care for yours. Pact?”
He was going to journey a long distance and bring her Selene. Who knew what dangers he might encounter? “I will try.”
“But you’re a kind and determined woman, and to try is to succeed. I feel better already.”
“I’m not kind. I’m very selfish and I’ve no desire to do this.”
“You try to be selfish because you’re afraid of letting anyone too near. To guard themselves is the way of people whose instinct is to nurture and protect.” He gave her a brilliant smile and lifted his hand in farewell. The next moment he was galloping over the drawbridge.
“Safe journey,” she called.
He waved again as he reached the other side of the moat. He was lost to view as the guards lifted the drawbridge.
She slowly turned and moved across the courtyard. Ware was gone. He had vanished within the castle. Even with his closest friend he would not allow himself sentiment.
And Kadar expected her to soothe and comfort this man?
Impossible.
“Go to my chamber and sleep there. Tasza and I will care for the boy.” The order came from Jasmine, who had suddenly appeared at her side as she sat next to Haroun’s bed. “I think it best I take him to my room tomorrow. He’ll be better with me. He’s not accustomed to rich surroundings and it will make him uneasy.”
Thea was too tired to argue. “We’ll talk about it later.” She rose to her feet and arched her back to rid it of stiffness. “I don’t want him to think I’m abandoning him.”
“He will not think that of you,” Jasmine said gruffly. “Haroun is not a fool.”
From Jasmine that came close to praise, Thea thought wearily. “Wake me if I’m needed.”
“You won’t be needed. I will have Tasza. Lord Ware doesn’t want her tonight.” Jasmine’s tone was almost indifferent.
“You don’t seem upset.”
“Lord Ware called the servants into the Great Hall tonight and told us all that our home was here now. We don’t have to fear being sent away, and he will keep us safe behind these walls.”
I will start with you.
Apparently Ware had moved quickly to see that the other inhabitants of Dundragon were also safe from the Knights Templar. A flicker of uneasiness rippled through her, and then she impatiently dismissed it. For once Ware was demonstrating a kindness and protectiveness that should be applauded, not met with distrust.
“I’m happy for you.”
“It feels…strange,” Jasmine said. “All our lives Tasza and I have had to fight every day to make our way. It will seem odd not to have to worry about tomorrow.” She shrugged. “But I’m sure we will become accustomed to it.”
“Good night.” Thea softly closed the door behind her, then moved through the hall and down the stairs. Everything had changed. It seemed terrible that because of the horrible tragedy at Jedha, Thea was to get what she wanted most in the world and Jasmine and Tasza were to be safe at last. It was as if God had tried to