Lion's Bride - Iris Johansen [43]
“Nothing.” He moved from the chair and lay down on the bed. “I’m more weary than I thought, and all this talk of sons bores me. I think I’ll take a nap. Run along to Haroun.”
He had not been bored. It was pain she had seen in his face. What had she said to hurt him? “I didn’t mean—” How could she tell the dratted man she was sorry for a hurt he would not admit existed? She would not waste her time.
“Meet me in the courtyard at noon,” he said without opening his eyes.
“Why?”
“Because I wish it. Didn’t Kadar tell you to bear me company?”
“Yes.”
“Then bear me company in the courtyard this noon.”
“But I don’t—” He had turned over on his side, ignoring her. She opened the door. “If it pleases me.”
“I’m sure it will please you to keep your promise.”
She sighed with exasperation as she shut the door. She did not want to meet with him again so soon. It was too wearing on the emotions. When Kadar had asked her this service, she had known that it would be difficult, but she had not thought she would feel this vulnerable. It would be easier if she just had to confront surliness and rejection. She couldn’t understand his sudden interest in her past when he had told her before that he did not care about the details of her life. Now he was asking too many questions, probing too deeply. It disturbed her. Her instinct was to avoid him until her composure returned.
But she had promised Kadar.
Well, then she would have to make sure Ware had no opportunity to continue that intimacy. He could not ask a multitude of questions if others were present. She would just make certain she was never alone with him.
She had not needed to worry about being alone with Ware, Thea thought dazedly, as she saw the column of mounted soldiers fully armored and filling the courtyard. There was even a wagon being readied for departure at the rear.
“Where have you been?” Ware frowned down at her as he brought his horse closer to the steps. “I told you noon.”
“It’s only a little after.” She was too astonished to take offense at his brusqueness. “Where are you going?”
“I didn’t bring you back enough of those damned mulberry leaves,” he growled. “You’ll need more now that you’re staying.”
He was right. It would be at least two months before Kadar came back with Selene, and she had only another three-week supply. “You’re taking all these men? But you said you wouldn’t risk—”
“Things are different now.” He bent down and extended his arms. “Come. I want to get back before dark.”
“I’m to go also?”
“Why else would I tell you to meet me?”
“You wouldn’t take me before.”
“I told you, things are different now. I may need you.”
Then, of course, she must go. She took a step closer and he swung her up before him. “But you know what the tree looks like now.”
He didn’t answer as he waved the column forward.
Riding with him today was different from that night he had brought her to Dundragon. The metal of armor pressing against her back was already hot from the sun, and yet she was oddly comfortable. “Are we bringing the wagon to carry the leaves?”
“Yes.”
“We won’t need it. A few baskets will be all that’s necessary.”
“I’m taking no chances.”
“But it’s a waste of—”
“Are you going to chatter all afternoon?”
“Not if you refuse to listen to good sense. Why should I care if you look foolish before your men?” She abandoned the conversation and leaned back against him. She didn’t want to talk anyway. The scent of cypress and palm were drifting to her, and the sun on her face brought its own contentment.
An hour later they drew up on the slope leading to the thatch of mulberry trees. It was too soon, she thought languidly.
Ware dismounted and plucked her from the saddle. His bearing was tense as his gaze raked the grove and then the foothills surrounding them.
“What is it?” she asked. “I saw no one. Is there someone here?”
He didn’t answer for an instant, and then she saw him relax.