Lion's Bride - Iris Johansen [88]
Kadar fell into step beside them. “It’s not forever, you know.”
Thea regarded him coldly. “I know that very well. But only because I will not permit it.”
“Ware didn’t sell you. He only made a bargain with Kemal. The sheikh is to keep you safe, and in return Ware is to guard his southern border.”
“He called me slave.”
“Ware had to make sure Kemal knew you weren’t free to go, so he told him you were his slave.” Kadar went on quickly, “It will be very pleasant here. You’ll still have your bolts of silk and do your embroidery, and when it’s time for you to leave this place, you’ll have a commodity with which to bargain.”
“It’s time to leave now.”
Kadar went on as if she had not spoken. “Ware is even having Abdul fetch some young mulberry trees to be planted in the palace garden.”
“How kind.” Betrayed. Her fury was building higher by the second. “And why this Arab for a jailer?”
Kadar shrugged. “You wouldn’t have been safe with a Frankish lord. Ware couldn’t be certain that the Templars wouldn’t be able to influence them. Kemal would rather slit your throat than hand you over to the Templars.”
“Is that supposed to comfort me?”
“I don’t think anything would comfort you at the moment.”
“Then you’re wiser than you are kind.”
“I’m trying to be kind.” He paused. “And so is Ware. If we can find any way of releasing you, we will do so. It’s just not possible now.”
“So we’re to remain prisoners until Ware deigns to release us.”
“Not prisoners. Guests.” When he met her outraged stare, he sighed. “Prisoners.”
“Truth, at last.”
“I won’t stay here,” Selene said fiercely.
“You have no choice. Ware has chosen this fortress well. Kemal may not look like a soldier, but he’s a very able leader. Even if you got over the walls, his men would catch you before you found your way out of the hills.” Kadar added with a coaxing smile, “Why not look upon this as a brief interruption? Stay here, do your embroideries, and be safe.”
The eunuch threw open the door and led them into a long gleaming foyer. He said over his shoulder, “You are very favored. My master says you are to have quarters of your own instead of living with the rest of the harem.” He opened a fretted door and stepped aside. “Enter.”
Thea was assaulted by the spicy scent of incense as she crossed the threshold. Her gaze raked the mosaic-tiled floor, silken couches, arched windows blocked by fretted shutters, tasseled and brocade-draped beds.
“This wing has many beautiful rooms.” The eunuch nodded toward a door across the room. “Is it not splendid?”
Thea moved slowly across the floor toward the two windows. She could see blue sky through the beautiful fretting, but when she reached the shutters, she saw they were as sturdy and confining as metal bars. “No prison is splendid.”
“Any woman in the harem would be grateful for such fine chambers,” Domo chided.
Thea fixed him with an icy stare. “I am not grateful.”
Kadar stepped between them. “He is not to blame.”
“I know who is to blame.” Thea turned her back on him and gazed blindly out the window. “Get out. I don’t want to look at you anymore. I don’t want to see your face or hear your voice.”
“Thea…” He stopped and said, “I’m still your friend.”
“You are not our friend,” Selene said. “A friend would not betray us.”
“It was not—” Kadar gave up the battle. “Believe me, I’m still your friend. Someday you will see it.” He turned to the eunuch. “Come, Domo, it’s best we leave them alone. Ware will be here shortly, Thea.”
“Why? To make sure I can’t escape this prison?”
Kadar sighed. “He knows you can’t escape. A warrior always knows how to secure prisoners. He wishes to reassure you.”
Thea heard the door shut behind him. No key turned in the lock. They must feel very secure, Thea thought bitterly.
“What are we to do, Thea?” Selene asked.
Uncharacteristic uncertainty trembled in Selene’s tone. Thea must put aside her own frustration and despair and give strength to her. She turned away from the window. “First, we