Lion's Bride - Iris Johansen [99]
“No.”
“My head?”
“Don’t be foolish.”
“I take that as no. What a relief.”
“I wish no blood shed. You know my purpose. I’ve made no effort to hide it.”
He nodded. “And I’ve told Ware. He believes Kemal will remain true to his word.”
“Then you have nothing to worry about.”
“But he’s not been back to El Sunan and seen you with our friend the sheikh. You play on Kemal as you would the strings of a lyre. It’s an astonishing sight.”
“Did Ware truly think I’d sit and meekly embroider and wait for him to release me?”
“No, he probably didn’t think at all. He just wanted to see you safe. That’s why he brought you here to—”
“Remain a prisoner for two long years,” she finished. “I don’t wish to speak of him.”
“You’re a hard woman. You’ve forgiven me. Why not him?”
Because she had let Ware come too close, she had permitted herself to trust him, and he had betrayed her.
“He wears himself to a mere shell fighting in your service.” His voice turned coaxing. “There’s no woman in Islam or Christendom who has a knight so devoted to her well-being.”
“Then let him find another woman to imprison.”
“Admit it. He had good reason.”
“I do not admit it. No reason is good enough. I don’t care if Vaden or the Grand Master de Ridfort were knocking on the front gates, he had no right.”
“Well, de Ridfort won’t be knocking on any gates but those barring him from heaven. He was killed at the first siege of Acre two years ago.”
She stopped and turned to stare at him in astonishment. “Why did you not tell me?”
“Because Ware says it makes little difference. The Grand Master de Ridfort was mad, and his death may prevent another incident like Jedha, but it doesn’t lessen the danger to Ware…or to you. The death decree would have been passed on to the next Grand Master. Ware said it will go on forever.”
Forever. Ware was condemned forever to—Why had her first thought been of Ware when she had banished him from her concern? She must think only of her own problems. “Ware may do as he wishes, but I will not stay here forever.”
“If Ware can find a way, he will—”
“I will find a way.” She drew a shaking breath and tried to temper her voice. “I’ve told you, I won’t speak of Ware. If you continue to insist, you’ll have to go away.”
He sighed. “Very well, tell me more about these wriggling monstrosities on the trees. How long before your silk is ready to be harvested?”
“Not long. A week or two after the cocoon is formed we’ll be ready to reel the silk.” Her serene smile held a hint of challenge as she strolled down the path. “Providing we’re still here.”
Kadar rode direct from El Sunan to Ware’s encampment in the hills above the southern border.
“You look as worn as ancient leather,” Kadar said as he dismounted and handed his reins to Haroun. “When did you sleep last?”
“I don’t know. Two nights perhaps.” Ware led the way toward his tent. “Have you eaten?”
Kadar nodded. “Before I left El Sunan.” He sat down on the heap of blankets inside the door of the tent. “And when did you last eat? You’re thinner.”
“I eat.” He sat down and handed the water skin to Kadar. “How is Thea?”
“She glows, her eyes are bright, there’s a flush on her cheeks. Purpose makes her thrive.” He drank deep before leaning back on one arm. “And I come back to you and see you dwindling away to a mere shadow.”
“I’m not a shadow. I’ve lost a few pounds because there’s been no time to stop to eat. We’ve been hit hard this week.”
“Kemal is eagerly awaiting an invitation to join the fray at Acre. He’s brimming with pride.” Kadar paused. “And Thea is brimming with plots. She’s taken advantage of every win Kemal has made.”
“So you’ve told me.”
“But I detected a certain excitement in her this time. I believe she may be closing in for the kill.”
“And what do you wish me to do about it?”
“Whatever you have to do. She won’t believe her situation grows in danger.” He