The Treasure_ A Novel - Iris Johansen [19]
“Then trust him to see that nothing happens to you at Maysef.”
“I not only worry about myself. Great harm can befall a woman. I know you belong to Lord Kadar, but still the danger is—”
“I do not belong to Kadar.”
“But everyone knows that you—” He saw her expression and added hurriedly, “But it seems you—”
“Everything is not always as it seems. I belong to no one but myself.”
“But a woman must belong to someone. It is—” He sensed the storm approaching and changed the subject. “It does not matter. I will care for you.”
She would probably be the one to have to care for him, but he meant well, so she resisted the impulse to tell him that. “Thank you, Haroun. If I’m in need of help, I will certainly—”
She stopped as the door opened and Kadar came into the cabin.
His gaze raked Haroun from head to foot. “Well, you look a pitiful sight.”
“Lady Selene made me take off my clothes. You are not angry that I am with her like this? I told her it wasn’t fitting.”
“I’m not angry.” He smiled. “She’s hard to refuse, isn’t she?”
He nodded, relieved. “And she has most strange ideas about . . . Even though she says she does not belong to you, I hope you will aid me in caring for her on this journey.”
“Oh, is that what she says?” Kadar asked silkily. “I do hope you didn’t make the mistake of believing her?”
“No, everyone knows—” He cast a glance at Selene. “I mean, everyone thinks that—”
“Enough.” Selene was holding on to her temper by a thin thread. “What of Balkir? Are you sure Haroun’s out of danger now?”
“As long as he doesn’t make himself obtrusive.”
“He can stay in this cabin with me.”
“No!” Haroun’s eyes were wide with horror.
Kadar shook his head. “That will make his position more tenuous. If the sailors think he could be getting favors they’re being denied, they may throw him overboard. But there are only two cabins on board this ship, and one is occupied by Balkir.” His gaze shifted to Haroun. “Suppose we sleep outside on deck in front of Lady Selene’s cabin? Then anyone who tries to pass will have to go through us.”
Haroun nodded vigorously. “Much wiser.”
Of course he thought Kadar’s plan was wiser than Selene’s. They were both men. “Oh, go away, both of you.” She lay down and closed her eyes. “I hope Balkir drowns you both.”
“But then you would lack any protection at all. I realize you think us both unworthy at present, but we are good for something.” Kadar clapped Haroun on the shoulder. “Come along. We’ll try to find you something to wear besides that blanket. She may need it if the night grows cold.” He opened the door. “I’ll return in the morning, Selene.”
She didn’t answer and heard the door close behind them.
Go to sleep. Don’t think of Kadar or this ship cleaving through the water on its way to Sinan.
Impossible. Now that she was alone and the need to act was gone, she could think of nothing else. She was shaking, she realized. Weakness. She was glad Kadar was no longer here to see it. She would be all right soon. She would sleep and grow stronger, and tomorrow she would be able to face Kadar with coolness and control.
Tomorrow . . .
THE NEXT MORNING, after a cursory knock, Kadar walked into the cabin. His arms were overflowing with garments. “Good day.” He crossed the cabin and deposited his burden on the bunk. “I thought you’d need something to wear since Balkir gave you no opportunity to pack.”
She wrinkled her nose as she picked up a mantle. “It stinks.”
“I had to bargain with the sailors, and you may have noticed they’re not overly clean. I’d hoped Balkir might have some female garments in the hold, since he also deals in piracy, but unfortunately there were none.” He smiled. “But you’re not unaccustomed to men’s garments. Do you remember when I brought you from Constantinople? You insisted on riding your own horse and dressing like a young boy.”
“I remember.” It had been a great adventure, her first taste of freedom, and she had made the most of it. “But they didn’t stink.”
“Ah, a little seawater. I’ll have Haroun fetch you a tub.”
“How is he?”
“Not complaining about his