The Treasure_ A Novel - Iris Johansen [53]
“I told you what he said.”
“He gave you a warning he knew you’d repeat to me. When I left the castle, he said that fortune would decide.”
“Decide what?”
“I’m not sure. I’m beginning to have an idea, but I intend to make certain when we return.”
“I can’t persuade you not to go back to him?”
“It’s the wisest way.”
“It’s not wise. It’s the way of your curiosity.”
He shook his head. “I might risk my own neck but never yours, Selene.”
She knew that, but it didn’t make his choice easier to accept. “Very well, we’ll go back.” She scowled. “But I don’t promise to stay there.”
He smiled. “You’ll have a harder time going over the wall next time. I’m sure Tarik gave that guard you struck on the head a severe punishment.”
“I hope not. He seemed decent enough.” She changed the subject. “How are we to escape? The tent is guarded.”
“I’ll have to think about it.”
“I’ve already thought of a way.” She looked away from him. “You should leave me and go back to the castle. Then later tonight I’ll escape by myself. You can wait for me by the north gate and let me in.”
He shook his head.
“It’s the best plan. You know it is. If you try to take me, we may both be killed.”
“We go together.”
“Don’t be stubborn. Do you think I need to rely on you for help? I got myself into this predicament, it’s up to me to get myself out.”
“Together.” He smiled. “Always together. Haven’t you learned that yet?”
She felt the tears sting her eyes. “I could not bear it if you were hurt for my sake,” she whispered.
“You could bear it. You could bear anything.”
She smiled shakily. “Of course I could. And I don’t know why I should be concerned about you anyway. Everything that’s happened is all your fault.”
“And I thought you were blaming yourself. I’m glad you’ve recovered your senses.”
“It’s my fault we’re in danger right now, but we’d still be safely at Montdhu if you—”
“Hush.” He was chuckling as he shook his head. “Very well, everything is my fault. I admit it.”
“Well, almost everything.” She moved toward the tent entrance and gazed out at the walls of the fortress. “And if you can think of no other plan, then we will go with mine. Do you understand?”
“I understand I’m growing weary of ultimatums. I like yours no more than I did Nasim’s.”
Despair surged through her. “Please,” she whispered.
“Come here.”
She glanced over her shoulder. He had dropped down on the pallet and was holding his hand out to her. “Why?”
“Because I’m worried and a little discouraged and I need comfort. Will you give it to me?”
She could feel her resistance melting. What other man would admit weakness and need to a woman? She moved slowly toward him. “You wouldn’t have to worry if you’d leave and then let me—”
“Shh.” He pulled her down on the pallet. “Don’t talk. Just let me hold you.”
“We should be making plans.”
“We have several hours, and my mind doesn’t seem to be working properly at the moment.”
She drew him protectively closer. “It will be all right. I’ll think of something.”
“Will you?” He kissed her temple. “That would be a great relief to me.”
She had not lain with him since the last night at Maysef, and there was a warm sweetness to the moment. Surely it would do no harm to just lie here and comfort him.
And take comfort herself.
The sun rays streaming into the tent were lengthening, Kadar noticed. They had little time left. He should wake Selene.
She had dozed off over an hour ago, but he had been lying here thinking, weighing his alternatives. Not that there were many choices open to them. He could see only one that had even a possibility of success.
“It’s late.” Selene’s eyes were open, her expression panicked.
“It’s all right. There’s no hurry.” He sat up. “I’ve decided your plan is best after all.”
She sat up straight. “You have?”
“Why are you so surprised? You assured me that it was our best choice.”
“But you aren’t always sensible.”
“I can accept the premise but not all the details. I’ll go back to the castle at nightfall. Near midnight, when the camp is asleep, I’ll return for you.”
The mere idea made her panic.