The Treasure_ A Novel - Iris Johansen [91]
But he must not be caught by that lure. His entire attention must be devoted to helping Selene, not thinking of a clearly impossible—
But in helping Selene, he had made a promise to Tarik. That promise had virtually forced him to think of the possibility, the alluring myth.
Oh, yes.
He plunged eagerly into the wondrous territory of the impossible.
______
“It took you long enough. It’s the middle of the afternoon.” Selene threw open the door. “You could have persuaded God to make another world in this time.”
“It might have taken a little bit longer than that.” Kadar entered the chamber. “Though if I truly brought all my powers of persuasion to bear, it could—”
“What happened?”
“Tarik is going to consider it.” He held up his hand. “I don’t think there’s a doubt that he’ll do it.”
“There’s always doubt until he agrees. It couldn’t have taken this long. Why didn’t you come and tell me sooner?”
“I was busy.”
“Doing what?”
“I took a long walk.”
“A walk? And you let me wait for—” Her gaze narrowed on his face. It was almost without expression, and yet she was aware of something just beneath the surface. Excitement. It was the same excitement she had seen on his face the night before they had arrived at Sienbara. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why do you look—”
“It has nothing to do with Nasim. And that’s the only subject in which you’re interested, isn’t it?”
He was wrong. She was intensely interested in whatever had stirred that excitement. But it was clear he wasn’t going to share it. She smothered her disappointment and nodded. “That’s the only thing that’s important right now.”
He smiled. “You’re sure?”
“Of course I’m sure. When will we know?”
“Tomorrow evening.”
Her disappointment and frustration increased. “Perhaps I should talk to him.”
“I know it annoys you to sit and do nothing, but that would be the wrong thing to do. Let him come to the decision himself.”
“And we wait and twiddle our thumbs.”
“No, we sup. We talk. I need you to tell me more of Layla. He fights it, but she wields great influence with Tarik. Perhaps a game of chess.” He bowed. “If you’ll do me the honor.”
“I don’t wish to play chess.”
“Too bad. In your present distraught state I’d easily sweep you away. Then do you wish me to leave you?”
“Would you?” she asked, skeptical.
“No, I’m selfish. After this endeavor gets under way, I don’t know how often I’ll be able to enjoy your company. I intend to take full advantage of this lull.”
“Then, since I have no choice, I suppose I’ll have to put up with you.”
“And you’re relieved to have even my humble company to while away the time.” His eyes glimmered with mischief. “Admit it.”
She was relieved. She didn’t want to spend any more time alone and, for some reason, Kadar’s hard edge seemed to have vanished. “Perhaps.” She smiled. “Very well, I admit it.”
“Ah, graciousness in a barren world.” He took her arm and led her toward the door. “Come. I’ll show you the garden.”
“It’s beautiful.” Her finger gently touched the petals of a magnificent crimson rose growing on a bush beside the path. “I’ve never seen roses this late in the year. Scotland is not kind to roses.”
“This is a gentler land. Could you become used to it?”
She shrugged. “I suppose one could become accustomed to anything, but I prefer Montdhu. This land is too easy. I don’t see how the people here keep from becoming soft.”
He chuckled. “Not all people require a challenge every day.”
“Then they should.” She gazed at the serene stillness of the crystal pool. “It’s lovely, but I cannot imagine sitting here every day.”
“I’m certain the woman for whom this villa was purchased was not of your nature. Tarik tells me the Pope