Lion's Bride (10 page)

“My fault. I thought it was the ones here at Dundragon who were at risk. That’s why I never let anyone but my soldiers stay too long. The villagers were no risk to them….” His fist pounded down on the windowsill. “Dammit, they were no
risk
.”

She drew a few steps closer. “I don’t understand. Why—” Then she saw his face.

Twisted, tormented with agony. She had never seen such pain.

“They killed them just to let me know they could reach me.”

“The Knights Templar? But they’re men of God. I can’t believe they would do that.”

“Believe what you like.” He drew a long, harsh breath, and she saw his face become a shield once more. “But I believe it, and I must make sure it doesn’t happen again. Never again. I cannot bear—I must protect—” He turned to face her. “And I’ll start with you.”

She took an involuntary step back at the sudden fierceness in his expression. “Me?”

“They know what goes on at Dundragon. They will know you’re here.”

“But I have nothing to do with you. I will leave here soon.”

“Haroun had nothing to do with me. He was here for only a few days. His mother died…the village died.” His hands fell on her shoulders. “I’ll not stand by and see anyone else die for my sake. I want to know who you are and who they can reach through you.”

“I wouldn’t tell Kadar.” She moistened her lips. “And I won’t tell you.”

“I’m not Kadar.” His grasp tightened on her shoulders. “I’m not gentle or kind. I’m selfish and angry, and I’d just as soon throw you into a dungeon rather than see you die because of me. I
will
know everything about you.”

“You’re hurting me.”

“You should know by now that is what I do. I hurt and kill and—” He broke off and then said haltingly, “You have a warm heart, and I think you must have people you care about. Tell me who they are so that I can protect them.”

Selene. But Selene had nothing to do with this. “She’s in Constantinople. She’s in no danger.”

“The Knights Templar are everywhere. They can walk into any palace in Christendom and demand what they like.”

“I can’t believe—”

“Even if you don’t believe, do you wish to take the chance?”

She didn’t know what to do. She could take no risk with Selene. Yet wasn’t revealing everything to him a greater risk to them both? “You’re certain it was the Knights Templar?”

“They wear a cross on their tunics, and when they enter the order, they’re commanded to grow their beards.” His lips twisted. “I assure you I had no wish for Haroun to tell me I’d murdered his village.”

“If I tell you…”

“You will tell me.”

She suddenly flared. “You won’t tell me what to do. I’ll decide what is best.” She paused. Kadar had said Ware always kept his word. Perhaps she could wrest some safety from this uncertain situation. “You must promise I will be free. You must promise that Selene will be safe and free.”

“Who is Selene?”

“You must promise.”

“I promise you will be free. Who is Selene?”

“My sister.”

“And where is she?”

“Still at the House of Nicholas. It was too dangerous to take her with me, not until I could find a place for us.”

“There is no one else?”

“No one I care about.”

“Then I’ll have her brought here.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “What?”

“You heard me.” He released her and stepped back. “I can’t be worrying about someone so far away. She’ll have to come here.”

Her heart leaped with hope. To see Selene again…

He turned away. “I’ll tell Kadar to go fetch her.”

“Wait.” She moistened her lips. “He may not want to let her go.”

He turned, waiting.

She hesitated and then said in a rush, “Selene is a slave.”

He did not change expression. “And you?”

“Yes.” She lifted her chin. “No. Not now. I’m a free woman.”

“But this Nicholas would disagree with you. You ran away?”

“It was not fair. I worked all my life in the House of Nicholas. My mother died in his service. I deserve to be free.”

“But he will want you back?”

“I have great value for him. He would be foolish not to want me back.”

“What of your sister?”

“She has skill but she is young. Her value is not as great.”

“How young?”

“Ten years.”

He frowned. “Will he sell her?”

“You would buy her?”

“It’s the safest way to get her away from him. Is it possible?”

“If the price is high enough.” Her lips twisted bitterly. “Nicholas is a merchant, and all things have a price.”

“The price will be high enough.”

She hesitated. “There is something he may use to drive up the price. You should expect it.” She paused. “Selene is his daughter.”

He went still. “Yes, I’d say that would drive up the price. Is he your father, too?”

“Yes, my mother bore him three children. My brother died when he was born.”

“And he still kept you as a slave?”

“It was not unusual for Nicholas to use his slaves for pleasure…if they were comely. At least two other women bore him children. But they were boys, and Nicholas took them away and made them servants in his house.”

He said slowly, “I don’t think I like this Nicholas.”

She waved an impatient hand. “You don’t have to like or dislike him. You must just realize he’ll use her birth to ask a higher price. You must not act too eager or he’ll cheat you.” She was afraid to believe this was happening. Her dream of bringing Selene to freedom would come true not in a few years but in a matter of months. “You can really do this?”

“Kadar can bargain with anyone over anything. Why not a child?”

Simple words. Why not a child? Why not Selene? Yet they were words that meant everything. “How soon?”

“I’ll send him tonight…if it’s safe.”

“This is a miracle,” she said unsteadily. “I cannot thank—I
will
repay you. I vow it.”

“Miracles are not wrought by men like me. I’m not doing this for you or her. I’m doing it for me.” He moved over to the table and poured wine into a goblet. “I’ll have no more Jedhas.”

“No one could know that such an evil would be committed.”

“No?” He drank deep. “I’d wager the Grand Master de Ridfort didn’t consider what he ordered evil. He’s decreed any means are just if they bring me down.”

She stared at him in bewilderment. “Why are they so angry with you? What did you do?” she whispered.

“What did I do?” He poured more wine into his goblet. “They say I stole a wagonload of gold from the Temple storehouse. I’m sure you’ll not find that surprising. You called me a thief on our first meeting.”

“I didn’t know you.”

“But now you’re impressed with my honesty and gentle demeanor.”

“You have no gentleness, but I believe you to be honest. You’re too impatient to indulge in deceit.”

He smiled crookedly. “So even that attribute is tainted.”

“You do have one virtue. You keep your promises.” She met his gaze. “And that’s the only virtue I care about. You said you’d bring me Selene, and I believe you.”

He was silent for a moment, staring into her eyes. Then he turned abruptly away and said harshly, “Go back to the boy.”

She started for the door and then stopped. She did not want to leave him alone. Beneath that hard, rough exterior she sensed a pain so great it was almost incomprehensible. “What can—Is there—Can I help you?”

“Help?” He smiled mockingly. “Are you offering me your body as distraction?”

She flushed with annoyance. She should have known better than to try to comfort him. Only fools tried to stroke a wounded animal. “No.” She turned on her heel.

“Wait.” He was suddenly beside her. “My tongue is clumsy. I did not mean—I strike out when—” He muttered a curse and turned away. “Never mind.”

He had been trying to say he was sorry, she realized. She was probably foolish, but she had to try again. “May I help you?”

“I need no help.” He moved heavily across the room. “Yes, I do. One thing. Send someone with another bottle of wine.”

THE EMBERS OF the conflagration still glowed dimly in the darkness.

The odor of smoke and death was everywhere as Vaden moved slowly through the ruins.

When he’d seen that malevolent glow, he’d not been able to believe it. He had to come see for himself.

“You madman,” he murmured. “Is it worth this?”

The Grand Master thought killing Ware was worth destroying half the world. Vaden’s father no doubt agreed with him.

He glanced at the distant castle, its torches burning bright. Dundragon no longer seemed quite so impregnable as it had these two years past.

The net was drawing tighter.

“How is the boy?” Kadar whispered when Thea opened the door later that evening.

“Better. He ate a bowl of broth an hour ago. He’s back asleep again.”

“I must speak to you before I go. Can you leave him?”

She nodded, then came out into the hall and quietly closed the door. “I think he’s no longer in danger. I just want to be here when he wakes.”

“Good. Then you can bid me a fitting good-bye. A few tears, a graceful wave of your hand as I ride through the gates.” He took her arm and urged her down the hall. “After all, a man deserves it when he sets out on a journey.”

“You deserve more than that. Is it safe for you to set out tonight?”

He nodded. “Ware rode out earlier today, and there’s no sign of any danger.”

“He did? I didn’t think he would stir from the castle today. I left him in the Great Hall with a bottle of wine.”

“Wine brings forgetfulness, but Ware doesn’t forget what it is his duty to remember,” he said as they started down the stairs. “He wouldn’t let me ride into danger.”

“How do you go to Constantinople?”

“I ride to Acre and then go by ship.”

“How long will it take to bring her here?”

“Two or three months. It would be sooner, but it may take me a while to pluck her away from your loving father.” He frowned thoughtfully. “I think I will be a wealthy merchant from Cairo who wishes to start his own silk-and-embroidery house. But not too wealthy. I cannot afford any of his most experienced embroiderers. I will choose one of the younger women who will be adequate now and better later. I will ask to tour the House of Nicholas, become struck with the skill of your Selene, and accept no other. Is that not a good plan?”

It was a good plan. “Very clever.”

“Because I am clever. But even brilliant men must have knowledge to bring their plans to fruition. I cannot ask for your sister by name. What does she look like? Is she fair like you?”

She shook her head. “She has dark-red hair and green eyes.” She frowned. “And she won’t like being bought. She’ll want to stay at the House of Nicholas where I can find her.”

“Do not worry. I can handle one small child.”

“When you were ten, were you a child?”

He shook his head.

“Neither is Selene.”

He nodded. “I understand. I am not to be over confident.”

“Impossible,” Ware said dryly from the door. “You think you can move the world.”

“It’s not true,” Kadar responded. “But sometimes it’s possible to persuade others to do it for you.” He moved toward Ware. “Like you, my friend. I have high hopes for you.”

“Save your hopes for yourself.” He opened the door and preceded them down the stairs toward Kadar’s horse. “You’ve hidden the pouch?”

Kadar nodded. “No one will know I’m a wealthy merchant until I reach Constantinople. Until then I’m only a pilgrim returning from the Holy Land.” He mounted and smiled down at Ware. “Don’t worry, I’m in no danger.”

“I’m not worried.” He gazed at Kadar a moment and then said gruffly, “Go with God.”

“Of course. God will not have it any other way. He has excellent taste in traveling companions.” Kadar looked at Thea. “Now you must bid me my proper farewell. Will you lead my horse to the gates as if I were a great knight going to fight a dragon?”

“If you wish,” she said, startled. She grasped the reins and moved across the courtyard.

“I do you a service,” Kadar said in a low voice.

“A great service.”

“I ask a service in return.”

She looked over her shoulder at him. His expression was uncharacteristically solemn. “Anything. What service?”

“I leave a possession that must be cared for.”

“Your falcons? If you will tell me how to—”

“Not my falcons. The servants know how to care for them.” He nodded toward Ware. “He won’t let them care for him.”

She stiffened. “I’ve noticed he makes his demands known. You need not worry about Lord Ware.”

“I do worry. He’s my responsibility.” He shook his head. “And this is a bad time for me to leave. He grieves and has need of me.”

He grieves.

She had a sudden memory of Ware’s agonized expression. Perhaps he did need Kadar but he would allow no one else close enough to comfort him. “I cannot help him. He wouldn’t let me.”

“You must care for my possession.” Kadar’s tone was gentle but firm. “Promise me. So that my mind is free to attend my task.”

She gazed at him in exasperation. “The only care he wants is a woman for his bed, and he has no problem asking for that.”

“But what he wants is not always what he needs. He’s the loneliest man I’ve ever known. He needs company to ward off that loneliness. He will not accept it readily, but you must battle him until he accepts what is good for him.”

She glanced beyond him to Ware, who was standing in the courtyard. She was to do battle with this formidable titan who had known nothing but wars all his life? “I cannot do it.”

“You like children. Pretend he is a child like Haroun or Selene whom you must nurture and protect.”

Her gaze swung back to Kadar in astonishment.

He burst out laughing. “Ah, your face. But we are all children, Thea.”

“Not him,” she said flatly.

“You will see.” He waved his hand for the guard to lower the drawbridge. “You will care for my possession and I will care for yours. Pact?”

He was going to journey a long distance and bring her Selene. Who knew what dangers he might encounter? “I will try.”

“But you’re a kind and determined woman, and to try is to succeed. I feel better already.”

“I’m not kind. I’m very selfish and I’ve no desire to do this.”

“You try to be selfish because you’re afraid of letting anyone too near. To guard themselves is the way of people whose instinct is to nurture and protect.” He gave her a brilliant smile and lifted his hand in farewell. The next moment he was galloping over the drawbridge.

“Safe journey,” she called.

He waved again as he reached the other side of the moat. He was lost to view as the guards lifted the drawbridge.

She slowly turned and moved across the courtyard. Ware was gone. He had vanished within the castle. Even with his closest friend he would not allow himself sentiment.

And Kadar expected her to soothe and comfort this man?

Impossible.

“Go to my chamber and sleep there. Tasza and I will care for the boy.” The order came from Jasmine, who had suddenly appeared at her side as she sat next to Haroun’s bed. “I think it best I take him to my room tomorrow. He’ll be better with me. He’s not accustomed to rich surroundings and it will make him uneasy.”

Thea was too tired to argue. “We’ll talk about it later.” She rose to her feet and arched her back to rid it of stiffness. “I don’t want him to think I’m abandoning him.”

“He will not think that of you,” Jasmine said gruffly. “Haroun is not a fool.”

From Jasmine that came close to praise, Thea thought wearily. “Wake me if I’m needed.”

“You won’t be needed. I will have Tasza. Lord Ware doesn’t want her tonight.” Jasmine’s tone was almost indifferent.

“You don’t seem upset.”

“Lord Ware called the servants into the Great Hall tonight and told us all that our home was here now. We don’t have to fear being sent away, and he will keep us safe behind these walls.”

I will start with you.

Apparently Ware had moved quickly to see that the other inhabitants of Dundragon were also safe from the Knights Templar. A flicker of uneasiness rippled through her, and then she impatiently dismissed it. For once Ware was demonstrating a kindness and protectiveness that should be applauded, not met with distrust.

“I’m happy for you.”

“It feels…strange,” Jasmine said. “All our lives Tasza and I have had to fight every day to make our way. It will seem odd not to have to worry about tomorrow.” She shrugged. “But I’m sure we will become accustomed to it.”

“Good night.” Thea softly closed the door behind her, then moved through the hall and down the stairs. Everything had changed. It seemed terrible that because of the horrible tragedy at Jedha, Thea was to get what she wanted most in the world and Jasmine and Tasza were to be safe at last. It was as if God had tried to balance the scales in some manner.

She would
not
feel guilty. Surely she couldn’t be blamed for wanting Selene to be happy and free. She would not let the massacre at Jedha poison her joy that Selene would be with her soon. She would do all she could for the survivors of Jedha, but she could not make the—

Ware was still in the Great Hall.

She stopped at the bottom of the stairs. He was sitting in the high-backed chair before the fire, his legs sprawled in front of him, gazing into the flames.

He’s the loneliest man I’ve ever known,
Kadar had said.

If he was lonely, she could not help it. She was not Kadar, who could amuse and venture where others feared to tread.

She turned toward the door that led to the scullery and servants’ quarters.

You will care for my possession and I will care for yours.

But not tonight, when she was so tired she could barely think. Tomorrow would do as well.

He grieves.

By what sorcery had Kadar planted those words in her mind? she thought with exasperation. She would pay no attention to—

“By all the saints,” she muttered as she marched into the Great Hall to stand before Ware. “Go to bed.”

He slowly lifted his head. “What?”

“You heard me. You look foolish sitting here brooding. Go to your bed and go to sleep.”

“Foolish,” he repeated, glowering at her.

“Foolish and stubborn and without sense.”

“Then leave my presence so that you don’t have to look at me.”

“Do you think I don’t want to do that? Kadar won’t let me. He says I must take care of you.”

“Oh, my God.”

“But I’m too tired to be bothered with this tonight, so go to your bed and let me worry about it tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry to inconvenience you,” he said silkily. “But I appreciate the tender thought.”

“You don’t want tenderness, and it
is
an inconvenience. I don’t even know how to go about this.”

“Then don’t go about it. I don’t need either your care or your concern.”

“That’s what I told Kadar. He wouldn’t listen.”

“He seldom does, one must just ignore him.”

“I can’t ignore him. He’s doing me a great service and must be repaid.”

“Then repay him some other way. I’ll not have another clucking hen at my heels.” He poured more wine into his goblet. “Leave me.”

“Are you drunk yet?”

“No.” He lifted the goblet. “But soon.”

“Good, then maybe you’ll fall asleep and I can have the servants take you to your bed.” She sat down on the hearth and leaned back against the stones. “I’ll wait.”

He scowled. “I don’t want you to wait. Leave me.”

“Drink your wine. These stones are hard.”

He crashed the goblet down on the table. “I’ll drink when I please.”

“I said the wrong thing.” She yawned. “I should have realized you’d be contrary. All right, don’t drink your wine.”

He picked up the goblet and then stopped, frowning as he realized the dilemma. “Christ, now what am I supposed to do?”

“I don’t care. Whatever you like.”

He smiled sensually. “Then take off your gown and come here.”

She was too weary to feel anything but impatience. “Why? The wine will do as well as a woman for your needs now. Besides, that’s not what Kadar wanted of me.”