Lion's Bride

  “These visits are not easy for me. I felt more welcome with the Old Man of the Mountain and his assassins.” He sighed. “I suppose I’ll have to call on all my reserves of charm and intelligence to get Thea and Selene to accept me again. It’s a great strain.”

  Ware smiled sardonically. “While I have only to journey forth and do battle along Kemal’s border.”

  “I’m glad you realize the two problems don’t compare in scope.” Kadar’s brow wrinkled in thought. Then a brilliant smile suddenly lit his face. “I know. I’ll take them a present.”

  “I wish you to make me another banner,” Kemal announced.

  Thea looked up from the tunic she was embroidering. “Indeed?”

  Kemal frowned as he entered the chamber and closed the door. “Why do you bother with embroidering all those tunics and robes? It’s banners you should be sewing.”

  “Only warriors need banners.”

  “I am a warrior.”

  “But you’re not my master.”

  “That is true.” He smiled coaxingly. “But Lord Ware is my great good friend. He would tell you to make me another banner.”

  She drew the gold thread through the silk. “I will think about it.”

  He was not pleased. “You are very proud for a slave.”

  “I gave you one banner. Aren’t you pleased with it?” She knew the answer. She had heard the whispers from the eunuchs and women of the harem. At first she could not believe anyone could be so foolish as to believe such nonsense. Her second thought was to use that foolishness to her own advantage. “It’s a very fine banner.”

  “Very fine. I want another.”

  “It takes a long time and much effort to create a banner of such power.” She smiled. “I hear it’s brought you good fortune. It doesn’t surprise me.”

  “I want to give one to Saladin as a gift.”

  “So that he will look on you with favor? A very clever move.” She pretended to think about it. “But Lord Ware might not like my making a banner to give good fortune to Saladin. After all, Lord Ware is a knight of Christendom.”

  “He is a renegade.”

  “But his roots are with the Frankish lords.” She sighed. “No, I fear there is too much risk.”

  “He values you. He will not slay you.”

  “I cannot be sure. What would you do to a slave who betrayed you?”

  His gaze slid away from her own. He knew she must be aware of his treatment of the women of the harem. Only yesterday he had ordered a young girl whipped senseless because she had displeased him. “I would not tell him.”

  “My banners speak boldly.” She paused. “But if I felt safe, I might be persuaded to make you such a gift.”

  Eagerness lit his face. “I tell you, he will not know.”

  “Perhaps if he also does not know where I am…” She took a tiny stitch. “If you could free me, send me away from here—”

  “I’m a man of honor. I would not betray my bargain.”

  “Not even to sit at Saladin’s right hand?”

  He was silent a moment. “Lord Ware has protected my border well these last months.”

  “But do you need him? I hear you’ve won many battles yourself.”

  “I’m a man of honor,” he repeated.

  “Saladin is your liege.” She raised her gaze to his face. “Is it honorable not to share your success with him?”

  Good—Kemal was frowning uncertainly. Did she have him?

  “Saladin has success enough without my help. These Franks are nothing before him.” He bit his lip. “Perhaps if he needed my help, it would not be dishonorable to—But he does not.” He glared at her. “And you are a wicked woman to so tempt me.”

  She smiled at him. “I merely searched for a way to give you what you wished of me. Think on it.” She looked back down at the tunic. “But not too long. A banner is not created overnight. Lord Ware may decide to return and take me away from you.”

  “We struck a bargain. He won’t return.” She heard his retreating footsteps. “We are both honorable men.”

  The door slammed behind him.

  “You made him angry.” Selene came out of the adjoining chamber. “Do you truly think he’ll do it?”

  “You heard?”

  Selene nodded. “It’s true what the women say. He really believes it.” She grinned as she plopped down beside Thea on the pillows. “Why did you never tell me you could create magical banners?”

  “You may laugh, but his foolishness may be our way out of this fortress.” She frowned. “He’s very stubborn. It may take some time to persuade him.”

  “And what if he begins losing battles?”

  “I’ll tell him the magic lasts only for so many battles and that a new banner will have to be created.” She made a face. “And hope he believes me.”

  Selene looked at her in surprise. “You’ve been thinking about this.”

  Thea nodded. “Since the moment I heard the rumors from the harem.” Soon after arriving in El Sunan, she had found that escape from the fortress would be difficult if not impossible. The guards were loyal, the walls were high, and what would they do once they had escaped? She would take the risk herself, but fleeing through the hills was too grave a danger for Selene. No, it would be infinitely better to use Kemal to arrange their release. However, she must not mention to Selene that she feared for her, that would immediately bring about rebellion. “We may have to be patient, but if Kemal can be persuaded to release us, we’ll be able to take all our work with us.”

  Selene picked up the shawl she was embroidering. “Then we’ll be patient. I don’t want to leave one inch of silk for that pompous buffoon.”

  “Smile at me,” Kadar commanded Thea as he swept into the chamber a week later. “I come bringing precious gifts.”

  “I don’t want your gifts.” Thea fixed him with a cold stare. “I want you to leave.”

  “I swear on my hope of paradise that you’ll want these gifts.” He stepped to one side with a flamboyant gesture. “Am I ever wrong?”

  “You were wrong when you brought us to this—Jasmine?” Thea rushed forward but stopped before she reached the woman. Was this another trick? “What are you doing here?”

  “It seems very obvious.” Jasmine slipped her mantle from her hair. “You were not in Damascus, so Tasza and I had to come here.”

  “I do not like this place.” Tasza followed her and disdainfully glanced around the room. “I would rather have stayed at Dundragon.”

  “Hush,” Jasmine said. “You can see no farther than the tip of your nose.”

  “I can see that this place is no better than a harem. At least I get paid for giving my body.”

  “It’s not a harem,” Kadar said. “I give you my word you will be held in all honor.”

  Jasmine glared at Tasza. “Did I not tell you?”

  “What is this about, Kadar?” Thea asked.

  “I thought you would like to have Jasmine by your side. Are you not glad to see her?”

  Thea was glad to see her. She had not realized how much she had missed Jasmine. “Not enough to have her made a prisoner for my sake.”

  “She’s not a prisoner. She can leave whenever she wishes. All she has to do is ask, and I’ll return her to Dundragon.”

  “But I won’t ask,” Jasmine told Thea. “We have much to learn from you, and we cannot learn with you here, and us at Dundragon.” She turned to Tasza. “Now, tell her that you are happy to be here and will work hard.”

  “I’m not happy to be here.” She added grudgingly, “But I will work hard. What else can I do in this place?”

  “You see, Thea, everything is going to be splendid.” Kadar beamed. “You will have pleasant company and help to do your embroideries. You may thank me now.”

  She looked at him in astonishment. Did he really think she would forget his part in their betrayal?

  “No?” He must have read her thoughts in her expression. “But now you know I wish you only goodwill. I
f you’d forgive me, it would please me.” He made a face. “And make my visits far more pleasant.”

  “I don’t forgive you.”

  “You could pretend. That would be nearly as good,” he coaxed. “And maybe someday pretense could become reality.”

  She stared at Kadar as the persuasive golden strands he wove so well wound themselves around her. But she would not soften. He could have fought Ware instead of aligning himself with him.

  Yet she knew Ware would not have been dissuaded no matter how strongly Kadar had disagreed. And Kadar had believed that Ware was doing what was right to keep them safe. A little of her resentment was melting, but she would not let him triumph this easily. “Perhaps I could pretend.” She smiled with malice. “If you can convince Selene you meant only the best for us.”

  He groaned. “You would make me face that termagant without your protection? I was hoping you’d intercede for me.”

  “Why should I? You’re the one who is suing for pardon. You’ll find her in the garden. I send her out each afternoon to relax and play, but she spends her time tending the trees.” She had no doubt Kadar’s charm would eventually triumph, but Selene would make him suffer first. It would do the rascal good. She turned to Jasmine. “Come, I will show you where you’ll sleep. There’s a room facing the garden that’s very pleasant. Did I tell you how glad I am to see you?”

  More than glad. She had two more allies in this scented prison, and her sense of helplessness was rapidly dispersing. She had only to wait and work and be patient and she would gain her freedom. In the meantime, she could control this world to which Ware had exiled her. She had learned long ago that one had only to supply what the enemy desired to be in a position of power. She had something Kemal wanted, and she could dangle it before the sheikh while undermining Ware in every possible way. She wouldn’t let Ware succeed in keeping her there against her will.

  She would be the one to hold power at El Sunan.

  EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER

  JUNE 10, 1191

  EL SUNAN

  KADAR GAZED UP at the branches of the mulberry trees with a sigh. “It seems a pity to have such pretty trees beset by pests. I’ve no admiration for your worms, Thea.”

  “They aren’t pests. Everything feeds on something else. You don’t scorn the fine silk tunic I gave you.” She grimaced. “As I remember, you nagged at me unceasingly until I gave you what you wanted.”

  “It was for our mutual good. I like fine garments.”

  “And why is that good for me?”

  “You could see me in them. I’m sure not one man in a thousand could show your work to such advantage.” He paused. “Except Ware. He’d look quite splendid in one of your tunics.”

  It was a blatant lie, Thea thought. Kadar knew as well as she did that one never noticed what Ware wore; only the man himself. And it was the third time since he had arrived last night that he had mentioned Ware. It was clear he was leading up to something, but she had no intention of helping him. He knew she would not speak of Ware. She changed the subject. “It will be time to gather the cocoons soon.”

  “I’m grateful the trees at Dundragon aren’t being put to such use. They flowered quite prettily this year. Of course, Ware has little opportunity to appreciate their beauty. He hasn’t returned to Dundragon for over a month. The border has exploded at rumors that King Richard will be arriving shortly to help Philip of France in this new siege of Acre. The rival sheikhs are edging closer because they know there’s a possibility Saladin may summon Kemal to help defend Acre.” Kadar smiled. “A man unbeatable in battle could be a boon to a city in such dire straits. Kemal’s fame as a warrior has spread even to Jerusalem.”

  “Indeed?”

  “You know it has. I’d wager you’re aware of every message that goes between Kemal and Saladin.”

  She gazed at him innocently. “But how could that be? I’m only a humble slave here.”

  “A most peculiar slave. Kemal permits you the freedom of the entire fortress. He’s even given you and Selene fine horses to ride when he believes women should never leave the harem.”

  “We must have exercise if we’re to keep in good health. How can sick women perform their work?”

  “And horses afford a much better chance at escape.”

  “Kemal doesn’t worry about my escaping. He thinks me content.”

  “Then he’s more fool than I believed. Oh, well, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at that indulgence when he gives you everything else you wish.”

  Except one thing. Kemal had proved very stubborn, but if the situation at Acre was as desperate as she had heard, she might be close to gaining that prize. “Wasn’t giving me what I wish part of the agreement Ware made with Kemal?”

  “Not to this extent.” He paused. “You play a dangerous game when you let him think the banner is responsible for his success. It’s incredible that his luck has held this long. One defeat and Kemal will turn against you. They burn witches, you know.”

  “I’ll face that threat when I must.” She turned to face him. “It’s none of your concern, Kadar.”

  “Unfortunately, it is my concern. I helped to bring you here.” He shook his head. “You’ve been very clever. I’ve watched with great admiration as you manipulated Kemal to this point. Kemal has grown colder and more distant toward Ware with each passing month. Tell me, do you intend to ask Kemal for his head?”

  “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 paused. “You could go to El Sunan yourself.”

  “She wouldn’t see me.”

  “But Kemal would. You could reinforce your position with him.”

  “Good God, I’ve fought myself to exhaustion keeping his border safe,” he said harshly. “What else does he want from me?”

  “Absence is your enemy and Thea’s friend. It’s easier to betray a man if the memory of his face has blurred.”