Lion’s Bride

Chapter Two

THE BASKET WAS STILL in the same place by her bed when she opened her eyes the next afternoon.

“You wish your bath now? It’s very late.”

Thea glanced at the corner from where the question, spoken in Arabic, had come.

A middle-aged dark-haired woman gowned in flowing blue cotton rose to her feet from a low cushion. “My name is Jasmine. I serve you while you’re here.” She bustled forward. “I will give you fruit to break your fast, then Lord Ware says you must have a bath. He demands everyone in the household bathe once a day.”

Sheepskin drawers . Kadar’s sly comment popped into her head, then was gone as Jasmine drew back the gauze cover. “Come. Do you need my help? Shall I bring the food to you?”

“No,” she answered in Arabic. She was not ready to be confronted by this new challenge of a servant for her. The idea was ridiculous. She sat up slowly, carefully. By the saints, she was stiff and sore. “I’ve no need of a servant. I’ll serve myself.”

Jasmine shook her head. “Lord Ware says I’m to serve you.” She glided across the room and stood behind a chair at a table. “Fruit.”

At least the woman was not groveling, Thea thought with relief. On the contrary, her manner was brusque and close to rude. She swung her legs to the floor, then had to stop a moment. The night’s rest should have strengthened her, but it appeared to have done the opposite.

“Ask for help and I will give it,” Jasmine said without expression.

Definitely not groveling. The woman would probably let her fall to the floor and crawl to the table. A flare of irritation rushed through her. She did not want service, but it would not harm the woman to display kindness. She stood up and then swayed as dizziness washed over her.

Jasmine impassively stood watching her.

The dizziness was gone in a few minutes, and she started across the room. Every muscle in her body was sore; she could manage only a pained shuffle. The journey to the table seemed as long as her trip through the desert. She sank into the chair with a sigh of relief.

“Eat.” Jasmine pushed a pewter plate toward her.

After looking down at the slices of pomegranates, oranges, and dates, Thea leaned back in the chair. “Presently. I’m not hungry right now.”

“The water for your bath will be coming. I ordered it heated when I saw you stirring.”

She met Jasmine’s eyes. “Then they will have to heat it again.”

Jasmine studied her for a moment and then shrugged. “Yes, they will.”

A victory, but it had taken its toll on Thea’s meager strength. “I believe I’m hungry after all.” She reached for a slice of pomegranate. “You are slave to Lord Ware?”

“I’m a free woman. There are no slaves here.”

Thea’s eye widened in surprise. Slavery was as common here in the East as it was in Constantinople, and she had a vague memory of a multitude of retainers when they had entered the gates of Dundragon. “None?”

“None.” Jasmine moved across the room to the high chest. When she returned, she was carrying an ivory-backed brush. “Your hair is tangled. I must brush it before you bathe.”

“I’ll do it.”

“Eat.” The command was brusque, but the pull of the brush through Thea’s hair was gentle. “Your hair is very pale. Men enjoy fair-haired women, and you are of an age for coupling. Did Lord Ware bring you to use in his bed?”

Thea stiffened in shock and she felt the heat flood her cheeks. “No, I will never do that.”

“You will if he chooses.” The brush moved smoothly through her hair. “He is master here. You should be proud if he summons you to his bed. The women of this household come eagerly when he sends for them.” Jasmine worked at a tangle at the back of Thea’s neck. “He is not always gentle, but he has a great appetite for pleasure.”

He is only half beast, Kadar had said. Which side did he show those women who came to his bed? She shivered as she realized she had not even considered this threat. He had been so cold and fierce….

But she should have considered it. Men were always beset by lust, and they considered all women prey. No one should know that fact better than she did, she thought bitterly. “I care nothing for his appetite. As soon as I’m stronger, I’ll leave Dundragon.”

“That is best. He has no need of another woman,” Jasmine said. “But sometimes men think that the fruit they have not tasted is more succulent. Though, in truth, I don’t see how you could please him. The skin of your face is red and not at all comely. I will put a salve on it after you bathe.” She stepped back. “I heard Omar outside with the tub. Have you finished your fruit?”

“Enough.” She had eaten only half the fruit, but she felt sated. Her appetite must have shrunk during those days in the desert. “I would not keep you waiting.”

Jasmine ignored the irony in her tone. “It’s of no moment. I only serve.” She moved toward the door. “We all serve here at Dundragon.”

And they all served Lord Ware, master of this vast fortress.

She was probably being foolish to let Jasmine’s words disturb her. Lord Ware had been most reluctant to bring her here and was eager for her to leave. According to Jasmine, he had far more comely women to use. Yet for some reason the woman was antagonistic toward her and had attacked her appearance.

No matter. She had other things to worry about. She must leave here and find a place for herself. She could do this by herself, but it would be difficult.

Kadar. He was a strange, quicksilver man, but he had been kind and appeared to wield some power over Lord Ware. Perhaps he could be persuaded to help her when she gained enough strength to leave Dundragon. “I’d like to speak to Kadar ben Arnaud,” she called to Jasmine as the servant opened the door. “Will you tell him to come to me?”

Jasmine stepped aside to make way for a small man in a djellaba and turban who bore a half tub. She smiled at Thea. “Certainly. As I said, I’m here only to serve.”

Kadar stopped short, his gaze fixed on her naked breasts and widening in shock. “Dear God, I didn’t mean—I’m sorry. Jasmine told me to go right in.”

Thea quickly covered her breasts with her arms and scrunched down as far as she could in the half tub. Every inch of her body felt on fire with embarrassment.

Jasmine came forward and said without expression, “You said you wanted to see him.”

“Not now.” Her voice was strangled. “You know I didn’t mean—” She stopped as anger banished shame. Of course Jasmine had known what she had meant, but she had wanted to make Thea uncomfortable. “Turn your back, Kadar.”

Kadar quickly presented her with his back.

Thea glared at Jasmine. “And you get me something to cover myself.”

“I’ve not put the balm on your face yet.”

She spaced her next words with precision. “Get me a cover!”

Jasmine shrugged, then jerked the gauze cover from the bed and moved to stand beside the tub. She silently draped it around Thea, who stepped out of the tub. Thank heaven, the cloth was not oversheer and large enough to completely envelop her from feet to shoulders, past which hung freshly washed hair.

“Now leave us,” she said to Jasmine.

Jasmine shook her head. “It is not proper. He is a man.”

“Not just any man,” Kadar murmured. “Kadar, the wise, the honorable, the magnificent.”

Jasmine ignored him. “Lord Ware brought you here; therefore, you are his property. I’ll not have him shamed by leaving you without a woman present.”

“Leave us!” Thea could not believe her. Jasmine had deliberately brought Kadar to her when she was naked, and now Jasmine was giving her this outrageous argument?

For a moment Thea thought the servant would hold her ground. Then Jasmine turned and glided toward the door. “I warn you, I must inform Lord Ware of this trespass.”

“Any trespass was yours. Get out!”

Jasmine gave her another cool glance before she left the chamber.

“You can turn around,” Thea told Kadar as the door closed behind the older woman.

Kadar sighed when he saw the blanket wrapped around her. “It’s a hot day and you look very warm. Are you sure you don’t wish to shed that cumbersome wrapping?” Then as he saw color flood Thea’s cheeks, he said gently, “I was but joking. You are very lovely, but I am no threat to you. What did you do to so irritate Jasmine?”

“Nothing.” Thea’s hand nervously opened and closed on the edge of the cover. “She doesn’t like me.”

“Jasmine has had a difficult life and likes few people. But she doesn’t try to hurt them as she did you.”

“I did nothing. ” The embarrassment and rage had taken their toll. Her knees were trembling, and she sank down on the stool beside the tub. “She’s just a cruel woman. It makes no sense.”

Kadar studied her and then said slowly, “Perhaps it does make sense.”

She shook her head, then drew a deep breath. She had not asked him there to rail against Jasmine. “You were very kind to me last night. The reason I asked Jasmine to—”

“It was Ware who saw you and made the decision to go help you.” His gaze went to the basket beside the bed. “Worms? Were you joking?”

She impatiently shook her head. “I will tell you of that later. As I said, I wished to ask you to help me a little more. I must leave this place and go to Damascus.”

“You’re not well yet.”

“In a few days I will be. I’m very strong.”

“When that time comes, we will talk to Ware about it. No one enters or leaves Dundragon without his permission.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Not even you?”

“It’s the law of Dundragon. Ware has reason. He’s a great warrior, and warriors have many enemies. Dundragon must remain secure.”

“My leaving will not cause this fortress to fall. He does not want me here.”

“Where is this balm Jasmine spoke about?”

“What?” The discussion was not going as she had planned. He was being both evasive and distracted. Thea gestured to the small pottery jar on the table. “I’ll not ask much of you, but I’m a stranger in this land and I—What are you doing?” He had opened the jar and stood before her with a small portion of a clear salve on his fingers.

“It appears obvious.” He carefully spread the salve over her nose and cheeks. “You’re not as burned as I thought. The skin may not even peel. A few days should bring about healing.”

“I kept my mantle drawn forward over my forehead to protect me.” The salve felt cool and tingly. “I learned a harsh lesson the first week after the caravan left Constantinople. I was not accustomed to being outdoors and I burned very badly.”

“Did no one warn you of the dangers of the sun?” He dipped his fingers again in the jar. “Your father, perhaps?”

She went still. “I’m willful at times and I did not listen.”

He tilted her head and spread a little of the salve on her neck. “I can believe you are willful. I cannot believe you would not listen to warning. I judge you to be very sensible.”

She moistened her lips. “I was different before my father died. Sorrow brings wisdom.”

“True.” He pushed aside the blanket. “Your shoulder blades are burned. The straps of the basket must have pulled the gown from your shoulders.” He gently rubbed the salve into her shoulder. “How did you escape from the caravan?”

“I was at the very end of the caravan when Hassan surprised us. I grabbed my basket, water, and some food and hid beneath a wagon. When I saw my chance, I slipped away.”

“You were not—” He hesitated.

She gazed at him, puzzled. Then she realized what he meant and shook her head. “They did not see me.” She smiled bitterly. “And they were far too busy with the other women to seek me out.”

“You were very fortunate. Except for your father, of course. You said he was a merchant?”

“No.”

“Perhaps a pilgrim on his journey to the Holy Land? Or a soldier on his way to join the knights who defend this land from—”

“For God’s sake, Kadar, what are you about?”

They both turned around to see Ware standing, scowling, in the doorway, his gaze on Kadar’s hand on Thea’s bare shoulder.

Ware entered the chamber and slammed the door. “If you must couple with the woman, take her to your quarters. I won’t have my servants running screaming to me of—”

“I’m certain Jasmine would not scream. It would do damage to her dignity.” Kadar leisurely drew the gauze cover back over Thea’s shoulders. “I was merely tending to our guest’s burn.”

“Are you finished?”

Kadar nodded.

“Then wait for me in the hall. I would have a word with her.”

Kadar hesitated, then said to Thea, “We will have our talk later.”

She did not want him to leave. His dangerous probing had made her uneasy, but not as uneasy as Ware did. He was wearing a simple dark-blue tunic instead of armor, but he still looked like the warrior he was, with broad shoulders and the thick, corded muscles of his arms. His hair was so dark, it appeared almost black and was bound back from a face whose bone structure was clean and bold as the edge of a sword. His glance had the same sharp edge as he stared down into her eyes.

And she felt entirely too small and helpless sitting on the stool. She stood up, facing him as the door closed behind Kadar.

He attacked with no preliminaries. “I’ll not have you practicing your wiles on Kadar. You will not display your body or couple with him. You’ll not try to use him in any way. Do you understand?”

She stared at him in disbelief. “I did not display—”

“You sent for him while you were naked.”

“It was a mistake. I didn’t mean—I was in my bath and I—”

“Like Bathsheba on her rooftop.”

“No, it wasn’t like that at all.”

“What was it like?” He drew nearer, his gaze boring down at her. “You’re a woman alone and you need protection and sustenance. You chose to inveigle yourself into Kadar’s bed to obtain them. Seduction is a woman’s way.”

She was weary of being battered by his words. She glared up at him. “It’s not my way.”

“Then why did you send for him?”

“It’s true I needed his help, but I—”

He strode toward the door. “If Kadar wishes to couple with you, refuse him. Or you will deal with me.”

He had dismissed her as if she were a hound yapping at his heels, she realized in fury. She would not let him leave her like this.

She strode past him and blocked the door.

“Get out of my way.”

“You’re neither fair nor kind.” She was shaking with anger. “You tell Kadar to take me to his quarters and then order me to refuse him because you fear his displeasure.”

“Get out of my way.”

“It’s true. You fear to lose him because he’s the only one who is foolish enough to accept such a brutal, rude, selfish man as a companion. I do not say ‘friend’ because you could not be friend. You are too guarded and demanding and—”

“Be quiet!”

“And let you abuse me in silence? It’s the way of bullies and pompous louts who—”

He tore the blanket from her body.

She stared at him in shock.

His chest was rising and falling with the harshness of his breathing as his gaze raked her from her blazing face to her naked feet, lingering longest at the thatch of hair that covered her womanhood. “You’re right, I can be demanding and I will be obeyed in this. Kadar chooses not to bed my women. He regards it as a discourtesy.” His hands closed on her waist. “Refuse him, or I’ll make certain he refuses you.”

She could not speak. She could scarcely breathe. She could feel the calluses on his warm hands as he grasped her naked flesh. His grip was not brutal, but she felt as if he were branding her, that even if he let her go, she would have the marks of his fingers on her.

He lifted her with effortless strength to one side and released her.

“You lied,” she whispered. “You said I’d be safe here.”

He smiled bitterly. “But I’m a brute and a bully. You cannot trust the word of such a rogue.”

As the door closed behind him, she sank back against the wall, trembling in every limb. She had never experienced a moment when she had been this helpless. When he had touched her, she had felt totally possessed. Slavery.

Her stomach twisted with panic as she realized that even in Nicholas’s house in Constantinople she had never felt that imprisoned. It must not happen again.

But it could happen. Jasmine’s dislike might instigate another attack and put her in a position where she would be forced into another confrontation with Ware. He had meant what he’d said. It was possible his anger might lead him to make her one of those women Jasmine said he used for his pleasure. She could not bear it.

Of course she could bear it. She had seen coupling both brutal and gentle in Nicholas’s house. It would not be pleasant, but it would not destroy her. The only thing that would destroy her would be to lose what she had already won and to betray Selene. She could not risk being made a toy and kept in this fortress.

No one enters or leaves Dundragon without his permission.

Yet she must leave this place at once. She could not wait, and she must not ask Kadar for help.

But she must make sure all was well before she left. She had tried to carry enough for the journey, but she had not counted on Hassan’s attack or the long trek through the desert.

She didn’t bother to pick up the gauze blanket Ware had thrown onto the floor. Jasmine had taken away her ragged gown, but she would surely bring a replacement soon. She gathered her strength and haltingly walked across the room toward her basket. She sank down on the bed and carefully opened the lid of the basket.

She gasped with dismay. “No!”

Kadar was standing and admiring a graceful brass pitcher when Ware walked into the hall. “This is truly a beautiful piece. I was right in making you barter higher at that bazaar.” He turned to face Ware. “But, then, I’m always right about everything. It must be a great comfort to you that—” He broke off as he studied Ware’s lower body. “But I’d judge you not in the least comfortable at this moment.”

Ware strode toward the table and poured wine into a goblet.

“I shouldn’t have left you alone with her.” Kadar paused. “Did you hurt her?”

“I didn’t rape her, if that’s what you mean.”

“I didn’t think you did. You may have prodigious appetites, but if you’d taken her, even you couldn’t become this aroused again so quickly.” He lifted his wine to his lips. “I was referring to hurting her soul, not her body.”

Ware had a sudden memory of those huge amber eyes gazing at him like a wounded doe when he had accused her of seducing Kadar. He forced the picture away. She was no helpless doe. Only a moment later she had turned and stung him. “She made me angry.” He glared at Kadar. “You made me angry. Why did you fall into her trap? Don’t you know she wants to make use of you?”

“I think she’s the one who is trapped.” He shook his head. “And the world is not entirely filled with deceit and treachery, Ware.”

“It’s safer to expect treachery than kindness. Considering the life you’ve lived, you should have learned that by now.”

“It’s a very lonely road you’ve chosen. Someday you’ll choose to leave safety behind.”

“No.” He threw himself into a chair and smiled sardonically. “Why should I choose a different path? I have everything I want. I’ve a great castle, more gold than Saladin, and the freedom to indulge my every desire.” He lifted his goblet. “And I don’t have to pretend to be anything but the rogue I am. When I go into battle, I admit it’s for gold and not for any higher aim.” He added deliberately, “And, when I couple with a woman, it’s because I lust and must relieve myself, not because Cupid’s dart has pierced my heart.”

“You’re not a rogue,” Kadar said. Then he amended, “Well, not all the time. And when you are, it’s because you’re in pain. You’re like a lion with a thorn in his paw who only growls when he steps on it.”

He felt like that wounded lion now, Ware thought. He was weary of Kadar’s probing, and his loins were aching and heavy. He wanted nothing more than to go back to that wench upstairs and sink between her thighs. Why hadn’t he done it, instead of merely threatening? It would have settled the problem before it became one. “It’s Conrad who is the lion.” He finished his wine in two swallows. “And he’s roaring for me to join him again. A messenger came this morning with an invitation to come to his tent and meet with him. It seems the flush of victory has faded and he wants to make sure Tyre isn’t threatened again.”

“Will you do it?”

“Perhaps.” He shrugged. “Or perhaps I’ll offer my sword to Saladin. Of the two, he is the more honorable.”

“I thought you no longer cared about honor.”

“I care about being paid for my services. Conrad might choose to forget my share of the booty on the grounds I’m a traitor and a renegade. At least Saladin won’t be tempted to hand me over to the Temple and let the Grand Master put a convenient and final end to me.”

“You believe Conrad would betray you?”

“I wouldn’t trust the mercy of the angel Gabriel if the Grand Master applied his influence. You don’t know—” He broke off. Of course Kadar didn’t know. No one could possibly understand who had not been one of the temple. “I have time to make a decision. Perhaps I’ll wait until there’s a new player in the game. Richard of England is rumored to be coming to launch a new and glorious Crusade. My price will only go up after Conrad loses a few battles.”

“Such power. Ah, to be able to change the course of history to suit oneself.” He smiled. “But it’s really too bad you don’t have the freedom to go beyond these walls without a battalion of soldiers.”

Ware carefully kept any hint of expression from his face. He should be accustomed to these jabs by now. They came often enough. “I don’t have to stay behind these walls. It’s my choice.”

“Then why not leave this country? Why be forced to make a choice between Saladin and Conrad? You care nothing for either of them.”

He looked down into the depths of the wine in his goblet. “By God, I won’t let that bastard force me to leave.”

Kadar shook his head. “I would have thought the temple would have rid you of the sin of pride.”

“Why? There’s no more pride on earth than in the temple.” He stood up and put his goblet down on the table. “Except perhaps in Kadar ben Arnaud. Stay away from the Greek woman, Kadar. Lust makes all men vulnerable.”

“It’s pity I feel. Though I’m a man and I admit to a little lust at the time,” Kadar smiled. “She has truly lovely breasts.”

Pale and full and crowned with taut, pink nipples.

The memory came back to Ware, and with it a rush of heat to his already aching loins. There was no reason for the intensity of this lust. He had called for a woman to come to his bed last night and had indulged himself thrice before he had fallen asleep. Yet here was need again, sharper and more tormenting than he could remember.

It could not be the woman herself; it must be the anger and defiance she had shown him. The women he had brought to Dundragon to satisfy his needs submitted eagerly to his every wish. It was natural that a challenge might pique his lust.

“Ware.” Kadar’s tone was warning, his gaze on Ware’s face. “She’s still not well.”

“Then get her well enough to send away from here soon.” He smiled recklessly. “It seems she makes that thorn in my paw throb every time I’m near her.”

“As soon as I can.” He frowned. “There may be difficulties. I’m not sure she will have any place to go. She says her father was killed in the caravan.” He shook his head. “I think she was alone.”

“Why should she lie?”

“Because she has something to hide. She was at the end of the caravan, where the very poorest are placed. I doubt if she had little more possessions before Hassan’s raid than when we found her. A woman without funds, traveling alone…” Kadar paused. “The risk is enormous. Only desperation would lead anyone to take such a chance.”

He didn’t want to hear about desperation. He had lived with it as an intimate companion and would not risk a feeling of bonding with the woman. “She has to leave here. Find out the problem and then solve it.”

Kadar nodded. “I’ll try. You must be patient.”

Ware didn’t feel in the least patient. “Solve it or I’ll find my own solution.” He strode toward the door. “It’s growing dark. I have to go inspect the battlements. Are you coming with me?”

Kadar shook his head. “I wish to consider this matter of the woman. I believe I’ll go and see how the falcons have survived my absence.”

The guards on the battlement were in place and alert, as Ware had expected. He had taught them that alertness in a hard arena. He watched a boy running about the courtyard lighting the multitude of torches. He was too young, Ware thought with annoyance, probably not more than ten and two. He had told Abdul no one under ten and six was to be recruited from the villages to come to Dundragon. He would send the lad home tomorrow.

He slowly moved to the edge of the ramparts. The sun was down now, and deep-purple twilight lay over the mountains like a dark cloak.

But there was a glimmering in the darkness on the side of the third mountain. A small pinprick of fire. A campfire.

He had known it would be there. It was always there. He came here to the battlements every evening to watch that fire hurl defiantly out of the darkness, telling him he would never be safe behind these strong walls.

“Good evening, Vaden,” he said softly to the watcher.

He stood looking at the fire until full darkness fell. Then he strode toward the door leading off the battlements.

“Lord Ware.” Jasmine stood in the shadows of the hallway at the bottom of the stairs. It had become her custom to wait for him when he returned from the battlements. Wise Jasmine. Somehow she sensed the bitterness and despair that seared and scarred, and was always ready to provide a balm to soothe the wild tension.

“A woman?” she asked. “To your chamber?”

His chamber was too close to the Greek woman’s, and he did not want to be near her tonight. Her tongue had stung and made him think, and her body had aroused him too much. “No, send her to the hall.” He moved down the stairs ahead of her. “And wine. Many, many bottles of wine.”

“I will send Tasza.” Jasmine called after him, “She always pleases you.”

He did not demand pleasure. He wanted only relief from the lust aroused by Thea of Dimas.

And to forget that tiny, relentless flame burning on the third mountain.

Thea paused at the bottom of the stone steps, gazing hesitantly at the arched opening leading to the hall. She had heard voices and the sound of a lyre only minutes before, but now there was silence. It was close to midnight; he might have retired to his chamber for the night. Perhaps she would have to wait until morning. Relief poured through her.

The scrape of a chair on stone floor. He was still in there.

Disappointment flooded her as she realized she had no excuse to avoid the confrontation. It was probably for the best; she shouldn’t wait. It had already taken her too long to brace herself for this meeting.

She drew a deep breath and strode across the foyer into the hall. She stopped short, her eyes widening in shock.

Ware was sprawled indolently in a high-backed chair before the huge fireplace, a goblet in his hand.

He was naked.

He lifted his goblet to her. “Good evening, Thea of Dimas.” His words were a little slurred. “How kind of you to join us.”

Naked and drunk.

“Send her away.”

Thea’s gaze flew to the hearth. His chair half blocked her view of the sheepskin pallet spread before the fire, but she could glimpse a shapely bare leg.

“Now, Tasza, you must not be unwelcoming. It’s partially due to her that you’re here tonight.” He waved a hand. “Come and have a goblet of wine. Tasza will play for you. She’s very accomplished on the lyre.” He smiled down at the woman. “But it’s not her primary skill.”

“I don’t want to play for her. Send her away.”

He frowned. “You’re being rude. It does not please me.”

“I don’t wish to hear her,” Thea said quickly. She should not have come. It was clear what was transpiring in this room. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, wine, and musk. Yet she could not leave without accomplishing her purpose. “I came to speak to you.”

“I’m not sure I can speak. I seem to be having a slight difficulty. Are you sure you’d not prefer another form of communication?”

“No!” Tasza jumped to her feet. She, too, was without clothes and very beautiful. She was in her middle twenties, with smooth golden skin, and long dark hair half veiling large, voluptuous breasts. “Send her away, my lord.”

“You’re beginning to annoy me, Tasza.” Ware waved a slightly unsteady hand. “If you cannot be courteous, then you’ll be absent. Go to your quarters.”

“But, my lord—” She stopped, glowered at Thea, and marched from the room.

“You should not have sent her away.” Thea moistened her lips. “I didn’t come here to pleasure you.”

“No? Pity.” He lifted the goblet to his lips. “No matter. I’m not sure I could perform at the moment anyway. I’ve already indulged myself a number of times tonight, and I’m a little drunk.”

“More than a little.”

“Sometimes it eases me.” He drank deep. “Sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes I require”—his gaze went to the door through which Tasza had disappeared—“other means.”

She felt a sudden flare of anger. “A woman should not be used for such a purpose. It’s cruel and—”

“Did she seem to be suffering?”

“Because she knows no better than to lie down and spread her legs for you is no reason for you to rut with her.”

He threw back his head and laughed. “You have a tongue like an asp. It’s good that I’m drunk; it mellows the sting.”

It mellows the sting.

Her last qualm about being here vanished at his words. If wine mellowed and removed that hard edge, perhaps this would be the best possible time to talk with him. It might be possible for her to wrest a promise from him he would not give if sober. “Are you too drunk to listen and understand?”

His gaze went to the window overlooking the mountains. “I never let myself get that drunk.”

“Then I’ll stay and talk to you.” She strode over to a cushioned stool to one side of the hearth and seated herself.

“How kind of you.”

She was now at eye level with his lower body, and she tried to keep herself from staring at him. “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable if you garbed yourself?”

“No.” He sipped his wine. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping? Kadar will be upset if you lose strength.”

“I couldn’t sleep until I saw you.”

“Yet you say you don’t wish to couple with me.”

She repressed the flare of annoyance. “Women are not only for coupling.”

He leaned back and gazed at her from beneath half-closed lids. “Not all women. But you’re very suited for the sport.” Frowning, he gazed at the thick single braid that lay on her left shoulder. “I don’t like to see your hair bound. I want to see it flowing around you as it was this afternoon.”

She flushed as she remembered that scene upstairs. “I always wear it this way.”

“Take it down.”

“It gets in my way.”

“If you want me to listen, take it down.”

She clenched her teeth in exasperation. Perhaps she should leave him after all. Yet the demand was more sulky than arbitrary. Like that of a little boy who was being denied his way. It would do no harm to let him have his will in this. She untied the cord, loosened her braid, and shook her head to let her hair flow free.

He nodded approvingly. “Very good.” His gaze went to her white cotton gown, and she stiffened in alarm.

But he only commented. “Ugly. It swallows you.”

She was sure that had been Jasmine’s intention, but since it had suited her, she had made no objection. “It’s clean and neat.”

“You looked better without—”

“I’ve come to ask a favor,” she said quickly to veer him away from that direction.

“I don’t grant favors. Ask Kadar.”

“I have to ask you. I have no choice. It must be done at once, and I—”

“I’m out of wine.” He stood up and moved toward a pitcher on the table across the room. “Go on, I’m listening. Did I tell you that you have a very pleasant voice? Like honey…”

She could not take her eyes from him. Strange that such a giant of a man would move with the grace of a lion. If he was a beast, he was a truly magnificent one. His unbound mane tumbled about massive shoulders that bore the scars of battle. His thighs and calves were thick and powerful, stomach and buttocks lean and corded with muscle. A triangle of dark hair thatched his chest, and another circled his manhood.

He glanced up as he poured his wine. “Well, did I?”

It took her a moment to remember what he had asked her. Something about her voice. “No, you compared me to an asp.”

“Well, how do I know if it would be bitter to be stung by an asp? Perhaps it would be honey sweet until the death throes.” He set the pitcher down and strolled back to her. “What do you think?”

“I think I wouldn’t like to taste the sting to see.”

He sat back down. “Neither would I. Sometimes when I’m weary unto death, I think it would be good to go to a final rest.” He suddenly smiled recklessly. “But since I doubt if there is rest in hell, I’ll not chance it until I’m forced.”

She stared at him, shocked. “Surely you believe that you’ll be taken to heaven. You’re a soldier, and the Pope has promised all Crusaders they will receive forgiveness and divine reward.”

“And in return they slaughter the infidel and send plunder to Rome.” He stared down into the wine in his goblet. “Do you know, I cannot even remember all the men I’ve killed in my lifetime. Once when I was drunk, I tried to recall and count them, but there were too many. Somehow I don’t think God will be as forgiving as the Pope.” He shifted his shoulders as if throwing off a burden and drained his glass. “So I must enjoy myself while I’m still on this earth.”

Why did she feel sorry for him? He was a brute and a barbarian who cared nothing for anyone’s needs but his own. The weariness and sadness she saw was probably only induced by the wine. Yet she found herself saying gently, “I’m sure you’re wrong. God does forgive.”

He raised his eyes. “Will he forgive Hassan for killing your father?”

She stiffened and did not answer.

“Kadar thinks you lied. Did you lie, Thea of Dimas?”

She was silent a moment and then said, “Yes.”

He shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. Everyone lies. Conrad will kiss my cheek tomorrow and stab me to the heart the next day.”

“I don’t lie.” She amended, “Unless I have no choice. And what of Kadar? Does he lie?”

“No. Kadar doesn’t lie.” He reached up and rubbed his temple. “My head is starting to ache. Usually it doesn’t happen until the next day. If you’re going to ask me something, you’d better do it now. I grow bad-tempered when I’m hurting.”

He was bad-tempered when he wasn’t hurting. “Why should I ask? You said you wouldn’t grant it.”

“Damnation.” He glared at her. “Ask it!”

She blurted out, “My worms need leaves.”

He stared at her in astonishment and then started to laugh. “Leaves?”

“It’s not funny. I had another pouch full of leaves, but I had to leave it with the caravan. I thought I might have enough in the basket, but there are only a few left and—Stop laughing.”

“I cannot.” He shook his head, his lips still twitching. “Set the poor creatures free and let them find their own leaves.”

“I cannot set them free. I need them.” She leaned forward, her hands clenched tightly together. “They’re silkworms. When I settle in Damascus, I’ll use them to make silk for my looms. Perhaps I’ll even have enough to trade.”

“Silk…Is that what you did in Constantinople?”

She nodded. “Wonderful silk. I was an embroiderer for the finest silk house in the city, and I also helped care for the silk beds.” She paused. “It’s a favor I ask, but I’m willing to pay. As soon as I have my own house, I’ll make you anything you like. I have great skill, and my work was much sought after.”

“What do you want?”

“Tomorrow I need to go into the foothills and search out a mulberry tree.”

“Mulberry? No other tree would do?”

“Not as well. It’s what they’re accustomed to eating.” At least if he was listening, there was a chance of persuading him. “But I understand they do grow in this land. I spoke to a trader, and he said they’ve spread from China to here. In Constantinople we have the black mulberry, but here they have white, which is even better.”

“The tree is white?”

“No, the fruit is white when the tree flowers.”

“And what if it isn’t flowering?” he said dryly.

“It has tooth-shaped leaves. I’ll recognize it.” She held her breath. “Will you take me?”

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “No.”

“You must take me,” she said desperately. “I have to have those leaves. You’ll be rid of me as soon as I have enough to assure the worms will live until I reach Damascus.”

“Go to bed.”

“Selene risked a great deal to bring that basket to me—I won’t let them be destroyed,” she said unsteadily. “You needn’t accompany me. Lend me a horse and I’ll go by myself.”

“No.” He opened his eyes. “Go to your chamber.”

“Not until you promise me I’ll have the leaves.”

He started to shake his head and then flinched. “I’ll promise anything if you’ll stop hammering at me.”

“Tomorrow?” she asked eagerly.

“Tomorrow. Get out.”

She jumped to her feet and started toward the arched doorway. She had done all she could, but it might all be for naught. He might be too drunk to remember his promise tomorrow, or he could regard a vow made to a woman as not binding.

“And send Tasza back to me.”

She stopped in the doorway. “I don’t know where she is. You sent her to her quarters.”

“I doubt if she went. Tasza can be very determined.”

“You’ve had too much wine. You don’t need her. Let the poor woman stay in her own bed.”

“I am here.” The woman flew past Thea and ran toward Ware. “I knew you would not stay angry with me.” She knelt before him and pressed her lips to his inner thigh. “Forgive me. I will make you forget my impudence.”

She was fondling him with tongue as well as hands, Thea realized with shock.

And he was responding. Boldly.

His hands clenched tightly on the arms of the chair as he met her gaze over the woman’s head. His face was flushed, his lips full and sensual. “Stay,” he said thickly. “Watch. I want you here.”

The heat mounted to her cheeks. Incense and musk and the smell of burning logs drifted to her. The entire room was charged, throbbing with erotic sights, sounds, and scents. Her chest was so tight, she could scarcely breathe.

He held her gaze. “Stay,” he repeated softly.

She turned and ran from the hall and up the stairs. Her heart was beating painfully hard and her entire body was tingling. Perhaps he was right—perhaps he did belong to Lucifer. Dear heaven, she had never felt like this before. She had actually wanted to stay in that room that breathed of sin and sensuality.

But not to watch.

“Where is that damned basket?”

Thea’s eyes flew open to see Ware standing over her bed.

“What?” She clutched the cover to her breast and scrambled to a sitting position. Dawn had not yet broken, and the chamber was in half darkness. “What are you doing here?”

“The basket.”

“It’s mine,” she said fiercely. “You can’t have it.”

“I don’t want the goddamn basket. I want a leaf. I have to have a leaf or I can’t find the tree.”

She gazed up at him in astonishment. “You’re going to look for my tree?”

“I said it, didn’t I?” he growled.

“Now?”

“I’ve no patience for your questions. My head is pounding, my stomach is queasy, and this armor feels as heavy as the drawbridge of this castle. Tell me where that cursed basket is.”

“By the window.” She hurriedly sat up, wrapped the cover around her, and flew across the room. “But you don’t have to have a leaf. I’ll go with you.”

“Open the basket.”

She untied the thong and opened the lid. “There’s not much left of the leaves.”

He gazed with repulsion at the squirming mass of worms. “God in heaven, they look the way my stomach feels.” He leaned against the windowsill. “You get the leaf.”

She carefully reached into the basket and retrieved a half leaf. “There’s no bigger piece.” She spied a small worm on it and gently brushed him back into the basket. “But you won’t need this. I’ll help you find a tree.”

He gingerly took the leaf and turned on his heel. “You’ll stay here.” The door slammed behind him.

She dropped the blanket and snatched up her gown. She slipped it over her head, then grabbed her sandals. She didn’t bother to put them on but carried them as she ran from the chamber. Beneath her bare feet the stone was cool down the staircase and out into the courtyard.

A young soldier was holding the horse’s reins while Ware mounted.

“I should go with you.” She hopped on one foot as she put on a sandal. “You’re not being reasonable. It may take you a long time without me.”

He didn’t answer.

She put on her other shoe. “What if you come back with the wrong leaves?”

“Then I’ll go out and get the right ones.”

“And I will help him.” Kadar was riding out of the stable and across the courtyard toward them. “But I doubt if that will be necessary. My eyes are as keen as my falcons’. I could recognize the smallest leaf from miles away.”

“You’re staying here too,” Ware said.

Kadar shook his head. “You need me.”

“I need no one. I go alone.”

Kadar yawned. “It’s too early to argue. Take an escort and I’ll let you go without me.”

Ware’s gaze went to the mountains. “I’ll risk no men when I can offer them no plunder.”

Risk? Thea stared at the two men in bewilderment.

“Then I’ll have to go with you,” Kadar insisted. “I must protect my belongings.”

“I don’t belong to you.”

Kadar nudged his horse forward. “I hope you carry food in that pack. We cannot eat leaves like the worms.”

“You’re not going.”

Kadar smiled at Thea. “Trust us. We will see that your worms do not starve.”

Ware said coldly, “This is not a battle of wills. If you try to go through that gate, I’ll knock you to the ground and I won’t be gentle about it. You don’t go with me.”

“Ware, I…” Kadar trailed off as he met Ware’s gaze. He sighed. “It’s very difficult owning a man like you. You will take care?”

Ware nodded and nudged his horse toward the gates.

He was wearing armor. Thea had been vaguely conscious of the chain mail, but it took on new meaning in light of the conversation that had transpired between Ware and Kadar. “Is there danger? He’s just going to the foothills.”

Kadar was frowning as he watched Ware ride through the gates. “It’s very early,” he muttered. “He may be safe.”

“Are there bandits in these mountains?”

Kadar shook his head. “Not bandits.”

Ware disappeared from view and Kadar turned to her. “Stop frowning. The fault is not yours. You didn’t know.”

She still didn’t know, she thought with exasperation. He was making no sense. “I only asked him to fetch me some mulberry leaves, and you act as if I’d asked him to conquer a town.”

Kadar smiled. “He would have taken an army if you’d asked him to conquer a town. He could not, in honor, take one to conquer a mulberry tree. He says he has no honor, but you can see that is not true.”

“I know nothing about his honor. I know only that you’re making too much of a simple task.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” He took her elbow. “At any rate, we cannot help Ware now. We can only wait. Would you like to see my falcons?”

“You raise falcons?” She let him lead her toward the steps. “For hunting?”

“Partly for hunting. Partly to watch them soar. There’s no more glorious sight on earth than a falcon in flight.” He stopped as they entered the castle. “But first you must break your fast. You’re still not well.”

“I’m much stronger today, only a little tired.”

“Weariness can lead to illness. Garner your strength. You will need it to nurture all your worms. Are you truly a fine embroiderer?”

“The finest in Constantinople.” She looked at him in surprise when he burst out laughing. “Well, I am.”

“I don’t doubt it. I was just delighted by your charming lack of modesty. In truth, I find confidence very admirable. It’s like the lovely sheen on a piece of exquisite wood.”

“Lord Ware told you of our discussion? I wasn’t certain he would remember anything I told him last night.”

“He remembers everything.” His smile faded. “Which is sometimes a curse.”

“Yes.” She herself had memories she would rather forget.

“I thought you would understand.” Kadar led her toward the great hall. “Now, let us get you fed so that you can admire my beautiful birds.”