Iris Johansen - The Treasure

He gave a low whistle. “A grail? I’ve heard tales of the Holy Grail.”

“I assure you, there’s nothing holy about this grail,” Tarik said.

“Then why does Nasim want it?” Vaden shook his head. “Never mind, I don’t want to know. It’s probably some mystical nonsense I’d be better off not filling my head with.” He finished his wine and set the goblet on the balustrade. “Since our business is concluded, I’ll return to the city and send word to my men to gather. It will take two days.” He started for the door. “Kadar, if you don’t have a reasonable plan in that time, you’ll have to step aside and leave it to me.”

“I’ll have a plan,” Kadar said. “But you haven’t told Tarik your price. Is it kind to leave him in suspense?”

Vaden glanced over his shoulder at Tarik. “I’d prefer to give you my price after Nasim is defeated. I promise not to take quite everything you own.”

“A most unusual arrangement,” Tarik said dryly. “What if I decide not to pay you?”

“You’ll pay me.” Vaden’s smile was tiger bright. “Everyone pays me.”

“WELL, ARE YOU CONTENT?” Kadar asked as he escorted Selene back to her chamber a short time later.

“Yes.” She grimaced. “Though I don’t know why. He’s a most unsettling man. I don’t know what he’s thinking.”

“You don’t need to know. All we have to worry about is Vaden’s power in battle and his loyalty.”

“I’d judge Vaden to be a man who hates to be held in check. How far will loyalty stretch?”

“There’s no use discussing it. It’s done. We’ll just watch him.”

She suddenly frowned. “He seemed uncomfortable talking about the grail.”

“Ware told me Vaden was always a man who believed only what he could hold in his hands.” He smiled. “Yet he traveled all the way to Scotland to deliver your sister’s banner to her. I’d wager he was even more uncomfortable performing that task.”

“But he did it.” Her jaw firmed. “And he’ll do this for us.” She stopped in front of her door. “Will you have a plan in two days?”

“Yes, I’ll have a plan.” He paused. “But we have other things to do in those two days. I told Tarik that we’d need a priest for tomorrow evening.”

“A priest? Why should-” She understood. Vows. “You still wish this?”

“We have an agreement. I persuaded Tarik to let us use the grail. Now I’m ready to help you trap Nasim. Why would you think I’d changed my mind about my reward?”

Because he had not shown her that other, darker side of him in the past days. He had been the old Kadar, and it was that other Kadar who had made the demand.

She moistened her lips. “It would be wiser to wait.”

He smiled. “I’m not like Vaden. I believe in taking the bulk of my reward in advance. You can never tell what will happen to prevent you from enjoying the fruits of your labor.”

“Nothing is going to happen to you. I won’t let it.”

“I bask in your assurances.” He met her gaze. “But the vows will still take place tomorrow evening.”

His tone had taken on that harder, cooler edge and so had his expression, she realized with shock. The familiar Kadar was gone again. How easily he had slipped into that darker side.

“If that’s what you wish. I never intended to cheat you.”

“I know.” His smile banished the hardness. “It’s just that vows are not what is most important to me.” He lifted her hand and brushed it with his lips. “And what I hope will become important to you again. Rest well. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She watched him until he disappeared around the turn of the hall.

Vows.

She would be wed tomorrow. The idea was strange. She had put the prospect completely out of her mind in the past days. She must do that again tonight.

Because she was feeling the beginning of a tingling excitement and anticipation that was blocking out everything else. Kadar had always loomed larger than anything or anyone around him, and he was now a distraction she couldn’t afford.

She could block him out tonight, but what of tomorrow night? Vows had not been his only price.

The tower.

Don’t think of the tower. Don’t think of his body or the music it had made as it merged with her own.

Don’t think at all.

“I’ve brought you something to wear tomorrow,” Layla said when Selene opened the door. She motioned to the soft blue material draped over her arm. “It’s not fitting that you wear a servant’s gown for such an occasion.”

“It’s very kind of you, but I don’t-”

“Of course you do.” Layla entered the room and shut the door. “Weddings are very important.” She tossed the material on the bed. “It’s not really a gown. It’s only a length of silk, but the color is pretty and it will feel good against your body. I’ll come back tomorrow morning and show you how to drape it.”

Selene frowned skeptically at the material. “Drape it?”

“The women of Egypt and India do it all the time. It’s much more graceful than clumsy stitching.” She smiled. “And much easier to remove.”

“I believe I prefer stitching.”

“Not for tomorrow.” She was silent a moment. “I was surprised you’d decided to marry at this time. I’ve noticed Kadar can be very dominating. Is this by your will?”

“It’s by my will.”

“Because if it’s not, tell me. You’re not yourself, and I won’t have him intimidate you.”

“He’s not intimidating me.” She found herself smiling. “And I’m enough myself to prevent such bullying. I thank you for your concern.”

“I have a liking for you.” The words came awkwardly. “I want things to go well. You may resent me for trying to keep Tarik from letting you use the grail, but it’s not because I don’t understand your pain.”

“I don’t resent you.” It was true, Selene realized. It was clear Layla’s passion to protect the grail was as strong as her own passion to use any means to accomplish her end. “You’ve always been kind to me.” She made a face. “Except for that first night. I’ve still not forgiven that blow.”

“Mario’s blow, not mine.” Layla grinned. “If it had been mine, it would have been harder. I never strike unless I wish to disable. Have you supped?”

“Not yet.”

“Good. I’ll call for food. We will sup together.”

“You don’t wish to eat with Tarik?”

Layla looked away from her. “He’s avoiding me.” She started for the door. “Not that I care. It just seems a foolish move. I’ve no wish to make him uncomfortable.”

Pain and loneliness. The impression was stark and raw in those few words. Selene had the impulse to reach out in comfort, but she knew Layla would deny she needed comfort. There was one thing Layla would accept, though. “I’d like to sup with you, Layla.” Her gaze went to the fabric on the bed. “And I thank you for the draping.”

Layla laughed. “It will truly be fine. You will see.”

“Did you wear such a garment on your wedding day?”

Her smile faded. “No, we wed in secret. I wore the same white linen robes I wore every day. But I placed a lotus blossom in my hair. Tarik said I looked beautiful.” She shrugged. “I knew he lied, but sometimes lies can be a great comfort.”

“I’m sure you were beautiful.”

“It didn’t matter whether I was or not. I felt beautiful.” She opened the door. “I’ll return soon.”

Tarik kissed her breast before whispering, “Will you wed me, Layla?”