Kasanpore custom decreed threemonths of mournmg before he could mount the throne.
Three more months before hecould turn his attention to Cinnidar.
Perhaps.
But was it not the right ofKali's true son to destroy custom and create his own laws?
"You're very quiettonight," Ian said as he lifted his cup of tea to his lips. "Tired,Margaret?"
"Perhaps a little."She forced herself to smile as she settled herself more comfortably on thestool by his big chair. "But it will pass."
"What's Kartauk creatingthese days. Another statue?"
"No, a seal for hismajesty, King Ruel of Cinnidar." She pulled the plaid blanket higher overhis legs. "I told him it was a mistake to pamper the rascal's self-love tosuch an extent, but he won't listen to me."
Ian chuckled. "I don'tagree. It will amuse Ruel, and he needs something to lighten his humor. He'sbeen working like a galley slave lately."
"He enjoys it." Shelooked away from him into the fire. "But it could be you're right about mebeing overtired. As a matter of fact, I've decided to end this foolishness ofworking with Kartauk. It takes too much of my time."
"No," Ian saidquietly. "I won't have it."
She lifted her head, startled."What?"
"If you're doing toomuch, spend less time with me. I won't have you cheated of your pleasure."
"Pleasure? When Kartaukisn't having me fetch and carry, he sets me to making unimportant trinkets orignores me entirely. What pleasure could I derive from that?"
"Enough to make your steplighter and your smile brighter when you come back to me."
"Truly?" If what Iansaid was fact, then her decision to abandon her plan was wiser than she hadthought. How blind she had been not to realize the subtle changes that hadtaken place within her in the past weeks.
"You need suchdistractions." Ian smiled wearily. "God knows, I give you nothing tolift your spirits."
"You lift my spirit justby being with you."
"You lie." Iansmiled. "But it's a kind lie. I give you nothing but worry andhardship."
"Oh no." She liftedhis hand to her cheek. It was thinner now, almost transparent in the firelight."Worry yes, when you won't help me fight. But not hardship. Love doesn'trecognize hardship."
His hand gently stroked herhair. "Well, I recognize it and I won't have you cheated any more than youare already. You'll go back to Kartauk's studio tomorrow morning and fashion mea seal like the one he's making for Ruel. It will make me feel quite grand toaffix a seal to my letters to Glenclaren."
"No, I don't want—"
"I don't need you," heinterrupted gently. "Don't you see that, Margaret?"
She could see it and theknowledge filled her with fear. He was growing further away from her every day."If you love me, you will—" She stopped. She would not burden himwith guilt when he carried so many other burdens. Besides, appeals would do nogood at this point. He needed a motivation stronger than she could furnish him.
The child.
Was she giving herself excusesfor the sin of adultery? she wondered desperately. At first she'd had no doubtsas to the purity of her motives, but now she could not be sure. It could havebeen lust guiding her toward Kartauk all along. "I don't want to goback," she whispered.
"Of course you do. If youwon't do it for yourself, go to please me." He smiled teasingly. "Ineed that seal for Glenclaren."
And he needed a child forGlenclaren, a child to keep him alive. Even if being with Kartauk gave her alustful pleasure, wouldn't she be forgiven if she could save Ian? Oh, she didnotknow.
"Margaret?"
"Very well." Sheburied her face in the soft cashmere of the throw across his lap. "You'llhave your seal."
