His smile faded and he leanedback, closed his eyes, and let the pain wash over him.
God in heaven, why could younot have been merciful? Margaret did not need this additional cross to bear.
Perhaps he was wrong. Perhapsit was not true.
He would know when he saw themtogether.
"Tamar, will you fetchanother bottle of wine?" Ian made a face before glancing down at the chessboard again. "This vintage doesn't please me."
"Certainly, SamirIan." Tamar instantly moved toward the door. "I regret I failed youinthis.Perhaps whiskey instead? I know you like that better."
"You know he can't havewhiskey, Tamar," Margaret said. "The doctor said he was to drinknothing stronger than wine."
"He should not haveforbidden him whiskey, if that is what he likes," Tamar said with a frown."Whiskey, Samir Ian?"
"This wine tastes fine tome," Kartauk said.
"If Samir Ian says thewine is bad, it is bad," Tamar said with a touch of belligerence.
"Just another bottle ofwine, Tamar," Ian said quickly.
Kartauk chuckled as the doorclosed behind the servant. "Good God, I see what you mean, Margaret. Is healways this obliging, Ian?"
"Always." Ian smiledfaintly. "The Cinnidans are so robust themselves, they have a horror ofill health. Tamar would have drowned himself in the sea before he would havebecome the crock I am. He sees no reason to deny me any pleasure just toprolong my life."
Margaret frowned. "You'renot a crock and he should not have offered you—"
"He meant only to make mehappy," Ian interrupted. He changed the subject. "Margaret has beenraving about your workmanship on Ruel's seal, but I cannot believe it finerthan mine, Kartauk." Ian moved his knight on the board. "An elephantis all very well, but it lacks a certain dignity."
"Are you saying theapprentice is more talented than the master?" Kartauk looked up from thechess board with a grin. "Blasphemy."
"I'm saying I shouldjudge for myself. Let me see Ruel's wondrous seal."
"Now?"
Ian nodded. "I'mtormented by curiosity. I must see it."
"Then I'll go fetch itfrom the studio." Kartauk started to get up from his chair. "It willtake only a minute."
"No, not you." Ianturned to Margaret. "Would you go and fetch it, love? I plan oncheckmating this rascal within the next few moves."
"If you wish." Shemoved immediately toward the door. "Though you'll be disappointed. My workis a mere dabble compared to Kartauk's."
"You never disappoint me,Margaret."
The chamber was silent for atime after the door closed behind her.
"Well, you've gotten ridof both of them," Kartauk commented as he moved his queen. "Why didyou want Margaret gone?"
He should have known Kartaukwould realize the seal was only a ploy, Ian thought with relief. Thank GodKartauk's bluntness was equaled by his perceptiveness. "She was uneasy. Itwas an uncomfortable evening for her, poor lass."
"Was it?"
"You know it was."He kept his gaze on the chess board, but he could sense Kartauk's wariness."Which is why I will not ask you to come here again."
"Why did you ask metonight?"
"I had to know. I had tobe certain."
