"Why do you love me?" she asked wonderingly. "I look at myself and I see nothing to love. I'm selfish and sharp-tongued and I've never done anything but use you."
"Yes, you've done something else."
"What?"
"You've loved me," he said simply. "Not at first. But gradually it came."
"I do not--" She couldn't finish. She closed her eyes. "I don't know about this love. It's been so long. . . . If I do love you, it feels very rough and strange and hurtful."
"It will be better when you become accustomed to the idea. Will you wed me, Layla?"
She opened her eyes, but they were still dim with tears. "It's foolish. You won't be happy."
"I won't be happy without you. Will you wed me?"
She lay down beside him again. "You're right, you wouldn't be happy." Her voice was uneven. "I've probably spoiled you for any other woman. Who could be as clever and witty and--" She had to stop for a moment. "So I suppose it's my duty to marry you. We will do it on the morrow."
He smiled. "And wear a blue lotus blossom in your hair."
"Flowers don't suit me."
"It would please me."
And she knew tomorrow the lotus blossom would be tucked in her hair.
"Layla."
She looked behind her to see Kadar coming down the hall.
He was gazing at her quizzically. "You were lost in thought. I spoke three times to you."
Memories, not thought, and it was just as well he had jarred her from them. "Yes, what do you want?"
"Truce. Even if we cannot agree on the grail, we need to work together."
"You have Tarik." She added ironically, "Why do you need the help of a mere woman?"
"Because that 'mere' woman can cause me innumerable difficulties, if she chooses."
"That's quite true. You're wise to realize that fact and wiser to acknowledge it to me." Her gaze narrowed on his face. "But I've always known you were clever. I just don't know how self-serving you are."
"As self-serving as anyone else. But I do keep my word. The grail is safe."
She nodded slowly. "But how safe is Selene?"
He gazed at her in surprise. "Is that important to you?"
"I'm not without feelings. I've grown to think of Selene as my friend."
"You don't have to worry about Selene. I've cared for her for a long time. That will never change."
"Never?" Her lips twisted. "That may be longer than you think. Have you not been thinking of the possibility of giving Selene the potion?"
"Yes. How could I help it?"
"Even though you're skeptical about Eshe?"
"Yes."
