"You'll have to trust me to make sure he doesn't slip away."
"And what of me?" Selene asked. "This plan is all you and Vaden. I'm the one who set all of this in motion. Am I to sit and wait and do nothing?"
"The whole reason for the meeting relies on the fact that you're not a hostage and out of Nasim's reach."
"Then think of another plan."
Kadar shook his head.
She turned to Layla and Tarik. "It's too dangerous."
"I agree," Layla said. "Both for Kadar and the grail."
"Then give me another plan that has a chance of working as well," Kadar said.
Silence.
"Don't do this," Selene whispered.
He smiled. "It's not as dangerous as it sounds. There are always opportunities occurring when one least expects them. That's what life is all about."
"I won't let--" It was no use. He had made his decision, and there was nothing she could do to persuade him to abandon it.
She wanted to shout at him. She should have known he'd concoct a scheme that would shut her out. "This isn't fair." Sweet Mary, that protest sounded puny. It was just the sort of whining she had promised herself she would not do.
"Fairness doesn't enter into it," Kadar said. "It's the only plan that will accomplish what we want."
"It could work." Vaden frowned thoughtfully. "But you're depending considerably on luck."
"Or on brilliance of mind and magnificent execution." Kadar smiled slyly at Vaden. "I doubt if you consider any of your victories based on good fortune."
"Certainly not."
"Well, neither do I."
"When do you go to Nasim?" Tarik asked.
"Tomorrow."
The word struck Selene like a blow. Too soon. How could she find a way to keep him from committing this madness with so little time?
"Good," Vaden said. "I was afraid you'd decide to return to the bridal bower and keep me waiting another fortnight." He turned to Selene. "His prospects are not so dismal. Let's get on with it. It would be foolish to attempt to dissuade him."
"I've no intention of trying to dissuade him." She rose to her feet. "Why should I? As you say, it would be foolish." She didn't look at Kadar as she started for the door. "He's obviously made up his mind."
"Selene."
She didn't stop. She had to get away from them. They were all so cool and reasonable, and panic was tearing through her. She had to gain her composure before she faced Kadar again. She had to think of a plan or an argument that would move him.
That prospect was far from likely.
Then she had to devise a plan of her own to keep him safe.
Tomorrow.
Dear God in heaven, tomorrow.
"She's upset," Vaden said. "But she was more reasonable than I thought she'd be."
