He smiled. "If that's what you wish."
She smiled back at him. "That is exactly what I wish--for now."
Chapter 19.
THE MOONLIGHT GLITTERED on the waters of the reflecting pool and the breeze ruffling the surface seemed to give movement to the statues surrounding it.
"I don't like those statues," Selene said. "They're too cold." She stepped forward so that her face was mirrored in the water. "But I look cold too. Isn't that strange?"
"Yes. No one is less cold." His grasp steadied her. "But that may change if you topple into the water."
She chuckled. "Would you jump in and save me?"
"Always."
"Well, I doubt I'd need rescuing. The pool is scarce five feet deep."
"Men in armor have been known to drown in a few feet of water."
"And serves them right for making war."
"You're making war on Nasim."
Her smile faded. "That's different."
"And that's what every antagonist says about his war."
She made a face. "I don't want to talk about wars tonight."
"Or Nasim."
"Or Nasim." She moved away from him and sat down on the bench beside the pool. "So talk about something else."
"You're being entirely too serene. You're not planning on going over the wall again?" Kadar asked.
She shook her head. "I don't think Vaden could be fooled as was that guard at Sienbara, and I'm sure you'll warn him to watch me."
He sat down beside her and took her hand. "Of course. But Layla has already given him ample warning. She's learned your temperament very well in such a short time."
"We think a good deal alike. I thought she'd fight harder to keep us from using the grail."
"It was Tarik's decision. Since I had a weapon to use, I bent all my efforts on him."
"What weapon?"
"Guilt."
She frowned, puzzled. "It's Nasim who was guilty, not Tarik. I wouldn't think Tarik would feel any blame."
"Tarik evidently is a man with a conscience."
"That would still not be--" She studied his face. "You're not telling me something."
"Not because I'm trying to keep secrets from you, it's just not the time. I have to make a decision first."
"Is it about the grail?"
He nodded.
