"Perhaps."
"What will it take to convince you?"
"I have to give you time."
"How much time? A week? A month?" When he didn't reply, her eyes widened. "A year?"
"Five years should give you a goodly period to consider the consequences."
"Five--" She vigorously shook her head. "No."
"Have you thought why you're so eager to have this done and over? Are you afraid you'll change your mind?"
"No. I want it over because it will be in contention until it's done. I don't want that between us. No more confusion or conflict, Kadar."
He drew her closer. "I wish I could believe that's the only reason for--"
"I want to hit you." She pushed him away and jumped to her feet. "All right, I don't believe this Eshe is a miracle. But, by heaven, I'm going to take it." She started down the hill.
"Where are you going?" he called after her.
"Away from you. Go back to the cottage, you stupid man. I don't want to see you for at least an hour." She had reached the stand of trees and was enveloped in the shady coolness. She needed that coolness. She was frustrated and annoyed and she saw no way to--
She froze with shock.
No.
Again.
She staggered to a nearby oak tree and leaned against it.
Impossible.
"You weren't long." Kadar didn't look up from the stew he was stirring in the fireplace. "Does that mean I'm forgiven? Or that you're going to do me bodily--My God, what's wrong?"
"We're going back to the villa."
He was by her side. "You're pale. Are you ill?"
"No. Yes. I don't know." She began to gather her belongings. "We have to go back to the villa."
"Tell me what's wrong."
She shook her head. How could she tell him what she didn't understand herself? "Just take me to the villa."
The villa was in turmoil when they reached it a half day later. The courtyard was filled with wagons loaded with boxes and furniture. Heavily laden servants were scurrying to and from the house and the wagons.
"What's going on?" Kadar murmured as he lifted Selene down from her horse. "It looks as if they're abandoning the place."
"Not abandoning." Tarik walked down the steps toward them. "We're merely moving on. It's never wise staying in one place too long. You'll also find that to be true, Kadar."
"Where's Layla?" Selene demanded. "I have to see Layla. Is she still here?"
"Of course. But you caught us just in time." He turned toward the door and raised his voice. "Layla."
"In a moment. I cannot--" Layla appeared in the doorway. "Well, it's about time you returned. We've been waiting for weeks."
"It appears you're waiting no longer," Kadar said dryly. "If we'd come tomorrow, the villa would have been deserted."
