"Yes."
"No wonder Nasim wants it," Kadar said.
Tarik shrugged. "He'd crush the coffer beneath his horses' hooves if it meant he could have what's inside."
Selene shook her head. "I can't believe that. Even if he cares nothing for beauty, it must have great value."
"He'd destroy it." Tarik carefully draped the silk back over the box, placed the statue on top of it, and closed the chest. "Without a second thought."
"The cross must have some meaning," Kadar probed. "Though Nasim assured me the content was not a religious relic and I'd have no trouble with the Knights Templar."
Tarik raised his brows. "And you believed him?"
"Not entirely. Is it a holy relic?"
"Some might consider it so."
"And you keep it here in your chamber, unguarded?"
"My men are loyal. It would be no easy task to wrest it from me." He shrugged. "And perhaps, in my heart, I wish it to be stolen away from me. Sometimes the burden becomes too great."
Kadar smiled. "Then let me oblige you."
"Maybe I will." He turned toward the door. "We shall see. Would you like to inspect my guardroom and see how well I've quartered your friend Haroun?"
"Why not?"
Tarik glanced at Selene. "I'd ask you to accompany us, but my soldiers are rough and not accustomed to ladies."
"I've no desire to go with you." Selene moved toward the door. "I'll return to my chamber."
"And be bored." Kadar shuddered. "For which we will pay dearly later, Tarik."
Tarik chuckled. "Will it help if I send her fine silks to embroider?"
"Maybe."
"I understand she plays a fine game of chess. Perhaps I could have the honor of a game after we sup tonight."
"Not if you continue to speak as if I'm not in the room," Selene said bluntly.
Tarik chuckled and bowed deeply. "My apologies, sweet lady. Will you do me the courtesy of forgiving this lowly serf and amusing me this evening?"
"I don't play for amusement. I play to win."
"Fair warning." His smile faded and he suddenly looked very weary. "I haven't hungered for victory for a long, long time. It must be pleasant to care that much for small things."
"Women are only permitted pleasure in small things."
"Most women. But what you're not permitted, you take. Is that not true?"
"Yes." Kadar grinned. "You read her well, Tarik."
"She's a good deal like my wife."
"Rosa?" Selene asked, remembering that moment in her chamber.
"No, my first wife, Layla. Rosa was a gentle soul and took only what she was given."
