"It's not wise. It's the way of your curiosity."
He shook his head. "I might risk my own neck but never yours, Selene."
She knew that, but it didn't make his choice easier to accept. "Very well, we'll go back." She scowled. "But I don't promise to stay there."
He smiled. "You'll have a harder time going over the wall next time. I'm sure Tarik gave that guard you struck on the head a severe punishment."
"I hope not. He seemed decent enough." She changed the subject. "How are we to escape? The tent is guarded."
"I'll have to think about it."
"I've already thought of a way." She looked away from him. "You should leave me and go back to the castle. Then later tonight I'll escape by myself. You can wait for me by the north gate and let me in."
He shook his head.
"It's the best plan. You know it is. If you try to take me, we may both be killed."
"We go together."
"Don't be stubborn. Do you think I need to rely on you for help? I got myself into this predicament, it's up to me to get myself out."
"Together." He smiled. "Always together. Haven't you learned that yet?"
She felt the tears sting her eyes. "I could not bear it if you were hurt for my sake," she whispered.
"You could bear it. You could bear anything."
She smiled shakily. "Of course I could. And I don't know why I should be concerned about you anyway. Everything that's happened is all your fault."
"And I thought you were blaming yourself. I'm glad you've recovered your senses."
"It's my fault we're in danger right now, but we'd still be safely at Montdhu if you--"
"Hush." He was chuckling as he shook his head. "Very well, everything is my fault. I admit it."
"Well, almost everything." She moved toward the tent entrance and gazed out at the walls of the fortress. "And if you can think of no other plan, then we will go with mine. Do you understand?"
"I understand I'm growing weary of ultimatums. I like yours no more than I did Nasim's."
Despair surged through her. "Please," she whispered.
"Come here."
She glanced over her shoulder. He had dropped down on the pallet and was holding his hand out to her. "Why?"
"Because I'm worried and a little discouraged and I need comfort. Will you give it to me?"
She could feel her resistance melting. What other man would admit weakness and need to a woman? She moved slowly toward him. "You wouldn't have to worry if you'd leave and then let me--"
"Shh." He pulled her down on the pallet. "Don't talk. Just let me hold you."
"We should be making plans."
"We have several hours, and my mind doesn't seem to be working properly at the moment."
She drew him protectively closer. "It will be all right. I'll think of something."
"Will you?" He kissed her temple. "That would be a great relief to me."
