She shrugged. "It's part of the game Tarik and I play. I don't understand this move and it troubles me."
Anger soared through Selene. First Tarik had dared to use them, and now this woman was trying to do the same. "I won't be part of your game."
Tabia raised her brows. "Not even to save your Kadar?"
Selene drew a deep breath, trying to disguise that the words had struck home. "I don't know that you can or want to save him or that he is in danger at all."
"Oh, he is in danger. Don't you wish to know from what direction?"
"You promise to tell me?"
"I promise," Tabia said. "You'll find I'm not nearly as secretive as Tarik."
Selene's nails dug into her palms as she clenched her hands. The woman was right: What had occurred at Sienbara presented no obvious threat. She could avoid mention of the box and the manuscript that--
"For instance, I'd wager he showed you the golden coffer but refused to let you look inside. I'd never be so rude."
Selene's eyes widened. "You know about the box?"
Tabia glanced away from her. "Does he still keep it with that ugly wooden statue?"
"Yes."
"Sentimental idiot." Tabia whirled and headed for the door.
"I'll call for food."
"I didn't say I'd changed my mind."
"You know you have."
"Evidently I can tell you little you don't already know." Selene paused. "But I'll still hold you to your promise."
"Yes, yes." Tabia waved an impatient hand. "I know all that. Do you think I'm a fool?"
No, the woman was intelligent, manipulative, with a reckless disregard for anyone's will but her own. "I wished to make it quite clear."
"And what could you do if I decided not to honor our bargain?"
"Find a way to hurt you."
Tabia blinked. "Indeed? Interesting." She threw open the door and shouted, "Food, Mario. And the best wine in the house."
Chapter 12.
"THAT'S ALL?" Tabia leaned back in her chair. "You've told me everything?"
"Yes. I told you that you probably knew all that I did."
"Not quite all." Tabia wiped her hands on her napkin before tossing it aside and reaching for her goblet. "And have your Kadar's wounds healed sufficiently for him to travel?"
"He's not my Kadar." Selene sipped her wine. "He almost died. He should not travel."
"But he could?"
Selene nodded.
"Then I'd wager Tarik has him halfway to Rome by now."
