the Tiger Prince (1993) by Johansen| Iris

Author:Johansen| Iris
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-02-11T15:10:15.203000+00:00

Chapter 11.

"He'll never go," Margaret told Ruel flatly. "If Ian refused to go to Spain, do you think he'll travel halfway across the world to Cinnidar?"

"We have to persuade him to go. Spain is too close to be a solution for him. He would start thinking about Glenclaren and you'd find yourself on the next ship to Scotland."

"You may be right." Margaret frowned. "But I've heard the East is hot and unhealthy."

"Do I look as if it's hurt me?"

Ruel looked tough as a tree trunk, brown as the acorns that fell from it, and comely as ever, she thought. "But then, the devil takes care of his own."

He burst out laughing. "I believe I've missed you, Maggie. You always did know me better than Ian."

"I once thought so too, but I've been wondering of late. All this outpouring of generosity toward Ian and Glenclaren has led me to question my judgment."

His laughter faded. "I love Ian, Maggie."

"You have changed. You would never admit to loving anyone when you left here." She gazed at him challengingly. "If you love him, come to Spain with us and make sure Ian doesn't go back to Glenclaren until he's well."

"I can't, dammit. I have to take the next ship back to Cinnidar. The situation there is ... delicate."

"Ian's condition is also delicate."

He frowned. "Cinnidar isn't like Kasanpore. It's an island with sea breezes that cool and temper the heat. Do you think I'd risk giving him a setback?"

Margaret studied him. "No," she said finally. "You wouldn't hurt Ian if you could help it."

He bowed his head mockingly. "I suppose I should thank you for having such touching faith in me."

"I don't want thanks, I want assurances."

"Tell me what you need to know. I've told you Cinnidar's climate is good and I can assure you of so many servants, they'll be stumbling over themselves to help and care for Ian."

"Which may be a detriment instead of an asset. I've spent three years fostering Ian's belief in himself. Housing?"

"A palace. The Savitsar family built a palace overlooking the canyon a long time ago. The place has been deserted for decades, but I set workers to repairing and refurbishing it before I left Cinnidar." He smiled faintly. "You can't fault the accommodations, Maggie."

"We shall see." She shook her head impatiently. "Why are we even talking about this? You'll never persuade him to go."

"Not if he lacks confidence Glenclaren will be properly cared for. Do you have anyone who can meet that requirement?"

"He would trust Jane to--"

"Jane will be going with us," Ruel interrupted. "And so will Li Sung. Think of someone else."

"That's no easy task."

"A decision doesn't have to be made tonight. We have a few days."

"Are you going up to see Ian now?"

He shook his head. "Ian's not stupid. He'll know why I'm here the moment he sees me. I'll let him get a good night's sleep before I launch the attack."

"Then I'll tell Mary to show you to a chamber."

He shook his head. "I'll not stay here.

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