Page 169 of Forbidden

“I didn’t mean to…”

Duncan’s voice faded and he made a baffled gesture with his hands. No matter how furious he was with the witch who had betrayed him, the thought of his simple touch causing such pain for her bothered him in ways he didn’t want to name.

“’Tis all right,” Amber said in a low voice. “It wasn’t nearly so hurtful the second time.”

“Why?”

“The rage was still there, but it was overwhelmed by your horror at causing me such pain.”

A shuttered look came over Duncan’s face as he realized how clearly Amber saw him.

More clearly than he saw himself.

More clearly than he wanted to see.

“Then,” Cassandra said, “there is hope.”

“Duncan is a decent man,” Amber said wearily.“Weave your hopes upon that, rather than upon my future.”

“Hope?” Duncan asked. “Of what?”

Neither woman spoke.

Duncan turned on his heel and sat again in the lord’s chair.

“I see that you are quite restored,” he challenged.

A chill gathered in Amber. Duncan’s softening toward her had been only momentary.

“Yes,” she said tonelessly.

“Then we will continue. Are the Learned plotting against me?” Duncan asked.

Cassandra’s hand lifted to brush against Amber’s cheek.

“No,” Cassandra said.

“No,” Amber echoed.

“Does Cassandra hope that they will?”

“No,” Cassandra said.

“No,” Amber echoed.

For a time there was silence but for the cry of wind around the keep and the whistling of a servant as he drew water from the well below the solar.

Then Amber sensed people coming into the room behind her. She didn’t look to see who it was. She had attention only for the proud warrior who was gazing at her with far too much darkness in his eyes.

“As you requested,” Simon said from the doorway. “Although what you will do with this lazy lout is beyond me.”

Duncan looked beyond Amber and smiled slightly.

“Stay by the door, Simon, if you please.”

Simon nodded.

“Egbert,” Duncan said. “Step forward.”