Page 172 of Forbidden

“I had to know what the people of the keep were thinking.”

“Yes,” Cassandra acknowledged. “But it could have been more gently done.”

“You could have spoken,” Duncan said, turning to Amber.

“Weapons don’t speak,” Amber said. “They are simply used. Are you through wielding me for now?”

Slowly Duncan’s hands closed into fists. Just as slowly they opened once more.

“Return to your room,” he said.

Amber set aside the wine goblet and left the solar without a look or a word.

Nor did Duncan call her back.

But when Cassandra would have followed, he gestured to another chair.

“Be seated,” Duncan said. “You have no loyalty to me, but you will do what you can to help the amber witch, won’t you?”

Cassandra’s lips thinned. “Amber is Learned, not a witch.”

“Answer my question.”

“Aye. Whatever I can do to help Amber, I will do.”

“Then stay nearby and speak for the weapon that is too stubborn to speak for herself.”

“Ah, then you value her.”

“More than my dagger and less than my sword,” Duncan retorted.

“Erik should see you now.”

“Why?”

“He thought your feeling for Amber would be stronger than your pride. I would like to show him how wrong he was,” Cassandra said bitingly. “’Tis a pity that he isn’t the one to bear the pain of his misjudgment.”

Before Duncan could speak, Simon and Dominic came into the solar. They looked from Cassandra to Duncan to the untouched supper arrayed on a table near the hearth.

“I have news that should whet your appetite,” Dominic said.

“What is it?” Duncan asked, turning away from Cassandra.

“Sven assures me that the people of the keep are quite willing to accept you as their lord.”

Duncan smiled and turned to Cassandra.

“Disappointed?” he taunted.

“Only in your treatment of your wife.”

“Then you need not worry for long,” Simon said. “The marriage will be set aside.”

Duncan and Cassandra turned as one to face Simon.

“’Tis a true marriage,” Cassandra said. “Ask Duncan if he hasn’t had carnal knowledge of his wife!”

“Whether she is maiden or madam,” Dominic said, “it matters not. The marriage was conducted under false pretenses. No bishop would uphold it.”