A Kingdom of Dreams

Lady Katherine Melbrook, a lovely brunette only slightly older than Je

It was such a dramatic change from their behavior at Merrick on the night of her betrothal that she had remained slightly suspicious of it. Katherine Melbrook was the single exception, however, for she was so outspoken and friendly that Je

Their friendship had sprung up from that, and Katherine had regularly been at Je

Now she drew Je

In spite of herself, Je

"He looked away the instant you turned," Katherine chuckled. "He was not, however, looking the other way tonight when Lord Broughton was hanging at your skirts. He looked ferociously jealous. Who would have guessed," she rambled on cheerfully, "that our fierce Wolf would become as tame as a kitten after less than two months of being wedded?"

"He is no kitten," Je

"I-please forgive me, Je

Je

"Why, about how difficult tomorrow will be for you-sitting in your husband's gallery at the tourney and giving him your favor with your own kinsmen looking on."

"I've no intention of doing either," Je

Katherine's reaction was anything but calm. "Je

"I am a Scot," Je

"You are now a Westmoreland-even God decreed a woman must cleave to her husband!" Before Je

"I-I have to remind my husband about the time." Je

Behind Je

"You're lyin'!" exploded a young groom whose burned hand Je

"My lord," Je

"I said what?" he asked quietly.

"You said everyone normally retires early on the night before a tourney," Je

"Are you feeling unwell?" he asked, his narrowed eyes searching her face.

"No," Je

The swearing of fealty took place in the great hall, where Royce's vassals had all assembled. For nearly a full hour, Je

" 'Tis meant to be," said Lord Melbrook, obviously not sharing his wife's distaste for it. "But then, I have assumed exactly the same position before King Henry, so you see, 'tis not quite the debasing gesture you ladies obviously find it. However," he amended after a moment's additional thought, "perhaps it feels different where you're a noble bending your knee to a king."

As soon as the last vassal had knelt and sworn his fealty, Je

Realizing the linen gown was nearly transparent, Je

"I wanted to talk to you about a few things," he began quietly, when she had belted the robe. "First of all, about the badges you handed out to the villagers-"

"If you're angry about that, I don't blame you," Je

"I'm far from angry, Je

Je

Je