Part 41 (2/2)

”It must be three years.” There was a wistful note in her voice. ”I miss her.”

From then on they reminisced comfortably. Like an old married couple, Jarrod thought ironically, though the idea rather pleased him.

In the event, the only decisions that they made that afternoon that survived were their choice of clothes and of Greylock. Queen Naxania saw the marriage as an opportunity to add l.u.s.ter to her waning popularity and decreed that the wedding be held in the abandoned Ma- ternite chapel that her brother had built. Marianna pro- tested to her father, but got nowhere. Jarrod complained to Greylock and found that the Mage considered the marriage of the discoverers of the unicorns a boon for the Discipline. He went so far as to issue orders for the return of Nastrus from the Causeway. Marianna fumed and Jarrod commiserated, but they were effectively trapped by their reputations.

Darius seemed to be the only person who was genu- inely happy. Even the Queen appeared to have her res- ervations. They were together in the royal withdrawing room going over the details of the guest list for the reception when she turned to him and said, ”I will not have Abercorn here.”

”It never occurred to me to invite him.”

”You realize that Courtak will inherit the Duke- dom.”

”I know it's a possibility,” Darius replied easily, ”but

226 there's no reason why Paramin shouldn't marry again and father a child.” He smiled at her. ”After all, he's my age, give or take a year.”

”Not likely. He's been a broken man since the rebel- lion failed and I am told that his health is parlous. He has been consumed by the black humors and his chest is weak.” There was a note of satisfaction in her voice.

Darius raised an eyebrow. ”You seem very well in- formed.”

”His Wisewoman is in my pay,” she returned shortly.

”I have taken a leaf from your friend Lissen's book.”

”I see,” Darius said, reflecting on how much she had changed since they had first met. She was becoming hard and suspicious. No, he corrected himself, she had al- ways been suspicious, but the soft side that she had always shown him was seldom in evidence of late. Once in a while after they had made love, but that didn't happen very often these days. He had learned to accept that, as he had learned to turn a blind eye to her oc- casional affairs with younger men. She had always been discreet and she had always returned to him. For his part, the G.o.ds help him, he still cared for her. They had been lovers for sixteen years and they shared a lot of memories. He felt a wash of affection for this proud, stubborn and undoubtedly beautiful woman.

”You know what that means,” she said, breaking into his thoughts.

He looked up, blinking slowly.

”It means that your daughter will be d.u.c.h.ess of Abercom and a grandson of yours will inherit in his turn.”

”Yes, I suppose it does. I hadn't really given it any thought.” He got up and went over to the table for a sweetcake. ”Does that bother you?” he asked around a mouthful.

She snorted. ”Courtak's first allegiance is to the Dis- 227.

cipline and I am perfectly well aware that your daughter does not like me. Not exactly the combination I could wish for in one of my princ.i.p.al fiefs.”

”You take altogether too bleak a view of things,” he said gently. ”Jarrod has always been loyal to the Crown and Marianna is too attached to Gwyndryth to meddle in Paladinian politics. Besides, think of the romance of it.” He walked over, stood behind her chair and began to ma.s.sage her shoulders. ”The discoverers of the uni- corns, companions in peril when they were young, fi- nally falling in love and getting married. It's what the common people have wanted for years.”

”Oh yes, it's very popular.” Her shoulders were re- laxing, but she didn't sound soothed.

”You know.” he said lightly, fingers stroking, ”this alliance between the two countries could provide the perfect setting for a further cementing of relations.” He paused and then took the plunge. ”Why don't the two of us get married?”

Naxania almost sprang from the chair. She whirled to face him.

”Are you mad?” she said, dark eyes snapping.

Darius drew himself up. ”No, I am not. I have served both you and this country loyally and well for a good number of years. I have loved you even longer. Your people are used to seeing me by your side. I have asked you to marry me before, but there was always some 'reason of state' for you to hide behind. I am an old- fas.h.i.+oned man, my love, and I'm tired of backstairs skulking. This is the perfect opportunity to announce our betrothal.”

Naxania had herself under control again. She smiled at him, reached out and patted his hand as it rested on the back of the chair.

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