Part 88 (1/2)

”I said: 'No!' of course. Kylas was amazed, and departed in shock. A few moments later I saw Queen Sollace complaining to the king. He looked at me, and I was very much frightened.”

Dhrun took her hand. ”You shall come to Troicinet. Are we agreed on this?”

”Yes. Especially since I have nowhere else to go. I doubt if ever I shall find my father, which perhaps is all for the best.”

Dhrun led the way to a bench; the two seated themselves. He asked, ”Why do you say that?”

”In truth, I am afraid of what I might find. When Sir Pellinore met my mother he was carefree and full of artful gaiety. Now, all is changed. The years have come and gone; perhaps he has become austere and aloof, or settled in his ways, or married to a woman of severe character, who has given him several unpleasant children. None would like me, or take me warmly into their family.”

”If you found this unfortunate man, it would be wise to approach him anonymously, and with great caution.”

”Even so, I would be forced to reveal myself in the end. No doubt he would insist that, w.i.l.l.y-nilly, I join his sordid household, and I might be reluctant to do so.”

”It might not be so bad as you think.”

”Perhaps not. It might be worse, to my distress! I am not partial to folk who are grim and austere. I prefer fanciful folk who make me laugh.”

”Hmf,” said Dhrun. ”I would seem to be a failure-much like poor miserable Sir Pellinore, with his virago of a spouse and his smelly children. I seldom see you laugh.”

”I am laughing now! Sometimes I smile quietly when you are not looking, or even when I am thinking of you.”

Dhrun turned his head and looked down into her face. He said: ”I pity the poor wretch you finally decide to marry; he will be in a constant state of nerves.”

”Not at all!” said Madouc airily. ”I would undertake to train him, and it should be easy enough, once he learned a few simple rules. He would be fed regularly, and I would sit with him if his manners were polite. He would not be allowed to snore, nor wipe his nose on his sleeve, nor sing loudly over his beer, nor keep dogs in the house. To gain my favor, he would learn to kneel nicely before me that he might tender me a red rose or perhaps a bouquet of violets, and then, with his best voice, beseech a touch of my fingers.”

”And then?”

”Much depends upon circ.u.mstances.”

”Hm,” said Dhrun. ”The spouse of your dreams, as you describe him, would seem idealistic and rather meek.”

”Not altogether and not always.”

”He would surely lead an interesting life.”

”I expect so. Of course I have not seriously considered the subject, except to decide whom I will marry when the time comes.”

Dhrun said, ”I also know whom I will marry. She has blue eyes, as soft as the sky and as deep as the sea, and red curls.”

”They are more of a copper-gold, are they not?”

”Quite so, and although she is still young, she grows prettier by the minute, and I do not know how long I will be able to resist the temptations which push at me.”

Madouc looked up at him. ”Would you like to kiss me now, just for practice?”

”Certainly.” Dhrun kissed her, and for a time they sat close together, with Madouc's head on Dhrun's shoulder. Dhrun presently asked, ”Now: are you still in fear of Casmir?”

Madouc sighed. ”Yes! I fear him greatly. Though for a time I had forgotten him.”

Dhrun rose to his feet. ”There is nothing he can do to you, unless you obey his orders.”