But that was as far as she went. Avarine smiled and planted herself next to Lucy as Davyss’ twins sat on the bench in front of Devereux and began pulling each other’s hair. Avarine stilled the fighting hands as she turned to Lucy.
“It has been such a long time since we last saw one another,” she said to Lucy. “I have seen Hugh and Philip, over by the tents. Is Davyss here?”
Lucy was quickly growing horrified. “Aye,” she said in a strangled voice. Then she pointed in Devereux’s direction. “This is….”
But she was too late; Avarine didn’t hear the muddled start of the introduction to Davyss’ wife and she spoke over Lucy’s words. She was clearly wrapped up in her own world, her own excitement.
“He has not seen his girls since they were very small,” Avarine said. “Do you not think he will be surprised? They have grown so much. They are so lovely and smart now, a perfect tribute to their father. I know he will be proud of them.”
Lucy thought she might faint, trying to hush the woman discreetly but Avarine was oblivious. She rattled on.
“My father hopes to speak to Davyss again regarding marriage,” she was gazing out over the arena, her blue-eyed gaze searching eagerly for the powerful form of Davyss de Winter. “I know that Davyss does not want to marry, but that was years ago. Perhaps he has changed his mind. It is only right that we marry, after all; we already have two children together. We would make a lovely family, don’t you think? And I think a son next year in the image of his father would be wonderful.”
Lucy grabbed the woman by the wrist, so hard that she clawed into Avarine’s tender flesh. But she didn’t still the woman’s rattling mouth before Devereux shot to her feet and bolted from the box. Lucy let go of Avarine and began to run after her.
“Devereux!” she cried, tripping over a bench and falling to her knees. “Devereux, wait!”
Devereux heard Lucy’s cries but she could not respond. She was verging on complete hysteria, listening to Avarine speak of Davyss and of the children they had together. It hurt so badly that she couldn’t breathe. She was Davyss’ wife but she had miscarried his child. Avarine had two children by Davyss and wanted more. It was Davyss’ right to have more children like the beautiful twins.
Hearing the excitement in Avarine’s voice as she spoke of Davyss drove dagger after dagger into Devereux’s heart. She felt so worthless, so inadequate. She hated herself terribly at that moment.
Devereux jumped off the lists, hit the ground, and began running.
Seated in the royal box, Lady Katharine heard the shouting and turned in time to see Devereux disappear from the lists. She saw Lucy go after her but was prevented from paying closer attention by a strong hand on her arm.
“Was that Davyss’ wife?” Simon asked.
Lady Katharine nodded, looking rather concerned that the woman had just bolted off. “It is,” she replied.
“I only caught a swift glimpse of her, but she looks lovely.”
“She is,” she answered. “Davyss is very much in love with the girl. Perhaps I should go and see what the matter is.”
Simon shook his head. “No need,” he replied. “You cannot move as fast as she does and you will only hurt yourself, so it is best if you let your son handle his wife.”
Lady Katharine shot Simon a menacing glare with her faded hazel eyes. “Watch your tongue, man. I may not be able to run swiftly but I can still use a dagger quite adequately.”
Simon laughed softly. “You are still a firebrand after all of these years.”
Lady Katharine lifted an eyebrow at him. “You think so?” she slapped the hand on her arm and he removed it, still laughing. “And you are still as I remember; selfish and bold.”
Simon’s humor faded as he beheld Katharine’s angular profile. “Is that all you remember?” he asked softly.
Katharine refused be lured back to the days when she and Simon believed themselves in love with one another, when she was a young maiden and only pledged to Grayson de Winter. It was a futile romance but one that had burned hot at one time.
“I will not reminisce with you,” she said flatly. “There is no need.”
Simon knew that but it was still something he lived with, something he thought on every time he saw Davyss. “Did you ever tell him, Kate?” he murmured.
“Nay.”
“Why not?”
“Because he is a de Winter. What purpose would it serve to tell him otherwise?”
Simon sighed faintly, knowing there was truth to her statement. He wouldn’t push the issue, now thirty four years old and beyond any resolution. He averted his gaze, flicking imaginary pieces of dust off his breeches. “No purpose,” he agreed quietly. “But someday, I should like him to know.”
Katharine was in no mood for Simon’s attempt at reflection. In fact, she wanted far away from the subject. “Finish what you were saying about my son and be quick about it,” she told him. “He will be competing shortly and I want to watch.”
