Diara giggled at her bold cousin. “Nay,” she said flatly. “I will burn it before I give it away, so be ready to light the fire when I give the word.”
“I will steal that dress before you can get it near a flame.”
Diara started laughing, twirling in the dress as one of the servants brought over the perfume that Ananda had been picking through. She settled on an oil that smelled strongly of roses, putting it on every bit of exposed skin and rubbing it in. After that, she simply stood there and looked at herself, wondering if she was truly brave enough for the change her life was taking.
Ready or not, it was upon her.
“What is it?” Iris said, standing behind her, watching her. “What are you thinking?”
Diara shrugged, fingering the big gold cross at her chest. “After we received news that Beckett had been killed,” she said, “do you remember the kind of husband I told you I wanted?”
Iris thought on that. “You said you wanted a man, not a boy.”
Diara nodded. “It seems that I am to get my wish,” she said. “I met Sir Richard when I was introduced to Beckett, but I do not remember much about him other than he was a very big man.”
“Are you afraid?”
“Not afraid. But a little nervous. What if he does not like me?”
Iris turned her around to face her. “He will love you,” she insisted quietly. “Be yourself. Do not listen to your mother and be demure and obedient. You’ve managed to charm nearly every man you’ve ever met, Deedee. Now you must charm the only man that counts—the man you are to marry.”
Diara nodded as if trying to convince herself of the very same thing. “I remember Beckett telling me that his mother had been dead for many years,” she said. “Sir Richard has not married in all that time. If he had wanted a wife, I am sure he would have.”
“Whether or not he wants a wife is not of issue,” Iris said. “He has you now.”
“I am certain my father bullied him into it.”
“You do not know that. You cannot assume the worst.”
That was true. Iris was wise when she wanted to be. Diara took one last look at herself in the mirror before squaring her shoulders.
“Then I will go down to the solar and meet the man I am to marry,” she said. “I can only hope he will be pleased.”
“Should I come?”
“If my mother is furious about the dress, then she will be even more furious if you go where you are not wanted,” Diara said. “Retreat to the hall and wait for me there. Please.”
Iris nodded, walking Diara to the door but going no further. The last vision she had was of that deep red dress heading down the stairs. She couldn’t help but think that Diara was walking as if going to her own execution—there was no joy in her movements. Only duty.
Only dread.
Iris found herself saying a little prayer.
Please, God. Let this betrothal be agreeable to them both.
*
Roi wasn’t quitesure what he was seeing.
Having ridden hard from Lioncross Abbey for two days, he and Robin and one hundred de Lohr soldiers arrived at Cicadia Castle just after sunset on the second day. It was a dark night, but hundreds of torches lit up the grounds of the castle, illuminating everything in a festive sort of way.
Cicadia was prepared to greet her returning liege in style.
Roi was weary from the ride, not paying much attention to his surroundings as he and Robin dismounted their horses, greeted by Robin’s three knights, two of which had ridden out to escort them the last few miles to the castle. He knew all three of them, distantly, but he was understandably preoccupied. He was also thirsty, and hungry, and Robin led him into the keep with the promise of wine and some food before the evening meal was served.
Therefore, Roi entered Cheltenham’s solar with the mood of an unhappy and weary man, removing his gloves and taking the time to look at the richly furnished chamber. He’d spent two days reminding himself that everything he saw would eventuallybecome his, and what he saw did not disappoint him. Not even the wine that Robin gave him, which was quite good. So far, everything had been good. He liked what he saw and his mood was starting to lift, just a little.
Then a woman entered the chamber.
