Christopher grinned. “I used to take my sons fishing,” he said. “We would go to the River Arrow, which is not far from here. I can still see five young boys all lined up along the bank and Westley screaming because he cannot catch any fish.”
Robin’s expression flickered, suggestive of a man who was highly jealous over the fact that he had no sons to speak of. “Mayhap it taught him patience in the end,” he said without enthusiasm. “I would not know about young boys. I only had a daughter, and she was raised by women.”
“And she is a fine young woman,” Christopher said. “We all like her very much.”
Robin’s lips twitched with a grateful, though insincere, smile. “Good,” he said. “Though I am sorry for Beckett, I am grateful for Roi. He and I were great friends when we fought together in France.”
Christopher nodded. “I know,” he said. “He told me that you command a fine army.”
Robin shrugged. “I hope so,” he said. “They are well paid. I pay men to train them well. But I am still wholly grateful for the de Lohr alliance. I have been having some trouble, you know.”
It was the perfect lead-in to a subject Robin had intended to bring up all night. As he hoped, Christopher seemed interested in discussing it.
“Where?” he asked.
“South,” Robin said. “From Cirencester.”
Christopher frowned. “Fairford?”
“The same.”
“What trouble?”
Robin sighed sharply, an act that conveyed great displeasure. “You know how the man has made his money,” he said. “He and his family. They are bred from pirates and thieves, so they tend to steal and raid. Riggs Fairford is no different from his ancestors. The king tolerates him because he pays a great deal in taxes, so he’ll do nothing about him.”
“Is he becoming that much of a problem?”
Robin nodded. “A little,” he said. “Though his activity comes and goes. Mayhap the next time he raids my border, a little show of force from my daughter’s new husband might discourage them from more action.”
Christopher pondered that. “Possibly,” he said. “I do not know much about Fairford. I’ve never had any real contact with him.”
“A viper,” Robin said with mock disgust. “As I said… I am glad for our strong alliance, my lord. I am glad for Roi.”
Christopher believed him. Robin had to refrain from patting himself on the back because Christopher seemed very much in agreement and understanding.
That would make what he had to do just a little bit easier.
And a little more believable.
The time would soon come.
*
“My father andyour father seemed to be having a pleasant conversation,” Diara said. “My father is in a surprisingly good mood.”
Roi had just broken away from the group of drunken singers posing as his brothers and nephews. He had returned to the dais and claimed his seat next to the bride, taking her hand ashe collected a chalice of what he thought was wine. What he discovered was that it was very watery wine. He took two big gulps before holding up the cup and looking at it strangely.
“What is this?” he asked.
Diara grinned. “I had the servants bring watered wine,” she said. “I thought it might slake your thirst better. Did I do wrong?”
He looked at her, trying to scowl, but he kept breaking out in a grin. “You did not do this to slake my thirst,” he accused lightly. “You think I am becoming too drunk.”
She bit her lip to keep from laughing. “How dare you say such things,” she said, pretending to be indignant. “I did not. And I do not want you drunk when we retire for the evening.”
He broke out in laughter, pulling her against him and kissing her on the cheek. “You devious cat,” he said. “I should have watched my cup. And I willneverbe too drunk, I promise. Don’t you believe me?”
“Should I?”
