“How strange that I saw you hours ago, this morn, and you were close to this place and alone.”
Arnaud chuckled but Quinn heard his displeasure.“Who can say how long I have wandered?”
“Surely you did not spend the night in the forest?”
“Surely there are matters of greater interest than that,” Arnaud said, his tone steely.
“Surely not,” Melissande said, almost in an undertone, but Arnaud ignored her.
Quinn also found it curious that the other man had been in the forest in the morning.What was his scheme?
And what was Melissande’s?
Arnaud’s voice warmed.“And you look hale, my lady.How many years has it been?”
“At least twenty,” Melissande replied.“I should not have known you but I recognized your colors.”
So, they had not spoken of late.Quinn was reassured.
Unless, of course, this conversation was for his benefit.
“Aye, dear beloved Privas.”Arnaud sighed.“How fares wondrous Annossy?”
“Well enough.I suppose you have heard that I am wed.”
“To the son of Jerome de Sayerne.”Arnaud clicked his tongue.“A sad waste indeed.”
Melissande said naught at all.
“That is, of course, why I sought you out,” Arnaud continued.
“Here at Sayerne, but not at Annossy?How enterprising of you to surmise my location.”
Arnaud laughed.
Quinn was glad that Melissande did not.
“I have a proposition for you, Melissande.”
“I imagine that you do.”
“You do not look surprised.”
“I think I know your wager.”
“Then tell me of it and I shall tell you if you are right.”
“I think you mean to ensure the demise of my lord husband and thence to force me to become your wife.”
“Melissande!Surely you do not have to be compelled to keep your sworn word?”Arnaud’s tone was silky.“We were betrothed by our fathers’ choice.”
“And I was wed to Quinn by Tulley’s command.I carry his child.Tulley will not tolerate your interference in this matter, nor will he entrust you with Annossy and Privas, as well.He distrusts you, Arnaud, and I am persuaded to take his view.”
“You carry your husband’s child?”Arnaud repeated.
“Aye.”Melissande sat proudly and Quinn’s heart swelled at the sight of her.
“Even better,” Arnaud whispered.“Tulley will not be able to deny me Sayerne.”He moved with lightning speed, drawing his sword and slashing at Melissande’s palfrey.The horse, perhaps with Melissande’s urging, retreated quickly, but stumbled on the rocks in the river bed.It fell and Melissande fell from the saddle, catching herself on the low branches of an overhanging tree.Arnaud slashed at the horse again and the palfrey ran, its reins trailing in the river.
