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Rhiannon swallowed against the lump in her throat. It was done, then. With no thought of consulting her on the matter. She should have expected nothing less. “With my father’s lands entailed to another, I have no dowry to offer him,” she said.

The king dismissed her concern as easily as he would brush aside an insignificant fly. “You need have no fear on that account. Upon your marriage, I shall bestow a handsome sum upon Cadwgan.”

“I . . . I thank you, Sire. You are most generous.”

Was it possible to feel completely numb inside yet appear completely normal to an outside observer?

“I am happy for you, Rhiannon. Cadwgan is a man of considerable wealth and power. You shall never want for anything.”

Except love. Her heart’s silent cry went unheeded. No matter how much Rhiannon wished it otherwise, she had never felt anything deeper than acquaintanceship for Cadwgan. After all this time, she could not even claim a bond of friendship with him.

Owain Gwynedd cleared his throat, and with a start, Rhiannon realized he was waiting for her to speak.

“Forgive me, Sire, this has all come as rather a shock.”

“Not too great a shock, I would think. Your betrothal to Cadwgan was all but finalized by your father, and you have interacted with the nobleman several times since then. Surely you were aware of his continued interest.”

“I did wonder about it occasionally,” Rhiannon confessed. “But he has done nothing to single me out for many months.”

“Well, that uncertainty is behind you now.” The king appeared particularly pleased with the situation. “Cadwgan has asked that the wedding occur within the month.”

Despite the fact that her hands were clasped, they began to tremble. “So soon?”

“He has been waiting two years. I hardly think anyone could accuse Cadwgan of rushing the marriage.”

A hint of irritation had entered Owain Gwynedd’s voice, and Rhiannon lowered her head to hide the tears filling her eyes. “No. Of course not.”

“Very well. I shall inform Cadwgan that I have spoken with you. The queen can help you with wedding arrangements. She is well-versed in such matters, having so recently planned for Gwenllian’s marriage.” He frowned, a look of pain appearing on his face and then almost immediately disappearing. “I shall make an official announcement regarding your betrothal upon our return from Deheubarth. For the present, however, I believe we both have travel preparations to make.”

Rhiannon recognized the dismissal. “Yes, Sire.” She curtsied again. “I thank you for your time.”

He nodded in acknowledgment, and she fled the room before her tears fell.

Chapter 19

“It is completely outrageous!”

Leif winced as Cadwaladr’s outburst crescendoed to a deafening pitch. Leif had been home for only a couple of hours, but his father had had the guards bring the nobleman in to hear Leif’s report. Upon learning that Owain Gwynedd had stripped him of his lands and home, Cadwaladr’s fury had known no bounds.

“How could he do such a thing without allowing me a voice?”

“Tell him that if he does not exhibit greater dignity, our discussion is over,” Leif’s father said. He was rapidly losing patience with the Cymry.

Assuming his role of translator once more, Leif passed along his father’s message.

Cadwaladr stopped his pacing. “Mayhap if the jarl were to learn that he had lost every possession, he might take up shouting also,” he said with a growl.

“If you are as guilty as Owain Gwynedd believes,” Leif’s father responded, “then you are fortunate indeed. As yet, you retain your life.”

Cadwaladr ran his fingers through his hair. “I am innocent, I tell you. Someone else hatched this plot and has poisoned my brother and my people against me.”

“Who would do such a thing?” Leif asked.

“You think I have not spent every waking hour since leaving my homeland attempting to ascertain that very thing?” Cadwaladr released a frustrated breath. “A man in my position makes enemies regularly.”

“Name them,” Leif’s father said.

“There have been altercations with Normans and Marcher Lords, those within my brother’s inner circle, and those vying for positions of power within Ceredigion. The list would be extensive.”