"Er, thank you?"

The beast laughed, stone grating on stone. Ca.s.s winced at the brief sight of his open maw, the size of those sharp yellow teeth. She gathered her courage. "Dominic says that you've told him he would one day have the power to defeat Mor'ded. Can you not do anything to hasten the process?"

"If he's told you that much, then you also know I'm forbidden to interfere directly with the mad elven lord. I cannot change the b.a.s.t.a.r.d's fate any more than I can change yours. If either of you tempts it, you will have to face the consequences." He rose then, a mountain of shining black scales and sharp edges, spreading his wings to their full length, revealing the jagged beauty of them. The gesture reminded Ca.s.s of a strutting peac.o.c.k and lessened her fear. But only a bit, for the dragon was huge.

But still. "You are beautiful," she said.

Dominic snorted, and Ador cast him a baleful eye.

"However," said the beast, "a bit of flattery and a pretty face can always sway me."

Dominic made a choking sound this time.

"I can reveal this much, b.a.s.t.a.r.d's wife. The scepter is the key."

"To what?"

"Ah, now that you will have to find out for yourself." And he beat those glorious wings, whipping back Ca.s.s's hair and making her eyes water. Dominic stepped in front of her, sheltered her body with his own as the dragon took flight, even his tall solid body swaying with the force of the maelstrom from Ador's leap into the sky.

She watched him for a time, enjoying the shelter of her husband's arms, until the dragon blended with the black of the night.

Then she mentally shook herself and sighed. "He's rather annoying, isn't he?"

Dominic grunted. "He reveals more questions than he does answers." He loosed her slightly to look into her eyes. "But I find your choice of words fascinating. How can you find a creature who can gobble you up in one bite annoying?"

"Faith, he's not the ravening beast kind. He loves a game as much as Mor'ded, although he seems to like to play differently."

"I had hoped that once Ador met you, he would tell me a way to save you. I should have known better."

The night's breeze curled around her shoulders, played with Dominic's hair, tangling his silver locks with her dull brown ones. His arms felt so warm in contrast. Ca.s.s leaned her head on his solid chest, listened to the strong steady beat of his heart. "I forgot to take my herbs last night," she said.

"What herbs?"

"The ones that I have taken every night since our marriage to prevent pregnancy."

He stiffened then sighed, resting his chin atop her head. "I suppose I can't blame you. Are there any more secrets you'd like to confess?"

"No. That is the last." The lonely sound of a ship's horn drifted up to the tower from the Thames below. "I hope we don't have a child, Dominic. I'd rather your father kill me than give one up to him."

"Hush. I will think of something."

"And if I don't conceive, he will find out soon enough, and then what will we do?"

He moved his arms up to her shoulders and set her from him, studying her face. "What happened to that faith of yours, Ca.s.sandra?"

"After what we saw in the city, how can you ask me such a thing?"

He brushed the backs of his knuckles across her cheek. "Because it is one of the things I admire the most about you. Your obstinate belief in this G.o.d of yours. Now that you have me half believing in him, I refuse to allow you to falter."

His words made hope spring in her heart. "Do you mean it?"

"Indeed. I prayed while I waited for you to return from freeing Breden's half-breed. I told him that if he kept you safe, I would place my trust in him."

Tears burned her eyes.

He bent his head and laid his cheek next to hers, his stubble gently scratching her face. "Besides, I know there are devils in this world. Why should I not believe in angels as well?"

It felt odd the next afternoon to encounter the court on her husband's arm. Although Mor'ded had still not left his rooms, the court had apparently decided they'd had enough. They'd gathered on the west lawn for tea, enjoying an unseasonably warm autumn day.

The absence of the Imperial Lord had a marked influence on the court. Those who held a trace of elven magic usually displayed only the talents inherited through Mor'ded's line, but as Ca.s.s neared the scalloped-edged pavilions, she could see that those who'd inherited gifts from other sovereignties now showed off their talents as well.

Illusions of winged monkeys flew about the roofs of the pavilions, swooping in occasionally to caper for a courtier. At least Ca.s.s thought they were illusions, for they looked a bit transparent about the edges. But the magic of Dreamhame paled next to that of Stonehame, for the singing crystals adorning several courtiers emitted a haunting melody reminiscent of the elven garden. The settings of the gems had surely been crafted in Bladehame, for the silver appeared to move like liquid about the throats and wrists of the wearers. Eternally blooming roses grew up the sides of the pavilions; odd trees with palms shaped like fans brushed cool air on the courtiers, surely from the talents of those with descendants tracing back to Verdanthame.

Lady Ca.s.sandra tried to mentally match gifts from the remaining sovereignties, but she felt Dominic stiffen beside her and she tugged on his arm, stopping him before they went any farther. He looked sublime, of course, in a coat of chocolate velvet trimmed with shiny gold b.u.t.tons, the white lace at his sleeves and throat a perfect foil for the white lace dress that she wore. May had twined white silk roses in her brown hair, making it look dark and l.u.s.trous by contrast, and Gwen had chosen a stomacher embroidered with white roses that boasted lace bows beneath each blossom.

The lace at her arms fluttered delicately as she reached up to adjust his cravat. Which didn't really need adjusting. "I am determined to enjoy my first public appearance with my husband."

"We have often been together in public."

"Ah, but not as a true couple. Try not to let a few of the sillier n.o.bles annoy you."

"A few?"

She laughed and felt him relax, his handsome face not quite as rigid. Ca.s.s lifted to her toes and kissed his jaw, and he moved quicker than lightning, capturing her mouth with his full lips for a few heart-stopping moments. When she managed to take a breath again, he looked entirely too pleased with himself.

She traced a finger over the tip of a pointed ear. "They aren't really that big."

He smiled, a dazzling display of white teeth and curved cheek. The sunshine made the silver sparkle in his hair, his skin glow a luminescent pearl, his eyes glitter with crystal fire. Ca.s.s suppressed a thrill of wicked desire, clasped his arm, and turned toward the pavilions.

The entire court stared at them in shocked silence. Even the crystals had ceased their songs.

Dominic patted her lace-gloved fingers and led her to an empty table, where Lady Ca.s.sandra sat with but a minor adjustment of her hoops and skirts. He pulled his chair about to face hers, sitting with one smooth flip of his coat skirt.

Instantly the cacophony started up again, crystals singing, monkeys flying, n.o.bles chatting.

"You enjoyed that," muttered Ca.s.s.

"It felt highly satisfactory to finally be able to express the value I place on my wife. Their stupefied faces were but a... bonus."

A liveried footman brought them tea in porcelain so fine it appeared transparent in the sunlight. A tray of sweetmeats was set before them: pastries drizzled with honey, gingerbread shaped into oak leaves, tiny cakes frosted with bows and ribbons. Truffles, fruits, and jellies had been artfully arranged on another platter by complementing color. Cold asparagus stood up like a stack of bound hay in the center of pinkfleshed shrimp arranged in a spiral.

"I don't quite know where to start," said Ca.s.s.

Dominic removed his fine leather gloves and began to peel a shrimp, discarding the sh.e.l.l on the lawn and holding it up to her mouth. "It matches the color of your lips."

Lady Ca.s.sandra flushed and ate the offering, a sudden rush of happiness overwhelming her, although she knew this couldn't last. Mor'ded would emerge from his lair, bringing fear and the threat of peril in their midst again. But for now she tried to pretend that this would be her life forever, being fed treats from an attentive husband in front of a laughing court beneath a sunny sky.

"Excuse my intrusion," said Lady Verney, "but I must know how you fare, Ca.s.sandra. Any more headaches?"

Ca.s.s looked up at the tall woman squinting down at her, that thin face taut with genuine concern. It took her a moment to remember her false headache... and her supposed condition. "Oh no, Sophia. I am quite well."

Her friend gave a sigh of genuine relief. "When I heard you had accompanied your husband to see to the welfare of the citizens affected by the fire, I feared the stress might affect you adversely." She shot Dominic a scathing look, apparently determined to blame him for not taking better care of Ca.s.s. As if her husband did not deserve her. It made Ca.s.s smile.

But then Lady Verney's face softened, and she inquired of Dominic, "And you, General Raikes. Are you well?"

He glanced at her with but a flick of his midnight gaze, but Ca.s.s could see he'd been caught by surprise. "Of course."

"Well then, I shall leave the two of you alone. It is truly a delight to see a couple so obviously taken with one another." And with a bob of her feather-topped coiffure, she took her leave.

And Lord Blevin immediately took her place. "I daresay, you make a fine couple, wot? I admire the cut of your coat, sir, and the way your attire complements one another."

Dominic's jaw flexed and Ca.s.s quickly spoke. "Thank you, my lord. The, um, braids in your wig are quite becoming."

"I did this in honor of the general's battle braids, although I think a mult.i.tude of them a bit more eyecatching." He preened his powdered hair, speckles of silver and white dotting his coat. "General Raikes, we are about to start a round of lawn bowls. Would you care to join us?"

Dominic's brows near met his hairline, and he didn't answer for several moments. Blevin tossed Ca.s.s a worried look, to which she responded with a weak smile.

"I would be honored," Dominic finally rasped. "But we haven't finished our tea yet."

"Oh, quite right, then. I'll leave you to it. But don't disappoint us now, General!"

Lord and Lady Somers appeared determined to take Blevin's place next to their table as soon as he walked away, but they had been stopped by one of the monkeys, who found the lady's coiffure an interesting place to squat and hunt for bugs.

"What the h.e.l.l was that all about?" whispered Dominic, nodding at Blevin's departing back.

"I have no idea," replied Ca.s.sandra. Although she'd expected some of the lords and ladies to treat her with more respect once Dominic showed his true regard for her, she hadn't antic.i.p.ated this change in att.i.tude toward him. They always treated the general with respect, of course, but their fear kept them at a distance. "Perhaps they approve of the healing you performed for the citizens."

"They don't give a d.a.m.n about anyone without a t.i.tle." He broke a pastry in half, and fed part to Ca.s.s while he chewed the other, washing it down with a dose of tea. "Lawn bowls," he muttered. "I play elven war games. Not... party games."

"It is a game of skill, and I'm sure you will enjoy yourself. I shall stand on the sidelines and cheer you on-"

"I daresay," interrupted Lady Somers, who had managed to rid herself of her rider. "What fun to see the magic from other sovereignties. Although I can't say as I care for the monkeys-what say you, Lady Ca.s.sandra?"

Dominic's astounded gaze flew from his wife to this newest interloper. Ca.s.s pretended not to notice. "Perhaps you can suggest to the magic user that they be changed to b.u.t.terflies. Wouldn't that be grand for a garden party?"

"La, it would be an improvement. Although the lady in question would most likely give them feelers to tickle us with."

"She has a sense of humor, then?"

"Quite," interjected Lord Somers.

"I don't think you've been properly introduced to her yet," said his wife, giving her husband a quelling look. "I shall be happy to take you to meet her."

"We haven't quite finished our tea, but-"

"Oh, you might as well," growled Dominic. "I don't see as how we'll finish it one way or another."

Lady Ca.s.sandra rose to her feet, leaned over, and pecked Dominic on the cheek, who suddenly didn't seem as disgruntled after her affectionate gesture. She walked off with Lady Somers, leaving the two men alone, although they didn't stay at the table long. She spied them heading for the jack and bowls.

"I have always wanted to visit Dreamhame," she told Lady Somers. "I've heard that Imperial Lord Roden can cast illusions so real they can be tasted and smelled."

"I long to visit Stonehame... Have you seen Viscountess Rothermere's necklace? Oh, my dear, you must. How fortuitous, there she sits."

And so it went the entire day. Suddenly the ladies of the court found every excuse to speak with Lady Ca.s.sandra. To compliment her hair and dress and inquire as to her health. She received more advice on child rearing than she felt obliged to know, but she discovered to her surprise that she enjoyed the companionship of the other ladies. Fie, she felt as if she blossomed among the attention and glanced down at her wedding ring. She had never seen the gold petals quite so open before. Except when her husband made love to her...

He played lawn bowls exceptionally well, of course. With his elven strength and skill she'd expected him to become bored with the game, but several of the other men had magical powers to a.s.sist them and that appeared to provide him with enough of a challenge. Ca.s.s stood with several ladies of the court-Sophia firmly entrenched by her side-and admired the way his coat stretched over his shoulders when he tossed his ball. The way his breeches outlined his firm bottom when he bent over.

She near swooned when he discarded his coat and waistcoat, loosening the ties of his white linen shirt to grant him easier movement.

Sophia patted her hand in complete accord.

The sun had long set before Dominic sought her out, drawing her away from the group of ladies, Ca.s.s following more reluctantly than she would have ever dreamed.

He slung his arm about her shoulder as they headed for the palace, the flame licking the walls turning the night golden.

"You enjoyed the game, didn't you?" she asked.

He grunted.

"Oh, come now. I saw your lip twitch more than once."

When he spoke, she heard the laughter in his voice. "I thought I'd forgotten how to play..."

Within a trice he'd swept her beneath an archway of golden fire, the walls beneath the old stone warm on her back as he pressed her against it, his arms gently imprisoning her on both sides. Shadows played across the planes of his face; golden fire flickered in his hair. He kissed her then, long and slow, until her knees felt wobbly as jelly.

He pulled away and she thought she might lose herself in the dark depths of his eyes.

"First the citizens and now the court. You have made everyone care for me."

Ca.s.s widened her eyes. "On the contrary, you earned the love of the people when you offered to heal them."

"You made me do it."

He protested too much for her not to see beyond the indifferent expression on his beautiful face. "And as far as the court goes, you made them accept me. I had nothing to do with the men urging you to join in the game, but... Lady Verney mentioned something."

"Yes?"

"She said that she wished she'd known how Mor'ded made you suffer. That your true character would have been easier to understand."

"Ah, I see. You made me do that too." He smoothed back the hair from her face, dropped his hand to stroke the skin of her throat, sending tingles of pleasure clear down to Ca.s.s's toes. "But I can't say I regret it. I regret nothing from the moment I've met you, Ca.s.sandra. Not even falling in love with you."

Her heart skipped at his words. "So you have figured out what love is?"

"Indeed. I love you, my dear. Even if it leads to-"

Ca.s.s covered his lips with her fingers. "Do not say it. Let's not think of tomorrow. For today has been the most wonderful, most perfect day of my life."