back.
“At least we are with each other,” Samuel told William.
They both watched Joanna reach the castle. They each saw the other as less than
an adversary as they stood at the edge of the hedge.
William remarked, “I wouldn’t want to cross her.”
“I did last night,” Samuel confessed.
William looked at him. “I would never have thought it possible for you to lose
her favor.”
The Duke of Seine bowed, and Prince Samuel bowed as well. To Samuel’s
displeasure, the Duke smiled.
*
Queen Joanna was working on her needlepoint in a drawing room of the Duke’s
castle. Most guests were already asleep given the late hour. The room contained
three panels of shelves filled with leather bound books. Lanterns dotted the room
to give light to the reader. The comfortable wing tipped chairs made the evening
pleasant. She heard her uncle’s voice and William’s name. Her great uncle and the
Duke were in the middle of a conversation, but they did not know anyone else was
there, as the chair faced the fire.
“The Queen of Kane could be recommended to any ruler for a proper alliance,
William. I am not telling you what you should do, only that you should consider
the advantage that she would bring. If she is not to your liking then you should —”
Joanna stood up so that they could see her in the firelight.
“I am sorry to interrupt you, my dearest uncle, but a lady is in your presence.”
“Queen Joanna, it is you. I was unaware that anyone was occupying this room as
most of the guests have retired for the night,” her uncle said.
William noticed Joanna wore a simple gown which showed how comely she
was. A shimmering light from the lantern fell across her and he saw that her hair
was down in a disarrayed fashion.
The Grand Duke of Cline was still dressed in his evening attire as was William.
William’s thick, black hair was damp as they had returned from outdoors.
“I am sorry to trouble you. I could not sleep so I decided to try some needlepoint
as it helps me relax.”
“Perhaps the Queen of Bow would like a glass of milk to help her sleep?” Duke
William offered. His attitude seemed to soften as he moved a book off the shelf
and put it down on the desk.
“Please do not trouble yourself on my account. I am content.” Her hand rested