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"Then you wish this dear lady to be placed in the -of-ith her brother?" Henry inquired

Before Duncan could answer, Henry said, "Co I wish to say to you"

Out of deference to his position, Duncan immediately obeyed the order He walked by Henry's side to a secluded area of the courtyard

Henry did , but she could tell from the look on her husband's face that Duncan wasn't too pleased with the conversation

As soon as Duncan and Henry returned to the waiting group, Duncan turned to his wife "Madelyne, go with Henry He'll see you settled"

"In your cha not to sound worried

Henry answered her question "You'll have your own roouard Until this matter is settled neither Louddon nor Duncan will be allowed near you 'Tis a fact that my brother has a fierce teht will be soon enough"

Madelyne looked at Duncan When she received his nod, she bowed to Henry Duncan took her aside then, leaned down, and whispered into her ear

Everyone becahly curious over this conversation, for when Madelyne turned back to Henry, she was looking quite radiant

Gilard watched Madelyne take Henry's arm and walk toward the entrance "What did you say to her, Duncan? Oneready to weep and the next she was s most content"

"Ito a certain story," Duncan said with a shrug

It was all he was going to say on the o refresh his appearance and even sleep for a few hours

Though Duncan thought it ludicrous for Ed his tunic

"I believe I'll follow Madelyne," Ed outside her door and stay with hi"

Duncan nodded "Don't let Henry think you doubt his guard," he warned

With those parting words Duncan walked away

Gilard turned to Baron Gerald then "We've averted a battle Duncan would have charged into the king's chambers and demanded immediate justice"

"A temporary condition," Gerald answered "The battle is still to come The other barons will call on Duncan this afternoon He'll be kept busy enough Henry interceded and deserves his due for it One day Duncan will thank him"

"Why would Henry be concerned over this matter?" Gilard asked

"He wants Duncan's loyalty," Gerald answered "Coe to your sister"

Gilard looked pleased "She has agreed then?"

"She has I'es her mind"

Gilard laughed over Gerald's announcement Gerald smiled He was pleased because he'd successfully turned Gilard's attention away from Henry's motives Gerald didn't feel Gilard needed to be privy to the secrethe'd attended, nor Henry's odd questions about Duncan's loyalty His reasons were easy enough to understand Gilardtrouble that wasn't needed now Aye, the Wexton brothers had enough problems to solve

"After we've toasted your o and stand with Edmond"

"It's going to be crowded in the corridor outside Madelyne's rooms," Gerald commented "I wonder what Louddon will do, Gilard, when he learns his sister is back"

The baron under question had gone hunting in the king's forest Louddon didn't return to the castle grounds until late that afternoon He was immediately informed of Madelyne's return

Louddon was, of course, furious He went to claim his sister

Anthony stood alone outside Madelyne's door now Both Ed dinner and confrontation

When the vassal saw Louddon approaching, he lounged against the wall and gave Madelyne's brother a look of disgust

Louddon ignored the vassal He pounded on the door, shouting for entrance

Henry opened the door He greeted Louddon politely and then announced that no one was allowed to speak to Madelyne

Before Louddon could argue, the door slammed shut in his face

Madelyne watched the scene with bewilderment She didn't knohat to think of Henry's behavior The king's brother hadn't left her side forcha

"Your brother's face is as red as ainst Louddon He walked over, took hold of Madelyne's hand, and led her over to the , a considerable distance from the door

"The walls have ears," he whispered His voice, Madelyne noticed, was very kind

She decided then and there to discard the rumors about Henry He wasn't a very handsome man, small in size when coreedy for power, a manipulator as well He was known to have a lusty appetite, too, having fathered over fifteen bastard children

Because he was being so kind to her, Madelyne decided she wasn't going to judge him

"I thank you again for aiding my husband this day," Madelyne said when Henry continued to look at her so expectantly

"So my curiosity all afternoon," Henry confessed "If it not be a private matter, I would like you to tell me what Duncan said to you before you left him You seemed very pleased"

"He told me to remember that Odysseus is home"

When she didn't continue the explanation, Henry coive him the full story

It sounded like an arrogant demand, yet Madelyne wasn't bothered by it "I told my husband a story about a warrior na time, and when he finally returned, he found his ho to harm his wife and rob hie that he was home He cleaned his house of these terrible infidels too Duncan is re me that he'll take care of Louddon"

"Your husband and I are alike in character then," Henry announced "Aye, the ti this house has arrived"

Madelyne didn't understand "I worry Duncan will do so," she whispered "You have said how fierce the king's temper is"

"I've another matter to take up with you," Henry suddenly said His voice had gone hard

Madelyne tried not to look startled "Are you my husband's friend as well as his ally?" she asked

Henry nodded "Then I will do anything I can to help you," Madelyne said

"You're as loyal as Duncan," Henry remarked He seem pleased with his observation "If I intercede on your behalf with the king, will you do whatever is decided Even if it means your exile?"

Madelyne didn't kno to answer "You could be saving your husband's life," Henry said

"I will do whatever is necessary"

"You'll have to trust me as much as you trust your husband," Henry warned

Madelyne nodded "My husband believes you're the asped when she realized what she'd just said

Henry laughed "So he knows my value, does he?"

Madelyne blushed "He does," she said "I'll do anything to keep my husband safe If it means my own death, so be it"

"So you think to sacrifice yourself?" Henry asked His voice was kind now He so along with your plan"

"This matter is most complicated," Madelyne whispered

"You've told me you trust me I will aid your cause, my dear"

Madelyne nodded She started to curtsy and then decided to kneel "I thank you for your help"

"Stand, Madelyne I a"

"I wish that you were," Madelyne confessed Her head was bowed but she let Henry help her to her feet

Henry didn't respond to her traitorous remark He walked over to the door Before he opened it, he turned back to Madelyne "Wishes do come true, Madelyne"

Madelyne frowned over Henry's odd comment "Show loyalty to neither side alk into the hall, Madelyne Let everyone speculate until you're called to speak I'll stay by your side"

With those words Henry left

Two hours passed before the king's brother came back to fetch her She walked next to him, her hands down at her sides, her back stiff She prayed she gave a serene appearance And she thought she'd die if she didn't see Duncan soon She needed to knoas near

When she and Henry walked into the uests had already eaten and servants were clearing the tables

She could feel everyone staring at her Madelyne azes with a tranquil expression It was the most difficult pretense, and all because she'd slowly looked around the room and couldn't find Duncan in the crowd

Her husband stood against the far wall Gilard and Edmond stood by his side Duncan watched his alk into the hall She looked coown she'd been married in Theafter her

"She holds herself like a queen," Gilard whispered