Selene sagged forward, the whiplash of emotions leaving her drained.

Taegis was by her side in a flash. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left you behind. Here, take my arm and I will lead you to his lordship.”

“Thank you, Taegis.” Selene tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow, thankful for something to hold on to.

“Healer Sildaern is taking the arrowhead out right now, then he will treat his lordship’s fever.”

“Good.”

Taegis sighed. “I apologize for Steward Bertram’s behavior. He can be a bit gruff, and sometimes he forgets his place in his effort to protect the young lord, but deep down he has a good heart. I’m sorry you had to meet him this way.” He turned and looked at her. “Why didn’t you tell him who you were?”

“He never gave me a chance.” Selene raised an eyebrow at Taegis. “And I certainly do not look like a lady in this attire.”

He shook his head. “You’re right. Yet another reason I shouldn’t have left you. I don’t think anyone was expecting Lord Damien to come home with a bride. There were alliances with other houses in the works.”

Selene wondered if Taegis meant something more with that statement or if he was simply stating the facts. She was sure House Ravenwood was the last house anyone thought would align with House Maris, and yet here she was. The circumstances behind their rushed union might lead some to doubt the validity of the marriage, save that it was enacted by a monk and witnessed by others.

She sighed and continued along the corridor with Taegis. Not only was she entering this castle and Great House as a stranger, she was entering as a potentially unwanted stranger.

9

Taegis took the hall to the right on the first floor and led Selene down the corridor. Silver sconces were attached along the supporting pillars between the walls, each with a single candle inside, ready to light the hallway. Closed doors stood every twenty to thirty feet, made from the same greyish wood as the outside doors. The air held a cool feel to it and smelled clean.

After two turns and another corridor, they neared the end of the hallway, where a guard stood near the last door.

“Sir Taegis,” the guard said with a dip of his head.

“Cedric.”

The guard glanced curiously at Selene.

“Cedric, may I present to you Lady Selene, Lord Damien’s new wife.”

Cedric’s eyes grew wide, and he bobbed his head. “My lady.”

“She wishes to see Lord Damien.”

“Of course. Healer Sildaern is with his lordship right now.” Cedric opened the door and stepped back. Taegis entered first, Selene close behind.

The room was medium sized, with a roaring fire in the stone fireplace against the right wall. Steam rose from the spout of a black kettle hung over the fire. In the middle of the room stood a long rough wooden table covered in old books, jars, an array of dried herbs and flowers, and a stone mortar and pestle. A strong herbal scent filled the room, but Selene could not place the smell. Against the left wall were three beds. Damien lay in the nearest one, a wool blanket pulled across his body.