“I am sure they will find some other plan. However, as you say, this one has fallen apart. Therefore, I think it would be best all around if I returned to the convent in Scotland as soon as—”

“Of course, if one looks at it another way, the strategy can still work.”

“It cannot. My sister has all but died. The prize has slipped both your grasp and mine.”

“I was told to marry the daughter of Llygad ap Madoc. That is still possible. There is another daughter available.”

She looked up at him in confusion. It took a five count for her to realize that he meant her.

“You are mad.”

“I think I am very clever.” His sly, triumphant smile showed just how clever.

That smile piqued her annoyance, and her worry. It was far too confident.

She strode toward him. “Think, Marcus. There were reasons why it was Genith you were to marry and not me.”

“You refer to the King. Once it is done, he will accept it. Stratford will reason with him when he returns from Flanders. Even if Edward still wants you, he will see that this is the best solution. It will also please his queen to have you married, and to a man who has no fondness for dallying at court.”

“You are wrong. There are some things that kings do not accept with grace, or subject to political convenience. You may pay for this with everything.”

“I think the risk is small. Edward is very practical.”

A little panic began beating inside her. She could feel the bulge of her father’s ring next to her heart, weighing heavily with all of her renewed resolve. She could not permit Marcus to pursue this.

“That was not the only reason,” Marcus said. “You were not given to me as a bride because your reputation would make the gift an insult.”

She already knew that. As Carwyn had said, that was the same reason why her father had planned his great marriage alliance around Genith and not her.

“You should heed that reason, Marcus. It will besmirch your honor if you marry the King’s whore.”

“I told you that I do not think of these things as most men do. Fulfilling my duty is worth a little talk. You are certainly worth it.”

“The King’s man should not be swayed by a night’s pleasure.”

“The King’s man sees a simple solution to many problems, that is all. That I will enjoy having you in my bed is, as you once said, merely a savory added to a full banquet.”

“When Edward returns, all will assume that the King cuckolds you, with your permission.”

“So long as he does not try it, I do not care what is assumed.”

“And if he does try it?”

“You will deny him.”

“Do not be so certain of that.” She snapped it in frustration and anger.

“I am sure of it, Nesta.”