Nesta slid off his lap. “I must go change my garments. It would not do to meet the King in a gown covered with cooking smells.”

Addis watched her dodge yelling boys as she crossed the hall. “There is something else, but I thought it wise to not let her hear it right now. Edward is in a black mood today because he has received unwelcome news. The Scots are on the move.”

They entered the royal chambers hand in hand. Nesta had been very subdued on the ride to Westminster, and as the door closed behind them her face assumed an inscrutable expression.

Marcus hoped that his demeanor appeared just as bland, but he doubted it. This meeting would have been hard enough if it had just been him and Edward. With Nesta present, however, he would have to control thoughts and emotions hardly befitting a dutiful servant and courteous noble.

She had changed into a lovely red gown that enhanced her dark beauty and fair skin. A gold filigree headdress decorated her abundant black hair. Mysterious lights filled her eyes, and even her cool manner had a sensual appeal.

The luxury of the royal study complemented her noble presence. She looked like a queen. In a previous age, she might well have become one.

Small wonder, then, that a king had been drawn to her.

An edgy annoyance pricked at him. He did not care too much about what had happened between them years ago. He knew that Edward could never sway her now. Still, he resented like hell that he would be forced to witness this reunion.

Nesta noticed. “You are angry.”

“Not with you.”

“You are jealous.”

“I am a man.”

“And I am a woman. I am angry too. I may give him a good scolding when he comes in. There was no need for me to be here.”

There had been no need, but she had been called all the same.

Had Edward surmised the role she had played in that rebellion, or had he called her for other reasons? Marcus knew the latter explanation would be less dangerous, but that hardly eased his mind.

The door opened. A page held it for the royal entry.

Nesta reached for Marcus’s hand. Her soft palm was sweating, revealing how unsettled she was under the indifferent pose.

The gesture touched him. He moved closer, and laid his arm against the back of her waist. Let the King see them as one, and together in love as well as marriage.

Edward entered with a clerk, discussing some document that he carried. The page whispered, and the King’s quick glance into the chamber stopped his conversation. His royal gesture had the clerk backing up while he came forward.