“Not quite.”

“Well, perhaps I should say that the effect was the same on the parts of the plan that I knew about.”

For a moment Edward appeared very much the King, and one who did not like wit at his expense. His displeasure over the marriage was obvious. Marcus half expected him to start bellowing his disapproval. Once that started, one never knew where it would end.

Edward glanced to the door of the inner chamber, behind which Nesta waited. The bluster seeped out of him, as if her invisible presence restrained him. When he turned his gaze back to Marcus, the look was not king to baron, but man to man.

“You did well for me. The prize that I promised is yours. The forest lands, and the manor and estate of Llygad. I want you in my new council too, sitting once more in the chair that Anglesmore occupied years ago. It is time that your family’s honor was completely restored.”

“Your favor honors me,” Marcus said.

“We will find a place for you at court too. I need men I can trust here, not these fools. Your wife can be lady-in-waiting to the Queen.”

So, there it was. “Again, you honor me. My wife, however, prefers to stay in Wales, and I with her. She has been gone from her home over eight years now, and would like to reside there.”

Edward got the message, and did not like it. “I can command your service.”

“Mine. Not hers. Not the service that I think you intend.”

“I am the King.”

“In this you are a man, that is all. There are limits to what the crown can requisition, no matter what royal favors are bestowed.”

“You risk much in displeasing me.” Edward’s gaze and tone turned flinty.

“I know what I risk, and I do so gladly. The King I know is not capricious in justice. If you have changed that much, do your worst. I speak to you now as a husband, and not your sworn man. She will not have you. Nor will I let you have her. Disseize me over this, and we can always live in the mountains. There are many there who will welcome us.”

A touch of caution entered Edward’s eyes, along with a good deal of royal annoyance. “Are you threatening me, Marcus?”

“I am merely explaining that Nesta verch Llygad will never be homeless in Wales.”

Edward folded his arms and turned thoughtful. He glanced again to the door, and then walked toward it. “You speak as a husband, as one would expect. I will talk with the lady now. The notion of living at court may appeal to her, if not to you.”

She heard the door open, and was not surprised that only one man came through it.

Just as well. Sooner or later, this conversation had to be held.