Fire Dragon - Katharine Kerr [62]
“He's got our mother's craftiness,” Lilli said. “but he'd never poison anyone or suchlike.”
“He wouldn't need to,” Nevyn said. “He was going to be a great lord in his own right.”
She nodded, then suddenly yawned with a great gulp for air. She covered her mouth with both hands, then yawned again. Nevyn got up and went to his window. He leaned out, looking up.
“Judging from the stars, it's quite late,” Nevyn said. “You'd best go get some sleep, but I'll walk you across the ward. From the sounds of revelry down there, I'd say that a good many of the prince's men are blind drunk.”
They crossed the ward safely, and Nevyn insisted on escorting her to the foot of the staircase inside the great hall as well. By then most of the celebration had moved outside, though some riders lay asleep and snoring in the straw under the tables. Across the hall at the table of honor, a few lords sat drinking, but there was no sign of Maryn. Lilli climbed a few steps up, then turned to bid Nevyn good night.
“I'll see you in the morning,” he said. “Humph, I hope our prince isn't waiting for you in your chamber.”
“Oh ye gods!” Lilli laid a hand at her throat. “Well, I'll pray he's not.”
The Goddess apparently heard her prayer, because when she reached her chamber, she found it empty. She barred the door behind her before she went to bed.
Lilli woke suddenly to see sunlight pouring through her window and someone banging on her door. It's Maryn, she thought. For a moment she could neither move nor breathe.
“Lilli?” It was Anasyn's voice. “Aren't you awake yet?”
“I just am.” Lilli called out, then laughed in relief. “Here, hold a moment. I'll come unbar the door.”
She slipped on a dress, then opened the door. She was smiling, glad to see her brother returned safely, but the anger snapping in his eyes killed her welcome. He strode in, slammed the door shut, and leaned against it with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Your hair,” Anasyn snapped. “Well, at least you've had the decency to mourn your betrothed.”
Lilli began to tremble. “You know about the prince, then,” she whispered.
“I do. Ye gods, Lilli! Betrothed to one man, dishonoring yourself with another! What would Bevva have thought?”
In her mind Lilli could imagine her foster-mother's face: not angry, no, but sad, so sad and disappointed that her beloved foster-daughter had sunk so low. Lilli sobbed aloud, one quick gulp. “I tried to say him nay.” She could hear her voice shaking. “Truly I did.”
“Oh?” Anasyn peeled himself off the door. “Nevyn told me that the prince hadn't forced you.” He laid one hand on his sword hilt. “Did he lie?”
“He didn't! Sanno, please! He just—I mean, the prince just—he kept courting—he wouldn't leave me alone!”
Anasyn caught her by the shoulders so hard that his hands hurt her, but she refused to cry out. He was staring into her eyes, his long thin face set in a scowl.
“What are you thinking of doing?” Lilli gasped. “You can't challenge him to a combat, you just can't! He's got to become high king, or the wars will never end.”
Her implication—that of course Anasyn would win such a duel—seemed to soothe him considerably. He let her go and stepped back. Lilli crossed her arms over her chest so she could rub her aching shoulders.
“I'm sorry if I hurt you.” Anasyn looked suddenly weary. “And I shan't challenge the prince. You're right enough. Ending the wars means more than your wretched squandered honor.”
“I'm sorry. How did you find out?”
“Nevyn told me. No doubt he thought I'd best hear it from him rather than from some drunken rider or servant.” Anasyn sighed and ran his hands through his hair. “How am I going to find you a decent husband now?”
“I don't want a husband.”
He looked up narrow-eyed, seemed about to speak, but she forestalled him.
“All I want is the dweomer,” Lilli said, and her voice had turned firm and clear. “I don't truly even want the prince.”
“You don't need to lie to please me.”
“I'm not. Telling you—I just saw how true