[mistral4543]

"What do you mean that his Lordship has gone away on urgent business?" Yasmine's eyes narrowed as she perceived the elusiveness of the steward's glance.

"It is just as I have said, my Lady." The steward bowed respectfully, grateful for yet another opportunity to escape her accusing glares. "His Lordship came back with Lady Robyn late last night when you had fallen asleep waiting for him. Her Ladyship had suffered flesh wounds while his Lordship barely had a scratch." It was a wonder that he could keep his voice steady at such a blatant lie, and the old steward's heart bled at the irony of his words. "His Lordship saw some letters on the desk of his study, read them and took off before I could even start to advise him against it." He looked up, lest she find his avoidance the key to his deception.

"There were no letters yesterday." Yasmine continued to gaze upon the steward's face which seemed a little flushed. "And you know that he always comes to me, the moment he reaches home. He has never failed to do that, since the day we wed." You are wily, Edward, for some reason. Why, I intend to find out, even if it kills me.

"I am aware of that, my Lady." Edward replied humbly, his hands clasped. "His Lordship's devotion to you is legendary." The compliment was throwing her offguard, thank goodness. "So I am even more firmly convinced that nothing but the most critical of matters could have drawn him away at such short and unheard-of notice." Was it the temperature of the room that was rising? His collar was biting against his neck.

"But what about the letters?" Yasmine persisted, instinct telling her that Edward today was not his usual self. "I saw no letters even last evening, and I was in his study all the while."

"There was a late post, my Lady." He muttered, trying not to cringe at her sharpness. Lady Robyn had certainly inherited her mother's traits to a tee.

"How dare you lie to me, Edward?!" Eyes flashing, Yasmine stormed towards him, her voice rising. "How dare you tell untruths to a mistress you have sworn allegiance to!"

"My Lady, I..."

"Ah, there you are, Edward!" To his immense relief, the door swung open and in strode his saviour. "There are guests out there who need attending to. I cannot think of anyone better to deal with them as they deserve." Without waiting for a reply, Robyn hustled the steward out of the room.

"What is all this about, Robyn? Why has your father disappeared so mysteriously and left you to take charge of his matters? Why are you not in the least worried?" Despite the battering questions, Robyn took comfort on one point; her nerves were holding up sufficiently.

"I'm not in the least worried, Mama, because I know he is safe." That much was the truth, anyway. "Before Papa left, I cajolled him into letting me have a run of the city while he is away - and that will not be so long, that I send the city into its ruins." Throwing her arms around her mother, she hugged her snugly. "You worry too much, Mama." With good reason. Releasing her embrace, she faced her mother as calmly as she could.

"Trust me, Mama. I have grown up."

Yasmine watched her daughter, and looked towards the corridor where Edward had hurried down. Whatever secret these two were hiding, now was not the right time to probe. Another time, then. Nodding abstractly, she raised her hand and touched her daughter's cheek.

"Who else can I trust but you, my darling?" And it was true. She never knew how these words plunged into her daughter's heart. All she knew was that as she trudged along the cold marble corridor, the same words echoed in her mind.

Another time... another time...

[ 07-28-2006, 09:26 AM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]