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Rowena sighed. At least he hadn t demanded she stay cooped up in a  lady s
wagon . Knowing the customary wagon would only slow them down, Dominic easily
agreed when she insisted that she be allowed to ride her palfrey.
Ignoring her disappointment at his inattentiveness, Rowena lifted her face and
enjoyed the warm caress of the late afternoon sun. The soft fabric of her wimple
fluttered about her neck and shoulders, disturbed by a gentle breeze.
They arrived a short time later, but again Rowena found herself unimpressed.
William Marshal was closeted with a group of advisors and couldn t be disturbed.
Dominic knew many of the servants by name and responded to the entire situation with
casual familiarity.
He is the ward of William Marshal. Why would he not be comfortable at court?
Their horses were led off to the stables, and they were taken directly to the
apartments they would occupy during their stay.
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Tears of the Dragon
Though the outward appearance of Windsor Castle had been a disappointment for
Rowena, the interior exceeded her expectations. The room designated for her use
appeared slightly smaller than her bedchamber at home, but the furnishings were
opulent. Rich brocades in red and gold dressed the high box bed. A large, fringed
tapestry covered the wall opposite the fireplace.
Rowena moved toward the tall, narrow windows cut into the wall across from the
door. Greenish glass panes had been installed to keep the chilly winds at bay.
Fascinated by the luxury, Rowena reverently touched the cool glass. Pendragon Castle
had stout, well-fitted shutters that could be secured with iron bars, but only a king
could afford this extravagance.
 Lady Rowena.
An odd hesitation in Thora s tone drew Rowena s attention.  What is it?
 He arrived yesterday, Thora announced.
 Who arrived yesterday?
 Edwin. She spoke the name as if it tasted foul.  He has already made his case to
the regent. Thank God you can prove him wrong. Just think what would happened if
Sir Dominic had not& 
Rowena didn t hear the rest of Thora s sentence. Fear and desperation leached the
strength from her legs as she turned back to the window. She grasped the window
frame, faint and unsteady.
It was not supposed to be like this.
She was supposed to expose Edwin s evil before the regent heard his case.
If Edwin had already persuaded William Marshal, then what hope was left for her?
* * * * *
The boy king had left Windsor Castle three days before. Dominic was not at all
disappointed to learn this fact. The frivolous life of a court follower had never appealed
to him. He didn t understand how Sir William survived in the midst of such turmoil
and treachery. So many courtiers harbored hidden motivations and deceitful ambitions
that Dominic made it a point to stay away.
Edwin of Llangly had arrived the day before, Dominic learned from a servant, but
Edwin had not yet been granted an audience with the regent.
Dominic was sure William knew of their arrival, but Dominic was waiting for an
invitation as well.
Glancing indifferently around the small room, he wondered what Rowena thought
of Windsor Castle. The stark, defensible exterior had taken her by surprise. Did she find
the rich luxuries distributed so freely within the chambers more to her liking?
A deep chuckle rumbled through his chest. Why the lady s opinion should matter
to him, Dominic could not fathom. Her dilemma had nothing to do with him. He had
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fulfilled his obligation to William Marshal the moment he passed beyond the walls of
Windsor Castle. What the regent did with her now was entirely up to him.
Dominic was still attempting to convince himself of this when he clasped arms with
his liege lord some time later.
 You look well, William said, sincerity clear in his intelligent eyes.  Come. Sit by
the fire and tell me everything.
Dominic smiled at the regent. His affection for William was complex. He had never
thought of William as a father, but even as a child, Dominic had admired and respected
him. The passing years had brought depth and maturity to their friendship.  My
thanks, but I should look haggard and exasperated. He took the chair William offered.
 Why is that? Was the lady troublesome?
The questions seemed innocent enough, but something in William s expression
made Dominic suspicious.  You knew she would give me hell, did you not?
 I have heard tales of her obstinate nature, but I never doubted that you were equal
to the task. William sat across from Dominic and stared into the leaping flames.
Dominic took the silent moment to study his friend. William didn t look well. He
was still an imposing figure for a man in his seventies, but fatigue had deepened the
grooves in his weathered face and stooped his once broad shoulders. Knowing that Sir
William was far too proud to admit it even if he were ailing, Dominic said,  Well, she is
finally here, as is her nemesis. Have you spoken with Sir Edwin, yet?
 Nay. I wanted to talk with you first. What is your impression of Lady
Pendragon?
 In what respect?
William snorted impatiently and shifted his weight in the tall-backed chair. His
penetrating gaze came back to Dominic.  I ve never known you to be evasive. Was she
that disruptive? Is she truly the Shrew of Pendragon Castle?
Dominic had heard the title bandied about before their departure.  I didn t find
Lady Rowena shrewish, and her people seem to like and respect her. I wonder if the
title is part of Edwin s campaign to take her holdings?
 It s possible. His strategy is strange at best. Their gazes locked.  Is she comely?
Dominic s gut twisted as his passing suspicions were confirmed. William knew he
desired holdings of his own and set before him a temptation beyond imagining. It was
almost painful to hope that such a thing could come to pass.  She seems almost
unaware of it, but aye. She is lovely.
 Her husband has been dead since autumn. How did you find the castle?
 Impressive. The manor was well run, the keep clean, the people hearty.
 All of that can be attributed to a well-trained steward, William said.
 Perhaps.
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