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for his words to penetrate, but suddenly she was filled with understanding and disbelief. “My betrothal was what?” she shrieked.
    “Lower your voice. The priest has no need to know more than is necessary.”
    “Answer me,” she said more quietly. “What news is this? Is it because I was ‘dead’? Or did it happen for another reason?”
    “The king’s father rescinded it almost immediately for reasons of his own, but it was too late. There was no way to alter the course you had taken, especially since all believed you had died. Still, you did disobey the king and there are consequences for that action. As my wife, you will be shielded from the king’s wrath. I am blessed to be among his favorites and that is to our advantage now.”
    Dariana wondered if all he said was, in fact, true. She felt the fury nearly tighten her throat. “Could you not have told me before this? Could you give me no proper warning?” She kept her voice at a whisper lest the priest hear the exchange. “Did you have to trick me? Did you fear I would reject your suit or fly from you?”
    William remained calm, his tone mater-of-fact. “I saw no reason to drag out the waiting. Just speak your vows properly so we can get on with our union.”
    “Oh, yes, but you shall need the blessing far more than I. Only God will help you after this day.”
    “Do not make threats, love. I know you to be strong and full of courage, but I do not think you a fool. You shall be my wife and, if you are not happy in the role, I will see to your comfort and any contentment you will allow. More than that, I will see you safe as promised. And now, the priest waits.”
    Dariana knelt beside William in front of the holy man; the vows were properly exchanged, then the papers signed. She kept her eyes downcast throughout, not daring to look at her new husband lest her gaze betray her feelings of rage and resentment. Her husband now controlled her and she would give him nothing unless forced, not even the truth of her feelings. There could be no more thoughts of escape. Trapped. It was a terrible feeling. Her throat was tight, her tears unshed. Dariana closed her eyes and prayed for strength.
    The ceremony done, they moved to the main hall to eat. She glanced at William as they were breaking their fast and had to grudgingly admit she could not have chosen any man with more perfection of form. She might even have fallen in love with him, but now her fury coiled deep within her, forcing out any possible loving feelings.
    He had placed a gold ring on her finger. The metal glittered in the morning light, making her ache for the wedding she had dreamed of since she was a girl. That dream had dissolved with the intervention of the king and now this earl. Together they haddestroyed her hopes and left an emptiness behind. Yet, as furious as she was, Dariana could not deny the prospect of marriage to this man was not exactly a sentence of death.
    She felt his gaze on her. Dariana refused to give him the satisfaction of looking back. How could he not understand her resentment? He reached over to stroke her hand. Dariana pulled back as if burned. In fact, his touch did burn. She must strengthen her resolve. She would not forgive him.
    The meal done, a few quiet toasts made, the priest took his leave. William went to attend to the business of running a castle. Dariana remained at the table, her thoughts swirling in her head. Only a few days ago, she had been free as the birds of the forest and removed from the politics and intrigues of court. Now, suddenly, she was the wife of an earl and had to deal with the consequences. The truth, once revealed, would keep the court gossips talking for months. To say nothing of the king’s response. That mater must be handled carefully and with diplomacy lest the king seek retribution for her rebellion. If William was indeed one of his favorites and his loyalty was never in question, the king could still be motivated by moods. There was no