Chapter Ten
Lycus confronts Lord Aylmer.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“Careful, Master Dane,” Aylmer blah blah .
“I can’t marry her.”
“You can and you will.”
“Why would you want me to do this?” Even as he asked, Lycus knew the answer. Since
processes his impending marriage. Learns he will also be knighted.
“Because the gossip about her disheveled state after the ride. You should know that your beating that fool only made them believe it more.”
“So this is because you think I deflowered her?”
“It is because I know that you didn’t. In fact, I am confident that you won’t harm her, which fulfils the promise I made to the Queen Mother that she’ll remain unharmed when the King comes nosing about my business.”
“You should postpone the betrothal. When the King comes and learns about my reputation, I doubt he’ll consider her to be unharmed.”
“On the contrary, the Queen Mother and I discussed my need to punish her without actually harming her. Furthermore, I’ve noticed that my son is still hellbent on tormenting the poor girl. Having her wed to you will make him believe her torment continues and ensure her safety from him.”
The court is shocked by this harsh punishment. There are many who think Lycus is unworthy of such a reward.
Lycus knows this is a setup, given that he pretty much belongs to Aylmer, that keeps the estate under Aylmer's control. He hates the idea of being knighted too.
He is also sad for Kestrel that she won’t be with someone better than him, and is preparing for the sting of her hating him, but consoles himself that he will protect her no matter how much she loathes him.
Lycus changed out of his undershirt and gambeson, which were soaked with horse-sweat. His hair could use a wash and his face a shave. Because of all the scars on his face, any attempts to grow a beard came out as a patchy mess.