A Parent's Throttle

“Thank you, Faye. Thank you.”

Audra feared Faye would respond with disgust or contempt, but she had done neither. In fact, other than Rory—who was understandably furious—the few people to whom Audra confessed offered nothing but support and compassion. Would he own son eventually come around? And did she deserve his compassion?

When Audra and Faye separated, the maid stared out the window. “This happens more often than you think, my lady. Besides, yours was not a careless affair. You loved Maxen and you’re your child was conceived in love. Little in life is more beautiful than that.”

“Is that what you think? Or are you trying to spare my feelings because of your affection for me?”

“It is precisely what I think.” Faye’s gaze returned to Audra.

I mean no disrespect to King Carlton’s memory, and I adored him, but again, women are held to unfair standards. I know you loved your husband, my lady, but the fact you loved Maxen, too, does not make you an awful person. It makes you human.”

“You are wise, Faye. I will remember those words when I am low.”

Faye gave a watery smile. “I’m not wise. I-I have also made mistakes.” She strode toward the window and rested her hands on the ledge. “Years ago, when Elen was little and Cian a baby, Vaughan grew distant. He was exhausted from his duties and travels. I felt alone, caring for the children and vying for his attention on the rare occasions he was awake in our bedchamber.

“One of the knights, years younger than I, started paying attention to me. He listened to my complaints. Told me how beautiful I was. I even went for a few walks with him alone. I was tempted. Oh, how I was tempted.”

Audra listened with rapt attention. She had never seen evidence of discord in Faye and Vaughan’s

As shall Rignuth, Marcus, Una, and Jaq. We are here. We are blemished, but we remain loyal. Trust us.”

Audra reached out and took Faye’s hand. “I trust you.”

“Good. Now let’s go to the Banquet Hall and share the wonderful news of your betrothal.”

Chapter 69— The Endless Circle of Love

Standing in the castle Foyer, as Audra’s eyes took in the hundreds of people standing shoulder to shoulder into the torch-lit Banquet Hall, she regretted her request to pack as many people into the vast space as possible. Perhaps it would have been more prudent to have announced her betrothal by herald.

Faye, diminutive in stature but strong in spirit, remained at Audra’s side as they waited for Maxen to turn up.

“Good gods, perhaps he’s decided to run,” whispered Audra. “Not that I’d blame him.”

Faye opened her mouth to speak, but a blast of frigid air rushing in through the entryway doors made them turn their heads. In strode the trio of Maxen, Vaughan, and Rignuth, determined yet satisfied smiles on their faces. Rignuth gave Audra a wink and then disappeared into the spillover crowd awaiting entry into the Hall. Vaughan seized Faye by the waist and kissed her before bowing to