She glanced sideways at Lancelot, and met his furious glare. Near tears, she jumped up, desperate to explain what had happened and why the diamond had been sold.
But before she could reach him, he rose and addressed the king. ‘May I have your permission to ride out and rescue the queen?’ he asked. ‘It was I who won the Ninth Diamond at the tournament. Had I given it to the queen, as I gave her the other eight diamonds I won, she would not have been tempted by Meliagrance, nor have placed herself in mortal danger to acquire the stone. So it is my responsibility to go in search of her, sire, and bring her back safely. My only hope is that I may not arrive too late.’
‘No, Lancelot, wait! Please, let me explain.’
Callie set off around the tables, desperate to delay the passage of events tha
