He was a stranger; it should not have hurt, for I knew Hereward. I knew him, a little, but I did not know whom he saw, who else knew him when he was away from me.
I said, “You malign him. The word I used, deliberately, was hospitable.”
Drogo sat down on the stool at my feet. His arm brushed against my knee. He said, “He would welcome me?”
“When he comes,” I said sweetly, “I shall ask him to allay your fears.”
Drogo’s face changed. Unbearably, I actually saw pity there. “Torfrida, he is not coming. Not tonight.”
I had no reply to that, so I stared at him.
He said, “Get rid of the girl and we can talk properly.” His finger, unexpectedly smooth and soft, touched my cheek. “If you wish to talk...”
I stood up, moving restlessly towards the harp, wondering how soon, now, I should get rid
