“The court must think me very weak to faint after only one dance.”
He glared at my change of topic, and then shrugged. “No, I explained that you were ill.”
“And what did you tell them?”
“The truth.”
“You what?” My voice sounded a bit too loud, and even I shivered at the shrill tone.
Nian glanced towards the doorway where the girl had appeared. He smiled reassuringly, and she disappeared. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I explained that you had been traveling with your husband when you were attacked. He was killed, and you were left for dead. You awoke and were on your way to the castle seeking refuge when you met up with Jeiwan. You were justifiably tired and I overtaxed your abilities when I should have been sensitive to your recent loss and allowed you to rest.”
“Did they quest
