She finally raised her eyes to meet mine. There was fear behind them mingled with sorrow. I looked closer at the bruises, seeing them clearly now. They were imprints from where Lyonesse’s fingers had dug into Elaine’s arm as though Lyonesse had pulled on her as she sought to flee.
I swallowed hard, remembering the day Lyonesse had slapped her grieving daughter, blaming her for Galen’s misdeeds, and another day when Isolde showed me the crossing welts on her back after a whipping from Lyonesse in retribution for speaking against her.
There was no question in my mind, nor did I need to consult Arthur. “You and your son are always welcome at Camelot. I would be happy to have you as a lady of my court.”
“Please do not tell my mother this was my idea.”
“Of course not. My invitation was pa
