Marwynn was standing off to the side of the throne, listening to Lady Revna’s speech. He was scanning the room for Declan and could not find him. He hoped that Declan had already left to search for his brother. Marwynn was waiting for an opportunity to approach Lady Revna. She was about to announce the lady of the winter. “This lady was a late arrival, but it has been agreed that she indeed is the most beautiful here this evening. Please step forward Lady Winter.” She motioned for a young woman with long fox colored hair to step forward.

  “You will be my special companion this evening. As was custom the Lady of the Winter was to dance with only the king, however, as I am a woman and that would be reprehensible,” the crowd chuckled, “We will change the custom. You will dance with only those I deem worthy” Lady Revna smiled at the young woman. Clapping and cheers echoed throughout the room. The Lady signaled for the music to begin again and the dancing began.

  Marwynn edged closer to where Lady Revna was standing and offered his hand to her. “My Lady.”

  Her face stretched into a smile at the sound of Marwynn’s voice. “lambkin, I was wondering when you would grace me with your presence.” She grasped his hand and drew him into a dance with her. “and did you retrieve what I requested?”

  “Indeed, he is here in this very room.” Marwynn answered.

  “Indicate his location” she said.

  “I brought him in but I have lost his exact location, rest assured that he trusts me and will not leave without me.” Marwynn said as he spun her around in a circle.

  “If this evening goes as planned, I will request you beside me again, you understand?” Lady Revna asked.

  “It is all I can hope for” Marwynn answered.

  “Oh dear me,” Lady Revna stopped dancing. “Where are my manners, I have yet to approve of a partner for the Lady Winter this evening.” She led Marwynn over to the Lady Winter and introduced them. “You must think me terribly rude dear Lady Winter, forgive my misdeed and dance with the best partner in the room this evening. I will loan you to him for a short time.”

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  The Lady Winter curtsied to Marwynn and Marwynn offered his hand. They moved with the music away from Lady Revna. At the next turn of the dance, Marwynn drew her in close to him and she looked up into his eyes. Awareness dawned on his face at that moment he was looking into Muriel’s face.

  “Muriel” Marwynn whispered in shock.

  “Lady Winter.” She answered curtly.

  “Lady Winter, I thought you were not coming.” He said through gritted teeth.

  “I decided that my father is right, it is about time I let a man catch my eye. So you find me here looking for one.” She smiled coldly.

  “You could find a better one elsewhere. You promised you wouldn’t come.” He led her around himself in a circle.

  “A promise made with a broken promise, renders the original promise void.” She answered.

  “Please Muriel, you do not know what you are dealing with.” Marwynn pleaded.

  “It is Lady Winter.” She brushed him off.

  “Lady Winter, please, I cannot let you be here,” Marwynn sounded more desperate than before.

  “Let? You do not own me.” Muriel answered.

  “Listen, I know you are angry, but this is not the time or place to get back at me.” Marwynn said.

  “Oh and there it is, it is all about you. Did you forget that my father is in prison? Might I not be here to negotiate his release? Or did you already forget about him?” she questioned.

  “I did not forget about him.” Marwynn retorted.

  Marwynn noticed that Lady Revna eyed them suspiciously so he changed his tone and their closeness.

  “As you wish Lady Winter. I hope that this evening you find the man that you are seeking.” He bowed and kissed the top of her hand gently. He let go of her hand and walked back towards Lady Revna.

  “What is wrong lambkin? Was she not beautiful enough?” Lady Revna teased.

  “On the contrary, she is quite beautiful” he admitted. “But you are the only Lady in my sight” he confessed.

  Lady Revna smiled pleased with herself and offered Lord Tarlock to dance with Lady Winter. He was the Lord of the Nighthaven Castle in the Echo Vale and was every bit as handsome as he was rumored to be. Marwynn could not help but be distracted and watch Muriel dance with him. She offered him her smiles and laughed at his jokes. Marwynn forced himself to look away and remember why he was there.