Page 112 of Forbidden

A choice of evils.

“No,” Amber said.

“Soon or late, someone will recognize him,” Cassandra said.

“Yes.”

“What will you do then?”

“Whatever I must.”

“It would have been better to let Erik hang him before the third aspect of the prophecy is fulfilled.”

The look Amber gave Cassandra held the same tawny fires of hell that Erik’s eyes sometimes did.

“I see.” Cassandra’s smile was real, and sad. “Heart and body are his. The soul is swiftly following.”

“Other than see my dark warrior hanged,” Amber said coldly, “what would you have me do?”

A toast was shouted by one of the knights. “Long life, wealth, and many sons!”

Goblets were lifted high. Amber smiled as was expected and saluted with her own goblet before she took a sip.

“Guard your soul,” Cassandra said.

“How?”

As Amber spoke, she watched Duncan’s hand. Strong, scarred, it made the heavy goblet he held appear almost delicate. After he set the goblet down, his fingertips roamed lightly over the gold design, testing its variations and textures.

Amber would have given a great deal to have his hand caressing her rather than cold metal. She longed for him in a way that frightened her even as it set her afire.

Then Duncan turned and saw Amber watching him. In the candlelight his eyes appeared more gold than hazel.

And like candles, they burned.

“Stay out of his bed, for one,” Cassandra said dryly.

“What?” Amber said, looking at the other woman.

“Each time you touch Duncan, you give him more of yourself. If you wish it to stop, then you must withhold yourself from the marriage bed.”

“That is against God’s law.”

“And your own desire.”

Amber didn’t bother to deny it.

“Erik knew the risk,” she said.

“I wonder,” Cassandra muttered.

“Be at rest,” Amber said dryly. “Erik’s gift is kin to yours, but is done without scrying stones. He sees—”

“Opportunity for gain where others see only defeat,” Cassandra interrupted in a cold voice. “He is, however, human.”

“So are all of us. Even you. In any case, Erik believed the gain to himself, the vassals, and the land was worth it.”

“To himself?”