“Captain Piers is expected tomorrow” he reported to Magnus, who was in the bailey when he dismounted. “I ordered the man-at-arms you sent with me to stay in Hythe until the Daisy arrives, and warn Captain Piers that we need to use the ship as soon as possible.” “Good,” Magnus responded. “If all goes well, we will have time to sail to France and come back to Richton before Royce finishes conferring with King Henry.” He broke off to gaze across the bailey to where Lilianne, Alice, and William were leaving the stable, having just returned from a ride together. Lilianne’s hair was pulling out of its tight braid into soft curls and her cheeks were flushed with bright color. At a casual glance she looked to be the image of healthy young womanhood, but Magnus's heart twisted to see the shadows under her violet eyes. He was sure she hadn't slept at all since learning of her brother's death. He wondered if she had passed the previous night huddled on her side of the bed she shared with Alice, crying out her grief in silence so as not to disturb her friend.
