Raven smiled at the chiding tone, not bothering to open her eyes. “Have I survived, then?” A low chuckle greeted her question. “Indeed you have.” A moment of tense silence ensued that so unnerved Raven that she finally opened her eyes to peek at the man to whom she’d given her heart. He looked so serious that she was tempted to pretend another faint just to avoid a lot of tedious questions. Deciding against that, she tried to sit up. “Come, darling, help me up. I need to be up for your questions, I think.” Tristan obliged her, saying, “It is you who should be asking the questions.” Having settled herself comfortably on the low chaise, she replied, “Indeed. What did you mean telling them I am Lady Rachael? You know it cannot be true.” “But it is. There are a few missing pieces of the puzzle, to be sure, but I have no doubt you are indeed Lady Rachael.” Her mouth dropped open. “But I cannot be, Tristan. I remember my parents quite clearly. And they loved me. I am not Lady Rachael.”
