The Duke's Bride

[Bethany]

Paling slightly, Beth swallows again. Then again. And one last time. "We don't-- We-- We had an older sister. Had. Not a b-brother."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"That's something you and Garret will need to talk about." I say gently

[Carver Amell]

"He's a goddamn liar is what he is. No way he's my sister."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"Again you need to speak with Garret on that." I say firmly "is there something else I can awnser for you?"

[Bethany]

"Umm. Well. Okay. Then... what can you tell us about, umm, Garrett?"

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"He's a good man. He's honest to himself and works well and honorably. He's good with a blade, a good friend to have truly." I smile, I leave out his skill with his toung.

[Bethany]

Eyes going as wide as gold coins, Beth blurts out, "Virgin Mary, you're fucking him!"

[Carver Amell]

Carol's jaw drapes open. "No way!"

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"That is part of our arrangement yes." I say calmly

[Carver Amell]

"Aren't you married to the Duke?!"

[Bethany]

Filter turned off by shock, Beth replies with far more honesty than she'd normally offer. "Marriage vows are as solid as water."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"Not yet we are to be married in two weeks, but our marriage is that if convince we are friends but marital relations are not something he desires of me and we have both agreed to live separate lives with separate loves." I say calmly "it's really not that uncommon"

[Bethany]

Beth flitters a hand about as if to say 'see? Just like I said' though her expression is rather critical of Eliana's blasé attitude about the matter.

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I shrug I learned long ago that shame would be nothing but a hindrance to getting what I want in life. "Is ther anything else?" I ask calmly

[Carver Amell]

"I think that's plenty." A heretic queen -- they'll never go for it, they'll depose her right away. We have to get clear of the blast radius.