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midnight and make our vows before the only Witness we knew would not betray us.”
    â€œThe Blessed Sacrament,” Kelson supplied, glancing at the bishops and noting Wolfram’s interest, in particular.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAnd did you, in fact, meet? And did you, in fact, exchange marriage vows that you considered binding?”
    â€œWe did.”
    â€œThank you.” Kelson reached with his free hand to brush Duncan’s brow, carefully avoiding eye contact with Wolfram.
    â€œClose your eyes now, Duncan. Close your eyes and slip deeper into memory of that night. In a moment, I’m going to ask you to recall exactly what you and Maryse said to each other. Are you willing?”
    As Duncan complied, nodding dreamily, Kelson pressed his fingertips lightly on the closed lids, extending control without encountering resistance, then slid his hand down to rest on Duncan’s sleeve, his other hand still circling the relaxed wrist. Only then did he look at the bishops again.
    Arilan, who knew exactly what Kelson was doing, and how truly Deryni it was, had raised one hand casually to shield a faint smile from Wolfram. Cardiel looked alert and fascinated, as he usually did when watching the king work. Wolfram himself appeared a little apprehensive, but that was only to be expected. He started a little as Kelson nodded in his direction and glanced deliberately at Duncan’s passive, upturned hands.
    â€œHe’s been telling the truth exactly as he remembers it, my lords,” the king said softly. “There’s been no flicker of resistance, no hint of deception. I have no doubt that they did exchange marriage vows. Is it necessary for me to go on?”
    â€œIt—won’t hurt him, will it?” Wolfram asked.
    â€œNot at all—though, as he said, the intensity of some of those memories may be a bit uncomfortable. In a sense, he’ll actually be reliving the incident.”
    Wolfram swallowed. “I—don’t wish to cause him distress, Sire, but I would like to hear the words. The words can confirm much of his intent.”
    â€œVery well.” Kelson sighed and turned his attention back to Duncan, waiting docile and ready beneath his hands. “Duncan, I’d like you to go back to that night when you and Maryse exchanged vows. Think back to the chapel at Culdi. You’re fifteen years old, and it’s midnight. Did Maryse come to you?”
    â€œYes,” Duncan breathed.
    â€œAnd what, if anything, did you say to each other?”
    â€œWe knelt before the Blessed Sacrament,” Duncan whispered. “I took her hand in mine and made my vow.
    â€œâ€˜Before Thee as the Supreme Witness, my Lord and my God, I make this solemn vow: that I take this woman, Maryse, as my lawful wedded wife, forsaking all others until death do us part.’” His free hand lifted vaguely to his left shoulder, then subsided as he went on.
    â€œâ€˜I give thee this token of my love and take thee for my wife, and hereto I plight thee my troth.’”
    â€œAnd what did you give her?” Kelson prompted softly.
    â€œA silver cloak clasp, shaped in the likeness of a sleeping lion’s head.”
    â€œI see. And what were the words she spoke to you?”
    Kelson could feel Duncan trembling beneath his touch, but it was the trembling of emotion, not resistance to the probe.
    â€œâ€˜I take thee as my wedded husband. I give thee this token as a sign of my love, and hereto I plight thee my troth.’”
    â€œAnd she gave you—”
    â€œA shiral crystal, smooth from the river bottom and drilled to receive a slender leather thong,” Duncan replied, swallowing with difficulty. “It was—still warm from her body as she placed it around my neck. Her perfume clung to it.”
    â€œBe easy,” Kelson murmured, soothing the poignancy of the memory and shaking his head a little. “I know this is uncomfortable for