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kitchens for a packet of food for the journey,” William said. “When you get to Hadone, give my regards to Gar and Maura and pat the hounds on the head for me.”
    William made the journey sound like a pleasure trip, not being forced into exile.
    “I do not like this, William. ’Twould be best if I stay in London.”
    “Your duty now is to remain out of the bishop’s reach and take care of Lady Emma. Get your horse while I arrange for a cart.”
    Readying his horse didn’t take long. The stable boy showed up with a packet of food and the carter with his ox and cart. All was ready except for his tardy wife.
    So where the devil was Lady Emma?
    “A mercenary?” Julia de Vere exclaimed in horror. “Oh, Emma, had you told me you wished to take a lover I could have helped you choose from among several suitable men! How could you sink so low?”
    Emma pulled her cloak from the trunk Julia had helped her pack, her ire rising at the one person at court whom she would miss.
    “Earl William is also a mercenary. Would you be wroth with me had I taken him as a lover?”
    “William comes from noble blood. Your new husband does not! Truly, Emma, you cannot think to go off to the wilds of Kent with a man you barely know. This Darian might be dangerous! Only think of how he might harm you.”
    The harm was already done, and Emma didn’t worry for her physical well-being. Other concerns took the fore. Right now, she worried that if Darian were forced to wait too long, he might leave without her. The man was angry, and in her experience angry men lacked patience.
    “The king ordered us to leave court, Julia. Go I must.” Emma managed a small smile. “You need have no concern for my well-being.”
    Julia sighed. “You cannot be certain.”
    Not certain, but hopeful. True, mercenaries were soldiers for hire, and such men could be unmerciful and violent. She had to trust that this particular mercenary could also be gentle and giving, as she’d sensed of him in her vision. Besides, he was under royal orders.
    “Darian is also charged to ensure I am well cared for; so if I have a complaint, I have recourse.”
    “But certes, you must be offended. The daughter of a baron should not be forced to marry a Flemish peasant. Were your parents still alive, the king would never dare such an insult. You do intend to have this situation put to rights, do you not? Many of the nobles will not like what has happened to you, even if you are in disgrace. Noble blood is noble blood, after all.”
    During the past four months, no noble except Julia had noted Emma’s rank. “I have seen little evidence they respect my noble blood.”
    “Still, should you apply for an annulment, they may rally behind you.”
    Annulment? Was that possible? Perhaps. But on what grounds? Certes, they’d given their consent before a large crowd, presided over by the king and blessed by a bishop.
    The vision had shown her she and Darian would become lovers, so they would consummate the marriage. An annulment might not be possible.
    So did the vision mean they had been destined for more? Were they meant to be man and wife?
    Emma’s ire over her visions rose once more. ’Twas useless to wish she knew if they were glimpses into a certain future or merely possibilities along life’s path.
    Her musings ended when two large footmen entered the solar. She raised her hand until they saw her and began to move her way. All was ready to go, with only one thing left to do.
    “Julia, might I ask a boon? In late summer I gave a petition to one of the chamberlain’s clerks. Would you do me the great favor of finding out if one of them still has it, and if it will be presented to the king anytime soon?”
    “I can try. Where do I send a message?”
    Emma had to think for a moment. “I believe the earl called the place Hadone.”
    “That makes sense. Earl William builds a castle there.” Julia caught her up in a hug, which Emma gratefully returned. “Have a