YOU ARE THOROUGHLY MISPLACED, child, Anne scolded Emilie later, in her dressing room, to stick your nose where you do. For such a pretty one, it always seems to end up where it is most unwelcome.

Emilie brushed her lady's long brown hair in front of the looking glass. Anne seemed noticeably out of sorts. In the past, Emilie had always been able to soften her with a few well-placed assurances and affable cheer. Emilie's freethinking had always been a source of discussion between them and, though her lady hid it, a bond.

But not so now. Not since the word that Anne's husband was soon back from the Crusade.

I am no child, madame, Emilie said back.

Yet you act like one sometimes. You urge me to look the other way for this fool who admits to killing the chatelain of a duke. Who seeks refuge here.

He does not come to hide from justice, my lady, but because he feels among friends who understand what justice is.

And whatis this friendship worth to you, Emilie? This friendship with a common scut who always finds his way back here when he is injured. Is it worth the loss of our laws and custom?

The knight was killed in a fair duel, madame. The man's beloved wife was abducted by him.

Whatproof is there? Who pledges for this man? The baker? The smith?

Who pledges for Baldwin, madame? Armed thugs? His cruelty and greed need no witness.

Anne met Emilie's gaze sharply in the mirror. Alord needs no pledge, child. There was an awkward silence between them, then Anne seemed to soften. Look, Emilie, you know that Baldwin is no friend to this court. But do not make me choose between your heart and what we know as the law. A lord manages his own vassals as he sees fit.

Men have always shown greed, Anne continued. They spread your legs and plant their seed, then pick their nose on the pillow and fart. Your common fool will prove no different. Anne turned and seemed to sense that she had hurt Emilie. She held the brush and clasped Emilie's hand. You must know, it would be my joy to shame Baldwin in my husband's absence. But your price is too high. Don't ask me to choose betweencads , high- or lowborn.

Showing justice on this, my lady, is how you will choose.

Anne's eyes hardened. Don't flaunt your fancy ............