Dream of Me/Believe in Me

help,” Krysta said.
    “Oh, it is the least I can do. After all, Hawk gave me a home here all these years since my poor husband's unfortunate demise. Perhaps before I leave, I could show you around myself, point out one or two things that might be of interest to you?”
    Although Krysta thought she had already been shown around Hawkforte more than amply, first by Edvard and most recently by Aelfgyth, she would not be so discourteous as to say that. Instead, she said, “I would be happy to go with you. Only say when.”
    “Soon,” Daria said and smiled. “But one thing, dear, if you wouldn't mind, pray say nothing to anyone of my plans. I fear Hawk would hear of it and think I was absenting myself for the wrong reasons. He might feel badly over that and all for no cause. Before I speak with him, I would prefer to have everything arranged.”
    “Of course I will say nothing, but I do not think you need make haste.”
    “That is kind of you but I confess to a certain sense of urgency.” Daria's smile deepened. Her eyes were very bright. “I have already waited so long.”
    Krysta was about to suggest they look around the manor the following morning when she heard a sudden shout from the watchtowers. She bade Daria excuse her and scrambled up the stone steps to the top of the wall. There she peered out toward the sea. Her startled gaze beheld no fewer than three dragon-prowed vessels entering the harbor. Two appeared so heavily laden she thought they must be merchant ships. The other was unmistakably a vessel of war, but the sight of it did not trouble her for she recognized the insignia emblazoned on the sail.
    A soft laugh broke from her as she considered how very pleased the redhead would be.
    D RAGON SWUNG ONTO THE PIER, CLASPED HANDS with Hawk, who awaited him there, and gestured to the fat merchant ships he had brought with him. With a broad grin, he said, “Sven had a change of heart.”
    Hawk nodded slowly, surveying the vessels. One he would have expected, but two? “I didn't realize Sven was such a generous fellow. To think I sent him from here with nothing but a set of chains.”
    “Wolf liked that touch.”
    “What did he do with him?” Hawk asked with mild curiosity as they began walking up the pier.
    “Banishment. Which freed up all his property, by the way. His two charming sisters are being married to men who will know how to manage Sven's former lands. Sven himself was last seen moping off in the direction of Jerusalem, complaining every step of the way. No doubt he'll give the Deity an earful. I bring you his coin, plate, furs, and the like as dowry for the charming Lady Krysta, whom I hope you have had the good sense to wed by now.”
    “A fortnight past at Winchester.”
    This prompted much pounding on the back and good wishes that continued up to the moment the pair walked past the guard towers and Dragon spotted Krysta. He didn't hesitate but swooped her up in his arms, gave her a big hug, and kissed her—chastely on the forehead. Even so, Hawk was scowling when her feet next touched the ground and Dragon could not contain his laughter at the sight.
    “Is that an imp of jealousy I see on your shoulder, my lord? You who were so loath to marry?”
    “He was loath?” Krysta asked. Surprise loosened her tongue. “But I was the one who said we shouldn't wed.”
    “You what?” Dragon asked with such obvious intent to cajole the story from her that the outcome was inevitable. Hawk groaned and ushered them quickly into the hall, where he wasted no time calling for ale.
    Krysta stumbled over her response, trying to be discreet, but Dragon was soon roaring with laughter and casting chiding looks at Hawk. “It took you how long? Two weeks, and you had to drag her to Winchester to get it done?” He shook his head in amazement. “All for a tale spun by that half-wit Sven?”
    “That's right,” Hawk said firmly before Krysta could reply. “A half-wit's tale, but my wife is a sensitive sort and she took it to heart. By the way, sweetheart, your dowry so overloads two merchant ships that they look in danger of foundering.”
    “My dowry? But I have none. Sven said—”
    “Sven has decided the climate in the Holy Land suits him better than that of Vestfold,” Dragon said smoothly. “His lands are given to the husbands of his sisters, the rest of his possessions are yours.”
    Her eyes widened. She thought to ask what had caused so sudden a change in her half-brother but decided she