She pointed to the door.
“Find your way out—if you can,” she ordered, furiously. “I do not care what becomes of you. Only leave me!”
He took a quick step towards her, and grasped her wrists.
“Marie,” he said, with a sudden hoarse passion, “you can send me out to be shot if you like, but you shall kiss me first.”
Her anger passed away like magic. Her slender arms drew his face down to hers. Her eyes were soft with tears.
“Dear,” she murmured, “you shall not leave me like this. I thought that you had come here to join us—because you knew that I wanted you. And you speak only of the King as your friend—who is our enemy. Will you not be reasonable? There are brighter days in store for Theos. Stay with us and share them.”
He shook his head sadly.
“You are being deceived,” he said. “There is only one man who can save this country, and that man is Ughtred of Tyrnaus. He is honest—Domiloff is a rogue. These schemes of his have but one possible ending, and that is slavery for Theos—the total loss of her independence. Oh, it is all so plain, Marie—Domiloff’s wiles are so transparent. Let me see your brother and reconcile him to the King.”
“It is too late,” she answered. “It is impossible.”
“I have come here with a message from the King to him,” he declared. “I must at least deliver it.”