Stanief raised her hand to his lips, and presently they went back to the Duquesa. After which he went in search of Adrian.
The Emperor was talking to Allard when his cousin came up to the alcove where they were ensconced, and he sat motionless with astonishment at sight of Stanief's steel-hard glance and compressed lips.
"Cousin?" he exclaimed, daunted in spite of himself.
Allard had risen at the approach, but Stanief did not regard him and Adrian gave no permission to retire.
"Sire," Stanief said, in the markedly quiet tone that came with his rare anger, "it is frequently your Imperial Majesty's pleasure to submit me and my affairs to the discussion or criticism of Baron Dalmorov. I have made no complaint, I make none now, but there is a limit to such endurance. The lady who is to be my wife—"
Allard moved involuntarily; Adrian raised his hand in swift protest.
"Cousin, I assure you—"
Stanief saluted him formally.
"Sire, I have just learned that Baron Dalmorov has had the tact to inform the Princess Iría that I was marrying her under compulsion and against my will. This insult to madame, this falsehood—"
"Cousin!"