Diana had a guard escort her to where Cassian had gone, wishing to have a word with him before they gathered with the guests.

She entered the small study after Cassian welcomed her in. Cassian was speaking to Eric, who bowed upon seeing her and departed quietly, the door closing behind him with a soft thud.

"I didn’t mean to disturb you. Was there trouble?" Diana asked, studying the tension in Cassian’s expression. "I overheard the soldiers running around outside my bedchamber."

"The High Priest was in the castle last night. I needed to find him and whoever let him inside when I had banned the priests from attending the wedding. They didn’t find him, but I am sending soldiers to search the church," Cassian informed Diana.

"While I am not fond of the High Priest and his ways, he has never been an enemy to this family. I know he must be against the way you took over the castle, but there is a better way to do this. Perhaps you should allow someone else to visit the-"

"No." Cassian’s tone was sharp, cutting her off. "No one will speak to him. Why have you come? Is there trouble on your end?"

"I have just come from your bedchamber and was speaking to Lilith. I wanted to see the blankets, to check that she had bled, but I was not permitted. I was told that you ordered it would not be checked to make her comfortable," Diana said, her words laced with disapproval.

"It is true. Why did you go to the chamber when it was not needed, Mother? You are stirring up trouble on my wedding day," Cassian said, his gaze narrowing. "This isn’t like you."

"I was only following tradition. You didn’t tell me that you didn’t want it done. I went myself, so no man would be able to do it. I thought that would be most comfortable for your wife, but it wasn’t. I don’t know what you see in her," Diana admitted, her voice low.

"My feelings for Lilith cannot be understood by anyone else. I am her husband, and only my feelings matter. You are beginning to test my patience with your actions. I assured Lilith that you would get along with her," Cassian said, leaning back into his chair, his eyes fixed on Diana. "What has gotten into you?"

"The others don’t support this union," Diana said, preparing him for what was to come.

"I asked what has gotten into you, not the others. I don’t care what they think. Is it because you lacked the chance to select my bride? If so, it is rather childish of you."

"Cassian!" Diana snapped, striding to the desk and placing her hand firmly upon it. "You might be set to become king, but I am still your mother. I will not tolerate disrespect. You have not once asked what she did to upset me."

"I know she might have upset you, but I also know Lilith didn’t start this mess. Forgive my bluntness, but the truth is, you are not worth her time. The queen is still in hiding, the princess has escaped, and the High Priest is stirring trouble. Sit this one out," Cassian advised Diana.

Diana withdrew her hand from the desk. "All that I do is for you. I truly am not trying to fight with her. I went there for her comfort and was rudely turned away. You must remind Lilith that she is now a Mortimer, not a Beaufort."

The corners of Cassian’s mouth curved into a devious smile. "Lilith knows what she is now. You don’t know her as I do. After the coronation tonight, I will have you escorted back to my land. You need time away to adapt to all the changes."

"Cassian!"

"I am not going to allow you to meddle in my marriage. I certainly will not be forced to choose between my mother and my wife," Cassian said firmly.

Diana’s heart sank. She liked to think that if Cassian had to choose, he would pick her, but something in his expression told her otherwise. He had even said it out loud.

She sighed, afraid of them arguing. "I will apologise to Lilith once more when I see her and leave as you have instructed. I won’t be the thorn in your side. I do wish you well with your marriage, but I urge you to control her a bit."

"I know little about the princess, which is what makes me wary. She has an attitude I have never witnessed in any lady before. Perhaps that difference is what makes you smitten with her, but I know it will place you both in danger," Diana warned.

"Men don’t like when women are too stubborn, carrying an attitude that matches their own. The princess looks as though she would challenge everyone in her path, and you will be the one who must fix her mess. Allow me to guide her," Diana requested.

"That was a long-winded speech, Mother. I am surprised you did not have to stop for air. I don’t want you or anyone else to change Lilith. She will make mistakes, as will I. I am not perfect, though you like to think I am," Cassian said, rising from his chair.

"I assure you Lilith is careful when picking her battles, which is why she isn’t entertaining you. I would prefer that, though you don’t understand her, you don’t meddle. I want you both to like each other," he added.

Once before, it had begun like this with his mother against Lilith, but then the two had grown close, with Diana often visiting their home to see Lilith rather than Cassian.

Cassian walked around the table and took his mother’s hand. "Give her a bit more time. She will impress you, and you will do the same. Do not be against her."

"I shall try, but I won’t tolerate disrespect. I will speak to her at another time. Now, you must go and get dressed to sit with the others," Diana said, noting he had not yet bathed.

"Sit with the others?" Cassian chuckled, releasing her hand. "I am going to enjoy the morning with my wife. Do entertain the relatives for me, Mother."