palace itself.
From there a servant was dispatched with his request and in a flatteringly short time returned with an invitation to the duke's apartment. However Norfolk did not greet him with open arms.
"I hope you have not come to see Harry," Norfolk said. "His guards say he seems calmer this morning and I would prefer not to wake up unpleasant memories for him."
"No, indeed, Your Grace," Denoriel said. "I hope most sincerely that he will soon forget . . . well, no, I cannot believe he would forget what happened but that it will recede in his mind. However, I have been unable to put out of my mind the way he clung to me before he finally fell asleep. I have been concerned that the poor child would continue to want me near him and be frightened. This would be inconvenient for all, and, I think, of no great good for the boy."
"Well, he must learn to conquer it," Norfolk said, but Denoriel could tell he was not happy about what he had said.
Without even probing Norfolk's mind, Denoriel knew that the duke was deeply worried about King Henry's reaction to the news of the attack, which would reach him this morning. If the king also heard that Harry was miserable and had not got over his fright, it was possible that King Henry would appoint another guardian. Denoriel hoped to make use of Norfolk's anxiety.
"Yes, of course," Denoriel agreed, "but it occurred to me that anything I could do to give His Grace confidence might be a help." He bestowed on the Duke his most charming smile.
And as he might have predicted, Norfolk misunderstood. "Forgive me, Lord Denno, but I cannot permit the duke of Richmond to become dependent—"
"No, no." Denoriel raised a hand in protest. "That the boy should constantly crave my company would not be acceptable either to you or to me. I love the child—I will admit that—but obviously I have a life of my own to live; I certainly cannot live with