...
FRATER CERVANTES, CARDINAL OF THE GRACE TEMPLE sat on the stone floors of the tiny chamber with jaws hanging wide open and eyes filled with unbelief. The Cardinal was in shock.
His shaven head bore no mitre and gleamed like a mirror in the soft candlelight. The sombre dot of a circle marking his forehead was the only ornament flagging his entire body.
Below, was the full amber cape of his Gracehood; a modest yellow garment that swamped down to his knees folded in a meditational pose. Cervantes peered at the stricken couple before him and they peered right back. The Princess had blue eyes that could rival the immense waters of the sea.
The Prince's gaze was a bit calmer. At least he didn't look at the Cardinal like he wanted to rip out his tongue and beat him with it. Esabel could not for the life of her believe what she was seeing. The Cardinal had watched it all. He had seen her and Marsil go at it.
