“I will,” he answered. Home. “Whatever he commands.”

They were so long in discussion that he was almost surprised to find sunlight when they came down from the solar and into the yard. It seemed deserted, everyone still in the hall. He could hear music playing there, and the noise of people.

Gryff knew he must find Nan, and quickly. Will was saying that they would begin the journey now so that they might be at court tomorrow. It would leave little time to explain everything to Nan, and he did not want to speak to her in the crowded hall.

But when Will fell silent, looking over Gryff’s shoulder, he knew she stood there. He turned to find her half-hidden at the corner of the tower, watching, only a few steps away. She wore her cloak over the blue dress, and all her defenses. The belt was too thick and plain for such a fine gown and the braces were strapped clumsily over the silk sleeves.

From her anxious look, her stance, he understood she waited there in preparation for action. To defend him, did they seek to carry him away by force. Through a rush of affection, he shook his head faintly and smiled to reassure her that all was well. Still she looked anxious, because she could not know that this party had come to protect him in case his bastard brother should learn he was here. It was why Robin had not brought the message sooner by himself, for fear Rhodri would intercept him and make mischief.

“Go you to your men, Will,” he said, turning back to his friend. Already a servant had appeared, and Will was telling him to prepare the mounts. “They will be loath to leave off their merriment.”

Will nodded. He glanced again in Nan’s direction, then seemed to pointedly avoid looking at her.

“They will find merriment enough in Chesterfield, and I am glad you will join us for it. I will command them to prepare to leave at once.” He smiled and clapped a hand on Gryff’s shoulder. “Do not be overlong, Lord Gruffydd. Is possible your betrothed will be at court, and you would not wish to be late to meet her.”

He walked to the hall, leaving Gryff alone in the deafening silence to wonder if the words had been calculated, or if it was merely that Will could not imagine that Nan would care.

It was a long moment until he could turn to face her. He seemed unable to move or breathe, incapable of any thought beyond the memory of her hand this morning, illuminated by the light of dawn, putting aside her last defense. For him.