‘Your folk have not been slow to replenish our goblets, Prince Oran,’ Oisin said. He was a short, spare man with the look of a scholar. I knew, however, that he was accustomed to walking many miles a day, in all weathers. One would not think such a man, clad as he was in a plain grey robe, would stand out in tonight’s brilliant assembly. But the eye was drawn to Oisin. It was something in the serenity of his gaze and the unusual repose of his features. I wished he could lend me some of that peace. I longed to unburden myself to him, not here in the hall but in private, just the two of us. But how could I? How could I talk to a druid about my pathetic failure to deny my bodily lusts? How stupid I would sound if I told him of the picture I had built for myself of Flidais, and of my unrealistic expectation that she would perfectly match it in every particular. This was an arranged marriage. My bride was young, healthy, comely, high-born and well-mannered. Oisin would think me a naïve young fool, and he would not be wrong.

Feabhal was saying something, congratulating me. I needed to pay attention. ‘Thank you for your kindness,’ I murmured with a distinct lack of sincerity. He and I had never been friends. ‘Master Oisin, you may wish to retire soon. I’ll walk with you over to the cottage.’ The cottage lay across a meadow from the main dwelling; Niall and his wife had vacated it for the duration of the celebrations to allow the druid a modicum of peace and quiet.

‘In person, Prince Oran?’ Oisin smiled, while Feabhal frowned in disapproval – he would consider it more appropriate for one of the serving people to escort the druid, no doubt.

‘I need some fresh air. It’s been a long day.’ Bramble would have liked a walk, but I could not think of a plausible excuse to go and fetch her. Most likely Brid’s helpers had taken her out earlier. Or Donagan might have done it. He and I had been almost like strangers today; he had laid out garments for me, brought warm water for washing, been at hand when I needed him. But we had not talked; not of the things that mattered.