One lady of the household, at least, did not care to spend her days shut away indoors. Aunt Sochla, breeder of sturdy terriers, was in the habit of striding out energetically come rain or shine, and she plainly had no intention of letting her duties as chaperone alter this. I was accustomed to rising early – my sleep was still fitful – but she was generally up before me. I often glimpsed her heading out along the farm tracks with no companion other than Bramble, who trotted obediently at her heels. Should I be out walking myself and encounter the two of them at close quarters, Bramble would run to me, whimpering with excitement, wanting kind words and caresses. I observed with interest how well she responded to my aunt’s commands, which were delivered with gentle authority, and was glad the little dog was calmer.

Sadly, all Aunt Sochla’s good work had not improved Bramble’s behaviour when Flidais was nearby. The dog’s fear of her former mistress remained. In Flidais’s company Bramble cowered. She growled. She panicked, leaving puddles on the floor and biting people at random. It seemed Flidais had lost the devotion of her little pet forever.

I pulled myself together. Told myself to stop worrying and get on with things. With the next open council drawing ever closer, I must ride out to visit my people again, and this time I must take Flidais with me. On the night of the betrothal folk had come to Winterfalls for the bonfire and merriment, but she’d had scant opportunity to talk to them. She would be their lady, and that meant taking an interest in their affairs, keeping an eye on their welfare, ensuring small difficulties were noted and dealt with before they grew into major problems. Far easier for Flidais to play her part at the approaching council if she had made herself known in the district beforehand.

I called Donagan to my chamber.

‘The weather seems good for riding today,’ I said. He was looking pale; was he unwell? ‘I plan to go to Winterfalls village and speak to a few folk. Perhaps also ride over Silverlake way. Will you convey a message to Lady Flidais, please, letting her know I require her company for the day? The fresh air and exercise can only do her good. You may tell her I said so.’

Donagan looked me in the eye. ‘Will that be all, my lord?’