I had heard an old tale once, in which a serving woman tricked her mistress into changing places with her, and kept the lady from telling the truth by threatening those she loved. But that could not have happened here, for Flidais had brought her own entourage with her, folk who had known her a long time, and besides, the portrait her father had sent to mine was the perfect image of the woman who had come to Winterfalls to be my bride. And yet, something was wrong. I knew it in my heart.

‘Nothing, Aunt Sochla,’ I said. ‘Just ask about the headaches. Oh, and another favour.’

She waited.

‘Might Bramble stay with me for a little while? I won’t allow her to get on the bed or do anything else you’d disapprove of, naturally.’

‘If I am strict, Oran, it is for the dog’s own good. Of course, take her awhile. Send your man to bring her back when you’ve had enough. That’s if he’s still here.’ She turned to go.

‘Wait! What do you mean, if he’s still here?’

‘The word was, he was packing up ready to leave. So I was told not long after you headed off this morning.’

‘Leave? Leave for where?’

She lifted her brows at me, her eyes shrewd. ‘How would I know, Oran? Perhaps to visit his parents. Perhaps elsewhere. I’m not privy to the business of your entire household.’ After a moment, as I gazed at her in shocked incomprehension, she added more gently, ‘A good friend, young Donagan; he has been since the two of you were lads. You’d best go and find him. Here, give me the dog.’

‘I’ll take her with me.’ Still carrying Bramble, I headed for the men’s quarters, hoping beyond hope that my aunt was wrong. I could see, at least, if Donagan’s belongings were still there.

The men’s quarters were deserted, save for a lone figure with a pack on his back, heading out the far door.

‘Donagan! Wait!’

For a moment I thought my friend was going to ignore me. I thought he would walk away without a word. But he turned and stood there in the open doorway. He held his quiet as I walked down the long chamber to halt a few paces from him.

I could order him to stay, of course. Put on the princely voice and demand that he remain where he was needed. Keep playing whatever the unfortunate game was that had made us enemies so quickly. Probably lose my best friend in all the world as a result.

I set Bramble down on the floor. ‘Donagan,’ I said, ‘if I’ve offended you, I’m sorry. Aunt Sochla told me you were going away, and I see that may be true. Please don’t leave. I need you.’