Grim had been put on night watch. I did not understand this, but under Blackthorn’s rules I did not question Lochlan as to why a man who was in my house as a guest would be allocated guard duty. Perhaps Grim fancied a future in my service and had asked for a trial. Or, more likely, working alongside my guards gave him a better opportunity to talk to them in confidence. I did wonder how much sleep he was getting. Had he given up rebuilding his burned cottage? That made me uncomfortable. It had been clear to me how badly the two of them wanted that job done, and done quickly.

When barely fourteen days remained until full moon and my next open council, Winterfalls had visitors. They sent a messenger to let us know when they were a half-day’s ride away: the chieftain of southern Ulaid, Muadan, his wife, Breda, and two councillors, travelling to Cahercorcan early for the hand-fasting so Muadan could spend time consulting with my father. With them came an escort of men-at-arms.

My household was accustomed to coping with unexpected arrivals. Aedan and Fíona had quarters prepared for all of them. Savoury smells from the kitchen told me Brid and her helpers were preparing a special supper. The stables stood ready to accommodate the tired horses.

I had become something of a coward where Flidais was concerned, for with Blackthorn and Grim in the house I did not trust myself to act as if nothing were wrong. I was terrified of giving the secret away, alerting my betrothed to the fact that she and her circle were being watched. So I had ceased trying to coax her out of the women’s quarters to go for a walk or a ride, or to spend time with me in the council chamber or the library. Instead, I left her to her own devices. At meal times I exchanged the necessary pleasantries with her, no more. But with Muadan’s party present she would have to sit at table and be the lady of the house, and I would have to put on a convincing show that everything was fine. More than that, indeed, with our hand-fasting so close. If I seemed unduly cool toward my soon-to-be-wife, word might get to my parents that something was amiss.

When the visitors were spotted a mile or so from Winterfalls, I sent Donagan to fetch Flidais and my aunt. They came to join me in the courtyard: Aunt Sochla accompanied by Bramble, Flidais pale but lovely in one of her blue gowns, with her hair covered by a light veil. Mhairi hovered close behind.

As the visitors rode in, I saw that among them was one I had not expected. Riding along with Muadan’s party was a familiar, grey-robed figure.