‘Nobody’s going to make any moves before spring,’ Muadan said. ‘Not the kind of moves that involve men-at-arms, anyway. What goes on behind closed doors is a different matter. This marriage may bring you some challenging times in the future, my lord.’

I could almost have laughed at that. ‘So it seems. Now I’ll let you go and rest, and I’d better break the news to Flidais.’ Would this give her an excuse to develop another headache and be absent from supper? ‘Again, thank you. Are your councillors aware of the situation?’

‘Not fully. I thought it best to bring the news to you and your father first.’

‘I appreciate your discretion, Muadan.’

When he was gone, I called Flidais into the council chamber. I asked Mhairi to wait outside.

‘Please sit down, Flidais,’ I said when the door had closed behind her maidservant.

‘This is very formal, Oran,’ said my betrothed, seating herself as instructed. She was indeed pale today; had the headache come even before the bad news?

I poured mead for her and waited until she had taken a sip before I told her. I kept it simple: her parents were apparently well, but the threat from Mathuin had increased, making it unsafe for any of her party to return to Cloud Hill until we knew more. It could be that they must all stay permanently in the north.

She heard me out in silence, not responding with gasps or tears or questions. When I was finished she said, ‘I see.’ And then, ‘Thank you for telling me, Oran. It all sounds rather serious.’

This was so inadequate a response that for a few moments I could think of nothing to say to her. We sat in awkward silence, not looking at each other.

‘Oran?’

‘Yes?’

‘I was thinking we might travel to court a little earlier. Perhaps even ride on with Lord Muadan’s party. Your plan . . . arriving there only a few days before the hand-fasting . . . that will be difficult for me, as I have never been at Cahercorcan, or indeed any king’s court, before.’

‘It is not necessary to go any earlier. We will have sufficient time.’

‘But Oran . . .’ She looked at me now, with her head on one side and her lashes half-lowered over her eyes.

‘You know I must be at Winterfalls for the open council. My people need me. I explained that to you, Flidais.’