‘Not at all.’ If he thought me foolish for conducting a one-sided conversation with a dog, he gave no sign of it. His manners had improved since our first encounter at the cottage. That felt strange, as I had been far more deserving of respect back then. Now I was guilty of being unkind, of telling lies, and of allowing myself to descend into near-panic. Some prince I was. ‘I wondered if you and Mistress Blackthorn had made any progress.’ I spoke in an undertone, trying to watch both the door from the women’s quarters and the pathway back around to the main entry. ‘On the matter we discussed.’

Grim gave me a look that said quite plainly, I thought Blackthorn told you to wait. But he did not say it aloud. ‘Been hard to talk to her. Busy, both of us. When she’s got something, she’ll tell me.’

‘And you?’

Grim shook his head. It might mean he had nothing to tell. But it might mean that he did know something, but would not tell it without Blackthorn’s approval. She had made it clear the two of them worked as a team.

‘We are short of time, Grim,’ I said. ‘Perilously short. You do understand that, don’t you?’

‘I can count the days until full moon, my lord.’ Was there a hint of disapproval in the deep voice? It would be a mistake to underestimate this man.

‘I’m sorry. I have not forgotten that Mistress Blackthorn asked me to wait.’

Grim had crouched down to pat Bramble. She came to him delicately, allowing him to stroke her. ‘Friendly little thing,’ he said. ‘Reminds me of . . . never mind.’ He looked up at me. ‘Blackthorn’s trustworthy. If there’s a way out of this, she’ll find it.’

‘I must exercise patience. I know that. Sometimes it’s hard.’

‘Keep busy. That’s my advice.’ He rose to his full, imposing height. ‘Not that you’d be wanting advice from someone like me, but there it is. Will that be all, my lord? Just that I’m off to the cottage soon, got a bit of work to do before the rain comes.’

‘Go, by all means. Ask Brid to give you some breakfast first. Night watch, then a day’s work out at Dreamer’s Wood – you push yourself hard.’

‘As I said. Keep busy. Stops your head going in circles, tangling itself all up. Quiet times, they’re hardest to get through. I’ll be on my way, then.’