‘I imagine,’ I said, ‘from what you have told me about his behaviour, that the prince will be eager to avail himself of this opportunity. It will be hard for you to go through with this, my lady, after what he did to you. I understand that, and I salute your courage. Keep your thoughts on what you will gain from it, and say a word to the ancient guardians of Dreamer’s Wood, who provide the magic that makes such things possible.’ Gods, if my old mentor could hear me she would be horrified. This was a travesty of a wise woman’s counsel.

‘Thank you, Mistress Blackthorn,’ said Flidais. ‘You are so kind. I’m sorry I judged you harshly when you first came here.’

‘I’m used to it,’ I said, rising to my feet with my mead barely begun. ‘Now, if I may, I’ll leave you to your deliberations over the wedding gowns. Who did the embroidery on the yellow tunic? It’s very intricate.’

‘Beautiful, isn’t it?’ said Flidais with a crooked smile. ‘It was Ciar.’

39 Oran

39

~ORAN~

Blackthorn’s unlikely plan fell into place with a curious ease. It was as if a force beyond the human had sprung into being, sending us hurtling toward what might be triumph or catastrophe. It sent my mind back over old tales of wonder and enchantment, and the price that could be exacted if a man or woman meddled unwisely with nature’s mysteries. I did not feel in the least wise, only strung tight with the knowledge that if this succeeded, my Flidais, my own, dear Flidais, would be returned to me on the night of full moon.

I managed to dissemble. So much hung on this, I could not afford to make the least blunder. So, when Flidais – Ciar – came to me in private and told me, with blushes and hesitation, a very strange tale about Dreamer’s Pool, I heard her out. Then I told her, gently, that I feared it was no more than an old wives’ superstition, and that she should not get her hopes up when she was likely to be disappointed. Later, she came to me again, and when she put her arms around my waist and leaned her head against my chest, I made myself stroke her hair and speak words of tenderness. I told her I had not been myself lately; that the added responsibility of a marriage, and perhaps children, on top of my role as heir to the throne, had for a little while felt too weighty to bear, especially since my falling-out with Donagan. I told her I was sorry, and kissed her on the lips. And I felt such a confusion of emotions that I wondered how she could possibly believe my lies. But it seemed I played my part well enough.