‘You want my son for yourself,’ he spat.

Well, yes, that was true but that wasn’t why I was doing this; I wasn’t in the business of manipulating romance or feelings. It wouldn’t hurt my cause if that’s where Aifric thought my motivation came from, though. ‘People in love do crazy things,’ I said. ‘Bring the audience back.’

‘What reassurance do I have that you won’t split up my son and Tipsania anyway?’

‘You have my word.’

‘You’re a dirty Clan-less bitch. I wouldn’t trust anything that came out of your mouth.’

‘And now we have it,’ I said softly. ‘The truth will out in the end.’ I dropped my voice to a whisper. ‘Always.’

He raised his hands as if he were about to hit me and I waggled my finger at him. ‘People are watching, Steward. Do what I say or suffer the consequences.’ I sounded like a comic book villain. Maybe I should get a cape.

His gaze shifted to something behind me. The Bull was lumbering towards the tent, his shoulders drooping. I smiled. ‘Time’s up.’ I patted Aifric on the shoulder, pivoted and followed the Bull in.

‘Do it now,’ I hissed to him. ‘In front of everyone.’

The Bull growled under his breath but he walked to the centre of the room and cleared his throat. I glanced behind me. Aifric, looking sour, had also entered.

‘I’ve been thinking,’ the Bull rumbled, as the crowd gradually fell silent. ‘It’s not right that we can’t watch the Acumen challenge. There’s always been an audience in the past. I move that we let the people in to see the action.’

There were several murmurs of agreement and a few scattered claps but several of the higher-placed Carnegies cast anxious looks at Aifric. The good old Steward was very, very unhappy but he wasn’t about to let this lot see his distress. He pasted on a beatific smile and strode forward.

‘What a good idea! I agree wholeheartedly. We should let people watch. The Games are entertainment, after all.’ He slapped the Bull’s back and resolutely refused to look in my direction. ‘What say you, Clan Carnegie?’

There was a brief, awkward silence. The Carnegie Chieftain, a thin wiry man, pushed his way forward. ‘We can do that.’ He paused. ‘If the Steward demands it.’

Aifric laughed heartily. ‘Oh, I’m not demanding anything. The Games are yours to run. It’s merely a suggestion.’

‘Then that is what we shall do,’ Chieftain Carnegie said. ‘As always, Steward, you are very wise.’

The weak applause started again but soon changed into something louder and more enthusiastic. I didn’t know or care whether it was forced or genuine; I’d got what I wanted. With people watching my every move, I’d be as safe as I could be. It would be blatant dishonour for the Carnegies – or anyone else – to harm me.

I turned on my heel and walked out again, passing closely by Aifric. He didn’t say a word but I could feel his anger. I’d have enjoyed letting him believe that I’d fallen for his lies for a while longer but, let’s face it, the truth was going to come out at some point.