No, Lenore said, shaking her head. I will not allow this. I will find her and bring her back. I will

Arent you to go on the wedding harvest? Finnal said. He sounded surprised that she was even thinking of being anywhere else.

How can I do that and still find Nerra? Lenore demanded.

Finnal caught her up in his arms. Lenore, you arent thinking, he said, holding her close. And I understand it; losing a sister must be the hardest thing in the world. If you dont go now though, people will think that youre being disloyal, trying to disobey your father and siding with your sister. If you truly wish to help Nerra, the best thing that you can do is to go.

You really think that? Lenore asked. It made a kind of sense. Her strength was that her father believed that she was perfect and obedient. Going against him in this would only shatter that belief, wouldnt it?

He is angry right now, Finnal said. Believe me, I know what it is to be made to do things by a father. Yet, if you leave it until the wedding harvest is done… until you are wed…

He might have calmed down a little by then, Lenore said. That made sense. Maybe time would let her persuade her father. There was only one problem with that. What will happen to Nerra in the meantime?

She will be safe enough, Finnal said. We have to hope.

Will you help me find her, Finnal? Lenore asked. She felt as though Finnal was one of the few people she could truly trust. He was to be her husband, after all.

He paused only briefly before answering. If that is what you wish, then of course I shall look. I would do anything for you, my love.

Lenore was more grateful for that than she could say. She wanted to kiss him more than anything right then, but he had already taken her hand and was leading her down toward the courtyard.

You must not be late, Finnal said.

In the courtyard, a carriage awaited her, of gilt wood and drawn by four white horses. A pair of maids were loading it with her things, before getting up into it to accompany her. Half a dozen guards were with it, which seemed like too few for such a journey, although Lenore was pleased to see Rodry there. Finnal seemed less pleased, though, holding back as Lenore went to go closer.

I will say goodbye to you here, my love, he said.

I wish you and Rodry werent at odds, Lenore said.

We arent at odds, Finnal replied. I just… its clear that he has no liking for me, and I will not fight with my beloveds family. He lifted her hand to his lips. I will await your return, Lenore. Each heartbeat that you are gone will be an agony.

He always seemed to know the perfect thing to say.