So long as you treat her well, Rodry said. So long as you mean what you say about loving her.

Why would I mean anything else? Finnal countered. Lenore is the most beautiful of women, and the daughter of a king. Any man would be lucky to be marrying her.

That was true, but Rodry still couldnt escape the feeling that Duke Viriss son wasnt being quite sincere. Right then, he would rather have had someone else marrying his sister; someone worthy.

Maybe we should go to find Lenore, Rodry said. He wasnt due to start accompanying her yet, but at least it would mean that he wasnt stuck alone with Finnal any longer.

Finnal shook his head. It is considered bad luck for the groom to accompany the bride on any part of the wedding harvest.

Probably because people might think that hes counting up all the gold she brings in before deciding whether to marry her, Rodry said, unable to keep a trace of bitterness from his voice. He knew he should have liked Finnal. He was clever, elegant, a good shot, a better horseman. He was the son of a duke, handsome and not boorish. Yet there was something about him that Rodry mistrusted, something that made him certain that the rumors werent just rumors, and that he couldnt truly be trusted with his sisters heart.

You dont like me, do you? Finnal asked.

Rodry paused, and then shook his head. You think I havent heard the rumors about you? About the House of Sighs?

Rumors mean nothing, Finnal said.

They do if theyre true, Rodry shot back.

And why have you decided that these are true? Finnal asked. Im the son of a duke; I attract my share of jealousy.

A duke who stood with those who saw my sister banished, Rodry said. He had to work to contain his anger now.

I had no part in that, Finnal said. And my father… I suspect he was standing for the laws. Would your family overthrow them?

I wouldnt see my sisters hurt! Rodry all but snarled at him.

I wouldnt want that either, Finnal said. He looked at Rodry levelly. What will it take to convince you that I mean to do the right thing by Lenore? That I have no intention of hurting her?

That was the problem; Rodry didnt know. He couldnt think of anything that would take away his suspicions, or that would make him see past all that he had heard about this man. He looked around, hoping for some distraction that would at least mean he didnt have to answer. In the distance, he spied an inn; just a simple place, and probably the sort of establishment Finnal would never have set foot in. Suddenly, Rodry found himself needing a drink.