The roan mare whickered a greeting. Minutes later, Lia and Blaed came around the side of the house.

Jared ground his teeth. “She’s supposed to be resting.”

“That’s the witchling?” Yarek asked, jumping to his feet. He whistled silently. “Even dressed like that, she’s a lovely woman.”

Pleased to feel his blood simmering and more than willing to let grief find its release through anger, Jared stood up more slowly. “She’s also the Gray Lady’s granddaughter.”

Yarek gurgled a bit, but didn’t have time to say anything before Lia and Blaed reached them.

“Warlord,” Lia said politely, smiling at Yarek. “Jared,” she added cautiously.

Yarek bowed low, then grinned. “Lady. I hope my nephew’s remembered his manners while he’s been serving you.”

“Did he have any?” Lia murmured, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

“Why don’t you just keep pushing yourself until you collapse?” Jared shouted at her. “Watching you crawl in the dirt will certainly make us all feel better.”

Lia paled.

“Jared!” Yarek clouted Jared’s shoulder. “You shame your mother to say such a thing!”

Jared closed his eyes and hunched his shoulders. He stood there, trembling, saying nothing.

“If you’ll excuse me, Warlord,” Lia whispered.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Blaed turned on Jared. “Damn it, Jared. What’s wrong with you?”

Jared glared at Blaed. “What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you, bringing her out here?”

“I didn’t bring her anywhere. I managed to climb up behind her before she went looking for you.”

Jared’s hands curled into fists.

Blaed took a wider stance and braced his feet.

“Youngsters,” Yarek said firmly. “Enough blood’s been spilled on this land.”

Jared swayed. He resisted Yarek’s embrace for a moment before giving in and clinging.“I’m sorry,” he whispered.“I’m sorry. I’ve been sitting here, becoming incensed because the cousin I still remember as a girl is old enough to have lovers. I lash out at you. I lash out at Lia. Mother Night, will I ever stop lashing out at people who don’t deserve it?”

“It’s the grieving pain, Jared,” Yarek said softly. “It’s something too big to give in to all at once. I know, boy. I know.”

Jared stepped back. Took a deep breath. “Blaed—”

Blaed shook his head. “I understand.” He looked at the garden. “I shouldn’t have let you come without some warning, but I didn’t know how to tell you about this. Any of this.”

The three men turned and watched Lia enter the greenhouse.

“I don’t want to leave Thera alone too long,” Blaed said. “She’s still too edgy.” He looked at Yarek. “I could give you a ride back to the village. Jared and Lia can ride double on the gelding.”

“You can take the gelding,” Jared said.