A frustrated mutter drew her gaze back to her sister-in-law. The girl had her thread in a terrible knot. Before she could comment or offer help, Seonaid slapped it down onto her lap and peered at her solemnly. “Ye ken that I’m useless at this stuff.”

“Nay,” Iliana protested at once. “You are simply unpracticed at it.”

She rolled her eyes, then sighed. “Is it very important for a wife to ken how to do this?”

Iliana hesitated briefly. “I do not know. ’Tis expected, but…” She paused and bit her lip, and Seonaid gave a growl of frustration.

“Expected. I am no good at any of the things expected. ’Tis the truth I remember nothing ye told me about herbs this morning, and I have no clue what needs to be doin’ in a keep. I shall make a terrible wife. ’Tis no wonder Sherwell never came for me.”

Iliana felt her heart clench at those pained words and immediately sought to cheer the other woman. “Nay. You shall make a wonderful wife, Seonaid, and there is much for a husband to admire in you. Why, just look at your skill in…with the sword.” She nodded her head firmly. “Well, goodness, any man would be grateful to have a wife capable with the sword.”

Seeing doubt in the other woman’s eyes, Iliana forced herself to go on. “And then there is your skill at…er…hunting. Aye, hunting is a most valuable skill. You shall never go hungry.” She nodded vigorously again to back that up. “And, why, I have never seen a woman ride as well as you do. Never. ’Tis a most valuable skill.”

“Yer a very poor liar.” When Iliana deflated at the gentle accusation, Seonaid smiled slightly. “But ’twas kind of you to do so, me sister.”

Iliana blinked at the title in surprise, then brightened. “We are sisters now, are we not? My goodness, I have ever wanted a sister to play with. I often thought that….” Sighing, she smiled wryly at the wistful sound to her own voice and shook her head as she sank back in her seat.

“Who did you play with?” Seonaid asked curiously.

Iliana blinked at the question. “Well, I played with…well, I did not really play much. I was busy you see, with classes and—” Seeing the pity on the other woman’s face, Iliana frowned and shook her head. “I really had a fine childhood. I had the best dresses, the best tutors…I had everything.”

“Everything but friends. Ye were lonely.”

Iliana shook her head at once. “I had my parents. They loved me very much and I spent most of my time with them.”

“Mayhap, but they had each other. Ye must have felt like the third wheel on a hand cart.”

“I…do not…”