“No, Fallon,” Drew said, giving the duke a surprised look. “I only just found out myself.” He turned back to the couple at the window seat. “And so,” Drew said, encouraging her to continue, “you’ve accepted him?”

“I have,” Trynne said, gazing into the king’s eyes, not daring to look at Fallon again. She could feel the concern in Drew’s words, his unspoken question. He was wondering if she had sacrificed herself to save his kingdom. She rubbed Gahalatine’s arm with one hand. “My lord, my mother once had a vision of my marriage. Even though she is not here, I believe this fulfills it. I’ve . . . been expecting something like this. For some time.”

Drew nodded, pursing his lips. “If this is your decision, Trynne, I will not countermand it. Regarding the nuptials, has anything been decided? I will honor any terms you both agreed on.”

Gahalatine smiled and leaned forward slightly. “Urgently would be my desire. I explained to Lady Tryneowy that the laws of my realm forbid a man from consummating a marriage with a lady who is not of age if her parents are dead or cannot present her. In your kingdom, she is of a suitable age to marry. But in mine, we cannot be man and wife in truth until she turns eighteen or until one or both of her parents grant their consent. It would be wise, therefore, if some distance separated us in the interim. There is much that I must do to repair the injury I’ve done to Ceredigion. There are troubles in my own lands that I must address. But I would marry her this very day at the sanctuary of Our Lady if your lordship will permit it.”

“Our Lady,” Drew said, nodding as he thought on the words. “My own dear wife has been in hiding there. I should like to see her again.”

“Perhaps we can all go there together?” Gahalatine suggested. He rose from the window seat and brought Trynne, who was still holding his hand, up with him. “I will happily surrender the castle back to you, and we can end this conflict.”

“I think that would suit us all perfectly well,” Drew said. He turned to Fallon and raised an eyebrow.

Trynne risked a look at him, and part of her was relieved to see his mask still in place. “I’m unfit to travel at the moment,” Fallon demurred. “While I would regret missing out on the marriage, I think it would be better if I stayed behind. I do have some news for you, my lord. Lady Trynne may wish to hear it also?”

“Go on,” Drew said.