She summoned a smile with effort. “I have one of the best views in the city. Seems a shame to waste it.”

He acknowledged her compliment by preening. “True, but can’t you find a moment to join me in the main hall? We’ve a talented bard to entertain us at supper and a harpist from Minos. The best harpists come out of Minos, you know.”

Imogen honestly didn’t care if the harpist came from the royal stables and brought fiddlers from the catacombs with them. They’d had this conversation in various incarnations several times. Hayden had tried to coax her out of her room and join him with his court in the great hall.

She indulged him once, and that had been enough to know she was feared by the courtiers and unwelcomed in their midst. Her curse, weakened by Cededa’s touch, had returned full strength once she left Tineroth. Even had she been made free of Niamh’s bane, none would trust her enough to test it. While she found the courtiers’ reactions to her a perfect excuse to avoid meals in the royal hall, she was more isolated and alone in Castagher’s court than she’d ever been in her life.

“Please extend my apologies. You know I’m uncomfortable around so many people in one place. Nor are they comfortable around me.”

Hayden’s mouth thinned. “They’ll hold their tongues if they know what’s good for them.” He sighed and leaned against the balcony’s ledge. “You’re a lot like your mother, you know. She had this sweetness about her. A sweetness that hid a stubbornness worthy of a mule.”

Imogen offered him a tight smile. She’d known early on that she was Niamh’s fosterling, and while she’d been curious about her parents, her foster mother’s distress at the questions she asked had made her reluctant to push for more. Niamh had been a strong and giving parent despite the dark beginning they shared between them. Only now, learning of her through Hayden’s recollections, did Imogen regret not knowing Selene.

Unlike the rest of his court, Hayden showed no fear of her touch. He grasped her gloved hand and bent to kiss her knuckles. A cold shiver made her fingers twitch. “If you change your mind, tell your maid. Someone will escort you to the hall.”

“Thank you, cousin.” Now go away.

He paused at the balcony doors. “Solstice will be here in a few days. Castagher celebrates with a festival by the water. I want to take you there.” He frowned. “You can’t stay in your rooms forever, Imogen. Consider my invitation.” A threat and a command wrapped in silky words.

Imogen nodded. “I will.” She waited until he closed the door behind him to wipe her hand on her skirts.