Chapter Thirty-Eight
“Finn!” his mothercalled from the cart. “Come over here.”
Dutifully, Finn slowed his horse until he rode beside his parents. “What is it, mother?”
“I need to hear all about this woman of yours and all the trials you went through,” she told him, the pride in her voice clear. “Illadan says the tests are rigorous, that few men can complete them.”
“Clearly, they are child’s play for my son,” his father boasted, his flaxen head held high. Finn’s father, Ulf, was the only man he’d ever met who was taller than him. Even his uncle, his father’s brother, was a hair shorter than Finn. But Ulf was a great man, indeed. Hearing his praise flooded Finn with warmth.
Finn swallowed, collecting his thoughts. “It’s more than I can tell before we arrive,” he replied. “Once we’re there, Eva can help me. She’s been composing a song of the trials over the past weeks, and I believe she could be persuaded to play it for you.”
“Eva? This is your betrothed?” his mother’s voice rose with interest.
“Aye. Eva is Dallan’s sister, a princess of Laigin and war hostage of Brian.”
“God’s bones,” his mother blurted. “You’ve done well for yourself, then.”
Finn smiled. His mother had no idea how truly she spoke. “I have indeed.”
*
As soon asFinn and Dallan had gone, Eva sought out Sitric.
She found him flirting with a kitchen maid. Rolling her eyes, and wondering why she was even surprised, Eva walked over to the pair of them and cleared her throat.
“May I speak with you a moment?”
Sitric grinned at her, winked at the maid, then followed Eva across the courtyard to the kitchen garden. Eva had always enjoyed strolling through the impressive garden, breathing deeply the sweet scent of nectar and the sharp tang of herbs in the summer sun. It seemed a good place for a quiet conversation.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your efforts,” she began, nodding in the direction they’d come.
Sitric shrugged. “It’s of no consequence. She’ll still be interested tonight.”
Eva pursed her lips. “Indeed.”
“What is it you wished to speak of, dearest cousin?”
“I wanted to thank you,” she replied earnestly. “I suspect you were involved in Finn’s plotting, and I am grateful that you helped get the match approved.”
“It was the least I could do in repayment for your sacrifice. And besides,” Sitric bent to pick a sprig of mint, “Brian would have allowed it whether I came here or not. I am happy for you, cousin, truly. Finn is a good man and a great warrior. He will bring you honor.”
Eva smiled to herself, watching as Sitric crushed the mint between his fingers, savoring its delicious scent.
“This one’s always been my favorite,” he chuckled. “It smells like happiness.”
Eva laughed along with him. “You never cease to surprise me,” she declared. “One minute you’re seducing a kitchen maid, and the next you’re baring your soul over an herb.”
“It’s important to maintain an air of mystery. To keep your enemies guessing.” He leveled her with a bemused look, one eyebrow raised.
How Eva had missed her family. She knew Sitric’s company would only last a short while, and she was determined to enjoy it while she could. “If you didn’t come for the wedding, why are you here?”
“Brian and I had much to discuss following Baeth’s betrayal at the battle. He’s created rather a mess for Morda and me to clean up.”
None of this surprised Eva. Baeth was nothing but a troublemaker. Apparently even in death. “What does he demand in recompense?”
“He tried to get me to agree to a marriage,” Sitric smacked his lips in distaste at the very notion, “but I managed to talk him out of that for the time being. Instead, Morda and I will send men to bolster his forces permanently and lessen our capability for mischief.”
Eva frowned. She knew her cousin better than that.
