Mam held out her hand and Darlei stepped forward to take it, which again brought her very close to Deathan. So close he could once more catch the scent off her hair—herbs?—and see the shadows her lashes cast on her cheeks when she blinked.
“I was just telling Deathan that today I mean to make an attempt to leave this bed.”
“Do you?” Darlei’s eyes widened, surprise quickly followed by concern. “Should you?”
“Sit. Sit.” Mam patted the edge of the bed and Darlei perched on it. Deathan took the seat alongside, which had their knees nearly touching. “I am determined to attend your wedding. And I would prefer not to be carried, as I was just telling Deathan. Thanks be, I have more time now that ’tis been delayed.” Sudden worry invaded her eyes. “I hope no’ on my account.”
“I do not believe so, mistress,” Darlei said uncertainly. “I hope you will be most careful not to injure yourself.”
“Ye be sweet to worry for me. ’Twill go slowly, no doubt. I will get up today, try to take a few steps tomorrow. Deathan will be here to help me.”
“Well then, I do not doubt you will be in good hands.” Darlei cast Deathan a smile that stole his breath again.
He wondered how she did it, managed to present herself in a lovely gown with her hair all dressed and her manner polite, yet still carry the spirit of a wild woman in her eyes. It attracted him in ways he could neither control nor explain.
They spoke for a while quietly about the day ahead until Mam’s woman came back in with her breakfast.
“I must go.” Darlei got to her feet.
“As must I.”
“Deathan—come back after ye ha’ assigned the men,” Mam said. “The healer will be here by then.”
“Aye so, I will.” He kissed his mother’s cheek once more. When he turned, Darlei waited at the door.
“I must speak with you,” she murmured as he opened the chamber door for her. “Alone.”
They stepped out into the corridor together.
“Is somewhat amiss?”
For an instant she looked torn. Then her gaze met his and she steadied. “Yes. I think so.”
“At noontime, then. Meet me out front of the hall. I do no’ doubt Mam will be well tired out by then.”
She nodded. Slipped away on soundless feet.
He need only live till noontime, to be with her again.
*
The settlement teemedwith life when Darlei slipped out to meet Deathan. Small boats were far out on the water, and folk hurried past on various errands. A group of men that included both Rohr and Urfet worked with a number of ponies in the field.
The day could not be more different from yesterday, bright and beautiful, with the sun striking sparks off the water.
Darlei stood drinking it all in before someone slipped into place beside her.
She knew him without looking. Knew him by feel.
All morning long, she’d questioned her desire to confide in him. Chased round and round with it. Was he the proper person to tell?
Mayhap not, but she trusted him instinctively, she did. And she could not say that about many of those around her. She could not trust even her father to act in her best interest, in this matter.
She turned to Deathan with a smile. “Have you been with your lady mother all this time? How went her efforts to rise?”
His expression went grave. He often looked so, quiet and serious. Only when he looked at her did he come to life.
“It did not go as well as she hoped, or perhaps imagined. She is very weak. The will is there, but ’tis a long while since she has left that bed.”
