‘He agrees with my scheme.’ Svanna’s smile shone out, but he glimpsed a wariness return to her eyes. It bothered him that he’d noticed the way her eyes reflected her moods and the desire to banish the storm clouds from them had grown. ‘Shall we announce the proposed alliance to the kings today? I overheard the mutterings earlier and was trying to find you when I encountered Rand. Suddenly, the way forward became clear, rather than littered with boulders.’
Sigmund lifted a brow. ‘Mutterings? To be expected. Yesterday would not have happened if I’d not allowed that fool priest to sway my judgement. But it did and we can only go forward, rather than wringing our hands and lamenting like some wish to do.’
‘The lamenters do not worry me. The leavers do.’ She nodded towards where a petty king stood. ‘An alliance will alter everything, Sigmund.’
‘Do you think a mere betrothal will stem the tide?’ Rand asked.
Svanna’s neat white teeth turned her lower lip the colour of a stormy sunset over Tara. ‘What do you propose?’
‘Only an actual marriage will do,’ Rand said. ‘The kings will most likely discount a betrothal.’
Svanna swayed. ‘An actual marriage? When?’
He watched her from under his lashes. A small part of him twisted. Was she playing games for some frolic of her own? Dangling a sweetmeat and then pulling it away? He’d endured that with Bridget just after they were married. It had begun to sour the marriage until he’d started to pull her up on her tall tales.
‘As soon as it can be arranged. It’s to both our countries’ advantage to conclude this as swiftly as possible. My king would wish it so.’
Sigmund threw up his hands. ‘Such impatience. What is it with young people and their hurried lives? In my day, we slaked our lust and allowed matters of state to take their course.’
Rand permitted a low growl but held on to the remaining shreds of his temper. ‘Your observation was deliberately rude. Do you want to provoke a quarrel? What will that prove? That I intend not to dishonour Svanna and will not permit her to be dishonoured in the way you suggest?’
‘First time for everything.’
‘People are allowed to grow and alter. I give you that courtesy. Why do you refuse to extend it to me, Lord Sigmund?’ Rand bit out between clenched teeth.
‘I dislike being rushed. Makes me wonder what else is going on.’
‘Forgive me, but alliances of this nature are best settled swiftly,’ Svanna said with a low curtsey. ‘There is little need to draw this one out as there are no obstacles to the union and many benefits to all. You know what Maer would say on the matter and how she will defer to my judgement. A marriage can be arranged in short order if all are willing.’
Sigmund’s face became mulish. ‘Bah. Bullies me like Astrid.’
‘There I couldn’t comment,’ Rand said as his insides twisted. ‘Makes me wonder why you are insistent on it, Svanna. Why such concern for Lord Sigmund?’
‘I gave my word to Maer that I’d do all in my power to ensure an alliance between Islay and Agthir. We now have that.’ The small upturn of her lips made him realise that she thought ahead instead of acting on impulse but was also willing to seize opportunities when they were presented to her. ‘Have you considered what might happen to your daughter if you fail?’
‘My daughter is always uppermost in my considerations.’
She raised her brow. ‘Most people think it important for a little girl to have a mother. An insurance if something untoward should befall the father. I can understand your reasoning on why you want this completed swiftly so that you can return to your young daughter.’
Sigmund’s face cleared. ‘My dear, of course, I understand now. Thank you for explaining.’
Svanna gave him a nod and he knew she’d used Birdie as an excuse to avoid speaking about the missing lovers. Clever, but he hated that she knew he required it to be kept secret for Birdie’s sake.
‘Tell me something I don’t know.’
‘It surprises me that you feel women can’t be practical.’
In his experience, women were rarely practical in matters of marriage or the heart. Whatever bargain they were making, he would ensure that he obtained the better portion. But sometimes he had to go through an open door and worry about the precise details later.
‘Don’t put words in my mouth.’ He reached for her hand and raised it to his lips. ‘I’m wary when life answers prayers, but I know enough to seize the answer with both hands.’
‘There you have it, Lord Sigmund. An actual marriage as soon as is practical,’ she said, turning to him. ‘Will you accept the gift in the spirit given or will you continue to cut your nose off to spite your face?’
‘Attention, attention!’ Sigmund called, before she could say anything more. ‘Come and hear!’
The various kings, including the one who had been standing waiting for the right moment, frowned and came closer with curious expressions. Svanna gave a little sigh and sagged against him. He instinctively put an arm about her waist. The faint scent of wildflowers rose to envelop him. Somehow it felt right to hold her in this way. She wriggled slightly, putting a distance between them.
‘On second thoughts seemlier this way,’ she murmured.
