He caught her hand and raised it to his lips. ‘At times, my cousin has the recklessness of an inveterate gambler, and I fear like you that this could be one of those times.’
She withdrew her hand from his much larger one. ‘He’d be foolish to trust them, knowing what he does.’
‘Agreed.’ Rand watched her from under hooded lids. ‘But my men will catch up with the pair and return them, forcibly if necessary. Only a limited number of directions for them to travel in exist.’
‘Is the last for my benefit or yours?’ she asked with her eyes dancing.
‘If they are not found within two days, I promise to take you to Tara, and you may say your piece to Máel Sechnaill.’
She bent her head and fiddled with her cuff. The last thing she required was another quarrel, but she also knew she had to speak her mind. ‘Remember Birdie. I refuse to leave her if they haven’t been found. It would be reckless in the extreme to expose her to that type of danger. Her father’s sword arm will be enough protection.’
‘And if they have?’ His quiet voice held a stern note.
‘We make an assessment together.’ Svanna put a hand on her stomach. She didn’t want a repeat of their quarrel. She loathed quarrelling with people, but there was something odd about the aunt’s promise to the girl.
She hoped in time the little girl would trust her enough to give her more information about the promise, but until then she acted on instinct and drew on all her skills of diplomacy.
‘I know you’d rather she stays here, but my gut tells me that she is an important piece in this game oftaflwe appear to be playing with Turgeis.’
‘A counter? Why?’
‘I don’t know, but the best way to keep her safe is to ensure she remains with us.’ She forced a smile. ‘She longs to be with her dear papa.’
‘Are you any good attafl?’
She concentrated on the table, where a game oftaflwas set up. It looked as if Rand had been playing with someone as the game appeared half-completed. Who? She hoped that it was not some sort of memorial to his late wife, but feared it could be. How could she ever compete against a ghost? She pushed the thought away. Theirs was a strategic marriage and not about passion or love. She hated that a growing part of her hoped for the impossible. Dampening it down and concentrating on making the marriage they’d agreed to work on was the only option for avoiding a broken heart.
‘My foster-mother and her second husband loved playing. My skills have been well-honed.’ She gestured towards the board. ‘I can demonstrate if you wish.’
‘Well-honed?’ Rand stroked his chin. ‘We shall have to see about that.’
‘Right now?’ She went over to the table but deliberately did not pick up any of the pieces. ‘Do you want to reset the game? Or shall I? I would hate to interrupt anything.’
Rand stared at it for a long time as if weighing his options. ‘Why not? That game has gone on way too long.’
With a swift flick of his wrist, he sent the counters flying. In her heart, she knew the game must have been one he was playing with his late wife, and it made her unaccountably sad.
She said nothing and picked up the pieces, setting the game anew. ‘Do you wish to be white or black?’
He laughed, a noise that rasped across her already taut nerves. ‘You are amazing, Svanna.’
‘Because I know where the pieces go?’ She shook her head and chose to misunderstand. ‘You must have very low standards if you think I wouldn’t. I can play, Rand. If you are serious, we will have a match, but be warned, I play to win.’
He quirked an eyebrow. ‘Something like that.’
She went to pick up the black king piece, which had rolled under the bed, but he caught her wrist. ‘I’ll do that.’
She dropped the piece into his palm. ‘If you like…’
He placed the piece down and then drew her into his arms. ‘I do very much like, but I would like this more.’
She wet her suddenly parched lips, hating the way her entire body thrummed with anticipation. ‘Like what more?’
His mouth descended on hers. It was a different sort of kiss to the ones she had experienced before. Far darker, as if he was trying to expunge his demons as his tongue plunged into her mouth, demanding a response from her.
She tore her mouth from his. ‘Are you frightened to play with me?’
‘I prefer this sort of game right now. A game where we both win.’
