‘Well, I should let you get back to the king’s side.’ She took a step away, mumbling, ‘God knows he needs you there.’
Astin pretended not to hear that last bit. ‘Am I invited to this wedding?’
She started walking backwards away from him. ‘If you come visit us before summer, I’ll consider it.’ Turning, she headed off down the road.
Chapter 6
Lyndal stood on the back step of their home in the nobility borough, watching Blake angry-feed the chickens. Her sister was throwing scraps and water all about the place, her eyebrows knitted together in one determined line. She had not taken the news of Lyndal’s departure to Eldon Castle well.
‘Is it safe for me to approach?’ Lyndal called to her. ‘You’re really swinging those pails.’
Blake glanced in her direction. ‘Don’t muddy up your shoes on my account.’
Lyndal exhaled and stepped down onto the soggy lawn, holding her skirts up as she walked. ‘The wagon will be here any moment. Are you really not going to say goodbye to me?’
Blake picked up a few stray vegetable skins and threw them at the boar’s pen before turning to face her sister. ‘Fine.’
‘Fine?’ Lyndal laughed, walking straight up to Blake and pulling her sister to her. ‘It’s only a few months, not forever. The queen will probably tire of me in a few weeks and send me packing anyway.’
Blake relaxed against her. ‘Or she’ll see you as we see you and never let you leave.’
Lyndal pulled back to look at her. ‘I assure you my merchant roots will shine as bright as the sun we can’t remember.’
‘Good.’ Blake threaded her arm through Lyndal’s as they walked towards the house. ‘I’ll await reports of unruly merchant behaviour from Uncle Thomas, then.’
‘Though not too unruly or I shall never hear the end of it.’
Blake drew her closer. ‘Just make sure you return to me the same person. I couldn’t bear it if you came back a proper lady.’
‘To even suggest such a thing…’
Their mother appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on her pressed apron. ‘The wagon is out front. Of course, you will have to squeeze in around all of Kendra’s belongings. Anyone would think she is moving to the castle permanently.’
‘I thought that was the plan,’ Blake said, smiling mischievously.
‘Has Eda returned?’ Lyndal asked, looking past her mother into the kitchen.
Candace pressed her lips together, and Blake looked at her feet.
‘Why’s everyone acting like I’m never coming back?’
Blake sighed and looked up. ‘It’s a big change. Eda will come around.’
Lyndal stepped past her mother, shaking her head. ‘Well, when she does, she’ll have to put her apology in a letter. I can’t stand around waiting for her to descend whatever tree she’s hiding in.’
Out front, Kendra was waiting in the wagon, one foot tapping. ‘Do come along,’ she called. ‘The queen mother awaits us.’
Blake took Lyndal’s hand and squeezed. ‘Better not keep thequeenwaiting.’
Lyndal kissed her cheek. ‘Maybe you can come visit.’
‘I’m sure Harlan would love that.’ Blake’s tone was pure sarcasm.
Candace stepped forwards to kiss her daughter. ‘Take care of each other. Court can be tricky to navigate, but it will open doors if you can find a way to fit in. Then you will have no trouble finding a suitable husband.’
‘Suitable’ was the key word in that sentence.
‘Be sure to tell Eda I left in tears so she feels guilty,’ Lyndal said, ignoring the disapproving tuts of her mother. She almost stepped on the duck as she turned away. ‘Garlic,’ she said, crouching. ‘Don’t fret, my love. I shall be back before you know it. Make sure you watch over Pig for me.’
