Arach snorted with laughter. “Yes, I suppose that's accurate. And if she is behind this, which is entirely possible—”
“Entirely,” I muttered.
“—she could use the opportunity you present her with.”
“Are you suggesting she would attack me?” King Rory asked. “Another royal?”
“Not outright,” Arach said.
“No, she'd just poison you or accidentally toss you at a sea monster,” I said.
“My, my, my,” Arach drawled. “Youdoknow her. How interesting.”
“She's cunning, evil, and keeps a tight rein on her subjects,” I said to King Rory. “I'd suggest mirroring the High King and asking him to arrange a meeting with her at the Castle of Eight.”
“That's a very good idea,” Arach said to me.
“You don't have to sound so surprised that I came up with it.”
“I'm not. I just . . . you reveal more and more every hour.”
“More of what?”
“Of why I must have married you.”
I grimaced at him. “Of course, you make it about yourself.”
“I'm complimenting you as well.”
“Uh-huh.” I looked back at Rory. “I think we're done here. Shall we go back to Crith-Fuinn?”
“Yes, I think we could all use some refreshments,” King Rory said. “Frankly, I'm famished.”
On the way to the carriage, Arach took my arm and steered me away. “My wife will ride with me.”
“Will I?” I cocked my head at him.
“Won't you?”
“Are you asking?”
Arach chuckled. “Will you ride with me, Vervain?”
“On your horse?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I thought horses didn't do well with Dragon-Sidhe?” Rory asked.
“Our horses are Phookas,” Arach said.
“Ah.” Rory looked from Arach to me. “Who will you ride with, Queen Vervain?”
“I'll go with King Arach. But if you see him suddenly go flying out of his saddle, you'll know why.”
Rory chuckled. “You are a brave man, King Arach.”
“I am indeed,” Arach said, grinning at me. “Nothing great is won without bravery.”
