“So you are.”
“Not here. In private.”
The Vaich scoffed. “I’m busy. Shouldn’tyoube busy, too?”
“The band will play from supper to midnight. I’ve ordered two wagons of cheese. Can we speak now?”
The Vaich looked no less irritable, but did not have time to reply as Ruicá rushed up.
“My laird, I’m so sorry! The chore gets away from me. Please, forgive my carelessness.”
The Vaich looked at her with an eagerness that made the druid’s teeth grind.
“Lady Cearnathán, how could I hold it against you? What a mighty task you’ve been given. Since the druid cannot be trusted not to get up to trouble, what else could I do but to assign him such a fine woman as example?”
Her smile was sickeningly sweet and she caressed back her honeyed strands. “Your Majesty honors me with the work.”
The druid grew more frustrated with every word they spoke.
“Ah! But we’ve caused you a terrible disruption.” Ruicá reached for the druid who shook her loose, forcing her lust-sick eyes from the Vaich.
“And on purpose. I have something to tell you and itcannotwait.”
“What could be so important?” asked the Vaich. “In any case, we’ll have plenty of time to talkafterthe wedding. Until then, I’ve guests to entertain.”
“This is far more—”
Ruicá hushed him, flashing the king one last smile, her fingers digging into the druid's arm. “Come, darling!”
The Vaich nodded them off, but not before the druid shot him one final glare.
Ruicá managed to herd him and as they got further away, her voice became a growl. “Are you trying to make a fool of me?”
“You do that perfectly well on your own. My ambitions are far larger.”
She gasped. “He isn’t interested in anythingyouhave to say! Don’t you understand? You’re only here by mistake. You aren’t entitled to his attention.”
“Andyouaren’t entitled to his affection.”
“Why you—!” Her hand raised, but in a split moment, she stilled herself, realizing her mistake. Her arms dropped to her side. “Don’t test me, druid. You have only just come into this falsity of power. I was born into this court. You do not want me as an enemy.”
“Your threats have no strength with me.”
She chuckled, revealing her most honest smile yet. “We shall see.”
In the evenings, the druid was returned to his room and, mercifully, Ruicá left him to his devices. He was never surprised when she did not bring supper, and he changed himself into his nightgown. It did not unsettle him; rather, he enjoyed the quiet and the lonesome. He had not had many moments of his own since coming to Rhyd-hal, and wondered if he should have them again. Since being saddled with his new attendant, he had hardly a moment of peace and certainly no freedom.
He hated to think the Sun Matron right about anything, but he could not deny her words.
To be Queen…
It was easier, he thought, to be captive.
A sound at the door stirred him, and he glanced over to see Halla scurrying in with a tray. His stomach growled in acknowledgment as the warm scent of spice hit him.
“You’re back,” he said.
“Aye, wee’un,” she said with a gentle smile. She placed the tray on the table and came beside the bed where he sat, folded up. She touched his face and checked his complexion, taking in the glassy look in his eyes. “Ye’ve not been sleepin’ well.”
