"Or worse, imprisoned," Nessa replied.
"Either way, I dinnae pity the man.But that does nae mean I can marry his sister."
"Cormac!"Their father's voice boomed across the hall."Stop whispering with Nessa and come join us.Now that ye're here, we need to discuss yer future."
"I dinnae have time for this," Cormac replied, already backing toward the door."I have to return to my men.I've important matters to see to that ye interrupted with yer lies."
"Surely yer friends can spare ye for a few days," his mother said, finally abandoning her argument about the tapestry."Whatever ye are doing cannot be that important!"
If only they knew,Cormac thought.But he couldn't tell them.His work as the Shadow was a secret, known only to the king and his closest advisors.Except for Nessa, as far as the rest of his family and clan were concerned, Cormac was just a travelling bard and occasional hired sword.
"Ma, Da, I appreciate the thought," Cormac said, trying for diplomacy."But I've told ye before – I have no interest in taking a wife.Not now.Not ever."
"But there are so many lovely lassies who could give ye bairns and make ye happy," his mother protested."And the Ruthven lass is suitable.Her father has extensive lands, good connections, and a most agreeable temperament."
"I dinnae care," Cormac replied."I'm not marrying her."
"If ye would only meet her," his father said, standing and moving toward him."Just meet her.What's the harm in that?"
"The harm is that ye'll take it as encouragement.Ye'll start planning a wedding, and I'll end up shackled to some wench I dinnae ken."
"That's how most marriages work, son," his father pointed out.
"Not mine," Cormac replied firmly.
He could see his mother gearing up for another argument, but before she could launch into it, Nessa touched his arm.
"Stay for tonight at least," she said softly."Ye've ridden hard to get here.Rest, refresh, eat a proper meal, and leave in the morning if ye must."
Cormac looked at his sister's earnest face and felt his resolve weakening.She was right; he was exhausted from the ride, and his horse needed rest as badly as he did.
"All right," he replied grudgingly."One night.But I'm leaving at first light, and I'm not meeting this Ruthven woman."
"Of course not," his mother replied, her smile too sweet to be trusted."Whatever ye say, dear."
Cormac recognized that tone.It was the same one she'd used when he was a child and she'd promised not to make him drink the healer's ghastly tinctures, just before she shoved them down his throat.
He was no fool, but he was suddenly too tired to argue anymore.
"I need a drink, a bath, and a bed," he muttered, heading toward the table.
His mother cried out with delight."Wonderful, then ye'll stay for now.Come join us for a meal.I'll have a maid prepare yer bed and bath."
"Welcome home, brother.Welcome home," Ninian laughed from behind him.
***
