Nessa drained the cup in one go, then turned to Cormac."I need to speak to ye.Privately."
Cormac raised a brow and nodded."Aye.Give me a moment."He looked at Una.She gave him a warm smile.
"Take yer time," she said.
***
IN HIS CHAMBER, NESSAspoke low."I'm here with our parents because the Ruthvens are here.They've petitioned the king for a hearing to force ye to accept the betrothal contract between ye and Annag."
Cormac cursed under his breath."I cannot believe they would push this to the king."
"Aye, well, it has me worried.Be prepared if ye are summoned on the morrow."
"Thank ye, sprite.I'm glad ye always know what is happening before most people do."
"What are baby sisters for?"she replied.
Cormac shook his head."Come, let us rejoin the others."
"Is everything all right?"Una asked, when he sat back down beside her.
"Matters to be settled," he said."Nothing that cannot wait until the morning."He refilled her cup."Nessa, stay for supper."
Nessa stayed, and as the night wore on, she and Una became firm friends.
***
WHEN NESSA LEFT, ESCORTEDback toward her parents' rooms in the south wing by her long-suffering guardsman, Guntar appeared to announce the baths were ready.Hot water had been sent up to both chambers, the tubs waiting.
The men took their leave.Hilde collected the last of the supper things, gave Una a small nod on her way out, and then they were gone.
Cormac and Una stood alone in the drawing room.
He looked at her."Ye are not going to ask?"he said.
"I am going to bathe," she replied."And then sleep in a warm bed with my husband.And tomorrow ye are going to tell me everything."
Cormac grinned."I doubt there'll be much sleeping tonight, wife."
She blushed, picked up her candle, and went through to their chamber.He followed and closed the door.The night was finally theirs.
***
