Cormac felt pride at those words.
"Well, she'll find out soon enough that I am not just a friend working in the castle," the king said."Let's hope she does not petition for an annulment too soon."
They all laughed.The king reached for the jug and refilled both cups.
"There is a gathering in the main court this evening.Nothing formal, just a few select families."He looked at Cormac directly."I want yer wife in attendance."
Cormac thought of Una that morning: pressing her lips together over the ring tray, looking at the fabric and calculating its cost, moving around the chamber like a woman not yet certain the room belonged to her.
"She will be there," he replied.
The king settled back and they moved on to more informal matters.
***
BACK IN THEIR CHAMBERS, Hilde arrived at mid-morning with the first of the gown fittings, just the shell of the green dress for pinning, and Una was grateful for the distraction.They worked for an hour, Una giving feedback that Hilde relayed to the seamstress's assistant.
Cormac returned at noon.He ate the food Guntar set out, spoke to Seumas in low tones, and glanced at Una several times with a warm smile.
It was Nessa who arrived in the early afternoon with the news.
She swept in with her guardsman trailing, her eyes bright."There is to be a gathering in the main court this evening.We are invited to attend."She looked at Una."That includes ye."
Una set down her cup."A gathering."
"Aye.It will be a lovely way to introduce ye to court life."
"I will be mixing with nobles?"
"Aye.Among others."
"I dinnae think I should attend.I am just a seamstress from a small village."
"Ye are Cormac Stewart's wife," Nessa replied briskly, "and ye will attend as his wife."She paused, and something in her expression softened."I mean that kindly, Una.Ye are part of our family now and the court needs to see ye."
To be considered family so soon felt strangely wonderful.Una looked at Cormac.
"Are we to attend?"
"Aye, love.I was going to tell ye but Nessa beat me to it.Ye have been invited especially and there is nothing to fear.As my wife, yer place is by my side."He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles."I would also like ye to meet my friend."
She took a sharp breath and slowly exhaled."All right.But I will need time to ready myself."
"Good," Nessa said."My lady's maid can help ye dress.And if ye mean to remain in the castle longer, ye should probably have a maid of yer own."
"I can dress myself," Una said.
"Of course ye can," Nessa replied."But ye'll need someone who knows the way court ladies dress."She sat down.
Una looked at Cormac.He nodded."Aye, 'tis true, love.Ye'll need assistance donning court garments.Dinnae fash, I already have Hilde searching for a lass who will suit ye.Ye get to choose, of course.In the meantime, Nessa's maid can assist ye."
"Ye've already seen to it?"Una asked."Thank ye, husband."
"Una, sweeting, I would do anything for ye."
Overwhelmed by his words, Una leaned across and kissed him.Cormac returned it with ardor.They forgot they had an audience until Nessa cleared her throat loudly.Una blushed as they separated.Cormac glared at his sister for interrupting.Nessa smirked back.
Soon Una's smile faded as the reality settled over her.Cormac had done so much.The last thing she wanted was to embarrass him or his family with her simple ways.She had a great deal to learn about this new life, and that worried her.She was frowning before she realized.
