a love match.”
“I think it was, but it didn’t end well for them. Apparently, one of their neighbors was convinced they had a mighty power between them and wanted it. When they wouldn’t do as he bid, he slew them.”
“Tragic,” Ruith murmured.
“And not at all what I was looking for,” Sarah said grimly. “It isn’t as if I can travel to meet this pair and have answers from them that Soilléir won’t give me, is it? I am left to myself to learn what I can from the books Soilléir gave me.”
“I could attempt to intimidate Eachdraidh for you tomorrow, if you like.”
“I’m not sure you’ll have any more success than I did, but you’re welcome to try.” She looked up at him. “Are you finished with your training in truth?”
“I could spend a year here and not be finished,” he said with a sigh, “but Uachdaran was afraid any more of his tender ministrations might kill me.”
She smiled. “You’re not serious.”
Ruith smiled in return. “Those were his words, and he was certainly serious. For myself, I’ll say that ... well, I’ll say that it was time well, if not pleasantly, spent.”
“I’m not sure I want to know what you’ve been fighting the last three days.”
“You don’t,” he agreed, “which is why I wouldn’t let you back through the door after I pushed you out of it.” He shivered, no doubt in spite of himself. “I do not want to know where he’s learned what he’s learned and if I meet one of those spells again, it will be too soon. But,” he said brightly, “’tis done and I’m the stronger for it. The king has called us to his solar for a parley and then I believe we’ll have the opportunity for more dancing tonight.”
“If you can stay awake for it.”
“I wasn’t asleep last night. I was resting my eyes.”
“I saved you from planting your face in your soup, Your Highness.”
“A feat for which I am most grateful, my lady,” he said politely. “Even if I’ll bear the bruise from your elbow in my ribs for some time to come.”
She laughed a little, then felt her smile fade abruptly. “I’m not sure the king will be pleased with me.”
“And what terrible thing have you done?” he asked gently.
“I fear I made free with the king’s map.”
“I know. That’s why I came to fetch you. Well, other than I missed you.”
She looked up at him quickly. “Is he angry?”
“Curious,” Ruith said. He slid her a look. “You’ve marked the locations of the pages, haven’t you?”
She could only nod.
“Have you been dreaming them?”
“I don’t have to any longer.”
He closed his eyes briefly, then stopped and pulled her into his arms. “Ah, Sarah,” he said, his voice full of pity. “I’m so sorry, my love.”
“’Tis a gift, or so says Soilléir.”
“He would say as much, being who he is.” He held her close for several minutes in silence. “I’m sorry I haven’t attended you as I should have recently.”
“I don’t need a keeper, Ruith.”
“A betrothed, then?”
“Not when he might be a man who has eight princesses left to seek out,” she said, pulling away from him and feeling profoundly flustered.
“Seven.”
“Oh, very well, seven, then,” she said, grumbling because it was easier than facing the fact that he seemed to be quite serious about his offer. She took him by the hand and pulled. “Let’s go.”
He didn’t argue. He also didn’t let go of her hand as he opened the door to the king’s solar and led her inside. Sarah found Uachdaran standing at his map table, studying it. He looked up and smiled when he saw her.
“Sarah, gel,” he said. “I trust you’ve passed your time pleasantly today.”
“Forgive me,” Sarah said, gesturing toward the table. “I was restless. I should have asked leave to trim your map before I took the liberty.”
“Of course you shouldn’t have, as I gave you leave earlier to be free with my things. The map was simply sitting here, waiting for some fierce strategy to be planned upon its surface.” He shot her a quick smile. “In case you’re wondering why I have this here, I believe ’tis always best to be prepared when you have a world’s ransom in gems hiding in your cellar. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Absolutely,” she said faintly.
“I’m curious, though, what sort of battle you have planned here,” he said slowly. “You seem to have chosen two kinds of stones, which I’m assuming represent two different things? I hesitate to ask the details of