over and took his hand. "Well, even for your rough night's sleep, you look much better than you did yesterday."
"I could use more of those seeds but I do feel much brighter, it's true. This is how it is. I suffer and then it gets better."
"Your eye - ?"
"No," he cut her off. "That will not regain its sight. I will have to get used to turning my head to see in all directions."
The moment felt suddenly awkward. Lily pushed her bowl forward. "Most delicious, thank you. So, what's the next part of your grand plan? Please don't tell me we're going to the palace."
"We'll have to at some point, I'm sure. But not immediately. I was on a mission when I met you and although in the space of a day I've been captured, married and had my blood tasted by a ghoul, I'd still like to complete it."
She took a sip from the cup of dinch that he'd poured while she ate. "To find this man, Clovis. You mentioned him last night."
He nodded. "I'm sorry I talked so much."
Lily smiled. "You have no idea how pleasant it was."
"Truly?"
"Yes. I've lived with a man who says little. All the information I glean, I learn from his closest friend who knows everything about him."
Kirin nodded. "But you love him," he finished.
"He's a good man." She smiled ruefully. "I know that sounds odd given his occupation but..."
"You don't have to explain," Kirin said gently. "He's a fortunate man."
"An irate one now, I imagine, looking for me. He won't leave any stone unturned. I know Kilt."
"He's going to have to chase us across the compass then," Kirin warned.
"Kirin, why can't we part now? I can head back and - "
He shook his head. "I'm sorry, I know it seems unfair but Vulpan warned he was going to mention us to the emperor. We have to stick together for now for the story to work. We have to act married, for a bit longer, Lily. Vulpan is suspicious and also vicious. Once the dust has settled on the surprise of my sudden marriage, we can have a huge public argument and you can be rid of me."
She looked down, feeling ashamed. "I didn't mean it like that."
"I know you didn't but I need to impress upon you that this is only the beginning of our ruse. If we are to keep your life safe, and mine, we have to continue this charade for a while longer."
"Then why not go straight back to the palace now?"
"Because I have to find Clovis. I told Freath I would. And as he's probably back at the palace already, having made up a story for my absence, it would be unwise for me to turn up so soon. No, it's best I press ahead and try and find Piven. At least it helps the cause."
She looked at him sadly. "Last night you seemed unsure of whether the cause was worth it."
He looked self-conscious. "I was obviously in a maudlin mood. This morning I feel as though I need to be more supportive of Freath, of Faris...even you. You've given up your life to protect a child." He shrugged. "I must finish what I began."
"What if you don't find Piven?"
"I have to believe we will. Clovis was sure he had found him. We simply have to find Clovis."
Lily nodded. He was right.
"All done?" a voice asked. The innkeeper's wife stood by their table, smiling down at them.
Kirin reacted quickly, beaming at Lily and then at the woman. "Thank you, it was all very nice." He kissed Lily's hand, staring at her as if he couldn't bear to tear his eyes away. "We'll be on our way now," he said finally. "Back to real life."
The woman laughed. "Not staying for the Newlywed celebrations on the green?"
"Er, no," Lily replied, pushing back her chair and standing but maintaining an indulgent smile for the woman. "I think my husband and I have celebrated long and hard."
The woman chortled and Lily blushed at the innuendo she hadn't intended. Even Kirin grinned. Lily recomposed herself. It didn't matter what this woman thought. "It's time to head home," she said firmly.
"Where's home?" the innkeeper's wife asked.
"South," Kirin said, cutting off any further inquiry by taking Lily's hand again. "Come, Mrs. Felt. I see you're all packed," he said, glancing at Lily's small bundle. "I've had the horses brought round. Good day to you," he said to the woman, "and our thanks again for all the