“Oh, my seas!” Aerity screamed. “It was you all along!”
“What do you mean?” Wyneth laughed as her cousin danced around her, clapping her hands before stopping in front of her.
“The mystery love of Harrison’s life is solved!” Aerity sang. “He told me while we were away together, but I never suspected. What with Breckon . . .”
Both girls lost their smiles. Wyneth couldn’t look at her now. Was it wrong to feel this way for her lost love’s cousin? His best friend?
“Wyn, you don’t need to feel bad. I daresay you’d have Breckon’s blessing.”
Wyneth swallowed the onslaught of stupid tears that threatened. “Perhaps,” she whispered. “And as if things weren’t complicated enough, Lief saw us kissing and acted like a jealous ogre.”
“He has no right!”
Again, Wyneth’s heart felt as if it were stretching and collapsing, like a tug-of-war being played in her chest. The look on Lief’s face . . . She hadn’t wanted to hurt him, but the two of them were never meant to be.
“Do not feel guilty about Lief, Wyn,” Aerity said softly. When Wyneth didn’t respond, the princess went on. “I wasn’tgoing to tell you this, but now I think I must.”
Oh, no. Wyneth looked into her cousin’s serious eyes, wondering what had happened.
“Lief slept with my maid, Caitrin.”
A bout of nausea kicked Wyneth in the stomach. It made her jealous and sad and disgusted all at once. She shook her head, unsure what to do next. Furball grunted and came over, nudging her hand until she absentmindedly scratched his head.
“I’m sorry,” Aerity said. “Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“No.” Wyneth stood taller. “I’m glad you did. I’ve known all along what Lief is like. He’s not the type to change his ways for any woman. He is who he is, and I was foolish to have allowed affections to grow between us in the first place.” Her heart absolutely ached.
Until she thought of Harrison. That familiar comfort wrapped itself around her like silk. She closed her eyes. Helovedher.
“That must have been some kiss.”
When Wyneth opened her eyes, Aerity was watching her, grinning.
“I didn’t think I could ever feel that way again. I mean, I know it hasn’t been long . . . since Breckon was killed, but so much has happened since the summer. Sometimes it feels as if he’s been gone for years.”
They were quiet a moment, and then Wyneth asked,“Will you still marry Lief? Even if your parents . . .” Wyneth shook her head. “No, I know they will return. I’m sorry.”
“I still have to keep my end of the agreement,” Aerity responded quietly. “Ascomanni will make sure of it.” Aerity sighed, making Wyneth wish she could take some of that burden from her cousin’s shoulders.
“Wyn?” Aerity’s eyes looked so much older in that moment. “What if my parents don’t return? I have this terrible feeling.”
She took Aerity’s hands again. “We must continue to hope until we know for certain.”
Aerity turned to stare out at the gray morning. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this. I thought I’d have years to prepare for my role as queen. I feel unqualified.”
Wyneth could not even begin to imagine. “It’s too heavy a burden for you to have to shoulder, Aer, but you’re doingwonderfully. What happened here yesterday was nothing short of a miracle from the seas. I felt a sense of peace and excitement in the air that I haven’t felt since the summer festival, before all this madness began. Youmustcontinue to have faith and be strong.”
The weight of the burden didn’t leave Aerity’s frame, but she lifted her chin in a show of strength. “Will you accompany me to the meeting?”
“Aye. I won’t leave your side.”
“Thank you.” They took hands and headed to the door until Aerity pulled her to a stop. “And I’m happy for you. Andfor Harrison. You deserve each other.”
Wyneth smiled, flushing with warmth. She clicked her tongue. “Come, Furball.”
Together, the three of them left to face the day, whatever it might bring.
Chapter
