A brisk wind whistled across the hilltop, bringing with it scents from the downs and a haunting suggestion of the forest in the distance. White birds hung almost motionless in the air above, their wings balancing against the unseen force.
Robert studied them without moving, afraid they would detect his presence and fly off. But his caution was unfounded as Micah cantered up the hill behind him, and the birds remained in the air.
‘Serin’s breath, but that can’t be Selar’s army already?’
Robert followed Micah’s gaze out across the hills in the distance where the forest came to an end. A thin black line crossed from the trees to the western downs, a river passing through the only flat land for leagues. Beyond the water were small specks; men and horses, building fires, making camp. No more than five hundred of them.
‘No. Selar has sent an advance party to stake out his claim to the battlefield. He’s decided that’s where we’ll fight.’
‘It’s a good enough spot.’
‘It’s the only spot. I had Murdoch come out here yesterday. We’re only eight leagues from the border. Murdoch said the river flows west for a bit, then angles back through the hills towards the sea. It’s wide but shallow enough for a man to walk through.’
‘Then it’s no real barrier.’
‘No.’
Yes, it was a good spot. With the forest for protection on the right, the hills on the left, the only place to fight, the only area big enough to move troops around in, was the plain in the centre. A captive space upon which to decide the fate of a nation?
He smiled at the fanciful thought. This place was as good as any.
‘Is the land there dry?’ Micah asked, still watching the soldiers, though they were too far away to make out any detail.
‘Mostly, though a little boggy in places. Rocky too. All to our advantage.’ He turned to look at Micah. Now the brown dye was gone, the red curly hair was ruffled by the wind, his beard trimmed along his jawline. He was his old self. At least, on the outside.
Micah blinked and shot a glance at him. ‘Now that’s a stupid question. I’m looking at a battlefield where, in less than two days, we’ll both be fighting for our lives. I didn’t think dancing and singing would be appropriate.’
Robert grinned. ‘Oh, I don’t know.’
Micah didn’t smile. Instead he looked back to the river.
‘Come on, Micah. I’m supposed to be the one who bottles things up.’
Now Micah laughed, though it was harsh and bitter – completely unlike him, which made Robert frown. ‘Tell me.’
For a long second, Micah said nothing, then, his mouth set in a grim line, he said, ‘Nash has been planning on facing you for more years than you’ve lived. He undoubtedly knows more of the prophecy than you do, his army is twice ours and who knows how many Malachi are with him. I don’t doubt your skills. Let’s face it, I’ve seen a lot more of what you can do than he has, but all the same, he won’t let you survive this.’
‘And if I don’t?’ Robert murmured under the wind.
At that, Micah’s gaze rose to meet his, both anguished and frustrated at the same time. ‘I’m serious.’
‘So am I. What happens if I don’t survive?’ When Micah didn’t reply, Robert continued, ‘It’s not the sword that will kill you, my friend, but the fear of it. Face it. Now, while you can. What if I don’t survive? There’s nothing in the prophecy that says I must.’
‘But you don’t believe in the prophecy!’
Robert reached out and caught his arm, waiting until Micah looked up again before speaking. ‘Micah, you will survive without me.’
‘But … ’
‘That’s not a request.’
Micah held his gaze for a moment, then an involuntary smile broke through and Robert responded with one of his own.
‘Don’t worry so much, Micah, or I’ll start to think you’ve been taking lessons from our dear Bishop.’
‘Now there’s a thought.’
‘Don’t you dare.’ Robert turned his horse to look south. From up here he could just see the fringe of his army making camp in a wide valley. The forest stood to his left now, curving away from this point. There would be good shelter for his camp here, below this hill. They could make the distance easily over the next day, be settled in long before dark, get rested and prepared for the battle. Yes, despite all the odds, the timing – and a lot of other things – had fallen very nicely into place.
‘And Micah?’
‘Yes?’
‘You just make sure that you do survive.’
An aggrieved sigh partnered the wind. ‘Oh well, if you insist.’
*
Aiden squeezed between two chairs and took his seat at the opposite end of the table to Robert. The pavilion was about as full as it could be without the sides actually bulging – and warm with it, despite the evening chill.
Outside, the army was encamped, fires already lit for cooking, beds made. The tone had changed subtly since Robert had joined them. More confident. More … certain. So far everything seemed to be going well – though it was sure Selar’s spies had done their work well.
As the last men took their seats, Robert brought the meeting to order, his voice raised to gain quiet.
‘As you know, I’ve been out to view the battlefield. It’s not good, but we can make a few adjustments.’
Aiden quietly reached forward for the flask of wine and poured himself a cup. He let his gaze drift up the table, watching for the expressions, the unvoiced worries. They were all here, the magnates, knights and barons who’d thrown their lot in with the Outlaw. McGlashen and Payne, Bergan Dunn and Robert’s friends from Dunlorn. Micah, as usual, had a seat to Robert’s left, set apart from the table: aide as well as personal guard, a role he would allow no other man to take.
Inevitably, Aiden’s gaze rested on the young girl seated to Robert’s right. Galiena had attended every one of these meetings, perfectly attentive and yet gravely silent. She seemed too young to be shouldering such responsibility.
Robert continued, ‘As soon as it’s dark, a squad of fifty men will approach the battlefield with picks and spades. They’ll dig trenches along the line of the river, then cover them over. When Selar’s cavalry charges, they won’t stop to see what condition the ground is in.’
‘But surely the advance guard will see them work?’ Dunn queried.
‘They’ll be invisible.’
A moment’s silence at this, then Abbot Chester said, ‘With the use of sorcery?’
‘Yes.’ Robert’s reply was short and he went on, ‘We have only five hundred cavalry ourselves, but our archers are more than double the enemy’s. Another squad tonight will dig trenches halfway up the hill nearest the river. Tomorrow night, we’ll hide two hundred archers there. When Selar’s army crosses the river, they will be harassed from behind as well as in front.’
‘What about the forest?’ McGlashen grunted, folding his thick hands on the table. ‘Selar is bound to make use of it.’
‘I’ll come to that in a moment. As for the rest, we’ll go as we’ve already discussed. The army will be split into three forces, advancing as planned. The first will be commanded by Dunn, the other by McGlashen. The rest of you will fight alongside your own men. I know it’s not customary, but we’ll maintain better discipline and cohesion. Our weakest point is our rear, so a third force of five hundred archers will remain in reserve and guard the camp.’
‘That’s stretching our forces pretty thin,’ Payne added.
‘We have sufficient for the job. The valley is not wide enough to have fifteen thousand men all fighting at once – and besides, I want the Sadlani mercenaries to join first. The fewer Lusarans our men have to face, the happier we’ll all be.’
‘But you can’t guarantee Selar will send the hired hands across first,’ McGlashen pointed out. ‘What if he doesn’t?’
‘He will.’
‘But … ’
‘He will. Selar will want to treat with me first. I know it’s hard to believe, but I can be fairly persuasive when I want to be.’
Muffled laughter greeted this comment and most of the men settled back, a little more relaxed.
Abbot Chester, however, had other ideas. ‘I’m sorry, your Grace, but you did say you weren’t planning to use sorcery in this battle. Was that another lie?’
Robert said nothing for a moment. Then, carefully, he leaned forward, folding his arms on the table. His voice, his expression, his words, all spoke of a great inner calm – and not a man present was immune to it.
‘Not a lie, Father Abbot. It was the truth – then. Now I’ve seen the field, I know where our weaknesses lie. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but I would rather use a little sorcery to increase our odds of success than hold back and risk defeat. I received a letter today, from Tirone of Mayenne. He is finally prepared to await the outcome of our battle before making any decision. He admits – and our scouts have verified – that he has forty thousand men ready to repel any invasion. Though the terms were cloaked, I’m convinced Tirone is prepared to invade Lusara if we fail to stop Selar.’
Abrupt murmurs were quickly silenced as Robert continued, ‘There will be little time for sorcery during the battle. My … colleagues are as prepared to fight with swords as other weapons. They are also skilled in repelling sorcery that may be used against us – and I promise you, it will come, in some form. But we are not helpless in that area either.’
‘The forest?’ McGlashen enquired. Though the big man rarely smiled, Aiden was quite certain he was enjoying himself.
‘Yes, the forest.’ Robert stood and took the map Micah handed him, laying it out on the table before him. ‘You see here the line of the river, the area where Selar will camp, the battlefield and the forest. We will camp behind it, allowing it to shield us from both the field and Selar’s army. There have always been strange stories about Shan Moss, and they give us a unique opportunity. Tonight and tomorrow night, we will place inside the forest, along the edge closest to the river, fifty men armed with a few innocuous tools.’
‘More sorcery?’ Chester groaned.
‘Actually, no.’ Robert ventured a smile. ‘These men, using sheets of white cloth and certain noise-making instruments, will convince the opposing soldiers that there are indeed demons and monsters inhabiting the forest. Since everybody in the country knows I’m a sorcerer, the enemy will assume the worst. Coupled with that, three of my colleagues have volunteered to hide themselves in Selar’s army overnight and spread tales of the size of Tirone’s army – and what they saw in the woods and how, on the battlefield, the gravest horrors will be brought against them from the pits of hell.’
Laughter had already sprung up before Robert had finished, and even Chester betrayed a grudging smile.
‘We will play upon existing fears, Father Abbot,’ Robert said easily. ‘And perhaps, in the process, we can save a few lives.’
‘That’s very sneaky.’ Payne grinned.
‘Why thank you. Any other questions?’
When none were forthcoming, Robert looked down the table at Aiden. ‘Our good Bishop here will say mass before the battle and oversee the work of the healers, along with my mother.’
He said nothing for a moment and his silence brought all eyes back to him.
‘I know you have dreams of putting me on the throne,’ Robert murmured into the quiet, his voice infused with a passion greater than Aiden had heard from him before. ‘And you know how I feel about that. I am prepared to accept if there is no other alternative, but I want you to remember, to understand: our purpose here is to stop Selar crossing the border. In the end, it won’t matter how we achieve it – only that we do.’
‘We’re agreed on that, Robert,’ McGlashen began, but Robert held up his hand to silence the Duke.
‘What none of you seem to have considered – and which you now must – is what will happen if I fall.’
For some reason, Aiden’s gaze was drawn not to Galiena nor any of the others around the table, but to Micah. He sat forward, his face a mask of intensity, absorbing Robert’s next words.
‘I will not stop until I have achieved my purpose, but if I die in the process, you must fight on. Our men have their hearts set right. They know why they’re here. Lead them and lead them well. They will not fail you – as I know you will not fail me. Now,’ he paused, his voice gentle, ‘go to your supper, be with your men. Make the most of the peace. With the grace of the gods, in three day’s time, we will enjoy it again and for many years to come.’
‘Amen,’ Aiden added, joined resoundingly by every other voice. Slowly, one by one, they rose and left, their comments loud after the recent quiet. Aiden stood and gained Micah’s side. Keeping his voice low, he said, ‘He is not doomed to fail, you know.’
Micah frowned and turned so Robert, busy at the table, couldn’t see his expression. ‘I’m sorry, Father, but I have such a bad feeling about this.’
‘What kind of feeling?’
He lowered his voice further. ‘I wish I could explain. It’s Robert – there’s something about him.’ He glanced over his shoulder and frowned again. ‘Or perhaps it’s just me.’
He met Aiden’s gaze as though he would say something more, but then abruptly he hid his thoughts behind a smile. ‘I’m sorry. Pre-battle jitters. I’ll be fine – and don’t worry, I won’t let him see it.’
Only a little comforted, Aiden nodded, gave his shoulder a companionable squeeze and headed out into the night. His stomach was growling and if he didn’t get some supper soon, it would start to embarrass him.
*
Robert took one last look at the map, then rolled it up and put it away. All the others had gone, leaving only Micah and Arlie. And Galiena. She kept her seat, composed as always. She’d not said a word during the meeting – nor any other that he’d had since rejoining the army, but she’d listened to every word.
‘I suppose, my lord,’ she said evenly, her hazel eyes grave, ‘now would not be a good time to change your mind and turn back.’
‘Your Grace,’ Arlie began to protest, but Robert interrupted.
‘Don’t get all excited. My wife is joking.’
Arlie eyed Robert with asperity. ‘I can’t tell you how sorry I am to hear that. No offence, your Grace.’
Galiena nodded. ‘None taken.’
Robert picked up the wine jug and moved to refill her cup. ‘Arlie finds this waiting excruciating. He’s never been part of an army before.’
‘I think you’ll find, my lord,’ Micah said, ‘nearly half your men are in the same boat.’
‘Big boat.’ Robert smiled so only Galiena could see. A slight shifting of her eyes acknowledged his remark. She rarely smiled. He turned back to Micah. ‘Damned odd about Vaughn, though, don’t you think? I can’t say I’m sorry he’s gone, but I had my hopes pinned on removing him myself. And Osbert is now Proctor. I should think he’s a happy man. I just hope Godfrey is careful. Living in the midst of the spider’s web is a dangerous job.’
‘By the sound of it,’ Micah ventured, ‘he may win some protection from Osbert. Even with his elevation, it doesn’t seem the new Proctor is any more popular than the last one.’
‘No.’ Robert paused by the brazier and scratched his chin. ‘What kind of rotation are your people using, Arlie?’
‘I have six Seekers patrolling our northern perimeter at all times, one league out. Two more keep track of the south. All of them are trained in combat. They each work in eight-hour shifts, giving full coverage, night and day. If Nash should try and sneak up on us, we’ll know.’
‘I want the patrols increased tomorrow. Double the men along the south. Put Murdoch with them. He’s had battle experience.’
‘Any particular reason?’ Micah asked.
‘Yes.’ Robert looked up. ‘Some time between now and engaging the enemy, when he thinks we’re not looking, Nash will have worked a squad to come around our flank, possibly using the forest as cover, and most likely under cover of darkness, to harass and keep our men from their sleep. From dawn tomorrow, Arlie, I want you to make that your personal task. Ride with the vanguard, tell them what to expect – and fill in as much detail as you like about how only a sneaking worm of a general would do such a thing.’
‘Or even think of it?’ Micah replied, deadpan.
Arlie laughed – then abruptly stifled it.
‘Go on, off with both of you. Stop by the Bishop’s tent and tell him I’ll be in to see him after supper,’ Robert told them.
Still chuckling, Arlie took Micah’s arm and herded him out of the tent. Robert looked at Galiena to find she was trying hard not to laugh.
‘I’m sorry, my lord,’ she murmured, hiding her smile with her hand. ‘Sometimes your men are terribly disrespectful. They didn’t see me laughing, I promise.’
He reached out and took her hand away. ‘It would have been good for them if they had. That’s a smile that should be seen.’
Her gaze dropped suddenly. ‘Forgive me, my lord.’
With a sigh, Robert drew her out of her seat. ‘You silly girl. I’m not angry with you. In fact, I’m very proud of you.’
‘Of course!’ He put her hand into the crook of his elbow and led her across the tent to their private chambers. A dining area and two smaller rooms led off: as civilised as a battle camp could be. ‘I thought we might have supper together tonight.’
The table was laid out already and they sat.
‘Forgive me, my lord, but … ’
‘You,’ Robert paused, pouring wine for her, ‘must call me Robert. Nothing else.’
She said nothing, only studied him with her usual composure a little ruffled. She made no move to drink her wine. He filled her plate from the dishes set out before them, then filled his own. Still she said nothing.
‘Are you not hungry?’
Galiena shook her head. ‘Am I supposed to understand?’
‘What?’
‘You.’
Robert raised his eyebrows. ‘Why? Do you think you should?’
‘Does anybody?’
‘Micah – though he claims he doesn’t. Bishop McCauly makes great noises about how he can read me like a book
‘That’s not what I mean and you know it.’ She swallowed nervously. ‘Please … Robert, I’d like an answer.’
He met her gaze then and put his knife down, resting his arms across the table in front of him. ‘My dear, I don’t understand me, so I’m never surprised when nobody else does.’
‘Another evasion.’
‘Yes.’
‘Why?’
‘My, you are persistent, aren’t you?’
‘No less than you.’
His gaze narrowed. ‘Funny, I never thought of myself as persistent.’
‘How else would you produce seven evasions in a row in order to avoid answering a simple question?’
‘You’re counting?’
‘Eight.’
He burst out laughing and only a hurried mouthful of wine sobered him. She was still watching him, waiting for another evasion. He took one more sip, then said, ‘No, you’re not supposed to understand.’
‘Thank you.’ She sat back and picked up a piece of bread, began to nibble on it. Not once did she take her eyes from him. ‘I didn’t think you’d give in.’
‘How could I not?’ Robert resumed eating. ‘We’re not at war, you and I. Are we?’
‘That’s a good question.’
He looked up with a frown, but she turned her attention to the meal, feigning interest in her food. He watched her for a moment, then continued his supper in silence. She didn’t say another word, so when he finished eating, he refilled his cup and sat back.
She resembled her mother enough to hide the shape of her father’s eyes. Her hair was a rich auburn and curled around her forehead despite all efforts to stop it. She moved with an inborn grace and elegance she was blind to – but her mind was something else again.
Selar had never been a dullard – nor had Rosalind, for that matter. But it seemed their daughter had inherited more than they alone could have given her – not to mention a healthy measure of courage, determination and … something else he couldn’t quite define. If a man had to have a wife forced upon him by circumstance, he could do worse than this. Much worse indeed.
She knew he was watching her and a slow blush grew from the collar of her gown right to her forehead. She wouldn’t look up. ‘Please don’t.’
‘What?’
‘You know what I’m talking about.’
‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘But this is so strange for me. I remember when you were born. If my first wife hadn’t died, I would have had a son almost your age.’
‘And it’s not strange for me?’ Her eyes flickered over his then back to her wine. ‘Especially with … what … ’
‘What my mother spoke to you about?’ he whispered.
She nodded. ‘I want to understand. You remember when I was born. You think you’re so much older than me and you’ll always think of me as a child. I’ll be seventeen in a few months. Most girls my age are married by now, sometimes to men much older than you. They don’t see their wives as children.’
‘Yes, perhaps I do see you as a child,’ he murmured, ‘but that’s not the reason.’
‘I know,’ she glanced up again, ‘but if I’m to give you nothing but my name, will you at least allow me to understand why?’
He closed his eyes and put his head back. There was only one way to answer her questions, and that was to tell her the truth. It was a painful truth, but one which, after all, he owed her.
He came to his feet and held out his hand. ‘Come, let’s go for a walk. I’ll tell you all about it.’
*
The camp was dark but friendly, warm and inviting in places, rowdy and boisterous in others. When someone recognised them, peace reigned, punctuated by quietly called greetings, which Robert was glad to return. Music floated up from a dozen different fires, sometimes singing, and there was enough laughter to make him relax a little.
‘I’ve known since the age of nine that I was a sorcerer,’ he began quietly, keeping his voice pitched so she alone could hear him. ‘Being so young, I had no real idea of what it would one day mean. But before I could begin to understand, I was given a prophecy and a weapon of such incredible force that I would be unable to avoid my destiny. Understanding that small fact should go a long way to explaining most of what I’ve wasted my life doing.’
Galiena looked up at him, but said nothing.
‘As was usual for one of my birth, I was betrothed at an early age. When your father conquered Lusara, the wedding was put off. Eventually, once I’d proven myself to him, I was given my liberty and married Berenice.’
‘What was she like?’
‘Delightful,’ he answered simply. ‘Quiet and thoughtful, funny at times. Very caring. My people at Dunlorn thought the world of her. Even my brother Finnlay gave her his open respect. If you knew him, you’d understand how rare that is.’
‘And did you love her?’
Love?
The way he loved …
‘I think I did. We were happy when we were together – which wasn’t often. I spent too much time at court, trying to keep your father under control. And then, Berenice got with child.’
He came to a halt at the end of the camp. Beyond was darkness, lit only by a pale moon filtered with blue cloud, dusty and damp. Sentries patrolled the boundary, but he could see nothing of them. ‘I returned one night from court, having lost my position on your father’s council. Berenice was ill with a fever and the doctor was concerned. She was delirious, in a lot of pain, and I wanted to help her. I couldn’t bear to see her like that. Some sorcerers have an ability to relieve pain, so I dismissed the doctor and took her hand. I did my best and, for a few minutes, it seemed to work. Her fever cleared a little and she looked at me with recognition. Then suddenly, before I could do anything about it, she cried out, holding the child in her belly. I felt the power wrenched out of me, twisted and dark, coursing through her body as though something else were controlling it. Within a minute, she was dead.’
No, retelling the story did nothing to ease it, no matter how calmly he spoke.
‘Oh, Robert!’ Galiena breathed. ‘How awful!’
He turned to look at her, but her horror was not directed at him, but the tragedy. She didn’t back away from him, nor did she take her hand from his arm.
‘I’m sorry,’ he whispered, ‘I don’t want you to get hurt, but either way, you will. I’ll never risk having more children. Even if these men succeed in giving me a throne I don’t want, there will be no heir to follow me. I don’t understand how or why Berenice died, but I’m not willing to try again purely as an experiment.’
Galiena nodded and smiled. ‘I understand.’
They continued walking, taking in another section of the camp before making for their tent. He took her inside and paused. ‘I suppose I should have told you all this before we got married.’
She shrugged. ‘It wouldn’t have made any difference. What we’re fighting is real now. Who knows what the future will bring?’
She turned to go inside her room, then abruptly faced him again.
‘What?’
‘Nothing.’ Then she lifted her head and kissed him, lingering long enough to make him move.
He put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. ‘Are you sure you understand?’
‘Absolutely. Don’t worry, really. I do understand, I promise.’ She smiled a little. ‘But perhaps, one day, given time, you’ll love me a little. Perhaps as much as Berenice. I would rather that than nothing at all.’
And that’s what happens when you don’t tell the whole truth! But how could he now? One word about Jenn would destroy the little happiness Galiena had gleaned for herself. Why should he ruin that?
No. No more hurting, no matter the cost. He brushed his fingers over her cheek. ‘You don’t need to wait for the day, my girl.’
Her answering smile was glorious. He couldn’t help it – he kissed her, holding her long enough for her to be really sure he meant it. Then he released her and stood back. ‘I have work to do. You get some sleep.’
‘Goodnight, Robert.’
‘Goodnight.’
She vanished into her room and he stepped outside again. Women. Damned unpredictable women. How was a man to think straight with a woman around?
*
Aiden finished the last line and put down his pen. He ran his fingers through his hair, idly scratching his scalp in an effort to wake his brain. It didn’t do much good.
‘Busy?’
He glanced up to find Robert’s head stuck through the tent flap. ‘Yes. Go away.’
‘Sorry,’ Robert replied, coming in. ‘I’m the ill-mannered Douglas. If you want polite behaviour, you’ll have to see my mother. What are you doing?’
‘Trying to write a letter to Brome.’
‘Oh. Having success?’
‘All I can tell you is the eleventh draft is only slightly less useless than the first.’
‘So, a gradual improvement then? Got any of that nice sweet wine?’
‘You hate sweet wine.’
‘No I don’t.’ Robert rummaged around in the chest at the end of the table and brought up a flask. ‘Is this it?’
‘Fill two glasses.’ Aiden sat back and clasped his hands behind his head. Robert played the servant, then sank into a chair, sticking his boots on top of the chest. He drained half his cup before wiping his sleeve across his mouth. Aiden snorted. ‘I see what you mean about manners.’
‘Tell me,’ Robert said with a quizzical frown, ‘do you understand women?’
‘I’m a priest, Robert.’
‘Yes, but do you?’
‘Do you mean, have I ever broken my vows?’
Robert looked horrified. ‘I’d never dream of asking you such a thing! I’m not that ill-mannered.’ He paused a second, then glanced sideways. ‘Have you?’
‘No!’
‘What? Not even been tempted?’
‘No. Why, what’s your problem now?’
Robert drained his cup and immediately refilled it. ‘The child has convinced herself she’s in love with me.’
Aiden began to laugh. ‘Oh, such arrogance.’
‘Hey, that’s not fair!’
‘Hah! “The child has convinced herself”? Really, Robert, you should be ashamed.’
‘Why?’
Aiden took a sip of wine and rolled it around his mouth before answering. ‘Plenty of people love you. Why shouldn’t your wife?’
‘But she hardly knows me!’
‘So? She’s an intelligent, well-educated, well-travelled young woman. She’s not – as you’re so busily trying to convince yourself – an innocent child. I think if she believes she loves you, you have to take her at her word, no matter how misguided she may appear to the rest of us.’
Robert half-laughed and dropped his gaze to his cup.
‘And are you going to tell me you feel absolutely nothing for her?’
‘Of course I like her. I just think it’s typical that a girl I hardly know decides she loves me for no apparent reason, is prepared to ride into battle beside me, against her own father – while Jenn didn’t love me enough to fight so we could stay together.’
‘You don’t know that’s what happened.’
Robert looked up. ‘No?’
‘She promised to Stand the Circle.’
‘And she promised to marry me. Either way you look at it, I was less important to her.’ He was more confused than solemn. ‘I’m never going to understand women as long as I live.’
Aiden stared at him, only slightly disbelieving. ‘You’re never satisfied, are you?’
‘Nope.’ Robert emptied his cup again. ‘You have me in a nutshell.’
‘You know,’ Aiden sighed, ‘though I love you like you were my own son, sometimes … ’
‘What?’
‘I could happily give you a good thump.’
Robert roared with laughter.
‘And this is really developing into one of those times.’ When Robert continued laughing, Aiden couldn’t help but join in. ‘I think I understand how your mother feels some days.’
Robert reached out and poured some more wine for them both, ‘You know what’s really scary? Sometimes I do too.’