Page 77 of Under Gorse and Stone

Sigurd gasps. “What?”

The Mer prince nods steadily. “I will honour your choice and stand beside you both.” He checks behind him for any eavesdroppers and seeing none, he continues quietly, “My loyalty in this situation is to you and not my father.”

Sigurd’s face is warm once more and full of concern. “But?—”

Marin pats Sigurd’s hand. “Now you know.” His sad smile looks wrong on his merry face. “We are being very rude in front of Cary. My apologies.”

“There’s no need to apologise,” I say at once. “I’m fine here if you want to carry on talking.”

He shakes his head. “No, we must not tarry. My grandmother will be expecting us.”

“Did they send word we’re supposed to meet her already?” I ask as he moves away.

He looks back with a crooked smile. “Nay, she already knows. She knows everything.”

He disappears down the path, and I look at Sigurd. “Well, that wasn’t even remotely comforting.”

He sighs and steps next to me, drawing me into his arms. “I wish I had not brought you into this, Cary.” He looks in thedirection from where we entered the castle. “I think I will take you home. These are not matters for you to be drawn into. The situation is too dangerous.”

“No,” I say, and it’s immediate and fierce. “I stand by your side.”

“Pardon?” he whispers.

I scratch my head. That statement had come out without any forethought whatsoever—just an immediate, atavistic reaction. And no matter how I examine it, it’s the truth. Idostand by his side.

“I meant it,” I say steadily. “You’re not going into whatever this is without me.”

“May I remind you that I am a dragon?”

“A dragon currently in someone else’s kingdom that isn’t his natural habitat.” I shake my head. “No, I’ll stay here with you.”

“I cannot guarantee your safety,” he blurts, as agitated as I’ve ever seen him. I realise with a sudden shock that he’s scared. “The previous trips I’ve taken you on were light looks into the magic world. I wanted to show you the merry, warm side of it. Not the…”

“The dark?” I finish.

He hesitates and then nods. “Yes, the dark.” He pulls me close, whispering hurriedly into my ear. “I cannot protect you the way I do on land. The court here is riven, and the king and queen are at odds. Courtiers are positioning themselves, and women are being thrown at the king because where his ardour lands, then riches will bloom.”

“Well, that’s a tale as old as time. Is that what Melusine’s parents are doing? Hoping that she can catch his eye?”

He thinks over the question. “Nay, they play another game with higher stakes. Arista does not think herself a mistress with a limited run of favour. She thinks of herself as…”

“Aqueen,” I breathe.

He hushes me instantly. “’Tis treason to even say those words out loud.” I look around, but we’re alone. He follows my gaze. “Walls have ears, Cary.”

I hesitate. “Are you saying that as a metaphor, or are there actually ears in the walls?” His mouth twitches, and I shove him as he snorts. “Oh, hilarious. Laugh away.”

He smiles and hugs me. I am very grateful for his warmth, as for the past hour, I’ve been feeling chilled through.

“I don’t think I’d like to live down here,” I whisper.

He nods and kisses my temple, nuzzling and inhaling my scent. “You are made for sunshine, Cary, just as I am made for high winds and storms. Down here the sun does not reach, and I have always felt that this accounts for the dispositions of the Mer.”

Marin appears again. “Are you coming? It does not do to keep her waiting. You know this, Sigurd.”

I offer Sigurd my resolute expression. Finally, he sighs and takes my hand in his. “We are ready.”

We follow after Marin at a distance. “How can you walk while not on the path?” I ask.