The Red Wyvern - Katharine Kerr [64]
While they crossed the ward, Nevyn said nothing at all, and when they stepped into one of the side brochs, he merely remarked that the princess’s hall lay two flights up.
“I’m allowed in,” he said. “Because of my great age, you see.”
“Very good, my lord,” was all she found to say in answer.
The princess’s hall turned out to be large and sunny, an entire half of one round floor of the broch. Bardek carpets in blue and green lay scattered across the polished planks, and new tapestries hung between all the windows, which sported wooden shutters carved with interlacements and ships. Scattered about were chairs and big floor cushions; on little tables stood glittering silver oddments—a dragon folding her wings, a spray of lavender so cunningly worked it seemed you could smell it, a silver casket engraved with a rose design. Under one table an elderly yellow cat was licking her stomach, propped up on front paws.
Sitting near a window was a young blond woman, heavy with child, with a boy of about two sitting at her feet. Two other women in embroidered dresses sat near her, and a plain and plainly dressed lass lounged on the floor nearby.
When Nevyn bowed to the woman near the window, Lilli curtsied.
“Your Highness,” Nevyn said. “May I present to you Lillorigga of the Ram, who comes to us seeking shelter as her menfolk have come to seek your husband’s pardon.”
“Of course.” The princess’s voice was pleasant and lively. “You’re welcome in my hall, Lillorigga.”
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Your Highness.” Lilli curtsied again, as best she could wearing brigga. “The Ram is truly my clan now, for they’ve taken me in when my own would cast me out.”
“Well and good, then.” The princess glanced at Nevyn. “You’re supposed to tell her my name, you know. I’m trying to get all this courtesy stuff right for once.”
Everyone laughed, except Lilli, who kept herself to a smile.
“My apologies,” Nevyn said, grinning. “Princess Bellyra, may I present to you Lillorigga of the Ram?”
“You may.” Bellyra returned his smile. “But shall we call you Lilli?”
“I’d be honored, Your Highness.”
“And this is Elyssa and Degwa,” the princess waved at the two women, “and my son, Casyl, and his nurse, Arda.”
Lilli smiled; everyone smiled in return. She realized that she was beginning to feel safe and wondered if it was a dangerous luxury, especially since Nevyn stood nearby, watching her with his gaze as sharp as any dagger.
“Have you proper clothing?” Bellyra said. “If not, I’ve got lots, and you shall have some of mine.”
“Her highness is too generous,” Lilli said. “I’m afraid that I had to run for my life, and so I don’t have anything but a couple of blankets and these clothes.”
“Very well, then.” The princess turned to Degwa. “The chest carved with the dragons has dresses in it that Lilli can have. I need to go speak with my husband. Arda, take Casso to the nursery, will you? Lady Degwa, if you’ll take care of seeing Lilli settled?”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Degwa, stout and dark-haired, curtsied to the princess, then turned to Lilli. Her dark eyes flicked this way and that, appraising her. “I’ll have the pages bring you up bath water.”
“Oh, thank you! There’s nothing I’d like more!”
“Good,” Nevyn said briskly. “I’ll leave you to get settled among the women, my lady Lillorigga. But if you will do me the honor of allowing me to attend upon you this afternoon?”
“My thanks, my lord.” Lilli was thinking that she’d rather chat with vipers, but she would owe everything to these people’s charity from now on. “The honor will be mine.”
• • •
When Nevyn returned to the great hall, he found Maryn and his new allies sitting at table up on the royal dais. The prince waved him up to the