“It seems you made an impression,” Cathy murmured, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
“Apparently,” he replied, rather at a loss. “I think we’ve kept Sir Ferghal twiddling his thumbs long enough. Shall we?”
Cathy mounted. Resuming the role of dutiful servant, Aodhan took her oss’s head, leading it round to where Ferghal awaited.
“Lady sorceress.” The Summer Knight offered her a slight bow, precisely calibrated to indicate respect but not deference. “I trust you have had an enjoyable stay.”
To Aodhan’s secret delight, the faintest hint of a blush tinted Cathy’s cheeks. She didn’t glance at him, but he had the distinct impression it took deliberate effort.
“Most enjoyable,” she answered Sir Ferghal. “I see you have come alone but for your steed, sir knight. I hope nothing terrible has happened to your noble warriors.”
“The majority are well enough,” Ferghal replied, sounding rather off hand about the implication that some were not so well. “We had some small encounters with the unseelie scum. While I of course sent the whelps yelping back to their bitch, I have had to leave my war band guarding the border. That wretched Morcant still lurks on the horizon like a carrion crow. I hope that you will be able to solve my issue with the changeling quickly, lady sorceress. My warriors are dragon-hearted, but even they cannot deter a dark prince for long.”
Cathy inclined her head in acknowledgement. “Then by all means, let us hurry, sir knight.”
Gathering up Noodle, Aodhan mounted his own steed. Eislyn gave him a sidelong look, ears flattening.
“Pervert,” she muttered.
Aodhan ignored her. Settling Noodle on his lap, he nudged his oss with his knees, guiding it to a place behind Cathy. He would have preferred to stay at her side, but that would have gone against seelie etiquette. Warriors rode first, then nobles; servants followed along behind.
At least this way I can watch her. Aodhan let his gaze rest on Cathy’s upright back. For as long as I can.