The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood #2)(96)
“I am grateful we took a little rest before the celebration,” Suzenne said, smiling. “This day has ended so much differently than I feared it might. This morning with the fog and battle, I was dreading the abbey would be overthrown by nightfall.”
Music started playing on the green, and a cluster of learners raced past them in their eagerness to join the celebration. A crowd had gathered in the green, and the sight of all the flowing gowns and clean tunics, the smell of sizzling meat and baked treats, and the sound of clapping and viols made Maia smile with relish. This was not her first Whitsunday, but it was her first opportunity to enjoy one since she had come of age. There was a grave conflict looming ahead, but they had won an important battle that day, and it felt proper to celebrate.
Waiting for them just outside the gates, she spied Collier and Dodd. Both were dressed in more formal attire that highlighted their handsome features. Collier was taller and cut a more dark and brooding figure, but his face brightened when he saw her, his mouth forming an admiring smile that made her blush. Dodd greeted Suzenne with an affectionate hug and smashed his mouth against hers in an eager kiss that made Maia wince with residual pain.
Collier bowed ceremoniously and then took her hands in his, drawing her away from the couple. “You look stunning,” he murmured to her, dipping his head and grazing his lips across her knuckles. “I was determined to wait outside the gate for you, for I knew if I did not, you would be snatched away by a dozen little first-year learner brats and I would not get the chance to dance with you without threatening bloodshed.” He winked and put his arm around her, guiding her at a languid pace toward the maypole. Her heart fluttered with the excitement and simple joy of being able to experience this moment with him.
“You were kind to wait for me,” she answered graciously. “Though you had me all to yourself at the Gables in Briec.”
He smiled at the shared memory, then reached over and touched her long hair. His eyes were shining, so blue they seemed like the spring sky speckled with sunlight. She felt a familiar longing as she gazed up at him, an ache that lodged inside her breastbone.
“I need to stop looking at you,” he admitted, turning away and chuckling to himself. “You distract any sensible thoughts from my brain. It makes me want to kiss you, and I know I should not, especially after what Lia told you.” He squeezed her hand. “Thus I must take my enjoyment of you in other ways. Through tender caresses and longing glances.” He butted her arm with his. “Ah, look at those two. It is poignant to see.”
Maia thought he meant Suzenne and Dodd, but he was nodding toward the maypole dance already under way. The circle was large, for there were many who were anxious to dance the first set, but Maia’s gaze cut straight to Lia and Colvin. Hand in hand, they skipped around to the claps of the onlookers and the strain of the minstrels’ music. The look on their faces said they could not see anyone but each other. Maia knew much of their story—in particular, how the Medium had kept them apart for the sake of duty and to preserve the lives of their friends and Family. Maia was named after Colvin’s sister, and she felt a keen sense of affinity and kinship to them for the many separations they had needed to endure before being together.
Maia and Collier walked together, watching the dance, and passed the booth of treats from Collet’s kitchen. She stopped to greet the cook and her two helpers, who were not old enough to participate in the dancing. Aloia and Davi shared an almost mournful expression of longing. When the two girls noticed Maia and Collier, they gawked blatantly.
“Have you noticed the Evnissyen shadowing us?” Collier whispered in Maia’s ear as they walked away from the kitchen stand.
She had not, so she circumspectly glanced around. Warriors were indeed wandering through the revelers, including Jon Tayt, who kept a respectful distance away from them. She noticed Jon Tayt speaking to the others and imagined he was revealing to his countrymen and ancestors the possible dangers lurking and where the best food could be found as they shadowed Maia and Collier.
“They are watching carefully for any danger tonight,” Maia said. “Look, there is my father.”
“I would rather not,” he replied curtly. “He is with the Sexton girl.” He grunted disparagingly.
Maia’s stomach twisted with unease as she took in the sight of them. The poor girl looked uncomfortable on the king’s arm, though Maia’s father was laughing and joking with several of his courtiers, looking for all the world as if he were celebrating the festival as he had intended, and his plans had not gone awry only a few hours ago.
She sighed. “I wish we could rescue Jayn from him. I have not met her yet. I sense Jayn desperately wishes to talk to Suzenne.”
“If my lady wishes it, then I will arrange it. Even though I find it distasteful. Would you like some cider?” he asked, motioning toward a cart.
“Yes, please.”
He fetched two cups, paid the man, and gave one to Maia. Made from the famous Muirwood apples, the cider was sweet and full of flavor. The first song came to an end, and the dancers dispersed, many to find new partners. Collier bowed to her gallantly, requested her hand, and then escorted her to the new ring as it assembled. Though she had danced with Collier before, she felt strangely nervous. She felt several eyes seeking her out and noticed Suzenne and Dodd had joined the circle as well. The music began, and suddenly she was flying, experiencing the giddy thrill of the maypole dance with a partner for the first time in her life.