Page 70 of First Light

“They told me they did.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I miss them every day, so it’s really wonderful to see your face.”

Dafydd stood. “I should take my leave. I am a king newly arrived in an ally’s court, and there are many things I need to do.” His eyes shone and his voice was rough. “But seeing my daughter’s face again…” He swallowed hard. “Looking at your face is like seeing the sun shine.”

Carys stood. “Can I hug you?”

He didn’t even wait a moment but surrounded her with an embrace that loosened the flood of tears Carys had managed to hold back. She allowed herself to weep, her body shaking as Dafydd held her up.

Cadell ran toward her, but she didn’t want to leave Dafydd’s arms.

“I am not your father,” he said quietly. “And you are not my daughter. But we loved them, and we lost them. Maybe we can help each other find peace.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Carys spent the rest of the day in her own rooms, writing down everything she’d learned about Seren, about the Shadowlands, about the kings and people she’d met, about the myths that were real and the lore that was not. She was trying to organize her thoughts so she didn’t feel lost. When the sky was dark and Bonnie came in to tend the fire, Carys saw Duncan waiting in the hallway by her door.

“Knock, knock.” He leaned against the doorway. “How are you? You weren’t at dinner.”

She scrambled out of the bed, throwing a wrap over her shoulders. “It’s cold. Come in and talk to me.” She walked to the table. “I forgot about food.”

“I noticed.” Duncan stepped into the room and stood with his arms crossed, staring at her. “You can’t skip meals here. It’s cold and your body has to work harder. You walk more. The environment is harsher. There are no cars or elevators or bicycles.”

“Oh, no way.” She pointed down. “Are you saying that my e-bike isn’t waiting in the garage downstairs? That’s wild—I just ordered it online.”

Duncan glowered. “Very amusing.”

Bonnie shook her head. “It’s like you two are speaking another language entirely.”

Duncan turned to the maid. “Bonnie, would you be a dear and fetch Carys a tray with some bread and cheese?”

“There are some cold pies stored in the larder as well, Lord Duncan.” She nodded. “I’ll make a tray, and she’ll eat it.” She stood, dusted off her skirts, and looked to Carys. “What would you like to drink, my lady?”

“Just water is?—”

“Wine,” Duncan said. “Or beer. It’ll be easier on your stomach.”

Carys sighed. “Right. Wine please, Bonnie.”

“I’ll be back in two shakes of a duck’s tale.” She looked at Duncan. “And you?”

“Beer.”

Bonnie rolled her eyes. “Why did I even ask?”

The maid walked out, and Duncan came to sit at the table across from Carys.

“How was your meeting with Dafydd?” he asked, his arms still crossed over his chest.

“Good. Emotional.” She shrugged. “Kind of expected that.”

“Did he try to take you to Caernarfon?”

She frowned. “He didn’t bring it up. Why?”

“The Cymric think their country is the greatest in the world.”

“Because it is. Obviously.”

“Dear God, save me from Welsh pride.” He rubbed his eyes. “Every person in this blasted place thinks their country is the greatest in the world. The Albans, the Cymric, the Anglian, and dear God, especially the Éirens. It nearly makes me appreciate the union a bit.” He held his fingers close together in a pinch. “Atinybit.”

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