She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Right there with you.” She took his hand again as they started back in. “Where are you meeting Brian?”
“Oh, right about here. He just needs to, you know, land, then he’s, like, off duty. We talked about maybe getting dinner or something. You should come with us.”
“Oh yeah, that’s just what I’ll do.” She drilled a finger in his side. “Idiot.”
“I’m not leaving you on your own.”
“Truth? I’m actually ready for some on my own—with my dog. Maybe write a little, then turn in early.”
“You gotta eat something, girl, and Brian said something about a pub. The Cackling Chicken or Ugly Duck or like that.”
“Honest to God, besides refusing to be a third wheel on your romantic reunion, I don’t have a pub meal in me tonight. I want some quiet time, Marco.”
“Let me see your face.” He gripped it, turned it, studied it. “Okay, that’s the truth, so I’ll let you off. But you need to eat something.”
“Minga said just to ask, so when I’m hungry, I’ll ask. Stop worrying about me. Especially since I see your hot new boyfriend coming this way.”
When Marco turned, and the stars popped back into his eyes, Breen signaled to the dog and escaped.
Marco just stood, heart tripping, then extended a hand as Brian reached for it.
“I need to say that was the most moving ceremony or ritual or whatever it’s called I’ve ever seen.”
“You wept,” Brian said, and traced a finger under one of Marco’s damp eyes.
“I was just telling Breen—” He broke off when he realized she’d gone inside.
“Is she coming back then? Isn’t she going with us?”
“She said she wanted some quiet, and since I could see she meant it, I let her off.” Then he looked back at Brian, and couldn’t think of anything else. “Do you want to go to the pub right now?”
“I don’t, no. I was thinking later for that. Later.”
“Later’s good.” Stepping in, Marco put a hand on Brian’s cheek. “So for now, your place or mine?”
With a grin, Brian gave him a light kiss that promised more. “Yours is closer.”
Kiara caught Breen just before she reached her room.
“I was after finding you!” She wore red—not bright but deep and dark with her hair tied back with a black ribbon. “My mother wanted me— Oh, first, I have to say I love your cloak.”
She reached out to touch it. “So soft! Simple beauty and it looks so well on you, and with the dress. Simple often looks dull on me, but it shines on you.”
A genuine compliment, Breen judged. “Thanks. I didn’t see you outside. There were so many people. It was all so beautiful.”
“A Leaving is sad and lovely all at once.”
“Did you know any of the fallen?”
“Aye. All.” Her voice wavered. “I knew all.”
“I’m so sorry, Kiara.” Instinctively, Breen took her hands. “I’m so sorry.”
“As I am. But it’s a comfort to know they walk in the light now. It helps thinking of them in the light. My mother would like to say you’re welcome to sup with her and my father, as Tarryn and the taoiseach have duties. Or if you and Marco and this sweet dog want the more lively, some of us are going to the village, and you’re welcome to join us.”
“I appreciate that, but—”
“She said as well you might be weary after such a long day, and want a meal in your room. And not to pester you if you did. I pester,” she admitted without shame. “I like talking, and I’ve so many questions, as I’ve never been to your part of the other side.”
Breen had to laugh. “I’m going with my room for tonight, but I’d love to talk another time, and try to answer your questions.”
“Well, that’s perfect then. I could do your hair in the morning. I can’t do it for you before the Welcome, as I’m already promised, but I would love to do your hair. It’s glorious.”
“That would … yes. Great. Thank you.”
“Oh, it’s my pleasure, and that’s the truth of it. So I’ll find you in the morning, before the Judgment. And I’ll see a meal’s brought for you. And Marco?”
“He’s going out with a friend.”
“Ah.” Her eyes danced. “Well, a meal for you, and your fine boy here.” She bent down to rub an enchanted Bollocks. “In the morning then, and if you change your mind, we’ll be at the Spotted Duck.”