Page 113 of The Faerie Handmaid

In far too short a time, the two of them were making their way down the stairs. Loria had prepared a little packet of food for Morgana to breakfast on and handed it to her as they passed the kitchen. Bran was waiting by the door that led out into the keep, and he made a formal farewell to Priestess Morgana. He bowed to her and then to Braithe. “Priestess Braithe, we will keep your breakfast warm for you.”

As Morgana and Braithe passed out into the keep and through the farmer’s gate, Braithe said, “I cannot get used to that title.”

“The day will come,” Morgana said lightly, “when it will feel natural.”

“Perhaps.”

As Morgana had said, Idhri and Master Hugh were ready. Their new boat was one of Hugh’s own making, and its fresh varnish sparkled in the rising sun. Idhri was on the dock, ready to untie the mooring rope. Hugh was on the bench, checking the oars.

As Braithe carried Morgana’s things, including her precious basket, to hand over to Hugh, a deep voice sounded from the shore. She turned and saw Sir Lancelin striding swiftly down the path. He had called Morgana’s name. Morgana turned to meet him, and Braithe turned away to give them a moment to themselves.

Idhri said, “I’m glad it’s not you leaving, Priestess Braithe.”

She brushed away the tear that had finally found its way to her cheek. “No. It is not I.”

He said, “You will see her again.”

“Of course. One day.”

With half-fae prescience, he said, “One day soon. I can feel it,” and smiled.

“At least I will be able to see you whenever I like,” she said, blinking away her tears.

“That you will.”

“She’s ready to go, yah?” Hugh said. Braithe looked back to see Morgana walking briskly along the dock. Lancelin stood on the shore, watching her.

Braithe said, “I believe she is, Master Hugh.” When Morgana reached her, Braithe said, “Sir Lancelin will miss you, too, I think.”

“Surely not,” Morgana said, avoiding her eyes.

“He is thinking that he will wait for you to change your mind.”

“What?” Morgana blinked in surprise and turned her golden gaze to Braithe. “Are you listening to him?”

“His thoughts are very strong. It is hard not to hear.”

“I have been thinking…” Morgana began, and then stopped.

“What?” Braithe prompted.

Morgana said, so softly Braithe had to lean closer to hear her, “I have been thinking about my mother.”

Braithe answered just as quietly. “Because she chose to conceive.”

Morgana nodded. “I have not changed my mind about it,” she said, but weakly.

Braithe took her hand and squeezed it. “There is time.”

Morgana bent to kiss Braithe’s cheek, which made Braithe catch her breath. Morgana had never done that, not in all their time together. “Good luck,” Morgana whispered.

“And to you,” Braithe said, releasing Morgana’s hand.

Master Hugh came to help Morgana into the boat. She allowed him to take her hand as she stepped in. She looked back at Braithe one more time. “You will take care, brat.”

“I will. And you, too.”

“I will not be the one living in Camulod with swordsmen and politicians all around.”