Page 167 of Alien Burn

“I've had reason.”

She put her hand in his.

The leaves shifted overhead as the gardeners adjusted the shade screens. Water ran through a narrow channel beside the path. A pair of workers stopped talking when Dhomhes approached, then became intensely interested in a plant that appeared to require both of them.

“Does everyone know?” Sereya asked.

“I haven't made an announcement.”

“That wasn't my question.”

He looked toward the gardeners.

“Apparently.”

Tivek appeared at the fountain court with a training sling over his shoulder. He saw them and stopped so abruptly that gravel skittered over his boots.

“You're back.”

“Briefly,” Dhomhes said. “We were hoping to get through the gardens before being discovered.”

Tivek ignored him and looked at Sereya.

“Are you all right?”

“Sore. Much better.”

His gaze went to the dressing near her hairline. The grin disappeared.

“I would have come. Sheira said you needed rest.”

“She was right. But I'm glad to see you now.”

He nodded, relieved enough that she could watch him remember the other thing he'd meant to say.

“They accepted it.”

Dhomhes's hand tightened around hers.

“The attestation?”

“All of it. Father took the union record in himself. Havent's office withdrew the additional requirement.” Tivek straightened. “The rite goes ahead on the ordinary terms.”

“Good,” Dhomhes said.

“Father said if anyone tries to make it extraordinary again, I should send them to him.”

“Do.”

Tivek's eyes dropped to their joined hands. His grin returned, slowly and wickedly.

“Also, Kessin owes me a knife-belt.”

“I beg your pardon?” Dhomhes said.

“We disagreed about how long you'd take to admit the obvious.”

“You wagered on me?”