Page 27

“Thank you,” she said simply, unable to cease looking at his lips. The simple truth was Avelina wanted him to kiss her again. To distract herself, Avelina said, “Tell me of yourself.”

The request seemed to take him by surprise. Niall laughed, a rarer sound than Avelina would have liked.

“There is much to tell. What would you wish to know?”

“Hmm. I wish to know why you do not smile as often as your brother.”

“I do not?”

“Nay, you do not.”

It seemed as if he were about to say something but stopped.

“Tell me,” Avelina pressed. “I would know the reason.”

“Perhaps there is naught to tell.”

“Before she passed”—Avelina crossed herself—“my mother said my ability to understand others was my greatest strength.” Smiling, she added, “I believe ’tis my ability with the bow and arrow.”

“Perhaps it is both. Will you show me?”

“Show you?”

“I was on my way to the training yard when. . .” He stopped.

“When?”

Niall’s jaw clenched. His eyes narrowed just slightly.

She would not accept his reticence.

“When?” she prompted again.

“When I inquired as to your whereabouts and was told you were here.”

Even knowing ’twas not likely a coincidence that Niall had come to the garden, for him to confirm as much made her smile. In turn, he smiled back.

“Perhaps you will also tell me the story you held back earlier.”

“You believe there is a story to tell?”

“I do.”

“Hmm. Perhaps there is. And perhaps I will tell you, depending on your aim.”

“Ahh, a contest, then?”

“Aye,” he said as they began to walk side by side. “A contest.”

“If I hit the bullseye in five tries—”

“Three.”

She could do so in one. “Three,” she confirmed. “You will tell me the story.”

“I wished to visit the training yard this morn but did not.”

“Then I am happy to accompany you.”