Every inch of the place was festooned in bright blooms. Initial cheers soon gave way to enthusiastic greetings as each man found the woman he had left behind.“There will be many born next year,” Rikiar said, casting an approving eye across the happy couples kissing and embracing in the streets.“One of them will be ours,” Aisling said, smiling.“Is that so?” Rikiar lowered his head and claimed her mouth most thoroughly.“I have not had my monthly blood,” Aisling said when he allowed her the unfettered use of her tongue once more. “That is one sign…”“And what is the other?”“Merla told me,” Aisling said, beaming.“Did she,” Rikiar cast a dour gaze about the place. “Perhaps she is simply trying to win back my favor.”“I have no need of winning back your favor,” Merla’s rasping voice broke out of the nearby shadows. As usual, she was precisely where she needed to be at exactly the right time. “I am your mother. I will always have your favor.”“So you think I will forgive you?”“You already have,”
