Iylaine hangs back

Alwy met them at the door.

“Egelric!” he crowed. And then, once he had seen Alred, “Your Grace,” bowing shyly.

Egelric clapped his shoulder. “Alwy! I approve of the beard.”

“Thanks,” Alwy said, blushing. He had been letting his beard grow out the past weeks, but so far Egelric was the only person to notice.

Behind Alwy, four pairs of eyes were shining up at Egelric in the firelight. Egelric was surprised and hurt to see that Iylaine didn’t come running for him as she always did, but instead hung back behind Bertie, looking up at him almost fearfully.

“Where’s my Baby?” he asked, his arms open.

“Did you come alone?” Iylaine demanded.

“No, Baby, you see His Grace is with me.”

“You didn’t bring a mama back with you?”

“A mama! What’s this?” He looked at Alwy.

“I believe that may be my fault,” Alred said sheepishly.

“You again! What have you been telling the child?” But Baby was already in his arms, and he didn’t wait for an answer.

After he had been covered in kisses, he looked up at Alwy and asked where Gunnilda was hiding.

“She was nursing the baby, and she went back in the bedroom when you knocked,” Alwy explained. “You want me to get her?”

“No, no,” Egelric said. “We can’t stay. You just thank her for me for taking care of this young pagan, and tell her I shall see her soon. Tell her I—tell her I am looking forward to seeing her soon. Come along, Baby. Get your doll. You and I are sleeping at the keep tonight.”