The Banríon Nemanda fell asleep in my arms. We talked together almost all night until she murmured that my voice was lulling her to sleep, then suddenly dropped off into the sweetest of slumbers. I touched her silken hair and breathed deeply the scent of it. I kept watch over her dreams until dawn.

A rap on the door and Daire sticks his head in, ready to take my place as guard at Nemanda's door. His eyes nearly pop out of his head when he sees us. Deep asleep, Nemanda does not stir. Daire's mouth is gaping open but he only stutters. I put a finger to my lips.

"She is not to be disturbed!"

Daire's eyes bounce back and forth from the bed, where the coverlet was still as smooth as when the handmaiden spread it there, to where Nemanda and I lean comfortably against each other with our backs against the bedbox.

"I was appointed to guard her," Daire finally finds his tongue, "Or maybe I should say I was appointed to be sure she keeps out of trouble!"

"There will be no trouble," I reply firmly. As quiet as I try to speak, the rumbling of those words in my chest rouse Nemanda. She sits up and stares around the room, then she remembers, finds me, and smiles softly. She ignores Daire.

"Nemanda will be staying with me now," I tell Daire.

If it is possible, he looks even more astonished. "But the Rian said -"

I put an arm around Nemanda, drawing her close. "She will be staying with me," I repeat firmly. "Please tell Flidais where we can be found. There are things that should be discussed."

Daire stands in the doorway for awhile longer, staring, before at last he runs off.