CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER NINE
Autumn 495
Every evening, my father, Octavia, and I ate dinner at dusk in the great hall, quietly discussing our day and any news that filtered in from the village or countryside. After the trenchers were cleared, we passed the hours of early evening by sewing, writing letters, playing games, or telling stories—catching up on the lost years I was away in Avalon. I treaded carefully, still unsure of my position in this new world, but all went well. It was a quiet life, but one doing much good to heal our wounded hearts.
However, this mid-autumn evening was anything but routine; for the first time since my mother’s death, we were having guests at dinner.
The household was abuzz with activity, preparing for the arrival of Lord Evrain, ruler of the kingdom of Powys,
