The Thief's Daughter by Jeff Wheeler

suggestions?”
    She looked crestfallen and sad. “I . . . I don’t, my lord.”
    “Then I trust you will not pester me about this again,” he said with just enough of a barb to sting. His mood was always mercurial, and Owen could see the anger thrumming through him now. It was common for countries to seal alliances with marriage. That none had tried or dared to offer one with Severn Argentine had to rankle.
    The king turned back to the window. “Well, I’ll be blessed by the Fountain,” he said, his expression changing. “Your grandfather has ridden through a storm to get here.”

    Before long, after a greeting delivered amidst a chorus of barking hounds, Duke Horwath was sitting in his favorite chair in front of the crackling hearth, savoring the mug of steaming broth in his hand. His cloak was dripping from a hook nearby, the plops sizzling when they hit the warm stone floor. The snow was melting from the cloak, and chunks of ice pattered off it.
    Evie knelt by her grandfather’s chair, her face beaming with relief. He looked haggard and uncomfortable, but he did not complain, and the lines of weariness were slowly fading from his face.
    Horwath rested his hand on the girl’s on the thick armrest, patting gently. “I heard what you did at Blackpool, child,” he said with warm affection. He patted her again. “You’ve my blood in you!”
    She beamed at the soft-spoken praise and picked some dust or lint from his doublet. “You left me in charge , Grandfather. I didn’t want to disappoint you.”
    He chuckled softly, then hooked his hand around her neck and pulled her close, kissing her hair in a mark of tender affection that made Owen swallow. How he wished he could be that open in his feelings for her.
    Then Horwath tipped her chin up and gazed into her eyes. “You are beautiful. And the king is proud of you.” He looked over at Owen. “He’s proud of you both . He couldn’t ask for more loyal young people to serve him. Mark my words. You two are special. And you will both make Ceredigion stronger. I know you will.”
    Owen felt his heart burning with pride. He walked up to the other side of the duke’s chair, glancing down at Evie. She looked so beautiful at that moment, the firelight shimmering in her dark hair, her eyes glowing with happiness. There was that familiar ache again, that growing impatience.
    “The king was surprised you rode through the snow,” Evie said with an impish smile. “I think he’s forgotten he’s from the North as well.”
    Horwath smiled as he stroked his gray goatee. “He’ll never forget that, lass. Not until the waters stop falling at Kingfountain. He has ice in his veins, as we like to say. Even young Kiskaddon here is a little frostbitten, I think. What say you, lad?”
    Owen folded his arms, still gazing down at Evie. “I do love the North,” he murmured.
    Her cheeks flushed a little, and she couldn’t hold back a grin.
    The grizzled duke took one of her hands and then one of Owen’s, and for a moment, he looked as if he would join them together.
    “It’s my deepest wish,” he said huskily, “to unite our houses and duchies. Before the king rides back to the palace, I plan to petition him for a boon. But only if you both are still willing.” He smiled wryly. “I’ve seen the way you look at each other. I’m old, not blind. I’d like to speak to the king on your behalf, Owen. He may take it better coming from me. But I didn’t want you to be startled in case he asks about your feelings.” His smile slipped a little. “His heart is so wounded, he may not have noticed the signs as I have.”
    From the look on Evie’s face, Owen could tell she was trying to quell her excitement and enthusiasm. He could tell she wanted to burst out with her answer, but she was waiting for Owen to say something first.
    “I would prefer to ask him myself,” Owen said, still looking at her, his heart so full he almost couldn’t speak.
    Evie jumped to her feet and