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On it sat a barrel of ale.

He looked delighted with himself.

Apparently, he'd finally found the barrel he'd misplaced on Tuesday. I stood beside Guy at the top of the courtyard steps, taking in the noise and laughter.

"Do you suppose they'll notice if we go back upstairs?" I asked.

Guy glanced at me.

"You planned this feast."

"An unfortunate lapse in judgment."

"You invited ninety people."

"Another mistake."

"And now you want to abandon them?"

I considered that.

"Only for an hour."

He laughed, while, I slipped my arm through his.

"Look at Merry. She's going to argue about that archery contest until Christmas."

"Alana could shoot blindfolded and Merry would still claim the wind favored her."

"Exactly."

A child ran past the bottom of the steps carrying a wooden sword.

Another followed with a shield that appeared to be a serving tray. Guy watched them with a faint smile. I felt his happiness through our bond. It had been there ever since I'd told him about the baby.

Every so often, it swelled unexpectedly, as though he remembered all over again.

I leaned against him. "You're doing it again."

"Doing what?"

"Smiling to yourself."

"I wasn't aware it was forbidden."

"From you? It's suspicious."

He kissed my temple. "Get used to it."

Before I could answer, Little John spotted us.

"Are you two coming to eat?" he bellowed. "Or do you intend to stand there kissing all night?"

Merry raised her cup.

"I vote for kissing!"

The nearest tables erupted in laughter.