Maria crouched low, her back against the wall of one of the longhouses that surrounded the Chief's longhouse. She stayed quiet and had been for the last half hour. That was just the way she liked it. When you're not so visible, it makes it easier for people not to remember you.
She hid a smile as the soldiers of Albion arrived in front of the longhouse. As always, Lord Ross dismounted first and his entourage followed.
As she'd expected, Abram wasn't with him again, and this made Maria sure that her suspicions were true. Lord Ross had been displeased with Abram for hesitating before drinking the sap.
If he wasn't displeased, then there was no reason for him to leave Abram behind. Especially with what she knew of his personality.
As her father greeted the delegation and they were led toward the longhouse, Maria didn't wait to see the rest.