Securing Aisling

by Andrea Boyd

  He was the first to speak. “If Mother had not invited us to this luncheon, I had thought to take you out for a picnic.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes, today would have been an excellent day for it without a cloud in the sky.”

  What did he have to say about the dark and dreary days? Was he as enthusiastic about the weather then? I did not mention that I was in fact going on a picnic later that day or that I would be in the presence of two of his brothers instead of him. I wondered briefly what he would think if he ever learned of our planned outing.

  I looked away from Dunbar toward King Coman. If I had ever pictured Satan as a man, in my mind this was what he looked like. I took in his black hair and beard, and eyes so dark I could not see his pupils from this distance. He stared right back with a smug look on his face as if to let me know that he thought he controlled my destiny. I hated to break it to him, but that job would never be his.

  I forced myself to look past him to King Farris. The gap in age between this king and his wife showed in the lines on his face and the salt and pepper in his hair and beard. The only time I remembered him not wearing furs was when Summer Session was held in Aisling. Even then he would be heavily covered.

  “Queen Babree was just telling me that Princess Adrika was not feeling well this morning. I do hope she is better soon. I would love to see her again. I imagine she has grown in the six months since I last saw her.”

  “Thanks for your concern, Queen Brianna. She seemed to be much improved when we left her with the nursemaid. And she has grown quite a bit. It is hard to believe that she is two and a half years old now. The time seems to be flying by.

  “Just think, if you and Dunbar should marry right away and find yourselves expecting within the next year or so, all of our families could one day be joined. What would a few years difference in their ages be once our children are grown?”

  I choked on the sip of water I had been trying to swallow.

  “I am sorry. I feel I may have spoken out of turn.” Farris looked nervously toward Coman and then back to me.

  “I know it must look suspiciously like Dunbar and I are a couple after being paired together last night and again today, but let me assure you that we are not engaged in any way.”

  “I am so sorry, Your Highness. I assumed too much.”

  “They are not a couple yet, Farris, but it does seem inevitable. Do you not think they look like they belong together? I would love nothing more than to see our kingdoms united, and if it is as you say and their offspring is joined with yours, that is all the better. Nothing would thrill me more than to see a Barnali on every throne in Kearnley.”

  Hopefully, my irritation could be seen in the glare I directed at Coman’s smiling face. A glance in Farris’ direction showed him looking rather uncomfortable. If he did not know before, I hope he now realized that Coman had plans to one day rule this entire country, including his own kingdom of Dermot. I looked back at Dunbar who was tearing into his food as if nothing were amiss.

  “Now darling, do not tease the children so. Babree, have you plans for a theme for the Winter Ball yet?” Finelle had effectively changed the subject, but I was still fuming. I spent the rest of the afternoon saying as little as possible. I was afraid that if King Coman took it upon himself to inappropriately throw me and Dunbar together again, I would find it to be one of those times when it was necessary to offend.

  Seven

  ONCE THE LUNCHEON was over, I had barely enough time to rush back to my chambers and change clothes before heading out to the stables. I began by removing the tiara and other jewelry as soon as I walked through the door, handing them off to Gwen.

  I sat down and started pulling at hair pins when she came up behind me. “Here, allow me to do that. You will have it in so many knots it would take me the rest of the day to work them out. So, how did the luncheon go?”

  “Would you believe that I was set up with Dunbar again? Queen Finelle decided to invite the men, and Dunbar was partnered with me. But of course, I am sure it was at King Coman’s suggestion. I swear I will never allow this to happen again. King Farris thought we were betrothed, and I would be willing to bet that a lot of other people are under the same misconception.”

  “To be honest, I am surprised he has not asked you already.”

  “Well, if he does, he can look forward to a negative response from me.”

  “Are you sure you want to turn him away just because you are mad at King Coman?”

  I thought about Gwen’s question as she braided my hair. Could I really afford to eliminate Dunbar as a prospective mate so early into my search? “Gwen, the boy is as dull as a box of rocks. Even if I was not positive that Coman would be attempting to run my kingdom from behind the scenes, I could not stand the blank looks and lack of intelligent conversation coming from my husband.” It was a relief to have finally come to that definite decision.

  “We can only hope things work out with one of the two left on your list. Garrett has some good qualities, but he is so reserved it is hard to tell whether he has special feelings for you or not, and Reagan seems to have special feelings for everyone alike. I had hoped one of them would single you out, but so far I have not seen anything like that. What do you think?”

  I looked up at her reflection as she was tying off the end of my braid. I appreciated her honesty even if it did sting a little. “You are right about Garrett. I cannot tell if he really likes me or if he is just being nice. And to tell the truth, compared to our previous encounters, Reagan has toned down his flirting, toward me at least. I do not know what to make of it.”

  “That could be a good thing. It may mean he is taking his relationships more seriously.”

  I turned to face her. “You did see him with the blond in the dining hall yesterday, did you not?”

  “Well, yes, but for all we know he could have made a decision to change his ways since then.”

  I raised one eyebrow, giving her my most skeptical look, but she did not say anything more. “Look, I have yet to make up my mind, but I do believe I could be happy with either at this point.”

  Gwen helped me to dress. She had picked out a greenish blue riding habit with a split skirt and light blue blouse for me to wear on our outing. I had a black hat with a ribbon to match the skirt. It was a very tame choice compared to the outfit I had on when I first arrived at Gilvary. I hoped Garrett would not be disappointed. The only weapons I carried this time were the knives still hidden in my boots and the quiver on my back. Gwen’s outfit mirrored mine except it was done in shades of yellow.

  It was a little after three when we arrived at the stables to find Garrett putting my saddle on Torin. Ghost and the other two horses were ready to go. Torin greeted me as I approached. I ran my fingers through his dark mane. He nudged my hand looking for his treat. I scanned the stable. I always carried treats with me, but I did not know where they had been stored.

  Garrett reached into his pocket pulling out a square bar made of grains and fruit combined, and he handed it to me. “This is what we use for horse treats here in Gilvary. These were made right here in the castle kitchen.”

  “Thanks.” I offered the treat to Torin. I was unsure how he would react, but he seemed to like it. As soon as it was gone, he nuzzled my hand for more.

  “Do not be so greedy.” I gave his long nose a rub.

  “Garrett, I take it this is not the battle gear you have so fondly referred to all day today.”

  Garrett’s face colored slightly, but he gave no answer, so I spoke up. “Reagan, if you feel the need for protection I have my bow, but I can certainly go and change into my full gear.”

  His face lit up in a beautiful smile that would make anyone’s heart sing. “As curious as I am about your outfit, I would not want to put you to the trouble of having to change again today. Besides, we have Garrett for protection, remember?”

  “Should I be worried that you lack the skills needed to use that sword hanging from your sid
e?” This was my attempt at flirting. I hoped I was doing it right.

  “Oh, I know how to use it. I just have never had to before. We will call it a “plan B”, backup in case Garrett should fail us.”

  I exchanged a look with Gwen. We both had seen battle more than once lately. Garrett had said he was trained, but did he have experience? All of this talk was probably moot since I was sure we would be traveling with the warriors waiting outside of the stables. Besides, I did not think either one of them would intentionally lead us into danger.

  Reagan helped Gwen into her saddle before climbing up onto his own black stallion.

  “My Lady, may I help you up?” I turned my head, and Garrett was right behind me. We were almost cheek to cheek, with his warm hands circling my waist. I looked up into those stunning green eyes.

  “I am sorry to have startled you. Are you ready?” His shy look and the dimple that showed up with his half grin indicated that he may have been just as affected as I was by our closeness. He kept his hands around my waist until I was sitting securely on Torin’s back before climbing onto his own black and white Pinto.

  Garrett’s stallion was taller than the rest of our horses. He was very spirited and beautiful to behold. The black and white markings on his silky coat were very striking. He pranced and nodded his head as we left the stables as if he knew he was something special.

  “So this is the horse Reagan spoke of. He is gorgeous. What is his name?”

  “Thanks. It is Eoghan.”

  “From The Temptress?”

  “You have read it?”

  “Yes. That is interesting because I chose Torin’s name from a book also.” I patted my horse on the neck.

  “The Adventures of Hidalgo the Great?”

  “That is the one.”

  “Bria quite often has her nose stuck in a book. Do you like to read, Reagan?” I had been focusing on Garrett for a time, but Gwen was good about trying to get everyone to join in.

  “Not if I can help it.”

  “Do not let him fool you. He makes more trips to the library than I do.” Garrett gave his brother a smirk that Reagan seemed to be ignoring.

  “Well, I can tell you that I did not get my horse’s name out of a book.”

  “What is his name?”

  “Delano, and do not ask where it originated from because I did not name him.”

  “Oh, so your horse already had a name when you got him?”

  “Not exactly.”

  Gwen seemed at a loss for words after that.

  Garrett leaned up to look over at her. “What exactly Reagan means is that he let some girl name his horse.”

  “Hey, it is a good name. Not to change the subject, but how did the luncheon go, Bria? I heard that Father had succeeded in getting Mother to set you up with Dunbar again.”

  “I am afraid as far as Dunbar is concerned it did not go very well at all, but I doubt he noticed.” I cringed. How could I have been so careless? “Please forgive me. I should not have made a remark like that about your brother.”

  Reagan threw his head back and laughed which only made things worse. “So, have you decided not to marry him then? I am sure Father will be disappointed.”

  “Contrary to popular belief, Dunbar has not asked me. No decision has been made, but I have to admit it is not looking favorable for him.” I knew it was wrong for me to share that last part, but the damage had already been done. If I was going to reject Dunbar, it should have been during a private conversation between the two of us. It was the coward’s way out, but if word got back that I was uninterested, maybe he would back off on his own.

  “Wait a minute, how did Dunbar end up at the Queen’s Luncheon?” Garrett had leaned forward in the saddle to look around me to Reagan.

  “I told you, father set it up, and I believe the kings were in attendance as well. Is that not right, Bria?”

  I was intrigued that he had started using Gwen’s pet name for me, but I only nodded.

  “Reagan, how do you always manage to find these things out?”

  “I have my sources?”

  “A scullery maid, no doubt.”

  I found the interplay between the two brothers very interesting. What must it be like to have a sibling?

  “A gentleman never tells, and besides, you are missing the point. If Dunbar has lost favor with the queen here, this is your chance to step in and win her attentions for yourself.”

  Garrett picked up speed and got a little ahead of the rest of us. I could not tell if Reagan was joking or was he implying that Garrett was interested? If he was serious, did this mean that Reagan himself was not interested? I would have to wait until later to find out what Gwen thought about all of this.

  Dunbar had been right about one thing. It had turned out to be a gorgeous day. We rode northeast until we came to the banks of the Erin River before stopping. Except for a few people tending their farms off in the distance, we had not seen another soul other than the warriors spread out in a wide circle around us. It had been easy to forget about them most of the time.

  Reagan dismounted and untied the basket attached to his saddle. He and Gwen began setting up our picnic while Garrett and I tied the horses off downstream. I noticed that none of the warriors offered to help either of us. They seemed to know just what was expected of them, and I wondered how many other girls had been on outings such as this with the two brothers. I imagined it happened quite often with Reagan, but what about Garrett?

  “Your Highness, I hope you do not mind my saying, but you are very independent for a queen.”

  I could tell by Garrett’s expression that there was no malice in his statement. “What do you mean?”

  “I could never imagine my mother helping with the horses or even dismounting without assistance.”

  I was not sure how I felt about being compared to his mother. “And do you find independence to be an unattractive trait in just royalty or in women in general?”

  “Actually, I find it to be refreshing rather than unattractive. Although, I would not have minded helping you down from your horse.” Color blossomed up the sides of his face as he studied mine. I must admit I liked his shy methods over that of his brother.

  “I will make a deal with you, Garrett. Whenever you are around, I will wait for you to assist me if you will just address me as Brianna. I want us to be friends, and a friend would call me by my given name. What do you say?”

  He smiled and this time both dimples showed up. “Brianna.” For some reason the way he almost whispered my name sent my heart fluttering. “I have always liked that name. That sounds like a good deal to me.” He offered his arm, and we headed toward the picnic spread out by the river.

  I have to say that I was having a great time. I think we all were. This was the first time I had been on an outing with people close in age with myself other than Gwen. The most interesting thing we talked about during our picnic had started with discussion about that morning’s sermon. It seemed everyone was in agreement in their lack of enthusiasm over Vicar Gilmore’s delivery.

  “I agree that the services here at Gilvary leave a lot to be desired, but you have to understand this is all we have, and Father is not likely to change anything. Reagan tells me that things are much different in Aisling.”

  Garrett’s comment had me looking in Reagan’s direction, curious to hear an outsider’s view. “I have to agree. The attendance alone must be an indication as to the depth of the experience of our services. We had to build a new church outside of the castle wall a couple of years ago in order to accommodate everyone.”

  Reagan seemed intent in rolling a stem of grass between his fingers. “Yes, it is almost as if you are expected to attend church there. I guess it is a good thing, or I might have never realized my need for a Savior if I had to depend on Vicar Gilmore to lead me.”

  I sat up a little straighter. “You came to know the Lord while in Aisling?”

  He looked at me then. “Yes, just this last December. Parso
n Nevan told the story of Esau and Jacob. For some reason I could really relate to Jacob. If he needed a Savior then it stood to reason that I did as well. I know it probably does not make sense to anyone but me. I came home and tried to explain it to Garrett, but the story did not affect him the way it had me.” It was unusual to hear Reagan speaking about such a serious subject. I was curious as to what part of Jacob’s life he had related to, but I did not ask.

  “It is true that none of it made sense to me at first, but it did have me reading my Bible trying to find answers for myself. I found my answers in the New Testament. It was simple really. If you believe in God, then you have to believe that his word is true. If God is real and His word is true, the logical step would be to follow that word.” What Garrett said made sense.

  I thought about this conversation on the ride back. Certain things started to make more sense. Like why they attended church services here when they had every reason not to. Their parents did not attend, nor did they require it of their children. The vicar’s sermons were less than appealing. It was not exactly pride that I felt, but I was glad to know Reagan had been able to find what he needed at our home church in Aisling. It was also amazing that he had been able to pass it on to Garrett. A true sign of God’s miraculous ways.

  We arrived back at Gilvary’s stables just as the sun in the horizon was making its descent, coloring the sky in shades of pinks and deep purple. I stayed in the saddle until Garrett came to get me, as promised. He did not step away once my feet were on the ground. He leaned in and spoke in a low voice that caused my pulse to quicken. “Brianna, I know it is late, but would you like to . . .”

  “I am telling Father about this.” Garrett jerked away, and we all turned to see Rian climbing down from the loft.

  Reagan was the first to speak up. “Tell Father what, exactly? That these two ladies wanted to go for a ride, and being the gentlemen we were taught to be, Garrett and I accompanied them? Is that what you plan to tell?”