by Heidi Hanley
With imperial grace, he walked down the length of the table to greet her. “Lady Briana, would you do me the honor of sitting beside me?”
She sat in the chair he indicated to his left as Sigel sat beside him on the right. To her Next to Briana sat Sir Stark and Jonathan. Cailleach and Silas sat farther down from the king, blessedly far enough away to prevent conversation.
Silas’ usual leggings and shirt had been cast off for more courtly attire, blue breeches an embroidered vest and a gold tunic. Handsome, yes, the blue of the cloth complimented his eyes, but she preferred him in his everyday wear, or the kilt.
Dara sat compliantly behind Briana, knowing better than to beg, his soulful gaze reminding her that he had not had supper yet.
“He behaves well,” said Brath.
“He does. I wonder, Your Majesty, how I should provide for his food?”
The king leaned in close and smiled conspiratorially. “Beginning tomorrow, maybe he could be fed down in the kitchens before our meals, but for tonight, I suggest slipping a little something his way. He looks like he could use a bite.”
As people ate and talked, Briana snuck a few bites of lamb and vegetables to Dara, who sat patiently beside her. The king, seeing the transaction, smiled. She couldn’t help but return the gesture.
“What has been done with Artanin?” she asked.
“He’s locked in the dungeon. I’ll… interview him tomorrow.”
“I want to be there.”
He shook his head. “That won’t be necessary.”
“It is to me,” she insisted. “He helped me escape and I want to know why.”
“He also tried to prevent you from removing the curse.”
“I’m not convinced that’s what he was doing,” she said, taking a sip of wine to wet her dry throat. She’d never argued with a king before, but if she was going to establish the kind of relationship she expected to have with him, she must start now.
He took a sip from his own goblet and studied her with a curious expression. “Very well. I’ll take you with me.”
Several questions and stories from around the table diverted his attention. She turned to Sir Jameson. “I hope your son told you of his adventure and valuable service to His Majesty?”
“What he says is that he protects the queen, whose beauty he repeatedly tried to describe, though he failed miserably in the attempt.”
“You are too kind, Sir Jameson. Seriously, your son has proven his bravery and dedication while traveling with us. I intend to talk to His Majesty about his training as soon as an opportunity presents itself. Is that acceptable?”
“It would be an honor for our family, of course, though I would ask for some time for us to get to know one another before he and I are immersed in training and duty.”
“Of course. Take as much time as you need. I’m quite fond of him, Sir Jameson. He’s a good boy.”
“Unfortunately, I can’t take any credit for that. I’m grateful to the Connuckles for looking after him. When things are more settled, I plan to travel to Cedarmara to thank them personally.”
“I hope you do,” Briana said, touching his arm lightly. “I’m very sorry about your wife’s death. It must be a terrible shock to wake up and find her gone.”
His eyes clouded. “I loved that woman more than you can imagine. To know I must live the rest of my life without her is beyond my comprehension.”
Oh, but I can imagine, and my heart breaks for you, she thought, but only squeezed his arm.
“I must concentrate on the joy of having Jonathan. I could have lost him, too. The last thing I remember before the curse is Lord Shamwa taking the lad from my wife’s arms. There was nothing I could do to save him or her.”
“That must have been horrible. Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I would love to hear about Lady Stark. Jonathan knew only what the Connuckles knew, and I bet you have some beautiful memories from before the curse.”
He looked at her oddly. “Well, thank you, milady. That is most kind of you.” She picked at the lamb in front of her.
“Is the food not to your liking,” asked Brath, “or are you not hungry?”
“The food is excellent, Your Majesty. I can’t believe your staff was able to put this together so quickly, and under such unusual circumstances. I think I’m still a little weary. It’s been a long day.”
He reached over and took her hand and she jerked back, nearly knocking over her goblet of wine. Startled at her response, he released her hand instantly. “Forgive me, Lady Briana. I didn’t mean to…”
“It just took me by surprise. Touchy nerves, I guess. I’m sorry.” The interaction between them caught the attention of those sitting closest.
“Don’t be. I shouldn’t have been so bold.” He offered what she thought was meant to be a comforting smile before turning his attention to the other end of the table. “So, Silas, with all that’s happened, you must have many stories to tell. Have you anything to share with us this evening?”
The bard’s eyes were lined with fatigue. Nevertheless, he rose and moved toward the harpist. “I’d be happy to share a story, Your Majesty, but it’s a long one, so fill your tankard and don’t hold your breath.”
The king chuckled.
“This is the story of a prophecy, a curse and the woman who saved a kingdom.”
She groaned inwardly. Oh, Maker, Silas. Please don’t. I’m not up for this.
He cued the harpist to begin playing a light melody as he recalled the night the King of Uisneach was put to sleep, and then recited the prophecy. Like everyone else, she fell captive to his voice, beautifully pitched for story and song. His performance provided a perfect means for her to watch him and dream about an alternate ending to the story.
She worried at the grief hiding behind the mask of enthusiasm he so valiantly tried to portray. She wanted nothing more than to take him in her arms and sing him to sleep, to offer the type of respite only she could provide.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed King Brath watching her intently and wondered how much of what she felt was revealed in her face. She turned to him. “He’s a great storyteller. We enjoyed hearing his tales around the camp at night.”
He responded with a half-smile. “He’s been a gifted bard since his early childhood. That boy could tell a story that would have you falling over laughing, or sing a song that would leave you weeping.”
She glanced down at her lap, thinking of their enchanted sea. She raised her eyes, realizing Brath was speaking to her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you.”
“I said it must have been difficult spending so much time on the road with two men. I hope you weren’t too uncomfortable?”
She met his stare. “Not at all, Your Majesty. I will remember it as the best time of my life.”
He leaned closer. “My lady, I pray in time, other memories will replace them as the best times of your life.”
Her stomach churned and she looked away.
Clapping and cheers from around the table cued her that Silas was done with the tale. The king went to the bard and clasped his hand in a hearty shake. “Thank you, Silas. It’s good to have you home.”
“It’s good to be home,” he replied, equally sincere.
This was his home, after all. She was starting to understand why this prophecy meant so much to him, and why he was so determined that she help fulfill it.
Cailleach appeared at her side. “Ready for bed?”
Yawning on cue, Briana nodded. As she turned to say good night to Brath, he took her hand again and said, “Lady Briana, I would greatly appreciate it if you would join me in my chamber for breakfast tomorrow morning. We need to talk about some things. And I promise to take you with me to talk with Artanin.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you. Gael will bring you.” He raised her hand, firmly this time, to his lips, and kissed her fingers. “I look forward to the morning.”
She called Dara.
The dog’s gaze shifted between her and Silas. Ignoring Briana’s repeated command, he deliberately walked over to the bard, who patted him lovingly on the head.
“Go, now, a leanbh, your mistress calls you.”
Perhaps it was the aged and potent wine or her overwrought emotions, but Briana viewed the scene before her as from afar, with Silas grinning at her and she returning the smile, Sigel staring fixedly at Brath, concern darkening his eyes, and Brath watching the bard and his bride speculatively.
“Good night, Your Highness,” she said, calling up a smile, hoping it alleviated whatever troubling thoughts the king might have had.
She and Cailleach were escorted back to their rooms by Sigel. Silas remained behind at the king’s request. Just because you’ve been sleeping for ten years, doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t tired. Let the man go to bed, Briana thought irritably, as she followed Cailleach out of the great hall.
Chapter Thirty-two
Getting to Know You
Briana smoothed the front of a violet day gown borrowed from the previous queen and secured Nua at her side while her new lady’s maid knocked on the door to King Brath’s chambers above the great hall. The king himself opened the door, dressed casually in brown leather leggings and a linen tunic shirt and vest, loosely laced, tall boots, and a wide leather belt holding a short dagger. He greeted Briana cordially and thanked Gael before dismissing her. Then he led Briana to the breakfast table. An awkward silence prevailed as they assessed each other.
The large open space designed for both work and rest was washed in sunlight from two large windows. Bricks of peat and dried logs stood stacked on either side of two fireplaces, one at each end of the room. Two tables occupied the left side e of the room, a smaller one, where they sat to breakfast, and a larger work table, with maps spread out across it. On the far right of the room, near a smaller window and balcony that let in a cool sea breeze, stood a behemoth of a canopied bed, covered in luxurious red quilts, fur throws, and puffy pillows, surrounded by a red brocade curtain. She shivered involuntarily at the thought that she might be sleeping in that bed with this man in the not-too-distant future. Two polished wardrobes stood side by side near the bed. Gorgeous richly woven tapestries hung from the walls and thick rugs covered the wood floors, making the room warmer than most parts of the fortress.
Brath poured her a cup of tea, and offered cream and sugar. Suddenly shy, polite conversation failed her, so she shook her head.
“Did you sleep well, my lady?”
“I did, thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you for agreeing to breakfast with me this morning.”
Could she have declined?
“Where’s Dara?”
“Gael was kind enough to take him to the kitchen today, but I’ll take responsibility for him from here on out.”
“We could give his care and feeding to one of the groomsmen, if you like.”
“He’s not a stable dog. He’s my friend and protector. I prefer he stay with me.” She picked up the fragile teacup and sipped.
“Of course. He seems fond of Silas, as well,” he said.
“We were all a part of his rescue, so he’s gotten used to the three of us, but from the start, he’s been mine. We’re rarely apart. He saved my life and the life of young Mr. Stark a few days ago, during a skirmish with the Gray Military. He’s a good dog and dear to me.”
“I see.”
She wondered what, exactly, his narrowed eyes saw. “I want to talk to you about Jonathan.” She graciously accepted the plate of fresh strawberries, peach preserves and a scone.
“I thought you might, and we will, but first I want to discuss a more personal issue.”
Already? Her stomach clenched, but she simply inclined her head for him to continue.
“First, and forgive my bluntness, but I need to know, given what I learned yesterday about the expected nature of our relationship, whether you are entering into this arrangement of your own volition.”
Speak now or forever hold my peace. A thousand things ran through her mind in a few moments, about Uisneach and the people she loved, who depended on her to do the right thing. The two halves of her heart warred between needing to save Uisneach and wanting to be with Silas, whatever the cost.
Uncertainty wavered in his eyes, as it did in her heart. “I accept the truth of the prophecy, which includes marriage to the King of Uisneach, so yes, I suppose I am entering voluntarily.”
“That sounds a bit ambiguous.”
“Where I come from, arranged marriages are an ancient idea. I’ve agreed to it, but I can’t say I’m thrilled about the idea of marrying a stranger. No offense. What about you? You also have a choice in this, and you don’t know me, either.”
He visibly relaxed and studied her thoughtfully before answering her question. “I’m good at reading people, as a rule. It took me only last evening to determine you are an intelligent, brave, kind, moral and beautiful woman, everything I would seek in a queen. I find the idea of being married to you appealing, and I hope I won’t be a stranger for long.”
She took a long breath, any notion of getting out of this union gone with his words. She sipped her tea, hoping she wouldn’t choke on it.
His eyebrows drew together at her silence. “Is the idea of marrying me so revolting?”
“Revolting? Hardly. You are all that people said you were. I just think we need to get to know one another before we jump into marriage.”
He nodded, looking relieved. “May I suggest we begin by dispensing with referring to each other by titles? Could we just call each other Brath and Briana – at least in private?”
“Never been a fan of the title thing, so yes, I’d prefer that.”
“Good. Thank you.”
“May I ask you a question?”
“Of course. Please…”
“I’ve noticed everyone complies with your requests without question. Is it ever acceptable to say no, or to debate with you?”
He burst out laughing. “Excellent observation, Briana, and straight to the point. I won’t need to guess what you’re thinking.”
“You never will, I promise.”
“I take it this comes from a woman not good at playing the submissive?”
“Correct.” She nibbled a bite of scone that in any other circumstance would’ve melted in her mouth.
“Now I’m certain Maker is being over-kind to me. Briana, I want our marriage to be a partnership. Hell, I want the relationship between the king and his people to be a partnership. Other than Sigel, seldom does anyone disagree with me or deny me, and truthfully, it can be wearisome at times. Please, you’re free to say no, or discuss anything with me that you don’t agree with. It will be most refreshing.”
“Good, because I’m not too good at obeying orders. In fact, it’s only fair you understand what kind of woman you will be marrying.”
He leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. “I’m listening.”
“I’m stubborn, argumentative at times and often snippy when things aren’t going my way. I can be reckless and manipulative. Oh, and I’ve kissed many men, though that was before I knew it is forbidden for queens, which I might say I find a ridiculous standard. I…”
“How many?”
“How many what?”
“Men have you kissed?”
She stared at him, cheeks burning. Her answer, when it came, croaked out of her. “Six or seven, I guess.”
Moments passed before he said, eyebrows knitting together seriously, “Hmm… pretty promiscuous, my lady. Is that how young women behave in Maine?”
“Well, to be honest, many women my age have gone far beyond kissing.”
“And what about you? How far beyond…”
“I beg your pardon?” she interrupted, outraged until she caught the gleam in his eyes. He was messing with her, pure and simple.
“I didn’t realize that this morning’s conversation would include an interrogation about the status of my v
irginity.”
“Please forgive my poor manners. Is there anything else I should know about you?”
“I guess that’s the worst of it.”
He nodded solemnly. “Well, you hold quite a low opinion of yourself. Let me assure you, your companions don’t share your assessment. Words used to describe you are brave, loyal, witty, talented and ‘one hell of a warrior.’”
“Well, Jonathan thinks I hung the moon and Silas…”
“Oh, I haven’t spoken with them yet. This is how Sigel described you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. He considers you like a daughter and told me, in no uncertain terms, that I had best be very good to you, or I would answer to him.”
“Well, I’m shocked about that,” she said, though her mouth curved into a satisfied smile.
“I’m confused, though,” Brath said.
“About?”
“You just went to a lot of trouble to scare me away from you and yet, you say you believe in the prophecy. Why would you want to talk me out of marrying you?”
“Well, Brath,” she said frowning, “I’m a bit confused about that myself.” What she didn’t say, because she could barely admit it to herself, was that her confusion came from a shocking, traitorous presence deep inside her that hoped she would fail.
They moved on to other topics, such as a commission for Jonathan Stark. Briana was relieved when he agreed to the boy being trained as her squire. He listened attentively as she shared the full story of his arrival at Winge Mansion and smiled when she related how she had interrogated him and how bravely he reacted.
“I believe he, like his father, will be a huge asset to you, Brath.”
