Page 33

Trailing behind Talac, watching the aristos at the evening mixer return the Prince’s smile, Brandth could only pity them. They were under the impression the Prince was happy. No, Talac was seething mad. Someone here had attempted to set Alia Gloomenthrall up to take the fall for the death of Baron Heathscote. The man continuing to cling to life, much to the Palace surgeon’s surprise. Perhaps something to do with Perri Gloomenthrall’s hourly visits to the sickroom, ensuring everyone was following her strict instructions of care to the letter.

“No more end of summer bridal competition. No more tramping around the Realm under the guise of searching for candidates and ferreting out the Realm’s secrets in the name of the King. What will you do with yourself instead?”

Talc queried, curious.

Hhmmm, what would he do? What did he want to do.

“I suspect I shall marry and settle down.”

Unsurprised when Talac whirled about to face him, the fleeting amusement abruptly slipping from his face.

“You’re serious?”

“Yes.”

Shocking himself.

“I believe I am. But enough about me, let’s get back to you. Are you sure about this?”

“I had a discussion with my mother yesterday that was rather eye-opening. My parents have been keeping some rather intriguing secrets closely hoarded to their chests in regards to how they met, and how they came to fall in love. It made me take a long hard look at how passive I’ve allowed myself to become. Sinking into the role of son, soldier, prince, spy… but where in all that are my choices, my decisions?”

“I couldn’t say. I just fill the role of best friend, and I excel at it, don’t you agree? Look at me right now, happily supporting you as you begin to tear apart the very fabric of your world. They shall call you mad, you know. But never fear, when they lock you away, I shall visit regularly… just as a best friend should.”

“You worry needlessly. Once I start, they’ll be so enraptured witnessing the fall from grace of so many of their so-called-friends and rivals, they’ll be too busy spreading word of what happened here to question my motives, or my sanity.”

“Fine. With whom do you wish to start?”

Talac’s gaze roamed over the crowd intermingling in the large ballroom, drinking mead and swapping rumours and speculation about today’s events at the hunt. Unaware that the hunt was not yet over. At least for Talac.

“There. I spy Lord and Lady Dunphrey. Let us go chat about what they and their son did to Margen Gloomenthrall.”

“As good as any place to start I believe.”

Brandth trailing in his wake.

Over the next hour Talac stalked the candlelit event… hunting. Seeking out his prey, who were always pleased and proud to attract the Prince’s notice and regard. That was until he commenced speaking… rather loudly.

The Dunphreys left in hurried disgrace, after Talac confronted them in regards to their treatment of their fifth son’s wife. Whose dowry they used to revive their flour mills. Only to repudiate Margen in her fourth year of marriage. Evicting her whilst she was six months pregnant, and marrying their fifth son off to a grain merchant’s youngest daughter four weeks later.

Next up on Talac’s list was Master Jeweller Ullen. Who discovered his daughter-in-law, Habbon Gloomenthrall, had a knack for designing jewellery. Passing those designs off as his own. Growing his business in leaps and bounds until he was in demand at Pallene and the Palace itself. All the while keeping Habbon all but chained in his workshop, ill-treated and undernourished, until she managed to escape one day and make her way back to the safety of Gloomenthrall.

The crowd, eavesdropping so intently, still managed to agree with one another that yes, the quality of Ullen’s designs had significantly diminished over the last eighteen months. Now everyone knew why.

“If you keep this up…”

Brandth muttered in Talac’s ear once he was through decimating Ullen’s life and career.

“… they’ll start running for the exits.”

“Time to switch things up, then. Have you seen Kiefer’s heir anywhere… never mind, I see him.”

Talac zig zagged through the crowd, sighting fresh prey. “Gauge.”

Gauge Kiefer was Talac’s age, also tall and muscular, with sandy blonde hair, handsome features, and the ramrod posture of a military man. The two of them had come up through the ranks together, until four years ago when a storm wiped out almost all Gauge’s family, and distant cousin Gauge was promptly saddled with the heir position. The current Baron Kiefer being an infirmed elderly but good natured man.

The two swapped friendly chit chat, Talac very aware of the crowd pressing in close around them, all wondering what scandal the Prince was about to accuse the new young heir to the Kiefer winery fortune of.

“There’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.”

“Oh.”

Gauge sounded wary.

“Don’t tell me I’m in your bad books?”

“The opposite, I’ve always held you in high esteem, that’s why I want you to meet… ah, there she is, follow me.”

Lady Niah Klow was positively glowing this evening, having won the war with her mother when it came to donning yet another pastel creation that washed out her complexion and ill-suited her. The rich berry coloured gown she had chosen for tonight’s event making her skin gleam and her dark eyes sparkle brighter. Currently her beautiful gaze were fixed upon the Prince striding towards her. The crowd naturally parting to make way, a tall, handsome… better yet, interesting looking man at the Prince’s side. A wry smile suddenly tilting up the corners of Niah’s lips as Prince Zariffe performed the introductions.

“Lord Gauge Kiefer… Lady Niah Klow.”

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The newcomer’s voice was delightfully husky, making things low in Niah’s stomach quiver. What do you know, this might just work out in her favour. Stepping forward, she offered Gauge Kiefer her hand.

“His Highness thinks of me as a sister, isn’t that right?”

Talac laughed.

“My most favourite one of all, in fact.”

“Would you accompany me on a tour of the gardens, Lord Kiefer?”

“Gauge, please, and it would be my honour.”

Slipping Niah’s arm through his, the touch of his hand causing her heart to beat just a little faster. Yes, this might just work out very well indeed for her.

“Ah, and now we can add matchmaker to your talents.”

Brandth watched the newly introduced couple saunter away with only eyes for each other.

“Is there anything you can’t do?”

“Possibly. Convincing a golden haired vixen that I’ll not be a tyrant if she were to marry me. Thus saddling her with a suffocating title and weighing her down with all the expectations of the aristos and the Realm… that might be a little beyond my capabilities. But I won’t know until I try. How about you? Any impossible tasks hanging over your head?”

“Like you, just the one.”

A ripple of excitement surged through the crowd, everyone craning their heads in the direction of the main entrance, everyone talking at once. Brandth caught the name Gloomenthrall dropping from the lips of a nearby matron. A vicious pleased edge to her tone. There were too many people in the way, and then, just like that, the crowd rearranged itself and Brandth could see Perri, standing there in the doorway, Alia at her side. She was wearing the black - Wicked - gown from the masquerade ball… but this time Perri wore no mask.

* * *

Perri wanted to throw up. Pure nerves of course. What would Brandth do or say once he caught sight of her? No, that was inconsequential, she had already given herself a severe two hour pep talk regarding that topic. She would release him from his pursuit, graciously, and without protest or rebuke.

Letting go of Brandth this evening was all part of her plan. Freeing him of any obligation to her was only fair. However, that wasn’t what had her nerves stretched so incredibly tight, that was down to the number one item on her list, kill Regal… although, she supposed she could be equally nervous about two things at once.

It seemed unfair of life to burden Perri so heavily at one moment in time.

She would be heartbroken to release Brandth from his courtship but free of Regal, and in a position to finally, officially, claim Levi, her son… if he would recognise her claim once he saw his mother’s face.

Could a broken heart break twice? She was very afraid she was about to discover the answer to that question very soon.

There was no going back now though. So thankful to have Alia by her side, squeezing her hand, reminding Perri that they couldn’t stand in the doorway all evening. Though it was tempting. She took a small step forward, meeting the shocked gazes of the crowd. Another step. Holding her head high, staring everyone down. She didn’t care about these people or what they thought. Though she could clearly read their reactions. Horror. Glee. Curiosity. Repulsion. And in a very few gazes, sympathy.

But their opinion mattered not one jot to Perri. The crowd parting to allow them to move further into the room.

“Would you care for a drink?”

Ten would suit Perri nicely right about now, but unfortunately, she needed to keep her wits sharp.

“No, I’m fine.”

Glancing up at Alia.

“Do you see Regal?”

“Yes, over by the string quartet.”

Alia squeezing Perri’s hand again, this time to keep her in place.

“Give everyone a chance to calm down. If we’re very lucky a fresh scandal might erupt and we won’t remain the centre of attention for much longer.”

Crud, Alia was right. Patience. Was Brandth here also? He must have heard of her arrival. Had he already seen her from a distance? Perhaps he’d ducked away, granting them both a clean cut. A tiny piece on the very edge of Perri’s heart crumbled in to dust at the thought.

Alia gave Perri’s hand yet another squeeze, this time in warning. The crowd abruptly parting, four feet away stood Brandth. She prayed desperately for strength, given how handsome he looked, also in all black. It took everything she had not to retreat, to meet his gaze, steeling her heart for what she would see in those honey flecked amber eyes… heat, amusement, desire, and sheer… delight. Was she dreaming?

Vaguely aware of Alia moving away from her side and issuing a greeting to the Prince, boldly requesting he escort her to get a drink. The majority of the crowd’s interest instantly shifting to them. Leaving Perri essentially alone with Brandth.

“Perri.”

He said her name like a vow, a prayer, like it was the answer to everything. It almost undid her. She blinked back tears, aware he was smiling at her, almost laughing.

“How can such a beautiful woman be such a ninny.”

It wasn’t what she’d been expecting Brandth to say, causing her to laugh and hiccup at the same time. Beautiful. He’d called her beautiful to her… scarred face. He’d also called her a ninny though, which kind of stung a little.

“There’s time you know.”

She could do this. Be strong, for his sake. “To run.”

“Away with you? My answer will always be yes.”

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

His hand so warm and reassuring as it reached out to clasp hers, tugging her gently forward until only inches separated them, forcing her to look up at him.is hanHis

“You listen here, heart of mine, I’ll say it again, I’m determined to spend my days drowning in those gorgeous blue eyes of yours… come swim with me for the rest of our days. Let me love you, Perri.”

Her lips parted, she was about to reply, but the emotions were too much, getting stuck. No words would come.

Brandth laughed at her predicament with affection glittering in his eyes.

“Repeat after me. Brandth, you handsome incomparable devil… no, don’t roll your eyes, that isn’t part of the script.”

“I will thank you not to put words in my mouth… the only thing you got right is that you are a devil. And perhaps it’s I who should be questioning your intelligence. Have you really thought about this… us? Forever is a long time to look at this face. I do not wish for you to grow to resent me… hate me.”

Those last two words came out on a whisper.

“I have an uncle, well, several actually, but the one I’m thinking about was a notorious lover of women back in his youthful days. Handsome as the sun, with long fair hair, a gleaming smile and eyes that made women begin undressing the moment he quirked an eyebrow in their direction.”

“What does this-”

“Let me finish. Many years later that uncle is as bald as a baby’s bottom, all his teeth have fallen out and he has confided in me that his manly vigour has long since deserted him. From the moment I could toddle, my entire family have stated that I am the mirror image of the man when he was young…”

It was impossible not to laugh. She had faith Brandth at the very least would never lose his charming ways or ability to amuse her.

“Lucky you, I have some tonics that can help stave off baldness and tooth rot. And better yet, I have ready access to a steady supply of keymoat bone dust… if your vigour ever withers.”

“Having tasted one of your healing tonics in the past, I believe I would rather go bald and toothless.”

“For you I might consider adding some honey.”

“Ah… so you do love me. Say the words, fair Perri. That you love me. That you’ll wed me.”

“Clearly I must love you, considering all of your nonsense I put up with.”

“You have such a way with words, you should write poetry.”

“I warn you now. I shall never be a meek, biddable wife, who agrees with every glib comment that falls out of your mouth. I’m a healer. And I shall want to keep practising my craft.”

“Of course, you’re gifted, and not one to be idle. Have you ever thought of setting up a medical school? You could open it to women. If we did so on my family lands, no one could stop us.”

“That… that is a marvellous idea.”

Perri’s heart felt close to bursting. Brandth loved her… and the idea of opening a medical school was brilliant. Great-Aunt Mary might be coaxed to leave the Lair and help… or take charge.

“Excellent. I love you. You beyond adore, respect and love me. We shall wed… now, what am I forgetting? Oh, your current estranged husband. What is the plan? And how might I be of aid?”

By the nine circles, she really did love him. Uncaring of where they were, Perri rose up on tiptoes, planting a kiss on his sensual lips. Liking the way heat flared even brighter in his eyes as a result.

“I do love you, Brandth De’Luca. Now follow me and look stern. It’s time to set Regal on the slippery path to his imminent demise.”

Approaching Regal Soutner, who was lounging against a wall, loitering near the softly playing string quartet, Perri wasn’t surprised to find him alone, given the state of him. His clothes were all wrinkled, except for his trousers that looked like they were two sizes too small. And there were dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. Even so, he still managed to look stunningly attractive, but it seems he couldn’t compete with all the antics of the Prince this evening. As his usual adoring fans were busy jockeying for position, trying to get a front row seat for the Prince’s next comeuppance of a guest, or the off-loading of another bridal candidate.

Regal was in the process of sipping some mead when Perri stepped out of the crowd before him.

“Good Gods!”

A small spray of mead leaving his mouth in shock… and horror, his gaze fixed upon Perri’s unshielded face.

Funny, his horror, it pleased her in a small way. Regal had never liked ugly things. He destroyed them or walked away. But there would be no walking away from Perri this evening.

“Cruddy hell, woman! You’re the stuff of night-”

“Don’t.”

Perri warned. Aware of Brandth standing at her shoulder issuing a low feral growl.

“Currently I have made no claim upon you. Am happy to consider our time apart as an official estrangement, and our marriage legally over… but… if you harangue, disparage, or annoy me, I might just change my mind and make my claim for everyone here to note. Then they’ll be witnesses to how you have treated your poor injured wife. And might begin to wonder how you would treat their own daughter or sibling if a match were to be agreed upon.”

“I do not think they would judge me so harshly… just look at you. Who would not repudiate such a monstrous visage?”

Regal’s words didn’t touch Perri, she cared naught what he thought, it was a heady… freeing moment.

“Careful, neighbour, perhaps I should remind you of how much respect and admiration I have garnered saving Baron Heathscote’s life today. I already have a sky high pile of invitations to meet with aristos who require my advice or care… and I believe they value their health much more highly than my few scars. In fact, I think my scars might just reinforce what a healing legend I am. For if I have access to medicines that can aid me to survive scars such as these, think what other miracles I might be able to perform?”

Sour faced, Regal clamped his lips together for a moment. Clearly rethinking whatever it was he’d been about to say.

“In fact, I should probably enquire after your health, Regal. Are you under the weather?”

“It’s this place, the Palace. I’ve been moved to a suite above the kitchens and it’s as hot as hades, and noisier than all the nine circles of hell. And don’t get me started on the incompetent staff. They should be fired, the lot of them. Just look what the laundry did to my trousers… all my trousers. These are the best of the bunch. And the boot boy wrecked my only hunting boots, destroyed them, cruddy little idiot.”

“Astonishing, I have just discovered my sympathy well is completely dry.”

Eyes narrowing, Regal glared daggers, his gaze abruptly shifting over Perri’s shoulder.

“And just what role are you intending to play in all this, Lord Lurker? Hired Muscle? Or… wait, are you two actually… together?”

Regal chuckled cruelly.

“Gods, how do you stand opening your eyes every morning to see-”

“Careful, Baron Soutner. I’m a man capable of playing many parts. Godson to the Queen. Best friend to the Prince. Although I believe I particularly shine when called upon to play the role of horrified witness, as poor bewildered and frightened Perri stabs you in the heart with a scalpel because you attacked her… I think I would put it about that you went mad due to your too tight trousers.”

Rolling his eyes, Regal shifted, and then shifted again, trying to discreetly tug at the crotch of his pants.

“What do you want, woman?”

There was no point in lying or hedging. “Levi.”

“My heir?”

“Do you really see him as such? Do you really consider him… fit enough to be your heir?”

“He’s a tenacious little tick is what he is. Limping about in the shadows. Hanging on to my teat, but forever avoiding me.”

“We both know you have plans to replace him, Regal. So why not allow me to remove the burden?”

“He would still be my heir!”

“What if he signed his rights away?”

“Unless you’re willing to include five hundred sovereigns in the deal, you’ll never get your hands on him, Perri.”

“Done.”

Brandth interjected smoothly.

“When would you like to conduct said business? I know, how about tomorrow at noon, during the garden party in honour of the last summer roses? Down by the river bank under the puff willow trees.”

Perri wanted to shrug off Brandth’s hand as it wrapped around her elbow and began pulling her away. Regal hadn’t actually agreed to anything as yet. There was still more to discuss and agree upon. Scowling Brandth’s way as he leaned over to whisper into her ear.

“You’ve pricked his pride and I’ve arranged for him to meet with us in a somewhat secluded locale.”

“He hasn’t agreed to sign over Levi yet.”

Perri scolded darkly in a hissing whisper.

“And he never will. A man like that never gives up anything freely, no matter how worthless he privately deems it. I could see it in his eyes. He doesn’t just want Levi dead, he wishes you gone also. And I have… oops, naively provided him with a secluded location and time to once and for all rid himself of his wife, and the annoying man who has the audacity to now claim what was once his.”

“He might believe he owns Levi, but he feels nothing for me except perhaps horror that I have the gall to taint his perfect world with my face looking like this.”

“No… that’s not it, or not all of it. I see seething well deep hatred for you flicker in Soutner’s eyes. He loathes that you left him.”

“I didn’t leave him. He abandoned me to die in a field of my grievous injuries.”

“I didn’t say he was a sane or rational man, did I? Now. Let’s adjourn somewhere shadowy and dark. You can elaborate on your plan for tomorrow, whilst I admire the button work on this magnificent dress of yours.”

They were in the midst of planning a murder and Brandth wanted to get her naked and have fun… surprisingly, Perri was very much okay with that addition to this evening’s agenda. Very much okay indeed.