Page 37

“Will you stop scratching.”

Perri tapped Levi on the shoulder. “And you.”

She gave Brandth a side-eye glare.

“Stop waving at people. This is a funeral procession, not a parade or a wedding. Think solemn. Think grim. The pair of you.”

She fervently hoped no one else standing on the royal family balcony was noticing their antics.

“Everything itches.”

“Nothing itches, it’s all in your head.”

“Maybe we did it wrong. It seemed to take forever.”

Levi muttered, squirming, clearly uncomfortable in his formal jacket and long trousers. He’d been thrilled at the sight of the new clothes. A rush job thanks to Lastonne. But after five minutes in his new attire, he begun tugging at the collar and fidgeting with the buttons. The only article of his new wardrobe he remained impressed by were his new black knee high boots, with a discreet insole upper added to the required boot, making his gait much noticeably smoother.

“It was a bath. And it took so long because you were so incredibly filthy despite your dunking in the river.”

Perri fought the urge to smooth Levi’s perfectly brushed newly short hair down for no particular reason. It was incredibly soft. When he slept, she snuck in to his bedroom and often brushed it off his forehead or adjusted it back behind his ears.

“If you make bathing part of your regular routine, they should be much reduced in time from here on out.”

Levi’s head spun around.

“I have to do it again?”

“Eyes front. And yes, daily… preferably.”

“Do you bathe daily?”

Levi turned to look back and up at Brandth.

“Most assuredly. And I suggest you fall into line if you want to keep convincing the ladies who work in the kitchen to continue giving you pastries and sweetlings. If you offend their noses, those indulgences will quickly cease.”

Perri grabbed Brandth’s arm as he made to lift it.

“Do not keep waving at people.”

He grabbed her hand, holding it in his. Grinning. He looked all sorts of dashing in all black. Even with his jacket draped over his shoulders, two belts buckled firmly around his chest to keep his arm in close to his body, whilst a third longer belt acted as a sling, holding Brandth’s arm at the exact required angle for it to heal without any nasty ramifications.

“Have I told you how lovely you look today?”

Brandth’s gaze travelled down Perri’s frame, admiring her exposed cleavage and the clinging nature of her attire.

“I never thought I would get such wear out of a black ballgown. You don’t think the neckline a little too risqué for a funeral?”

“Not a bit of it. Besides, take a look at the remaining bridal candidates.”

Brandth directed Perri’s attention to the far end of the balcony, where the young ladies gathered, looking gorgeous in their all black finery. Dabbing occasionally at their dry eyes with matching handkerchiefs when they recalled this was supposed to be a solemn occasion. Alia, standing head and shoulders above them, was attired in a blazing red jacket, her long blonde hair spilling down over her shoulders, only her trousers and boots funeral appropriate black. Her expression impassive, bordering on the bored.

“So…”

Brandth squeezed Perri’s hand, regaining her attention. It had been two days since the incident by the river, and besides visiting his suite to double check on his broken arm, and demonstrate to his valet, Raschion, how to buckle Brandth into the belts, he had not had a chance to visit alone with Perri.

Of course they were surrounded by people right now, but the majority of those that had been invited to view the funeral procession from the royal balcony were too busy posing and preening, trying to ensure everyone else who didn’t make the cut noticed that they had… to take any notice of Brandth and Perri.

“So?”

Perri queried.

“Now that you’ve brought up the topic of weddings… when do you think we should hold ours?”

“Do you really think right now is the appropriate time to discuss it, during a funeral procession?”

“Yes.”

“You wish a date?”

“Yes, and a time. We have slayed the dread evil doer together. I love you. You love me. Every day without you by my side, I am one step closer to bald, toothless and limp. And you are nothing but a dark cloud of dread without me beside you to make you smile and lighten your mood.”

“I have a lot weighing upon my mind. I don’t have time for weddings and all the arrangements that go with one.”

“Then it’s decided, we shall keep it small… intimate.”

Brandth very much liked the dark scolding look Perri sent his way as he breathed the last word directly into her ear, even as a light flush graced her cheeks.

“I do not have time to think about things like weddings, when there is still so much up in the air when it comes to Levi.”

“Oh?”

Brandth didn’t think there was much wrong with the boy. Once he got used to the idea of bathing daily, and understood it was impolite to scratch in public.

“He can’t sleep.”

Perri whispered.

“I think he’s having nightmares about losing his father.”

“More likely his nightmares feature you.”

Brandth knew he’d said the words badly when Perri reared back, hurt in her eyes.

“Not like that. If he wakes constantly, I should think it’s to double check that he’s awake and that you… his mother, are real and not some dream.”

“Oh.”

A pleased smile tilted up the corners of Perri’s mouth.

“Yes, of course.”

“Now, about our wedding date?”

“There is too much still undecided in regards to Levi’s future. He’s now Baron Soutner. The land, the businesses, the estates are all his.”

“You have no wish to go there again I should imagine, but for Levi, I know you would. Why don’t you ask the boy how he feels? He’s never lived there. You could appoint a steward. Even move several of your female kin there to run the place. Turn it into an orphanage… or burn it to the ground.”

“Then there is my father to consider. He must meet his heir.”

“Ever heard of a honeymoon? Though to be fair, the draughty dark Keep of Gloomenthrall would not be my first choice when it comes to destinations.”

“The Lair is a light and happy place. There are the woods to explore. And training and daily exercise would go a long way to strengthening Levi’s shortened leg. Between the insole and such a regime, it is very possible he might overcome his limp completely eventually.”

“I have no problem with us spending time at the Lair. According to Talac, the inhabitants there have the knack of putting together a very speedy wedding.”

“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

“I’m not going to let you go, Perri Gloomenthrall. I meant what I said about us spending the rest of our lives together. And it’s only fair that in order to do that you make an honest man of me.”

“Honest.”

Perri scoffed the word lightly, shaking her head.

“Fine. We’ll visit Gloomenthrall, but stay at the Lair, and whilst we’re there, we’ll get married, happy?”

“Absolutely… only one thing.”

“Yes?”

She huffed out a put upon sigh, he loved that sound.

“Your wedding attire… I might have sent a note to your friend, the dress designer, requesting he make you a suitable gown.”

“You what?”

“And he has already replied. It shall be a replica of wicked.”

He nodded at the gown she was currently wearing.

“But all in white. And I advised it should be ready by the end of the week. So, what do you say, sweet harridan, in three days’ time, you, me, and the boy, head for the Lair, introduce Levi to your father and wed the day after that?”

Nerves had the audacity to buzz around Brandth’s stomach. He loved this woman, but she was complicated and could be stubborn as all hell. He could only pray that he’d played his cards correctly. Had pushed and cajoled just the right amount and that she loved him enough to cleave herself to him for the rest of their lives.

“Mama.”

Levi turned, grabbing Perri’s hand, squeezing it hard.

“I think that one is his.”

The trio glanced down at the elaborate gilt carriage carrying a coffin draped with a rich blue sash of silk making its way past the royal balcony. Four white horses trotting in sequence pulling the load easily.

The crowd around them hushed momentarily, in respect. Perri pulling Levi in close, wrapping her arm around his shoulders, wanting to weep with joy that he allowed her such privileges. Their eyes glued to the spectacle below.

“Are you sure he’s in there?”

Levi queried in a low whisper.

“Absolutely positive. I have the word of the Prince of the Realm himself.”

She looked down as Levi shuddered in her hold. She had been half fearing this response. Finally, it was sinking in for her son… his father was dead. He might not have loved him. Might have spent his life scrapping and fighting to stay alive under his father negligence and casual cruelty… but Regal had been his father. Oh, no, the boy was practically shaking in her hold now, what should she do? He made a noise, muffled, it took her a moment to realise… Levi was laughing.

“Levi?”

He looked back up at her, his deep blue eyes brimming with amusement.

“He did so love being the centre of attention, he would have adored this moment.”

Perri bit her lip to keep from laughing also, settling upon grinning and hugging her son to her chest, revelling in the feel of him. Glancing at Brandth, she found him grinning also, stepping in closer he wrapped his good arm around her shoulders, pulling the two of them a little closer to him. And suddenly it struck Perri that they were a family… and Gods willing, there might someday be even more children to welcome into their little group.

She would naturally be a strict and loving mother. Brandth would make a splendid father, easy going, affectionate, playful… and more than likely start teaching their babies to manipulate everyone around them from the cradle.

Levi struggled free from her hold, moving towards the stone railing so he might watch the carriage carrying his father’s coffin roll away in to the distance.

“What’s put that frown on your face?”

Brandth kept his arm tight around Perri’s shoulders.

“You’re going to make a dreadful father.”

“I disagree, I’ll love our children wildly and defend them until my dying breadth.”

“And teach them to lie, skulk about, and use a hundred words to discombobulate those around them when five words would do.”

“Survival skills. They’ll conquer all the Realms with our guidance. Huh!”

“What has put that particular smug look on your face?”

“You’re talking about children… our children. You actually intend to wed me.”

“I said I would.”

“Yes, but then you came up with a lot of silly excuses and foolish reasons why we shouldn’t, or why we should delay. But now that you’re talking about children, I can be assured that you’ll turn up on the date, at the time we choose, and pledge your troth to me in front of the priest.”

Smiling down at her, Brandth began to lean down.

“I love you… almost wife.”

“Don’t.”

Not that Perri moved or did anything to stop him.

“It’s in poor taste to kiss during a funeral procession.”

“Pish posh, I say we start a new tradition. Every widow will follow your lead. Out with the old husband and welcome in the next.”

“You’re positively dreadful.”

“I am. But it’s too late to change your mind now.”

“Yes, I fear you’re right. Someone must step up and take you in hand, for the sake and protection of all other womankind.”

“Ohh, yes, please, sweet harridan, take me in hand…”

He planted a lingering soft kiss upon Perri’s lips.

“Just one thing about the wedding.”

“I have said yes, and agreed to a time, a place, and even let you organise my dress, what more could there possibly be to discuss?”

“Just one more thing. Your attire for the day… I do not care what you wear, not really. Come in your healer’s garb if you will, but promise me this, no more veils… ever. Your face is like the sun to me, Perri, and if I do not see it daily, I fear I shall wither and die. No more veils.”

“No more veils.”

Perri couldn’t help but smile, she couldn’t remember ever feeling this happy and… hopeful. Even on her first wedding day to Regal, she’d been a mass of nerves. Praying that she wouldn’t spill anything on her wedding dress, or stumble and fall on her way to the altar. Two things that Regal had been jokingly harping on about for several weeks as their wedding day approached.

But here she was now, saying yes to another man. And she felt nothing but… joy. Brandth wasn’t perfect, but nor did he seem to seek perfection from Perri, or want to change her in anyway. Except for his no more veils request. And that honestly, warmed her heart more than anything. That he wanted to see her face daily. That he was so casually able to tell her he loved her. And almost seemed driven to touch and caress her.

Perri had never thought she would be so very lucky, so very blessed. Brandth, her soon to be husband beside her, annoying and amusing her with every word he uttered. And Levi, her son. Gods, she even liked thinking those words: her son. Who never seemed to stray very far from her side. Easily calling her Mama. Every time she heard him refer to her that way, Perri wanted to whoop with sheer delight and burst into thankful tears. Resolutely biting her lip instead, pretending to act cool and serene.

Oh, was he leaning too far over the balcony trying to get a last glimpse of his father’s coffin?

“He’s fine.”

Brandth squeezed her shoulders.

“He’s still short and the railing is high.”

At that precise moment Levi’s head swivelled, a frown on his face for a split second before it transformed in to a smile when he found Perri was still standing exactly where he’d left her.

“He will make an excellent older brother.”

Perri relaxed back against Brandth.

“He has a natural, caring nature… I think he might make a good healer some day.”

“Really. Whereas I thought given his proficient skulking abilities that he had the makings of an excellent spy.”

“You can’t be serious. I will not allow any son of mine to enter into such a dangerous profession. I forbid it. Brandth, do you hear me? Forbid it. He’ll be a healer.”

She would train him herself at the medical school she planned to build on the De’Luca family estate.

“Hhmmm, perhaps you’re right. If he’s anything like his mother, I’m sure he’ll make a first rate one… receiving invites into all the very best homes…”

Brandth was grinning suddenly.

“… where you think he can skulk about and uncover everyone’s secrets? No. I told you, I forbid it.”

“I have very much missed that waspish tone of late.”

Brandth turned his head, whispering into Perri’s ear.

“For some reason I find it particularly arousing.”

“You… you’re incorrigible.”

She hissed under her breadth, trying futilely to nudge him away.

“No, I am yours, fair Perri. And you are mine… until the end of our days. Now, the coffins are passed, the funeral procession is over, and we have a wedding to plan.”

“What do you mean plan? We have agreed upon the time, the location, and the gown is ordered. What can possibly be left up for discussion?”

“Post wedding attire.”

“Post wedding attire?”

“Yes. When we’re alone in our suite, the vows have been said, and we have danced and had our fill of mead and celebration, there is a question of what you will and won’t be wearing.”

“Honestly, some days I think we didn’t check your head for lumps thoroughly enough after you fell off that horse.”

“I took the liberty of ordering your designer friend to make a little nightwear confection for you. Would you like to hear what I instructed him to make?”

Perri swallowed, there was so much banked heat in Brandth’s gaze as he stared down at her. Her heart began to race, things low in her body kindled and warmed. “Do tell.”

“It will be black of course. It has of late become my most favourite of colours… and transparent. There won’t be an inch of you I won’t be able to see… no more veils of any kind.”

Perri opened her mouth but no words emerged. She was already picturing the two of them in her suite at the Lair, their wedding night… and the idea of her being naked before him… it excited her, nary a niggle of fear or nerves bothering her. Because it would be Brandth gazing upon her, and Perri knew bone deep that there would be nothing but acceptance and love in his eyes.

“It sounds wonderful. Let’s not delay any longer, as you said… out with the old husband and in with the new. Let’s be away and be wed.”

“Your wish is my command. Levi! Come on, we need to go pack. We’re leaving at first light. Remind me to dash a note off to Lastonne to send everything on to Gloomenthrall upon its completion.”

Levi raced over, blue eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Where are we going?”

“To meet your grandfather and about a hundred of your mother’s sisters, aunts, cousins and the like. They will spoil you rotten, I am sure.”

He gave Perri a gentle push and she began moving through the crowd, aware of Levi peppering Brandth with non-stop questions as they went.

“Will there be cake?”

“Wedding cake.”

“Who’s getting married?”

“Your mother and I.”

She held her breath, wondering if her son would protest or baulk at the idea, but his next question reassured her.

“Will there be other children there to play with?”

“Loads. There’ll be hunting, archery, horse-riding, fishing… you’ll love it.”

“I’m never done any of those things before.”

“Don’t worry, there will be a multitude of people around to show you how… and maybe we’ll find time to improve upon your skulking skills.”

“Brandth!”

Perri’s head snapped around to find him grinning unabashedly her way.

“There will be no skulking. If I catch you, there will be hell to pay.”

Bending over to Levi, speaking into his ear, but loud enough so Perri could catch every word.

“First lesson of skulking would therefore be…?”

“Don’t let Mama catch us at it.”

“Exactly.”

Perri’s gaze narrowed into a glare, her lips pursed. She was going to kill Brandth. No, torture him… for the rest of his days. Damn it, she could tell by the sparkle of amusement that lit up his eyes that he knew what she was thinking, and that he was looking forward to it. Crazy, annoying man.

She couldn’t wait to wed him, but the torture could begin now.

“We shall have a lot of time to discuss the error of both your ways on the very, very long carriage ride to the Lair. Plus, the journey will provide me with the opportunity to get a start on making myself a brand new wardrobe to fit in with my imminent fine lady status. Lucky for me, I will have two eager and willing tailor dummies at my disposal to help bring my grand vision into fruition. Which reminds me, I must stock up on sharp pins before we depart.”

This time it was Perri gifting Brandth with a wide unabashed grin. She loved him, but she didn’t intend to change her nature a jot. And from the laughter that exploded from Brandth a split second later, he was as good as his word, and totally fine with that.

What had he said? she was his and he was hers… until the end of their days… somehow that still sounded like bliss.