Page 27 of The Lost Art of Revealing Hidden Truths (The Lost Arts #3)

Yes, that wouldn’t be ideal, and despite her smile that looked like it was hiding something, Perian was inclined to think she was telling the truth about that, at least. Besides, it wasn’t like she could just hop up on the back of one of their horses and not be noticed.

The more he thought about it, the more he loved the idea.

It had been a while since their trip to the inn.

Perian couldn’t actually plan the outing as a surprise, because Brannal had too many responsibilities, but he could at least ask the question.

It could just be a night, even; it was closer than the inn.

Perian wasn’t sure exactly how it happened, but clearly his excitement outran his common sense, because as they were returning from dinner, Arvus commented on the leaves and how beautiful it was, and Perian said, “Oh, that reminds me! Brannal, do you remember a secret location from your childhood? Well, I guess it wasn’t your childhood, but you were young. ”

Molun perked up. “A secret location! Ooh, this sounds interesting.”

Perian realized this was quite possibly the worst timing for this discussion, but it was too late now.

Brannal just looked confused. “A secret location?”

“That you went to with the Prince from time to time?”

It was rare that anyone brought up the Prince, and they all looked a bit taken aback. After a moment, Brannal said, “The bushes in the quadrangle?”

Perian shook his head. “Oh, no, definitely better than that. Prince Horsey remembers it, you see, and he took me there once.”

Brannal still looked confused.

Perian prompted: “A place with trees and water and… maybe a cave?”

Brannal just stared at him for a moment, and then Perian watched in fascination as a blush swept over his cheeks.

He wasn’t the only one to notice.

Molun tilted his head, a grin lighting up his face. “I hardly dare ask. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush before. What can you have got up to in the cave?”

“It’s not that,” Perian said, shaking his head. “It’s the fact that he went there at all. He and Cormal used to take the Prince sometimes. I think they told Summus it was a training exercise.”

Molun hooted with laughter. “A training exercise! That’s perfect.”

Brannal was staring at him in astonishment. “How do you know that?”

“Like I said, Prince Horsey took me there, and then I asked… Renny about it,” Perian said awkwardly. He’d been about to mention Kee, but he was still keeping their confidence.

Molun said excitedly, “Summus! Summus! I have the best idea.”

They could all see it coming a mile away, and it meant that although Perian did get his night away in the woods with Brannal, he did not get it alone.

He would really have enjoyed the alone time, of course, but he couldn’t fault Molun or the others for their enthusiasm about seeing this secret place.

Perian had wanted a private holiday, but he’d also never had the chance to travel with any of the others, and he was actually looking forward to it.

He hoped he could honor Kee a little and represent him at this place he loved.

Maybe one day, Renny would be able to come with them.

Brannal went off to plan the schedule to make this work, and by the time it occurred to Perian that Cormal might like to revisit the place he’d once gone with Brannal and the Prince, it was too late.

The night away had been arranged for Perian and Brannal, along with Molun, Arvus, Delana, and Nisal—and Cormal would be maintaining order in the castle.

Perian couldn’t even blame the man for the snide comments that he threw their way.

Perian really hadn’t meant to exclude him, and he didn’t suppose it would help to tell him that he’d actually been hoping to sneak away with Brannal and then it had turned into this big thing with everyone…

but not Cormal, because Perian didn’t consider Cormal a friend and it hadn’t occurred to him to invite the other man.

Yes, perhaps he would just… not say that.

Maybe he could make sure Cormal got the chance to go in the future?

Not that it was Perian’s job to arrange any of that, but perhaps he could suggest to Brannal that Cormal might like to get away?

Or was that too weird? It wasn’t like Perian particularly wanted to send the two of them off into the woods to spend the night alone together.

He absolutely trusted Brannal, but it felt awkward.

All right. He’d see how this visit went, and if it was a success, then others could come, and eventually , that would include Cormal.

Because Brannal was Summus and took his job seriously even if he was trying to be different than Tramad, the whole “training in the woods” ruse had been taken up in earnest.

Molun nudged Perian. “We’re counting on you to keep him distracted.”

Perian laughed. “My powers of distraction are pretty good, but I’m not sure they’re that good. You’ve seen what he’s like when he gets stubborn about something, haven’t you?”

Molun sighed and nodded.

This had sort of become a work event that Perian got to attend; there was no way that Brannal was going to tell the Queen and Cormal that they’d be training and then not train.

That wasn’t how Brannal worked, not when he wasn’t young and indulging a prince, anyway.

Perian might be able to distract him so that there was a little less training, but that was about it .

Maybe Perian could suggest that Nisal and Delana go find a lot of firewood? Or forage for food or something? He’d figure it out.

And really, while it wasn’t at all what he’d been envisioning at first, this might actually be good practice for what he hoped would eventually be him joining Brannal on some of his inspections to the watch stations.

He’d prove that he could keep himself entertained and Brannal could work. It would be excellent.