Until now I’d ignored the velvet in the glow of Seton’s arrival and now, as it hung at my side, I could feel my protective obligation to it grow; and with the obligation came certainty. Duir would overlook Sylvain’s absence as long as I produced the garment I promised. At least for now.
“My King!” Auberon’s voice reached us, and upon hearing it, Duir released my shoulders.
“We have matters beyond clothes and music to discuss and much to plan,” Auberon continued. “May we have an audience?”
“I am coming.” His eyes returned to my face. “Forgive my tone. You know me well and I do hope Sylvain will come to court. It is time he takes his place beside you.”
I bowed and felt some relief when I rose and saw a smile on his face.
Before he left for where Auberon and Cale waited, he leveled his eyes at us. “Go and create, both of you.”
It wasn’t until we were away from court and in the hallways leading to the main gates that Seton and I both exhaled loudly. Upon hearing each other, we both laughed with relief.
“He is a man contained only by stature. He would be an animal without the cage of royalty!” Seton exclaimed.
Before I could reply, I stopped and held a cautionary hand up to Seton. We had passed from the close shadows of the hallways and come upon the courtyard. Briar arrived and was dismounting from his carriage with the Lady Tienne. I had met her many months ago and knew her at once. She was fair and willowy of figure but with an ample, creamy bosom carefully withheld with the most recent fashions of her homeland, a country known for its progressive ways. Her auburn hair was up and her long, graceful neck bare but for a single silver strand holding a large blue stone. Her face lit up as we approached, as did Briar’s.
“How lucky am I to see you now!” She beamed, and ignoring custom, rushed over and threw her arms around me. She smelled of orange and clove. A smell I always associated with her being.
Her familiar gaiety cheered me. “My Lady, it has been a long while.”
Briar came up, his eyes traveled from Seton to Tienne and finally, me.
“And who is this fellow?” Briar asked coarsely, his brusque tone a clear front for Tienne’s benefit.
Tienne didn’t let me go, but twisted in my arms and smiled at Seton. “I am the Lady Tienne, soon to be the bride of Sir Auberon.” She offered her hand to Seton, who took it and bowed graciously.
“I am the humble musician, Seton, and I am most honored to meet such a beautiful lady.” He kissed her hand and added, “And I welcome the chance to play for both Sir Auberon and yourself. Although he is newly familiar with my music, I’m sure it will sound all the sweeter when you are by his side.”
Tienne made appreciative sounds and cast her eyes at Briar, who stood stiffly beside us. “Indeed you must! I love music, and perhaps you may play at our wedding feast! Yes?”
“Indeed, My Lady, and you should know Lord Auberon has already made this exact same request,” I answered.
Seton appeared as happy as Tienne. “It would be my pleasure. I hope to play for you as well, My Lord. I am most rude, forgive my manner. I am overwhelmed.” He bowed low before Briar. “I am Seton, and I am pleased to meet you, Sir.”
Briar gave a slight nod. “There is no need of apology. I am Briar, advisor to our King, friend to Lady Tienne and the tailor, Virago. I welcome you to court and look forward to hearing your talents.” He offered his hand to Seton, who took it and shook heartily.
“Virago, I must speak to you about the vests for Auberon and the men. I have word my fiancé has already inquired after your talents, but I must insist!”
Before Tienne could say more, Briar came and offered his hand. “My Lady, we must see your cousin. You will bother Virago later about such things, but now Duir awaits, as does Auberon.”
“Say you will, Virago, and I will rest easy,” Tienne entreated before she took Briar’s hand.
“You must first secure your cousin’s blessing in the task.” I knew once Tienne saw Duir’s vest she would insist on vests of velvet for Auberon and the men, never mind a dress for herself.
“Oh, Duir can be such a bore, consider it done,” she said lightly, and before we could say more, Briar led her away.
“They are all spoiled children!” Seton cried once we were alone.
At this, I laughed aloud. A true and joyous laugh. My joy not only shook the cage around my heart, but broke the remaining bars.
“I do not think my hands could sew a stitch this day! Join me in a pint of ale instead.”
A conspiratorial gleam twinkled in Seton’s eyes. “But what of your work?”
“I will work feverishly until dawn breaks, but now I long to be away from here and in the company of those who are not so mad,” I replied gaily. Even the pack of velvet felt lighter than it had earlier. There is time, it seemed to say as we walked and the pack bumped my body. There is time…but not now…
“A pint will be well drunk after this day,” Seton answered as he put his arm around my shoulder. “I will follow wherever you lead.”
“You should watch your step, today I am blind, worse than my brother Sylvain, who is completely without sight.” We maneuvered through the outer courtyards and halted once we stood outside the gates. I looked back only once. How small it seemed with the wide-open streets before us.
“Come, let us go before the gates close and we are swallowed.”
Chapter 9
We made our way through the streets to the alehouse, and with every step, our bodies were drawn closer together. When Seton’s hand touched
