In the end, we did not sit with Kipp. After apologizing to Lord Bailor and his wife, I found Vanni in a conversation with one of Murwood’s only other noblemen, a minor baron from Edingham who landed on our shores ten years earlier and never left. By the time the two finish talking, the only open seats remaining are in the back of the hall.
“You do not sit according to rank?” Vanni whispers as Bailor’s steward guides us to the open seats.
Has he learned nothing from his time here?
“Rank means very little here. You forget I am but a blacksmith’s daughter. Would I be welcome at such a feast in d’Almerita?”
Vanni doesn’t answer, which is just as well. I already know that I would not.
“Did you speak to Kipp after I left?”
We take our seats. The other occupants of the table eye Vanni suspiciously as we do so, but they are quick to return to their own conversation. Just as Vanni is quick to return to ours.
“If you consider a grunted ‘Goddamn Elderman’ a conversation, then aye.”
We talk of the incident and of the differences between Murwood End and Meria. Vanni shares tales of his childhood and training, and I tell him of Aloisa and others whom I’ve treated.
When the music begins after dinner, Vanni takes my hand and leads me to the center of the hall. And before I know it, he’s spinning me around expertly, making me laugh harder than I ever have before. The man knows how to dance, a surprise given his profession.
“I spend much time at court,” he explains, spinning me away from him and then back again.
“Do you attract much attention there?”
I already know that he does, but Vanni merely shrugs.
“How do you not have a court of noblewomen begging for you to marry them?”
“Did I say that I do not?”
I laugh, even though we both know he likely speaks the truth.
It feels as if my problems are lifted away, if only temporarily. The only weight I feel is that of Kipp’s glaring eyes. Two songs later, I excuse myself to talk to him, leaving Vanni in the large circle of dancers. I watch him for a moment. Soaking him in. He is as comfortable here as in the training yard.
Raised not only at court, but by a king. Of course he is comfortable in this hall. With men like Lord Bailor.
“You’ve not taken your eyes off him all evening,” Kipp comments blandly.
I remind myself this feast is being held to celebrate his return with his men. So instead of quipping back, I search Kipp’s eyes for a hint of acceptance. There is none.
“You do not like him.”
His answer is immediate.
“Nay. I am surprised you do, given your mistrust of those in power.”
“You mean those who might condemn me for my beliefs?”
Even Kipp can recognize Vanni is not such a man.
“Like Father Beald?” I add.
Finally, a hint of a smile.
“I can hardly believe I did that with so many to witness it. I thought of Amma telling me not to give people permission to treat me poorly. And after so many insults . . . I just reacted.”
Kipp’s brows rise. “Did any seem surprised? If they did, they mustn’t know you well, Aedre.”
My jaw drops in mock anger. “I’ve not once slapped a man before.”
Kipp chuckles. “’Tis not what I’ve heard.”
“Och, that was not a slap. ’Twas a punch. And Agnar deserved it.”
Vanni kisses the hand of the white-haired but still somewhat attractive woman he’d been dancing with before coming toward us.
“He is not a man for you, Aedre.”
I realize I’ve been caught staring again.
“Of course he is not. Vanni will be leaving soon.”
“Vanni,” he mutters. And for the first time I wonder how Kipp will react to learning the king who cast him aside as a babe treated Vanni as a son. I can’t imagine it will please him.
“You would like him, I believe. If you give him a chance. He reminds me of you.”
The sound Kipp makes is not a pleasant one.
“I am nothing like the Curia Commander.”
In many ways not. And yet, they share a deep sense of honor and loyalty. Of commitment to the causes they support. Still, it is clear they’ll never be friends, at least not tonight, so when Vanni approaches us, I suggest we take our leave.
“There is no need,” Kipp interrupts. “I will see Lady Aedre home.”
Vanni says nothing but looks to me instead.
“Nay, you will not. This feast is for you, you stubborn goat. I will be well taken care of.”
Kipp does not back down. “I am afraid of as much.”
“Ugh.” I shove away from him and start toward the door. Thankfully, Vanni follows me. I would take my leave from Lord Bailor, but he is currently dancing with his wife. Instead, I find the steward.
“Please give Lord Bailor our thanks for such a wonderful feast.”
The steward grins. “And many thanks for the entertainment, Lady Aedre.”
I once assisted the steward’s wife when she fell ill with standard healing practices, and he has not stopped thanking me ever since. In truth, I’d been terrified as it was the very first time I treated someone without Amma by my side.
“They will be talking about that slap for some time,” I comment to Vanni as we walk toward the entrance.
“I should think so.”
Something has changed in his tone. Looking up, I see that my companion, who has been so pleasant and cheerful all eve—with the exception of the Father Beald incident, of course—is much more serious now. Nay, not serious but thoughtful.
And I think, as a Garra, I know what that look is about. My core clenches as I consider our ride back to the village, of Vanni’s hand clenched around my waist. Of his whispered words in my ear. I know not how this eve will end, but I do know the feast was just the very beginning.
Chapter Twenty-Four Vanni
“I would not have you take me home just yet.”
If I thought the
