I took my time and considered his question. Everyone had changed. Fendrel appeared worn and tired. Dimia had grown thick in the waist and sliver streaked her long, dark hair. Logan had the beginning appearance of a man and Leticia, well, yes, Leticia. She was a beauty but I still saw her as the little sprite following Arik and me.
“He looks older. Why do you ask?” I settled deeply into the chair near the warm hearth with a wealth of pillows cushioning my back and my feet propped on the stool. It was good to be living like a human rather than a creature underground in a cold, dank cave.
“I went down to the garrison and spoke with Marcus and the other soldiers. They think the grueling pace has become difficult for him.” I didn’t think much of his concern. Arik put his nose into everyone’s business.
“Perhaps that’s why knighted sons are given their portions when they return from training. It will all be settled this evening.” Chills of excitement rushed up my spine. I had been waiting for this day for so long that it was hard to believe it was only minutes away.
An answer popped into my head. I examined it from every angle and realized it was a simple way to secure my position. Marry Leticia.
I had to admit, it wasn’t an original idea. Marriages of convenience for land and politics have been happening throughout the centuries. Besides, we’d considered this before. We’d played it out as children. I ran the manor, Leticia was my wife, and Arik was our champion knight. It was our natural order of things.
But green eyes came to mind.
While I tried to imagine Leticia in any one of several compromising positions, it was Caylyn’s face I saw. I couldn’t get the girl out of my mind. I didn’t want to. I didn’t think of Leticia in that intimate way. Faith. I ran my hand through my hair. She was my sister. But I saw no other alternative. I let out a choked laugh.
“Did I say something to amuse you?” Arik’s question startled me back to the present. I had forgotten he was with me.
“No, no. Something personal came to mind.” I took my feet off the stool. “There isn’t much for Fendrel to do until spring and who knows what will be by then.” My mind was still filled with the events of the evening and this new idea. When Fendrel presented me my portion I would have to protest—but only a little. After all, I wouldn’t want to appear overanxious. I finished my ale.
“Perhaps we can remove some of the burden from his shoulders. He’s a stubborn man but if we approach this the right way we can persuade him.” Arik’s concern made me wonder. A chill crossed my shoulders. Surely Fendrel had only appeared old, maybe tired from a late night of waiting. I wasn’t ready to lose another father.
“You may be right. Well,” I said, getting out of my chair, “we can watch him and see if something ails him other than a difficult night’s sleep. Now, it’s time we joined the banquet. Have you spoken to Father?”
Arik’s head snapped up sharply. His eyes leveled on mine. “Yes. All afternoon.” He didn’t offer anything additionally, which wasn’t unnatural for him. Satisfied we were in agreement, for a moment we were young boys plotting and I was with my brother and closest friend.
I opened the door and bowed him out. “After you.”
Arik gave me his best courtly bow. “Yes, my good sir.” I mockingly kicked him as he passed me and we laughed all the way down the stairs into the Great Hall.
“Bran, at last you make an appearance.” Marcus came over and shook my hand. Arik tapped my shoulder. I nodded as he moved off with a group of well-wishers.
“Marcus, how good to see you.” I clapped him good-naturedly on the back.
“It’s good to have you and Arik back with us. Fendrel and Dimia will be happy to have the family together again.” The man was a soldier’s soldier, one who followed orders and kept the men in line. He had been a group leader when we’d left and had progressed nicely up the ranks. Now he commanded the garrison. He was a man I would want on my side of any skirmish.
The tinkle of laughter caught my ear. Following the sound led me to Leticia. Her hands covered her mouth in embarrassment. The man next to her gave her his full attention and brought me up short—I had no idea who he was. She called Arik over and the threesome shared in some jest. Logan joined them and Leticia stepped closer to the stranger. When the stranger’s hand went possessively around her waist my temper flared.
“Marcus, who is that with Arik and Logan?” Keeping a casual tone took every effort. “I don’t remember seeing him before.”
Marcus glanced at the small group. “That’s Lord Radulf. I’m surprised you don’t remember him. He’s from the western clan.”
I peered closer and recognized him. He’d spent time with Arik and the tenants. Knowing who he was didn’t stop me from being annoyed that he dared touch my Leticia or that he made her eyes sparkle with delight when he whispered in her ear. With tightened fists at my side I watched the spectacle of her betrayal.
“Good eve, Lord Bran.” I turned and stared into large green eyes. They were larger and greener than I’d remembered. She wore a dove-gray gown that clung to her figure. Her dark hair cascaded in waves to frame her face. There was more than her attractive face and form that held me, though. Something in the woman’s tone dazed me and made me ache. I didn’t want to leave her side.
“M’lady.” My eyebrow raised in what I hoped was a captivating expression. But it
