He didn’t know her. I was almost sorry for him, although the girl’s full lips brought some things to mind.

“You know this is different—”

“Why? Because they named you the next Grand Master?” The dam of frustration began to crack and I didn’t know how to stop it. “You know I’m the better choice. You’re too soft with people.” I struck out at him with hurtful words that were not exactly true and I knew it. I turned from him with a wave of my hand.

“Is that what this is all about? I had nothing to do with their decision.” I ignored him, but I glimpsed him shake his head. I didn’t have to see him to know what was on his face. Pity. My fists at my side, I forced myself to calm.

“As the next Grand Master—” Arik went on, “—my wife is selected. The marriage won’t happen for four years. That’s why Rebeka and her parents are moving into the lake cottage. By then we’ll know each other.” Arik took a step and stood in front of me. “This isn’t about me. It’s about you and Leticia.” His words hit me like a well-positioned lance. If I didn’t know better I’d have thought he was genuinely concerned but the voice in my head told me different. I saw through his ploy.

If he kept me out of the family there would be more for him.

I stepped around him and circulated through the crowd. My second in command. Maybe he needed to learn a little humility. When I got finished with him he’d be lucky if he was anywhere near his beloved Fayne Manor. Orkney. I’d send him to manage the godforsaken estates there.

I wandered the room in my own company.

Arik walked through the crowd with Rebeka. Everyone flocked around them, laughing and wishing them well. The girl didn’t shrink away and nor was she overpowered by his commanding presence. Over the years I had noticed that most people faded in his glow. Not Rebeka—her light burned bright. I was impressed. She held her own. I was bothered even more.

I pressed my mind against hers and winced at a physical slap. I refused to soothe the spot. She turned and pinned me with a withering stare. Hmmm. Interesting. I had no idea she was an adept. I’d have to remember that. Arik turned and glared at me as well. I shrugged and smiled. He spoke to her—I imagine telling her she had reacted too harshly. I rubbed my temple and chuckled. They moved on.

I took up a position in the corner. From my perch I remained out of the main fray but close enough to keep informed. A sensation of unease washed over me. Scanning the room, I searched for who had made me their target. Cay. She stood across the room near the draped window—alone. The people between us became a blur. I only saw Cay. I only wanted Cay.

I knew then that I was lost between my two desires—Cay and Fayne Manor.

The long moment passed and once again the blurs and streaks in front of me were people. “Lord Radulf, it’s good to see you,” I overheard the Grand Master say. It appeared everyone was familiar with Lord Radulf. Everyone but me.

As I turned away I glimpsed at Leticia. The intimate way she gazed at Radulf was the same way Cay stared at me. I shook my head to get Cay out of my mind. That was becoming more and more difficult. I touched the pouch around my neck to remind me of my plan and, for good measure, whispered the sacred words to the Great Mother.

Radulf held Leticia’s hand and brushed his thumb over her knuckles. My breath came in short pants as my anger built. He bent and whispered something in her ear and her face turned a pretty shade of pink. I wanted to take my knife to him and carve him up for the intruder he was.

“Bran, there you are.” I picked up my head. A happy Fendrel walked toward me. “I had Arik try to wake you earlier. I will be giving you your portion tonight.” He slipped his arm around me. His grasp was strong, not at all weak as I had believed earlier in the day. For a moment I wondered what else I had misunderstood. “You have been as dear to us as a son and we are proud of you. It’s not easy losing both parents as you did. You’ve overcome that better than your mother and I had hoped.” I basked in the pride shining on his face. “You will always be special to us.”

“I am grateful to you and Dimia. You have always treated me as your son—”

“Grateful,” he exclaimed, dropping his arm from around me.

I touched his shoulder to quiet him, for his face had turned so red I feared he would expire on the spot. “Of course. I’m one of the family.” The color cooled on Fendrel’s face and I was bursting with excitement. How else could I be his son if not married to Leticia? Cay’s face flashed before me but I wouldn’t acknowledge it. I made it fade and my heart sank.

“I’m certain you’ll be pleased.” He pounded my back and went to speak to one of the neighbors. I found myself standing next to Radulf.

“You are close to my Leticia.” I might as well get right to the core of the matter. The man was smart. He would understand my meaning.

He cocked his head to the side. “Your Leticia?”

I kept my attention focused on the guests. “Yes. Our families are to be joined. It has been discussed for some time.”

“Is Leticia aware of this?” His smooth, controlled voice gave no indication of his emotions. Had he no feelings for her? What was he after?

“Of course not. Young girls aren’t privy to such important decisions.” I turned to him with the most innocent of expressions pasted on my face. “I’m certain you understand,” I

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