The man gave me a curt but formal bow then stormed off. I pursed my lips. Well that went surprisingly well. I let out a sigh of relief.
I watched everything play out from where I stood. Leticia’s big smile welcomed him as he approached. She listened while he spoke and I happily glimpsed the smile fall from her face. He tried to calm her agitation but when he found no success, turned and left the room. She spun around in her spot, searching the crowd until she found me. I tilted my head and nodded. She may be upset but I would console her.
Instead she ran to Arik.
Fendrel would applaud how easily I’d handled that and avoided any incident. I drained my goblet and set it on a passing tray.
The little drama subsided when Arik left the room. I suppose he went after Leticia’s lover. Lover? The idea caught me short. I paced in front of the terrace doors but in my mind I kept seeing Cay in various stages of undress in Radulf’s arms. I opened the doors and held on to the handles, taking a deep breath. The cold air felt good—almost cleansing. Cay in Radulf’s arms? I knew it was my imagination playing tricks on me. I slumped onto the wide railing utterly confused.
“What happened?” I sat up straight as Arik’s voice filtered up through the bushes. “Leticia didn’t make any sense. She said something about you not being able to marry her.” I moved close to the wall. If I faced the right angle I could make out two people standing on the gravel path and someone else behind.
“I told her someone contested my offer.” There was that soothing tone of Radulf’s. Did nothing faze the man?
“Who contests?” Arik demanded.
Someone walked on the gravel. “Your brother, Bran.” The pacing stopped. “He said the families were to be joined and that it had been discussed for some time.”
“There is a misunderstanding.” It was Fendrel who spoke. I moved quickly away from the wall. “All will be fine.” His voice rang with reassurance—maybe to Radulf, certainly not to me. “Arik, do you know anything about this?”
“As boys, when we plotted and schemed, Bran sacrificed and married Leticia and I rode off as the warrior knight.”
There was a bark of laughter from Arik. “I’m certain it’s Bran’s humor. Just don’t involve me when you even the score. Don’t you agree, Father? Now come, they’re waiting for us inside.”
I felt numb. Arik did not come to my defense. He didn’t support me. He knew I wished to marry Leticia yet he supported Radulf. I had always counted on Arik. How could he abandon me? I walked back into the Great Hall and closed the doors, standing like a stranger next to Logan before Arik and Radulf entered. They were smiling.
“Bran.” I hadn’t noticed Fendrel’s approach. He drew me aside.
“Yes, m’lord.” I gave him my most humble bow.
“Your mischief was not well received today.” He put his arm around my shoulder. “Do you want to tell me something?”
I searched his face. I wanted… I wanted… “No, m’lord. There’s nothing.” Coward, I shouted silently at myself.
“Good.” He squeezed my shoulders. He hesitated for a moment and I waited for him to speak. He must have thought better of it. Instead he motioned Arik, Leticia, and Radulf to join us as we walked to the dais. Was he going to make a spectacle of this? Humiliation wasn’t something Fendrel did. I searched out Dimia who gave me a sympathetic smile. Was there no one to come to my aid? My step faltered and Fendrel squeezed my shoulder. I died a thousand deaths as I walked like a man to his execution.
He signaled and someone pounded a staff on the floor for the second time. The room quieted quickly.
“Lord Radulf, do you have something you want to ask?” Fendrel stood on the dais, all proud and happy. I forced my chin not to quiver like a sulking brat but the idea that I was so easily replaced hurt me deeply.
Radulf stepped forward. “Yes, m’lord. I ask your permission to court Lady Leticia with the hopes she will view me kindly and accept my offer of marriage.”
The room remained still as Fendrel scanned the mass of people. “You have her mother’s and father’s permission and blessing. Is there anyone who objects or wants to make a claim?”
No one said anything. I imagined the looks of pity I would see if I did. I focused my attention above everyone’s heads. Feeling naked and alone, I watched my hopes, dreams, and plans wither away.
Like the coward I was, again I said nothing.
“So be it,” announced Fendrel, followed by an uproar of shouts. He reached out his arms to quiet the crowd. In the hush Radulf came forward.
He took Leticia’s hand. “Lady Leticia, with your parents’ permission and blessing may I visit with you so we may know each other better?”
The whimpers of sniffling women disturbed the quiet. The peace and love on Leticia’s face when she gazed at Radulf were there for all to see.
She stepped closer to him. “I am all for you, m’lord, and for no other.” He kissed her hand. Dimia came forward, then turned them toward the guests. The room erupted into a tumultuous cheer and Radulf led Leticia down from the dais. People pounded Radulf’s back and kissed Leticia’s cheeks.
For the third time someone hammered a staff on the floor.
For the third time the crowd settled.
“Each of my three boys are special to Dimia and me. We love each with all our hearts. One has come to a crossroads and two have returned to me grown. Each one is ready to accept their destiny. They have made us proud.” Fendrel motioned for Arik, Logan, and me to stand by him. My heart pounded as I climbed the step to the dais. I dragged my sweaty palms down my shirt. “I promise this is the last time I’ll call
