“If you keep this up…” Brandth muttered in Talac’s ear once he was through decimating Ullen’s life and career. “… they’ll start running for the exits.”
“Time to switch things up, then. Have you seen Kiefer’s heir anywhere… never mind, I see him.” Talac zig zagged through the crowd, sighting fresh prey. “Gauge.”
Gauge Kiefer was Talac’s age, also tall and muscular, with sandy blonde hair, handsome features, and the ramrod posture of a military man. The two of them had come up through the ranks together, until four years ago when a storm wiped out almost all Gauge’s family, and distant cousin Gauge was promptly saddled with the heir position. The current Baron Kiefer being an infirmed elderly but good natured man.
The two swapped friendly chit chat, Talac very aware of the crowd pressing in close around them, all wondering what scandal the Prince was about to accuse the new young heir to the Kiefer winery fortune of.
“There’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.”
“Oh.” Gauge sounded wary. “Don’t tell me I’m in your bad books?”
“The opposite, I’ve always held you in high esteem, that’s why I want you to meet… ah, there she is, follow me.”
Lady Niah Klow was positively glowing this evening, having won the war with her mother when it came to donning yet another pastel creation that washed out her complexion and ill-suited her. The rich berry coloured gown she had chosen for tonight’s event making her skin gleam and her dark eyes sparkle brighter. Currently her beautiful gaze were fixed upon the Prince striding towards her. The crowd naturally parting to make way, a tall, handsome… better yet, interesting looking man at the Prince’s side. A wry smile suddenly tilting up the corners of Niah’s lips as Prince Zariffe performed the introductions.
“Lord Gauge Kiefer… Lady Niah Klow.”
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
The newcomer’s voice was delightfully husky, making things low in Niah’s stomach quiver. What do you know, this might just work out in her favour. Stepping forward, she offered Gauge Kiefer her hand. “His Highness thinks of me as a sister, isn’t that right?”
Talac laughed. “My most favourite one of all, in fact.”
“Would you accompany me on a tour of the gardens, Lord Kiefer?”
“Gauge, please, and it would be my honour.”
Slipping Niah’s arm through his, the touch of his hand causing her heart to beat just a little faster. Yes, this might just work out very well indeed for her.
“Ah, and now we can add matchmaker to your talents.” Brandth watched the newly introduced couple saunter away with only eyes for each other. “Is there anything you can’t do?”
“Possibly. Convincing a golden haired vixen that I’ll not be a tyrant if she were to marry me. Thus saddling her with a suffocating title and weighing her down with all the expectations of the aristos and the Realm… that might be a little beyond my capabilities. But I won’t know until I try. How about you? Any impossible tasks hanging over your head?”
“Like you, just the one.”
A ripple of excitement surged through the crowd, everyone craning their heads in the direction of the main entrance, everyone talking at once. Brandth caught the name Gloomenthrall dropping from the lips of a nearby matron. A vicious pleased edge to her tone. There were too many people in the way, and then, just like that, the crowd rearranged itself and Brandth could see Perri, standing there in the doorway, Alia at her side. She was wearing the black - Wicked - gown from the masquerade ball… but this time Perri wore no mask.
* * *
Perri wanted to throw up. Pure nerves of course. What would Brandth do or say once he caught sight of her? No, that was inconsequential, she had already given herself a severe two hour pep talk regarding that topic. She would release him from his pursuit, graciously, and without protest or rebuke.
Letting go of Brandth this evening was all part of her plan. Freeing him of any obligation to her was only fair. However, that wasn’t what had her nerves stretched so incredibly tight, that was down to the number one item on her list, kill Regal… although, she supposed she could be equally nervous about two things at once.
It seemed unfair of life to burden Perri so heavily at one moment in time.
She would be heartbroken to release Brandth from his courtship but free of Regal, and in a position to finally, officially, claim Levi, her son… if he would recognise her claim once he saw his mother’s face.
Could a broken heart break twice? She was very afraid she was about to discover the answer to that question very soon.
There was no going back now though. So thankful to have Alia by her side, squeezing her hand, reminding Perri that they couldn’t stand in the doorway all evening. Though it was tempting. She took a small step forward, meeting the shocked gazes of the crowd. Another step. Holding her head high, staring everyone down. She didn’t care about these people or what they thought. Though she could clearly read their reactions. Horror. Glee. Curiosity. Repulsion. And in a very few gazes, sympathy.
But their opinion mattered not one jot to Perri. The crowd parting to allow them to move further into the room. “Would you care for a drink?”
Ten would suit Perri nicely right about now, but unfortunately, she needed to keep her wits sharp. “No, I’m fine.” Glancing up at Alia. “Do you see Regal?”
“Yes, over by the string quartet.” Alia squeezing Perri’s hand again, this time to keep her in place. “Give everyone a chance to calm down. If we’re very lucky a fresh scandal might erupt and we won’t remain the centre of attention for much longer.”
Crud, Alia was right. Patience. Was Brandth here also? He must have heard of her arrival. Had he already seen her from a distance? Perhaps he’d ducked away, granting them both a clean cut. A tiny piece on the very edge of Perri’s heart crumbled in to dust at the thought.
